The english chalkstreams are the holy grail of trout fly fishing, so it is no surprise there are many great fishing guides in England.
Not only do the chalkstreams offer world-class trout fishing in the England, they are the very birthplace of fly fishing itself. Just as Wimbledon is for tennis, and St Andrews for golf, the chalkstreams are the crucible where upstream dry fly fishing and nymphing were forged.
The crystal-clear waters, bright gravels and wild trout that define these chalkstreams mean that fly fishing here demands a level of finesse unmatched in any other discipline of the sport. Combined with an intimate understanding of chalkstream entomology and watercraft, upstream dry fly fishing on the chalkstreams is truly an art form.
Learning these skills might only takes days. But to refine your techniques it takes years, and perhaps even a lifetime to master. Most good fishing guides will tell you that you will never stop learning, and it's true! So enthralling is the journey that many fishing guides and river keepers have devoted their entire lives to fishing and working on the chalkstreams of England.
Just like the ghillies of Scotland, Iceland, and Norway, or the guides of Alaska, Montana, and Wyoming, there is no one who knows their rivers more intimately than those who live and breathe them. The fishing guides in England are no exception.
When you book with Wilde Trout, your fishing guide will come fully equipped with all the tackle, equipment, and flies you'll need for your trip, but beyond that they will possess an encyclopedic knowledge of everything the chalkstreams have to offer: from the insect life, to the behaviour of wild brown trout.
Whether you are sight fishing on a tiny headwater stream, or casting a long line over the sweeping River Test, your fishing guide will be by your side to point you in the direction of the rising trout, and to celebrate with you when you have successfully coaxed your quarry to the net.
And when the hatches are heavy and you need us the least, your fishing guide will make an amiable companion to join you on your day, not least because we know all the best local pubs for a pint of bitter and a bite to eat!
It is for all these reasons and many more that we recommend taking a fishing guide on your trip to the chalkstreams whether you are a seasoned chalkstream veteran, or a complete beginner discovering this extraordinary way of life for the first time.
You can book a guide to join you on any day throughout the season. Simply click the button below to get started!
I have spent many happy years as a fly fishing guide, riverkeeper, and fishing agent on the English chalkstreams, and I am delighted to offer private guided fly fishing trips in my home county of Hampshire and all across the southern chalkstreams.
Having fished almost all of these iconic rivers I can recommend the beats where you will find the most enjoyment, be it the immaculately maintained main River Test, or the wild and intimate headwater streams, whether you are a seasoned chalkstream angler or just discovering chalkstream fly fishing for the first time.
On the day of your trip, I will come fully equipped with all tackle, equipment and flies, plus waders if required. I can meet you at the river, collect you from your accommodation, or pick you up from the train station, whichever is most convenient. Cigars and light refreshments are included, and for lunch you can enjoy a riverside picnic or I will take you to the to a local pub.
To learn more about my services and book a guided chalkstream fly fishing trip, please get in touch. I hope a special fishing trip is about to begin, as I look forward to helping you experience an unforgettable day on some of England’s most iconic rivers.
My love for fishing began in my childhood, casting for mackerel and bass with my dad in the Exe estuary, then for trout across Devon’s rivers and lakes.
While he was always the sailor, I was drawn to freshwater, the peaceful flow of rivers and the thrill of chasing wild brown trout. As a boy, I spent every spare moment exploring the River Exe in Devon, cycling miles with a rod strapped to my bike, crafting floats from goose quills, and learning the art of angling first-hand. But it wasn’t until I discovered the chalkstreams that I unearthed my lifelong calling.
Today, as a fly fishing guide and river keeper in Hampshire, I share my passion for chalkstream fly fishing and conservation, helping others to experience the beauty, challenge, and serenity of England’s most iconic trout rivers.
“Jamie was once again amazing. He went over and beyond to help me, he was patient and I had a wonderful time. He exceeded my expectations!”
“Thanks again for your expert tuition and experience last week – it was very much appreciated both by our guests, as well as us.”
I’m a tea, coffee, and custard creams man.
Octopus or a good ribeye steak, medium rare!
I have been to New Zealand, so Alaska.
Up close and personal sight fishing.
A size 16 Olive Klinkhammer.
The Dever, a tap-clear tributary on the upper River Test.
I have many but hold a gun to my head and I’ll say FM Halford!
Where the Bright Waters Meet – Harry Plunket Green.
It has to be the day we brought 10 enormous Blue Fin Tuna to my friend’s boat off the coast of our very own Devon shores.
Watching a big old wily trout finally slurp up my client’s fly, and thunder off beneath the surface when they lift up into the perfect strike.
We will send you a full booking confirmation by email, along with any maps, directions, travel arrangements, and arrival instructions required, plus the contact information for your Guide.
Our guides will come equipped with all the tackle, equipment and flies required at no extra cost.
We suggest bringing a picnic or if you prefer, we can take you to the local pub. For something special, our delightful range of riverside hampers are also available to preorder.
The million dollar question! Of course it depends on the season, but generally we suggest a good mix of dry flies and nymphs in the S14 – S16 range. Your fishing guide will come with all the flies required for your day, but if you would like to bring your own, our boxes will always feature a generous pinch of Blue Winged Olives, Parachute Adams’, Sawyers Pheasant Tail Nymphs, and Peeping Caddis.
Your fishing guide will come fully equipped with all the tackle and equipment required, but if you have your heart set on using your own, we suggest a rod in the 3 to 5 weight range, paired with an arbor reel, and a floating fly line. It is also wise to carry a pouch of tapered leaders in the 9ft to 12ft / 4x to 6x range to cover all basis.
Gratuity is not obligatory, but always very much appreciated. As a guideline, 10% to 15% of your guide fee is a good starting point.
Sadly, we cannot cancel or postpone your booking under any circumstances. However, if you are unable to attend your day, please let us know at your earliest convenience and we will endeavour to resell the booking for you. If we are successful, you will be eligible for a credit to the full value of your booking, valid for 24 months, or a refund minus a 25% admin fee.
Charter the chalkstreams in style with our bespoke chalkstream tackle packs, fully equipped with everything you need to get fishing on the chalkstreams.
Collect your tackle pack from your local accommodation, or we can deliver it direct to your fishing cabin door.
Find out more about our chalkstream tackle packs, and check out our delightful range of kingfisher hampers also available for collection and delivery.
We’ve teamed up with the fabulous people at the Greyhound on the Test and Wilds Events in Stockbridge to offer scrumptious picnic hampers for hungry fly fishers exploring the Hampshire chalkstreams.
