Does journalism get any better? In a time of global unrest, that was the headline earlier this week when Samba the 9 month old capybara was spotted on the banks of the River Itchen, near Winchester.
A local dog walker and her aptly named labrador, ‘Growler,’ spotted the Marwell Zoo escapee soaking in the rays shortly before she plunged into the river. Authorities are apparently hot on her trail, but Samba is a slippery one. Watch this space!
Samba and sister, Tango, shortly before they escaped Marwell Zoo.
Quite unbelievably, the Wild Trout Trust have raised a staggering £100k and counting in their 2026 spring auctions.
All that remains for me to say is thank you to all who submitted such generous bids and congratulations to the lucky winners! These are proceeds that will fund boots-on-the-ground conservation efforts and secure the future for wild brown trout across the UK and Ireland.
A wild brown trout hoovering up wriggling nymphs.
There are still a limited number of auction lots up for grabs so if you can rustle up some spare change, do click the big green button and check out what’s left.
We are delighted to announce the launch of our brand new fly fishing podcast.
Hosted by me, Jamie Pankhurst, the Wilde Trout Journal follows the diary of a fishing guide on the Hampshire chalkstreams. In this exciting new project, we explore the history, heritage and culture of fly fishing in England, and celebrate the people and the places that have shaped the past, present and future of this fabulous way of life.
Welcome to our brand new fly fishing podcast, the Wilde Trout Journal.
We get into the minds of some of the most famous faces in fly fishing, and step into the river with the little-known characters from behind the scenes to ask the questions we all want the answers to. Our in-session pieces will mean you can follow us while we mutter on about all the fish we rise and miss as we wade upstream.
If you are at a loss for what to listen to on your next long drive, please tune into the WTJ and see how long you can put up with my meandering ramblings. New episodes every Friday!
Follow the Wilde Trout Journal on Spotify and Apple…
As this newsletter arrives in your inbox, the team and I will be redecorating the famous Halford’s Hut in preparation for its first season under the new tenure.
It is rather an exciting project, bringing the oakley fishing cabin back to its former glory. There is much to do including a full repainting, re-furnishing and re-installment of all the great fly fishing memorabilia that would once have adorned its wooden clad walls.
By the time you come along, there will be all the tea and coffee making facilities, ample seating for you and your group, plus a fully stocked fly tying kit so you can sit as Halford once did and tie your flies in anticipation of the evening rise.
Halford’s Hut and the Oakley beat garden in summer colours.
This all-wild chalkstream fishery is brimming with wild brown trout, big and small. The Wessex Rivers Trust’s restoration works here have made it an exciting prospect for those of us that enjoy the challenge of a wildish river in a primeval setting.
If you are still hoping to secure a day here, be quick! We are closing in on those final few dates with just the 15th and 22nd of April and 23rd of September remaining.
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.
Book now via the big green button or call us in the office on +44 1264 554884.
Fly fishing is something of an art form and not just in the casting. In every facet of the sport; from the study of watercraft and fish behaviour, to entomology and fly selection, there is so much to learn. At Wilde Trout we strip it back to basics with our fabulous range of fly fishing tuitions and courses.
Our 1 to 1 private tuitions offer the chance to get in the minds of your expert fishing instructor, who will teach a fun and engaging lesson in all the things you need to know to get fishing. We cover all the basics including choosing the right equipment and tackling up, tying knots, kick sampling, the study of insect life and fly selection, casting, and hooking and landing your first trout.
A fun and engaging introduction to fly fishing in Hampshire and beyond! Â
We supply all the tackle, equipment and flies required, but you are welcome to bring your own if you wish. Also included are teas, coffees, and light refreshments, plus wellington boots in all adult sizes, and there’s the option to add on a picnic hamper for lunch outdoors.
We have fully equipped fishing lodges with all the facilities, so there will always be somewhere for spectating guests to sit and watch. If you are staying locally or travelling by train, we can pick you up and take you to the fishing at no extra cost.
The private tuition is available in half day (4 hour) and full day (8 hour) experiences, plus a 2 hour introductory session to get you on the water and casting with limited time.
This week’s special mention goes to the Three Cups in Stockbridge.
Epitomising cosy old english freehouses, the Three Cups is the place the guides and river keepers come for their post-river pint.
This 15th century coaching inn joined the guide a short while ago and completes the holy trinity of fly fishing pubs in central Stockbridge; The Grosvenor, The Greyhound, and now the Three Cups.
The Three Cups in Stockbridge, the fly fishing capital of England.
I am visiting new pubs and hotels on a weekly basis so stay tuned for the latest updates on the best places to eat and stay when you come fly fishing on the chalkstreams.
That’s all from me today. Next week, we look back on the Halford’s Hut restoration, and finally welcome the start of the trout fishing season in Hampshire!
As ever, please do not hesitate to get in touch with any queries 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!
