Wilde Trout

We've had a lovely run of American guests out on the Test and Itchen this summer, and it's prompted us to put together some practical advice for anyone planning a chalkstream trip from further afield. This week we're also covering the last of the summer hatches and a quick update from the Kennet edit suite. Welcome to the latest instalment of the Wilde Trout fly fishing newsletter.

Benham Park, or Marsh Benham as it is also known, needs no introduction in the chalkstream circles. Just 5 minutes west of Newbury, the estate is one of the jewels of the river Kennet, with several miles of main river and carrier streams that weave through the parkland, overlooked by a gorgeous stately home. Great Oaks stand scattered across the water meadows, and as we drove down towards the river, the fields either side of the track were dotted with sheep and cattle grazing throughout the grassland. It is the kind of old-money setting that oozes quintessential English countryside.

We're heading into the back end of summer now, and the Test and Itchen are entering that lovely settled patch before autumn starts to change things. This week we're talking late season dry fly tactics, a first look behind the scenes at the Kennet footage, and what to expect as the season turns. Welcome to the latest instalment of the Wilde Trout fly fishing newsletter.

Exciting news to share this week, we've spent the last couple of days filming on a stunning new estate on the River Kennet, and we can't wait to tell you more. Welcome to the latest instalment of the Wilde Trout fly fishing newsletter, bringing you fresh news from the Test, Itchen and now the Kennet too.

We're into the dog days of summer now, bright skies, warm water and chalkstreams fishing about as low and clear as they get all year. This week we're talking nymphing tactics, family fishing days for the school holidays, and a daddy longlegs pattern worth tying on. Welcome to the latest instalment of the Wilde Trout fly fishing newsletter, bringing you fresh news from the River Test and Itchen.

The rakes went back in the shed last week, though not for the reason you might expect. Rather than the usual ranunculus, last week's job was a second, smaller weed cut aimed squarely at filamentous algae, and the difference on the river is already showing. Welcome to the latest instalment of the Wilde Trout fly fishing newsletter, bringing you fresh news from the River Test and Itchen.