Summer on the Hampshire Chalkstreams

Test, Itchen, Kennet

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 beetle 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.

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Dreaming of a burbling chalkstream brimming with frenzied brown trout slurping in the gunsmoke of an electric fly hatch? Your next adventure starts here!

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Newsletter

Test

Tackling Algae on the River Test

July 29, 2026

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.

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Itchen

Sedge takeover on the River Itchen

July 22, 2026

As the olives thin out through the height of summer, the caddis are stepping in to fill the gap at dusk. This week we're talking sedges, low flows, and introducing one of our guiding team. Welcome to the latest instalment of the Wilde Trout fly fishing newsletter, bringing you fresh news from the River Test and Itchen.

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Test

Spinnerfall on the River Test

July 15, 2026

The heatwave shows no sign of breaking, and the River Test and Itchen continue to fish beautifully once the sun starts to drop. This week we've got a guest catch to share, a new fly to add to your box and the latest on what's hatching. Welcome to the latest instalment of the Wilde Trout fly fishing newsletter.

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Test, Itchen

Late Evenings on the River Itchen

July 8, 2026

Another week of glorious summer weather, and the River Test and Itchen are settling ever deeper into their classic July rhythm, low, bright and gin clear. It's shaping up to be a memorable season on the chalkstreams, so grab a cold drink and settle in for a longer than usual instalment of the Wilde Trout fly fishing newsletter this week.

Newsletter

Test, Itchen

July on the Hampshire Chalkstreams

July 1, 2026

July is here, and with it comes some of the finest chalkstream fly fishing of the year. Low, clear water, prolific evening rises and a real change in tactics from the spring. Welcome to the latest instalment of the Wilde Trout fly fishing newsletter, bringing you fresh news from the River Test and Itchen this July.

Newsletter

Test, Itchen, Kennet

Chalkstreams – The Evening Rise

June 24, 2026

The scythe is finally back in the shed. After a fortnight of hard graft, the River Test weed cut is done for another year, and the chalkstream has never looked better for it. Welcome to the latest instalment of the Wilde Trout fly fishing newsletter, bringing you the freshest news from the Test and Itchen this June.

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