The Birthplace of Fly Fishing
Step into Hampshire, the hallowed ground where fly fishing was born. Here, the legendary rivers Test and Itchen beckon anglers from around the world, offering a pilgrimage into the heart of the sport’s rich heritage. This county stands as a living bridge between England’s cultural past and the enduring legacy of fly fishing.
Legends of the Angling World
The echoes of history resonate along these waters. Izaak Walton, laid to rest beneath Winchester Cathedral, immortalized his passion in The Compleat Angler (1653), a tome that still inspires today. In the late 1800s, Frederick Halford revolutionized dry fly fishing on the revered banks of the Test, while George Skues, just miles away on the Itchen, pioneered the art of nymphing. Their innovations forever shaped the sport.
Stockbridge: A Timeless Angler’s Haven
Nestled in the Test Valley, the village of Stockbridge feels like a step back in time. Its charming streets and warm embrace cut through the misty autumn mornings, creating an atmosphere so enchanting it’s impossible to resist the pull of the water. For centuries, this idyllic spot has been a magnet for fly fishers seeking solace and adventure.
The River Test: Crown Jewel of Chalkstreams
Winding through 39 miles of Hampshire’s lush countryside, the Test is the quintessential chalkstream. From its humble origins in Ashe to its convergence with the Bourne, Dever, and Anton, this river weaves a tapestry of water meadows, murmuring carriers, and bustling mill leats. Below Stockbridge, it swells into a majestic flow, joined by the Wallop Brook and the Dun, before finally uniting as one channel near Romsey.
The River Itchen: A Rival to the Test
Like its sister river, the Itchen holds a storied place in fly fishing lore. Fed by the Alre, Tichborne, and Candover Brook, it carves a 26-mile path from New Alresford to Southampton Water. Once a vital trade route, the Itchen Navigation now lies quiet, its waters reserved for the pursuit of wild trout and grayling. Flowing past Winchester’s cathedral and college, it merges with the Test’s estuary, a fitting end to its journey.
The Romance of Chalkstream Fly Fishing
Few experiences rival casting a line on these crystalline waters. Whether you favor the delicate dance of dry flies or the subtle art of nymphing, Hampshire’s chalkstreams offer perfection. The pristine aquifer ensures clarity and abundance, making every outing a dream.
Dive Deeper into the World of Chalkstreams
Craving more? Explore the intricacies of these legendary rivers, their fish, and the flies that tempt them in this article. Or lose yourself in the magic of a chalkstream summer with this video.
Species to Target
While these waters teem with life, the crown jewels remain:
Hampshire’s chalkstreams aren’t just rivers—they’re a fly fisher’s paradise, where history, nature, and passion flow as one.
Francis Haines 
