Across the UK we are very fortunate to have access to many different types of fly fishing from overgrown tiny streams with beautiful little brown trout, to the manicured Hampshire streams where you gently wander along trimmed river banks, leading to a great feeling of wellbeing.

They are all worth fishing, but ask any serious dry fly angler if they would like to fish on the river Test or Itchen and it is usually a resounding yes. Part of their attraction is their historical relevance as the birthplace of modern fly fishing but, for most, it is the clarity of the water and the extraordinary observation of sizeable trout in their habitat. You almost know what they are thinking!

The chalk streams are created by rain that filters down through the hills and chalk deposits picking up various minerals. This mineral rich water is then stored in underground aquifers and is slowly released through springs which flow back into the river. Even after continued heavy rain, they rarely ‘colour up’ or flood allowing anglers continued access throughout the season. It is very rare to have a cancelled day on a chalk stream trout fly fishing outing. 

The water is slightly alkaline, which provides the perfect environment for good weed growth and consequently insect life, therefore producing the ideal habitat for trout to thrive.

Most are stocked with trout due to the number of fishermen, but there are some which are preserved for wild trout stocks only. Nearly all of the beats are privately owned, each with their own set of rules and regulations for fishing. Most are booked on a daily basis for one to a few anglers, depending on length.

You may only cast upstream of the fish, allowing your fly to move naturally with the current.

Downstream fishing is not allowed on any occasion. Indicator fishing or the use of 2 flies is not allowed on any river Test or Itchen beats except in their grayling season.

Wading is allowed on some beats but not all.

This gin clear water is a plus for the angler but your upstream approach to the river needs to be silent, stealthy and considered. If you can see the chalk stream trout, they can see you.

Observation is key, for insect life, the chalk stream trouts’ behaviour and the river’s ebb and flow.

One of the key elements of fishing for chalk stream trout is your presentation of the fly. 

You need to minimise false casting over the fish, then learn to use reach or mend casts to help counteract the effects of the current.

You also need to have a reasonable understanding of entomology as fly hatches change throughout the day and as the months pass by.

Presentation is probably the most important element but if the fish are locked onto a specific insect you really do need to have the right fly.

The famous mayfly period usually starts around the 15th May on the main river Test beats with the Upper Test usually around a week later. They call it ‘duffers fortnight’ but there are no guarantees, as sometimes the hatch is early and sometimes late. This is why when booking you may see what appears to be an extended period of almost a month.  This is to try and cover for this eventuality.  The rivers Avon and Wylye however can have mayfly hatching off until July.

Initially, there is usually a feeding frenzy for the duns and as the 2 week period moves forward they switch onto the spinner patterns.

Mayfly time can be absolutely amazing or sometimes, a bit of disappointment. 

Three main problems tend to appear with mayfly:

1. They predominately hatch off late in the day, so if you leave the river by 5pm you may miss the best of the hatch.
2. If there are too many mayfly on the water, it is difficult for the fish to find your fly.
3. Fish can become very fussy on patterns particularly as they turn onto the spinners.

Occasionally you will see mayfly hatching off but the chalk stream trout have switched onto another insect. This is usually observed on a cold, windy day and you might find tiny iron blues on the water. 

As you head into mid-summer and the river height drops, the fish become super spooky. 

Angler pressure is big, with the majority of beats being fished every day and the lower water height means that the fish are more sensitive to anything landing on the water.

Dropping down from the average 9 ft 5 weight to a 10 ft 3 weight can make a huge difference.

However, this needs to be balanced with your ability to bring in a fish quickly. With warm summer weather and an increase in water temperature, if you intend using catch and release you really do need to be able to bring a fish to the net quickly or it will die. You must also ensure that you either use barbless hooks or pinch down the barbs with pliers.

Much depends on where you are fishing and the size of your quarry.

With large stocked fish, it is much harder to bring them in quickly so hone your skills or stick with a 5 weight.

Leader length is another factor with longer leaders vital as the season progresses. During mayfly time when you are using big flies and the fish are super keen to take a fly, it is fine to use a standard 9 ft leader but as you move into late summer you really do need to be using at least a 12ft leader.  Your upwing flies will also diminish dramatically in size and you may be fishing a size 20.

All of the beats on the chalk streams have slightly different rules which dictate how many fish you may kill and if you may continue to fish using catch and release. Often you may only catch a certain number using just catch and release too.

New anglers occasionally find this a tricky thing to stick to, especially if they only book a single day on an expensive bit of the stream for chalk stream trout fly fishing.

Unfortunately the majority of fishing beats are fished on a daily basis with fresh anglers all looking forward to their day on the river.

If two anglers have had a bumper day, catching 20 or 30 fish and releasing them back into the water, the following days will be useless due to ‘pricked’, angler savvy fish.

Therefore, you really do need to be considerate and follow the rules.

The chalk streams are expensive in comparison with rivers around the rest of the country.

In 2022 the average price of a day for one angler is around £250 and upwards.  Mayfly time is considerably more.

Prices are high due to a number of reasons:

1. Beats are always private, mostly sold for 2 anglers at a time, so you won’t be sharing a beat with strangers.
2. The majority are stocked, some with fish from 3 lb. up to double figures.
3. Every estate or beat employs a full-time river keeper for management of the banks.
4. Most have facilities such as a decent hut with tea making etc.

Are they worth the hype and cost?

The scenery is beautiful and the rivers are gentle with easy access. Even on a difficult day, chalk streams really are the most fabulous place to exercise, relax your mind and to absorb nature.

When it comes to watching a fish and I mean really seeing a fish move to flies, to understand their behaviour, I don’t think that there is anywhere to beat a day of fishing on a chalk stream. There is nothing like spotting a large chalk stream trout heading up for your fly.  Even if you have a refusal you will learn more than when they take it instantly.

Do you need to be a good fisherman? Like any river, it depends on the day, but chalk stream clarity helps! 

My next website entry will describe: ‘Early Season Tactics’