Leckford Estate River Test Beat 1 (Mayfly Beat)

River level

The lowdown

• This is classic chalk-stream water: clear, nutrient-rich and properly fishy-looking. The sort of place where every glide deserves a good look.
• Beat 1 is also known as the Mayfly Beat, with the main River Test forming the centrepiece. There’s double-bank fishing here, so plenty of water to work.
• A single-bank carrier adds a different feel to the beat. Handy when you fancy a change from the main river or want to pick apart a quieter line.
• The River Anton joins the Test around 100 metres downstream from The Mayfly. Anglers can fish the Anton upstream as far as the Cattle Drink.
• The fishing hut sits over the footbridge at the Test–Anton confluence. A useful landmark and a cracking spot to get your bearings before heading off.
• This is fly fishing only, and the estate’s rules keep things bank-based. No wading, so take your time reading the water from the bank and cover the likely lies neatly.
• Fishing starts from 9:30am on this beat. The river season runs from 1 May to 15 October, giving you the key chalk-stream months right through to autumn.
• Clear water calls for a tidy approach. Look for the crease, steady glides and any softer water beside the main push. Keep the presentation controlled and don’t charge about.
• The named fish across Leckford’s river fishing are rainbow trout, brown trout and grayling. The estate also offers tuition through its fishing team if you fancy sharpening things up.
• Access is via The Mayfly public-house car park, with the landlord’s permission. Use one car and park away from the pub entrance — simple enough, and keeps everyone happy.

Methods: Fly fishing from the bank is the order of the day, with no wading allowed. In clear chalk-stream water, a careful presentation through the glides and crease should be bob on.

Access & tickets

Leckford Estate offers river day rods through its online booking system. Season rods are also published, with full-season and half-season options.

Fish the club names

trout, trout, trout

Named by Leckford Estate across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• Fishing is not permitted before 9:30am on this beat.
• The river season runs from 1 May to 15 October.
• Fishing is fly fishing on the River Test.
• Fishing must be from the bank only.
• Wading is not allowed.
• Fish intended for return should be unhooked in the net where possible and not taken out of the water.
• Anglers should use one car only and park away from The Mayfly entrance.
• River day-rod bookings may be unavailable during weed-cutting dates.

Where it is