Timsbury Fishery, River Test

River level

The lowdown

• The fishery sits at Timsbury village, between Romsey and Stockbridge, and is run by Timsbury Fishery Limited with its member syndicate.
• There are four individual private beats, covering the main River Test plus carrier streams. Two rods are permitted on each beat.
• The water is exceptionally clear, so stealth matters. Dark, non-shiny clothing is recommended, and the main banks can be steep in places.
• This is mainly brown trout water. Upstream dry-fly and nymph fishing are the key approaches, with a floating line and roughly 5/6-weight tackle suggested.
• Abundant weed is a big part of the chalk-stream character. Look for the creases, clearer runs and likely trout lies around the stream features rather than charging about.
• The fishery is surrounded by privately owned chalk-stream water meadows, giving the whole place a quiet, traditional feel. Proper peaceful stuff.
• Brown and rainbow trout fishing finishes on 31 October. Season arrangements then allow grayling and coarse-fish fishing through the winter, until 14 March.
• Salmon may turn up, but any caught must be returned to the river. Catch-and-release anglers are advised to use sufficiently heavy tackle to get fish back quickly.
• Wet feet are an avoidable faff here, so sensible waterproof footwear is advised. Cotton-mesh or rubber nets are preferred; knotted nets are illegal.
• The main lodge overlooks the river and has power, water, a kitchen area, WC and washing facilities. Three other huts with picnic tables are dotted around the fishery, plus a sink by the car park for fish washing and dog cleaning.

Methods: Upstream dry fly and nymphing are the main trout methods. Use a floating line and around 5/6-weight tackle, keep things stealthy in the clear water, and fish heavy enough for a quick release.

Access & tickets

Day rods can be rented by enquiry. Published day-rod prices are £180–£300 per day; season rods cost £1,800–£2,500 and provide 12 fishing days on a specified day every other week, rotating around all four beats over eight weeks.

Fish the club names

trout

Key rules

• Brown trout and rainbow trout fishing ceases on 31 October.
• Grayling and coarse-fish fishing is available after 31 October until 14 March for season arrangements.
• Salmon must be returned to the river.
• Knotted nets are illegal; cotton-mesh or rubber nets are preferred.
• Fish should be kept in the water where possible and handled with wet hands.
• Catch-and-release anglers should use sufficiently heavy tackle to land fish quickly.
• Winter fishing and the free-for-all period are exclusive to members.
• Two rods are permitted per beat.

Where it is