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Mottisfont Abbey River Test

Mottisfont Abbey is a proper Hampshire chalk-stream venue on the Test, with fishing delivered through Wessex Rivers Trust for the National Trust. It’s clear, steady-flowing water with wild brown trout, including specimen fish, and a cracking historic setting around the Abbey.

Run by National Trust at Mottisfont, with fishing delivered through Wessex Rivers Trust · checked 13 Oct 2026 · boundaries only partly described by the club

River level

Measured — Environment Agency

Oxlease gauge

Nearest EA gauge we've matched — it isn't on this stretch, so levels on your peg will differ.

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We don't publish an "ideal level" — nobody can promise one. Flood water is dangerous: if it's up and coloured, stay well back from the edge. Open River Ready

The lowdown

  • The estate controls roughly 5 miles of the River Test and its tributaries, although fishing is offered on selected reaches of the Test and River Dun.
  • This is classic clear chalk-stream water, with a steady flow rather than a big, pushy river. Reading the glides and keeping everything tidy will be key.
  • The main Test beat is aimed at experienced chalk-stream anglers. It’s not really a chuck-it-anywhere sort of day.
  • Fly fishing is the game here, with the venue tied to the historic birthplace of modern dry-fly fishing. Proper Hampshire river stuff.
  • Wild brown trout are the main attraction, including specimen fish. The water is being managed with wild-trout populations and habitat quality firmly in mind.
  • The estate includes historic woodland, meadow and wetlands, plus the Abbey Stream — a man-made channel that brings water closer to the house.
  • A river-restoration project with Wessex Rivers Trust has helped shape the fishing approach, with habitat restoration now sitting alongside the angling.
  • The advertised fishing season runs broadly from April to 30 September. Spring and summer dates are published, with Mayfly-period days carrying a higher price.
  • The surroundings are a big part of the appeal: Mottisfont Abbey grounds, wildlife, river restoration and public enjoyment all sit around the fishing.
  • National Trust visitor parking is provided at Mottisfont Abbey. The estate is reached from Mottisfont village, about four miles north-west of Romsey.

Methods: Fly fishing on clear chalk-stream water, with the main Test beat suited to experienced anglers. Dry-fly work is especially fitting for this historic stretch, while careful presentation and reading the steady glides will be bob on.

Access & tickets

Mottisfont Abbey day ticket

Available through Wessex Rivers Trust’s Chalk Stream Experience. Fishing is offered on selected reaches of the River Test and River Dun.

From £270 per rod (as listed 13 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

Spring and summer dates

Published seasonal pricing for Mottisfont Abbey.

Approximately £270 per rod (as listed 13 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

Mayfly-period fishing

Published Mayfly-period pricing for Mottisfont Abbey.

Approximately £400 per rod (as listed 13 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

Day tickets and guided fishing days are offered through Wessex Rivers Trust’s Chalk Stream Experience. Indicative Mottisfont Abbey day-ticket pricing starts from £270 per rod, with published Mayfly-period pricing at approximately £400 per rod.

Fish the club names

trout

Key rules

  • Fishing is privately controlled and is not unrestricted public angling.
  • The advertised fishing season runs broadly from April to 30 September.
  • Fishing is fly fishing on clear chalk-stream water.
  • Fishing is offered on selected reaches of the River Test and River Dun.
  • Guided riverside walks on selected Thursdays are not fishing tickets.

Coarse fishing on English rivers is closed from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. That's the law for coarse fish on rivers — it's not a club rule, and game-fishing seasons work differently.

GOV.UK — Freshwater rod fishing rules: when and where you can fish

Where it is

Pins mark the access postcode each club gives, not the bank itself. Exact boundary map: see rights holder.

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