To catch a wild brown trout from an English chalk stream using a dry fly or nymph cast upstream is the very essence of fly fishing.
The pristine rivers of Southern England offer the world’s premier trout fly fishing and are the historic home of this most gracious and relaxing of sports.
The crystal clear waters of the Test, Itchen and Avon flow through the bands of subsurface chalk that run across southern England producing the internationally rare and unique phenomena – the CHALK STREAM.
As the rainwater soaks under gravity through the porous chalk geology, it is filtered and stored in these aquifers.
The water eventually emerges from the aquifers as a spring at the source, feeding the river system with very high quality water of a consistent temperature in both summer and winter.
The mineral rich alkaline water that flows in these chalk stream ecosystems is extremely fertile giving rise to an abundance of weed, invertebrates and of course salmon, trout and grayling.
80 BEATS ON 20 NAMED RIVERS
WELCOME
HOWARD TAYLOR, the company’s founder, is celebrating his 50th year as a fly fisherman. He has worked as a river keeper and a fly fishing instructor, studied conservation biology and shares a lifelong passion for chalk streams and the gentle art of fly fishing.
ANNA TAYLOR, Howard’s wife, is the brains behind Upstreamdryfly. She is a travel and logistics specialist. She has worked for private jet companies logging global flight itineraries, round the world yacht racing organisations sailing against the trade winds, as cabin crew in the early days of Virgin Atlantic and she’s an accomplished Cordon Bleu trained chef.
JULIAN GROSE-HODGE
Having helped relocate families to the UK from around the world for 20 years, Julian decided to make his hobby his career in 2021 when he joined Upstream Dry fly. His fly-fishing journey started 35 years ago on the rivers of Neuquen in Argentina, and he has fished our southern English chalk streams for over 25 years.
A very warm welcome to the Upstream Dry Fly brochure. We are very proud to offer this definitive portfolio of English chalk stream fly fishing. A broad variation of fishing on the most exclusive, private estate, chalk stream beats available. We have over 80 beats on more than 20 named rivers and streams on our books. With Upstream Dry Fly, today’s fly fisher can target species from elusive wild brown trout, a night after hard fighting sea trout and even multi-species fly fishing on the tidal waters of our Testwood and Nursling water of the lower river Test... all within 90 minutes from London.
We offer day rods, group and corporate fly fishing days, tuition with our team of instructors and each season we run special themed fly fishing events such as our Ladies’ Day in May, Father and Son Day in the summer and the Lady of the Stream Weekend in February. Our experienced team of professional fishing guides and instructors will ensure you get the best out of your time on the water whether a novice or seasoned angler, with our diverse portfolio of beats we can select a beat to suit your ability, desires or offer you your next piscatorial challenge.
With many years of experience in hospitality our team is second to none. Allow us to build a bespoke day for your guests, colleagues or clients with the best guides, chefs and catering staff. Our group and corporate fly fishing days, offer full riverside catering in stunning locations on the very best fly fishing estates England has to offer.
If you are a riparian owner, ask us about our river management team and our track record of chalk stream habitat restoration, conservation and fishery management.
It would be a pleasure to hear from you.
Kind regards
RIVER TEST & TRIBUTARIES
The River Test is the most famous fly fishing river in the world. Her upper reaches and tributaries offer a pristine aquatic environment in which to pursue wild brown trout and grayling. Wet a line and pay homage to the founding fathers of fly fishing.
THE BOURNE RIVULET (Headwater River Test tributary)
If you enjoy the challenge of classic chalk stream wild trout fishing, the Bourne Rivulet is a must. Made famous by the book ‘Where the Bright Waters Meet’ by Harry Plunket-Green in 1927. Take a moment in the churchyard to pay piscatorial respect at Plunket-Green’s grave. This is the upstream most tributary of the famous river Test. It is pristine. The fish grow big and provide some excellent and testing fishing.
RIVER DUN, ‘BLUE POOL’ BEAT (Test tributary)
Our beat on the River Dun is just over 1 km long. Another secluded nature spot where the river flows through old riparian woodland.
At the top of the beat is the Blue Pool - a large spring directly out of the chalk aquifer giving the water a unique blue appearance.
UPPER RIVER TEST & RIVER DEVER NEWTON STACEY ESTATE
RIVER DEVER (Test tributary)
The river Dever is the only main Test tributary to flow from the east of the catchment. Known for exceptional water clarity and very good insect hatches, the Dever is the perfect chalk stream for stalking highly visible trout, lazily sipping insects from the water’s surface between fronds of Ranunculus and Starwort. A personal favourite.
UPPER TEST AND DEVER BEATS
We are very honoured to have the exclusive letting. Here is the confluence of the rivers Test and her tributary the beautiful river Dever. The Estate water forms a ‘Y’ shape - the eastern arm the Dever and the western the Test. The triangle between is a Site of Special Scientific Interest nature reserve with deer, barn owls and orchids. A very special and secluded spot with super insect life and great dry fly fishing. Truly the jewel of Hampshire.
UPPER MILL BEAT, LONGPARISH
This is a privately-owned Mill House just upstream of the famous Longparish House Estate. With varied water of main river upstream and downstream of the historic Mill. The downstream section and mill pool is a wading section, and the upstream reach is bank fishing accessed through the beautiful gardens. Stocked brown trout, wild brown trout and some nice grayling. There is also a pretty carrier stream in the woods. About ¾ of a kilometre in all, ideal for one rod or two friends. There is a pretty rod room for your use.
UPPER RIVER TEST
Through the writings of fly fishing’s ‘fathers’ such as Halford and Plunket-Greene, the upper river Test is immortalised in fly fishing history and rightly so.
Sight fishing through the clear water, targeting trout laying on the gravel runs between fronds of green weed as they feed on a rich diversity of aquatic insects.
The upper reaches of probably the most famous fly fishing river in the world offer quintessential upstream dry fly fishing for both brown trout and grayling in the most amazing surroundings.
UPPER RIVER TEST
WHERWELL PRIORY (upper middle Test)
An Idyllic Hampshire private estate on the upper River Test. Now in new ownership, the two beautiful channels of the main river have undergone a significant river restoration program. These two beats: The Park and The Priory fish 6 rods and cover about 1.5 miles of double bank river. The river keeper Michael Taplin is highly experienced and maintains the fishing to the highest standard. The fishing lodge has been fully restored and now offers the perfect base for a wonderful day. 6 rod minimum booking.
TESTCOMBE (upper middle Test)
The Testcombe fishing consists of approximately 900 yards of single bank main river Test and some 1000 yards of carrier streams. This offers plenty of varied fishing. The beat surrounds a beautiful private house and garden. Fishing is both upstream and downstream of the cottage. The amazing Grade II listed fishing hut built in 1888 was the
inspiration for the book Fishing Huts by author Jo OrchardLisle and a wonderful HQ for the day. Immediately upstream of the road bridge above the Mayfly Pub, refreshments are only a short walk away! Minimum 4 rods during Mayfly, out of mayfly 2 rods to a maximum 4 rods.
PRIVATE ESTATE WATER (upper middle Test)
The river Test is braided over all 11 miles of the estate and is divided into 14 generous beats for 1 or 2 rods. Offering a diverse array of fishing from main river to beautiful carrier stream. The whole area is a superb haven for flora and fauna, which does so much to enhance this beautiful stretch of the River Test. The Estate maintains the water with 4 fulltime water keepers and most of the beats have a thatched fishing hut and some have other beautiful features like water wheels and historic eel racks. The fly fishing on this historic stretch of the river Test is excellent.
MIDDLE RIVER TEST
The middle river Test is steeped in piscatorial history. The birth place of dry fly fishing by the innovative F M Halford in the 1880’s. Halford perfected his techniques on middle Test beats around Stockbridge. He published his teachings, the most famous, Dry Fly Fishing in Theory and Practice 1889, dedicated to his mentor, George Selwyn Marryat, that revolutionised fly fishing all over the world.
The middle beats of the Test’s 40 miles from source to mouth still offer fine dry fly sport today. Upstream Dry Fly offers a choice of several middle Test private estate waters on both main river, carrier streams and tributaries. We cannot list all beats here. Please enquire for details.
THE GREYHOUND BEAT MAIN CARRIER STREAM
This beat sits on the famous Houghton Club water immediately upstream of Stockbridge behind the Greyhound Inn. The water abuts the prestigious Houghton Club’s ‘Bends Beat’ a short cast across the water meadow. Double bank fishing with a beautiful hatch pool. Excellent value for money and pop into the Inn for a pint at half-time! The fishing is ideal for one or two rods, with plenty of sizeable browns and rainbows on this well known river Test carrier.
MIDDLE RIVER TEST
BOSSINGTON ESTATE
Part of British aviation history, Bossington is in the ownership of the Fairey family, makers of the Fairey Swordfish aeroplane. This famous private estate fishing is immediately downstream of the hallowed Houghton Club water and offers a diverse mix of six beats on the main river Test and its carriers. Something for everyone from novice to expert. The Estate has excellent facilities and a full time river keeper. Bossington’s House Beat has the beautiful backdrop of the Manor House and lawns rolling down to the river’s edge. Day rod fishing as well as client entertainment or group days available on Thursdays and Fridays for 6 to 16 rods. We can offer the option of lunch in the dining room of the Manor House too.
PRIVATE ESTATE WATER (middle Test)
Formally the home famous aviator Sir Tommy Sopwith. Three large beats for 5-7 rods offering world class fishing on main river and carriers. The fishing here is varied with hatch pools, bends, runs, mill streams and is very well managed by full time riverkeepers. Each beat has a fully equipped fishing cabin and BBQ facilities. This water is famous for the large trout often caught here.
THE HORSEBRIDGE LAKE
This private trout lake is set in the Hampshire countryside a short cast from the river Test. Stocked with large rainbow trout. Perfect for the novice, an introduction to fly fishing with an instructor, or a family day.
TESTWOOD AND NURSLING FISHERY BARKER MILL
ESTATE
These four unique beats are where the classic chalk stream flows to the inter tidal zone. The most ecologically diverse stretch of river with a mix of freshwater, sea, coarse and migratory fish to target. The grand slam of bass, sea trout and brown trout in a day is not only achievable but only 90 minutes from central London.
We can also offer B&B on occasion with three small cabins in the sea trout fishing lodge and a hearty ‘full English’ served in the parlour of the Mill House on the banks of the famous Pool.
TESTWOOD AND NURSLING FISHERY
NURSLING MILL TROUT BEAT (lower Test)
The Nursling trout beat offers main river, double bank fishing from the Broadlands Estate boundary downstream to Nursling Mill. The beat offers both stocked and wild trout, the odd sea trout and some lovely coarse fish to target on fly. The river here broadens out considerably and often produces very large trout that run downstream towards the estuary. Mayfly hatches here are phenomenal. The beat facilities include a fishing hut with tea and coffee facilities, BBQ and private car park.
NURSLING ‘LITTLE RIVER’ MIXED SPECIES FLY
FISHING Trout, sea trout, bass and other species in season (lower Test)
This famous beat offers miles of both tidal and non-tidal water to explore. It flows in the upper section as classic chalk stream and the lower as tidal water. With long riffles, deep pools, runs and some beautiful hatch pools. The beat is carefully stocked with trout and served by the Drawing Pool Lodge. With BBQ, WC and a well-equipped kitchenette. Running water and electricity. The perfect beat to target
a variety of species on fly as fish stocks here are diverse. Come prepared with a variety of flies as you can catch trout and sea trout on dries, bass on small streamers and a variety of coarse fish on dries, terrestrials and nymphs. Target a diversity of species in season. Two full time experienced river keepers, Pete Farrow and Charlie Bull manage this extensive fishery. This is one of Howard’s favourite beats.
TESTWOOD BEAT AND TESTWOOD POOL.
Mixed species fly fishing. Trout, sea trout, bass and other species in season (lower Test)
This is a world-famous fishery for which we have the sole letting. For many years Testwood was a private and exclusive fishing club and the Pool has been fished by the Royal family and many dignitaries. Salmon fishing has now been suspended to help conserve our unique chalk stream Atlantic salmon. The beat offers miles of tidal and non-tidal water. Surveys have shown it is the most diverse stretch of river for fish species and the beat is superb for mixed species fly fishing. In season, target sea trout, trout, bass, mullet and a variety of coarse fish. The beat is served by the Sea Trout Cabin on the banks of the Testwood Pool and in the shadow of the Mill House. The fully equipped lodge will ensure you get to relax between casts.
TESTWOOD POOL, NIGHT-TIME SEA TROUT FISHING (lower Test)
Probably the best sea trout fishing in the south of England. Sea trout fight like Trojans and frequently reach double figures here. Night fishing is now from 9pm to 5am. 3 rods. Sea trout angler’s B&B is available upon request.
UPPER RIVER AVON
The river Avon is one of the country’s most varied chalk streams. Salisbury is almost a halfway marker and above this historic City she is home to some of our finest wild brown trout and grayling fishing, consisting of gin clear water and some beautiful and challenging side streams and carriers. A setting of untouched rural charm, yet easily accessible from London via the M3 and A303.
Her upper reaches are of particular interest to the dry fly fisherman. The upper Avon in particular enjoys good hatches of upwing flies, olives and iron blues in early season, alongside falls of terrestrials such as hawthorn flies which are haphazardly blown onto the water from the trees. Trout love hawthorns and the fishing can often equal that of mayfly time. Of greatest interest is the mayfly of the upper river that hatch from mid May, but hatches can last right through to July here! Sedges work well from June onwards, as will various olives, which one will hopefully expect to see for the remainder of the season. Many of the beats here provide testing but top quality fishing for brown trout and some super grayling to over 3lbs!
It was on these famous upper waters that Frank Sawyer developed his famous style of nymph fishing specifically for grayling. He was the first to tie up artificials with fine copper wire, perfect for light subsurface fishing - this breakthrough gave way to the Grey Goose, the Sawyer’s Pheasant Tail Nymph and his Killer Bug, three of our most famous patterns. Oliver Kite was another famous legendary fly fisherman who spent a lot of time on these waters. A pupil of Sawyer’s, Kite wrote ‘Nymph Fishing in Practice’, a book famous for its study of upstream nymph fishing - this is the technique still used today on the English chalk streams.
Upstream Dry Fly offer wonderful river Avon beats for 2 to 16 rods.
WILSFORD MANOR ESTATE (Upper Wiltshire Avon)
This beautiful private estate fishery comprises of approximately 1 mile of double bank fishing on the upper River Avon. Nestling in the famous Woodford valley on the river Avon. The mayfly hatch here from mid May lasting often well into July. The river is wide for this part of the upper Avon and is wonderfully kept, with a lots of brown trout, from small wild fish to the monsters in double figures that Wilsford is famed for.
Anglers visiting Wilsford are exceptionally well looked after based at the very best equipped fishing lodge in Wessex!
HEALE
HOUSE (upper Wiltshire Avon)
Situated in the bucolic Woodford valley north of Salisbury, the beautiful 16th century Heale House nestles in one of Wiltshire’s finest rural landscapes. Much of the house is unchanged since King Charles II hid here in 1651. With some 2 kilometres of double-bank prime river Avon, it offers wonderfully diverse fishing, suitable for both the novice and experienced fly-fisher alike. Superb catered lunches are available either in the house itself or on the riverbank for parties of between 6 and 16. Heale House is one of the finest settings for riverside entertainment in the south of England.
HURDCOTT ESTATE (River Nadder, Avon tributary)
This is simply the perfect venue to fish and to entertain in wonderful surroundings. It is exactly what you might imagine the quintessential chalk stream to be like. It has a very intimate feel about it and produces hard fighting brown trout and grayling that will willingly sample a well presented dry fly.
The river flows peacefully through the water meadows, situated in the middle of the estate with the Manor House as a stunning backdrop. The fishing hut is second to none with a tree lined avenue down the drive that leads directly to the hut.
The Nadder produces wonderful Mayfly hatches as well as the most amazing olive and sedge hatches later in the season.
UPPER WOODFORD VALLEY (Upper Wiltshire Avon)
This beautiful private house beat offers approximately 1/2 mile of main river Avon fishing on the true right bank through the stunning grounds and riverbank below. There are plenty of wild brown trout as well as some carefully stocked browns that have over wintered and grown very large. These large trout for which this section is famed have grown on in the river, over the seasons.
RIVER MEON
The conservation of chalk stream habitats is paramount at Upstream Dry Fly. As stewards of these streams we continuously strive to improve habitats and let fishing in a sustainable way.
In the 17th century Izaak Walton, who wrote The Complete Angler came to Droxford to fish in the River Meon. He said it was the best river in England for trout. His daughter Anne married William Hawkins rector of Droxford.
Walton lived for the latter portion of his life in the county capital, Winchester. His tomb is in the Silkstead Chapel of Winchester Cathedral.
MIDLINGTON
Our river Meon beat is just downstream of Droxford, Hampshire. It is about 1 3⁄4 miles long (double bank). Very popular with a handful of wild trout enthusiasts and we keep letting to a minimum. In conjunction with the Wild Trout Trust we have carried out extensive habitat restoration works. Voted one of Britain’s top 5 finest wild trout streams by Paul Procter in Trout & Salmon magazine.
RIVER ITCHEN, ALRE & CANDOVER
The River Itchen is the ultimate in chalk streams, awarded with the highest wildlife conservation designations. Shorter than her big sister, the River Test, the source of the Itchen is the confluence of three tributaries: the Alre, the Cheriton Brook (or Tichbourne) and the Candover Brook, just below Alresford.
THE GRANGE ESTATE FISHING BEATS WITH ACCOMMODATION (Upper Itchen, Arle and Candover Brook).
The Grange Estate near Alresford, Hampshire offers fishing with accommodation.
With only a limited allocation of bookings available each season, this exclusive estate offers beautiful accommodation with fantastic fishing and a range of other fantastic experiences suitable for individuals or large groups. The fly-fishing beats on the Estate offer fishing for 1 or 2 rods but larger fishing parties can be accommodated at premium chalk stream beats nearby.
An example package would be a three-night stay with fly fishing on different beats over the three days. We can also provide a range of non-fishing activities on the estate such as foraging, wine tasting and shooting.
Superb wild trout fishing on the upper river Itchen. Most of the Grange beats require wading as it is very traditionally managed. We have two generous beats on the main river Itchen that offer anglers that ‘lost in time’ private estate, wild trout fishing that is so rare these days.
EAST LODGE ESTATE
East Lodge is purely and simply an anglers’ paradise that is steeped in fly fishing history dating back to the 17th Century. The Itchen runs for over one and a half miles at the beautiful East Lodge Estate water near Winchester, providing top quality fly fishing throughout the season. Flowing through the untouched water meadows that make up this stunning fishery, the water here is varied and suits both novice and expert alike. Consisting of both main river and a beautiful fast flowing side stream bisecting the water meadows called Rosemary’s Leat.
Fly fishing on the fabled upper Itchen is usually either priced exorbitantly or unavailable to the mortal fly fisher. Please contact us for further details.
RIVER KENNET & LAMBOURN
The River Kennet rises near Avebury and flows eastwards through Marlborough. Upon leaving Wiltshire, she flows gently into Berkshire towards Newbury and eventually into Old Father Thames. Historically renowned for superb chalk stream fly fishing and her illusive native ‘greenback’ brown trout. The finest Kennet fly fishing is all privately owned, found between Marlborough and Newbury and not usually available to day rods. We are fortunate to have exclusive access to some beautiful private estate waters on the upper river Kennet.
From book by Peter Hayes and Don Stazicker “Trout and Flies - Getting Closer”
BARTON COURT, NR KINTBURY (upper Kennet)
Now in new ownership and under the careful stewardship of river keeper Harry Button. The fly-fishing history at Barton Court runs deep, nestled in beautiful water meadows between Newbury and Hungerford, this section of the famous river Kennet was fished by fly fishing’s forefathers such as Halford, Marryat and Skues. The Estate offers over 3 miles of riverbank with main river, carriers and side streams, giving lovely, varied fishing for all abilities. The mayfly hatches here are thick and often longer in season than those of the Test and Itchen. The estate caters for day rods, offering a base in a newly renovated shepherd’s hut, and offers exclusive use days to groups of anglers offering a base in the estate’s well-appointed riverside fishers’ hut. The perfect spot to entertain friends or clients.
THE EASTRIDGE ESTATE (Littlecote Fishery)
The Eastridge Estate’s stretch of the River Kennet, on the Berkshire / Wiltshire border (upstream of Hungerford) was the well deserved winner of the Wild Trout Trust’s 2014 Conservation Award. This is classic chalk stream fishing, with fast flowing clear water, wonderful gravel beds, good Ranunculus growth and excellent fly life. (groups of 4 to 6 rods only).
THE OLD MILL, RAMSBURY (upper Kennet)
Once the home of the forefather of dry fly fishing, FM Halford, this beautiful stretch of chalk stream (over ½ mile in length) would have seen him refine his dry fly art. The beat starts just below the historic Mill House with its beautiful gardens and large mill pool. Here you will find a small hut and seating area. As you continue upstream the gardens broaden out into a wilder landscape with water meadows and reed beds, perfect conditions for the extensive bird life to be found here as well as the super fishing.
EVENTS, TUITION & GIFT VOUCHERS
UPSTREAM DRY FLY GIFT VOUCHERS
Upstream Dry Fly gift vouchers are redeemable against any of our beats or events. They are valid for 2 years. See website for details.
FOUNDATION COACHING
For those wanting to start fly fishing or if you are returning to the sport after a break. Cover the roll and overhead casts, shooting line, knots, lines and flies, tackle, hooking and playing fish, safety. Hopefully finish our morning lesson by catching your first trout or two to take home for supper!
CHALK STREAM FLY FISHING COACHING
Specifically for the river and stream angler –Spend a day on a chalk stream beat with an instructor and brush up on upstream dry flies and nymphs, riverside entomology, stalking fish, river etiquette and safety.
CORPORATE FLY FISHING DAYS
A day on the most famous fly fishing river in the world.
THE RIVER TEST is the birth place of modern fly fishing. Her banks are the most beautiful and quintessentially English setting for a corporate event. Thatched fishing huts, teak picnic tables, barn owls hunting the adjacent water meadows and the crystal clear water running by - all only 90 minutes from London.
Upstream Dry Fly offers companies a unique sporting experience in the most beautiful locations.
Allow us to build you a bespoke corporate day to the highest standards: Fishing, tuition, equipment and catering.
We are experienced in catering for both the individual client as well as larger corporate groups. Whether your guests are complete beginners or experienced dry fly anglers, our beautiful riverside locations and team of professional instructors will ensure you all get the absolute most out of
your precious time on the river. With our second to none hospitality skills, allow us to build a bespoke day around your particular requirements.
We provide the finest in modern fly fishing equipment, qualified instructors, catering, refreshments, transport and accommodation. Thus allowing you and your guests to interact, relax and focus on this fascinating and most traditional of country sports – fly fishing.
We have exclusive relationships with several of the best hotels and fly fishing inns in the area which ensures your reservation is easier to make and that your guests will be very well looked after.
Our professional multi-award winning caterers have many years experience of shoot and fishing luncheons. With linen tablecloths, five courses and fine wines, all of the highest quality.
