The welcome sunshine this morning has brought happy memories of summer and warm afternoons spent wading along quiet Dorset streams, spotting trout like the one in the header photo.
I vividly recall casting in front of him as he rose happily, sipping up his unsuspecting lunch between the willow floss. Time slowed as he lifted to inspect my offering, a little parachute adams nestled gently into the seam in front of him. He slurped it up without a second glance and made way for the trees.
Such day dreaming being quite an irrational use of my time here in the office, for this is the month that is March when the air is still cool and the nights are still long, I have been reflecting instead on my piece from a little while back, “The First Cuckoo of the Chalkstreams.” It has lead me to wonder; What is it that signals the start of the season on the chalkstreams? And how long must we wait to see those first signs of life?
For the freestone fanatics of course it is all about the March Brown. Hatching off in their fleeting bursts this week, these beautiful little mayflies are really all one needs to see before the call of the river becomes too much to bear. On the chalkstreams however, we are bound to wait just a little longer before we may wet a line.
The famous March Brown.
Well, yesterday I returned to the banks of the upper Bourne in search of an answer. Here I found a once desiccated winterbourne now flowing full, fast and clear as it was when I last stopped by, only now the gravels were shining even brighter, the green stems of irises have begun to shoot and a little egret stalks along its sodden banks.
Better still was a small trout, rising gingerly from his lay behind a stone and sipping up his lunchtime meal. Less than 4 months ago this winterbourne was dry and that stone would have been nothing but a landmark for the closest colony of ants. So, goodness knows what he was feeding on, I suspect large dark olive but I cannot profess to be an expert in this field. Whatever it was, the sight of a feeding trout alone was enough to make me late for my next meeting! The search continues.
The upper reaches of the Bourne are in full flow now.
As many of you will know, the Wild Trout Trust are the river conservation charity spearheading habitat improvement projects for wild brown trout across the UK and Ireland. Their work secures the future for wild fisheries, and empowers river owners and communities to do the same. A noble cause I am sure you will agree and one we are proud to support.
Finally the WTT spring auctions are live and this year’s catalogue is jam-packed with over 50 pages of fabulous donations from artists, guides, beats, lodges, and wild trout enthusiasts all over the country.
The Wild Trout Trust auctions close this Sunday, 22 March 2026.
Now, if for some strange reason you find yourself compelled to join me for a day on the river, then I am delighted to report that lots 262 and 271 offer two guided chalkstream fly fishing experiences on a private beat of the River Dever and at Mottisfont Abbey on the River Test respectively.
On the Dever, we will be sight fishing for rising trout drifting in thin air over bright gravels and at Mottisfont we’ll be wading in the footsteps of the great FM Halford, studying the fly life and tying flies as he once did under the thatched roof of the Oakley fishing cabin in preparation for the evening rise. I’ll be providing all the tackle, equipment and flies, but your are welcome to bring your own if you wish, plus hotel pick up if you decide to stay in one of our cosy locals.
So, if I can tempt you to click the big green button and browse the auction catalogue in full, I think you might find something worth rummaging under the car seats for. All the proceeds fund the brilliant work that the Wild Trout Trust and their partners continue to deliver in protecting wild brown trout. The bidding closes this Sunday 22 March 2026. Good luck!
Well, not a great deal! We had such a tremendous response from you all last week that as I write to you we have just 5 days remaining all season. Those dates are 13, 15, 22 April and 23, 28 September
Thanks again go to all those people who have booked and are looking forward to their trip to Mottisfont Abbey this season. If you were one of the unlucky few who missed out on their dates, please do get in touch to register your interest and we will keep you informed of any updates or cancellations throughout the season.
The Famous Oakley Beat at Mottisfont Abbey. Dates available!
Don’t forget to book a fishing guide for your trip. Do get in touch if you would like to take along one of our Mottisfont-approved guides who can supply all the tackle, equipment and flies required, plus hotel pick up if you wish.
Remember, available dates remaining are; 13, 15, 22 April and 23, 28 September. Book now via the big green button or call us in the office on +44 1264 554884.
Fly fishing on the UK chalkstreams is a fine art. Gin clear waters, wily trout, and the constant demand for that perfect, delicate fly presentation defines a level of finesse that is simply unmatched in any other discipline of the sport. Of course there is plenty of technique and skill involved, but if you don’t have the right equipment in the first place, you are surely fighting a losing battle.
If you are travelling from afar, or perhaps you just don’t have the right outfit for the job, why not charter the chalkstreams in style with our bespoke tackle packages. We have developed a specialist collection of chalkstream fly fishing outfits complete with all the top of the line tackle, equipment, and flies from household brands like Orvis, Snowbee, and Fulling Mill. Everything you need for your adventure on the chalkstreams.
The Halford Pack comes with everything you need to get fishing on the chalkstreams for up to 4 people.
They are available to hire all season so no more visions of snapped rods in the luggage hold, simply choose between the aptly named Halford, Walton, and Greene, and we will deliver your outfit to your local accommodation, or direct to your fishing cabin door!
The Halford pack is the one to pick if you are entertaining guests, with outfits for up to 4 people, plus cigars and light refreshments all included. The Walton is the one for all-rounders, with outfits for 2 people and the option to add more if you wish. The Greene pack is perfect if you are planning to explore the chalkstreams on your own, with an outfit and flies for one person.
The wading kit is an essential component of any chalkstream adventure.
We include a generous selection of seasonal flies with every outfit, and the tapered leaders and tippets are also adjusted according to seasonal requirements. There is the option to add additional tackle and equipment such as supplementary tapered leaders or tippets if you wish, plus our dedicated wading kit; which includes a pair of durable waders in all sizes, and a lightweight wading staff.
This week we have finally made it to the Upper Avon. Netheravon to be precise, a small village nestled in the rolling hills of rural Wiltshire.
The Dog and Gun is a traditional English sporting pub and its not uncommon to find the local rods propping up the bar during the season, fly rods bundled in the corner and waders drying at the door.
Under the wing of the fabulous Chickpea Group, this is another cosy place with flagstone floors, open fireplaces, low oak beams and all the measures of a proper country pub. If you are on the River anywhere north of Salisbury this season, pop by for a pint and let us know what you think!
The Dog and Gun, Netheravon, joins the Fork and Feather Guide.
Last week I signed off with mention of my visit to the Mutton at Hazeley Heath, and today I am delighted to report that it’s another Fork and Feather favourite! Lunch was delicious, the atmosphere warm and cosy and just 10 minutes off the M3, this is the perfect outpost for Londoners day-tripping to the chalkstreams beyond the capital.
A visit to The Mutton in Hazeley Heath.
We hope to welcome the Mutton to the guide very soon, along with many more places to eat and stay, but for now you’ll just have to take it from me. If you haven’t been, you must. If you have been before, you must go again!
That’s all from me this week, stay tuned every Wednesday for our weekly newsletter release.
As ever, please do not hesitate to get in touch with any questions and I am looking forward to catching up on the river sometime.
Best wishes,
Jamie Hayes-Pankhurst
Founder & Managing Director
+44 1264 554884 | info@wildetrout.co.uk | www.wildetrout.co.uk
Wilde Trout | The Old Post Office | Hurstbourne Tarrant | Hampshire | SP11 0AG
Dreaming of a burbling chalkstream brimming with frenzied brown trout slurping in the gunsmoke of an electric fly hatch? Your next adventure starts here!
