Newsletter – Wednesday 18 March 2026

My goodness that was a busy one! Please excuse the 2-week newsletter sabbatical but I have been flat out guiding for almost 28 days back-to-back. Nevertheless, we’re post mayfly madness, back in the groove and as the dun turn to spinners I find myself back at the coalface, taking emails and returning calls. I think I have got back to everyone, my sincerest apologies if I haven’t. Welcome back to the latest edition of the Wilde Trout Newsletter. It’ssssss June!

This week the hawthorn is starting to bloom, the fly hatches are finally bursting and we have a stunning new beat on the River Kennet in Berkshire! Welcome to the newest instalment of the Wilde Trout newsletter.

In this article, Neil grapples with passing the torch back to nature at Mottisfont, and restoring a river that has been shaped by humans for millennia. 

Join Jamie as he dons the waders and slips into the River Test, rod in hand, at the famous Oakley beat on the River Test. Follow the highs and lows, the strikes and misses and the tangles and turmoils as Jamie wades along the hallowed waters of the River Test at Mottisfont, targeting wild brown trout and retracing the footsteps of the great FM Halford.

This week we have a chalkstream Vizla in the Bourne Rivulet, there is one more day at Mottisfont Abbey up for grabs, and the Mutton in Hazeley Heath joins the Guide. Welcome to the newest instalment of the Wilde Trout newsletter.

In this episode podcast host, Jamie Pankhurst, recaps on a warm welcome back to the chalkstreams during the first few days of the Hampshire trout fishing season!