I am writing to you from my studio in Hurstbourne Tarrant, a quaint little collection of redbrick thatched cottages nestled in what can only be described as quintessential rural Hampshire. Flowering daffodils checker the road side. My neighbour’s cherry-plum is in full bloom. Spring is coming.
The view from the North Wessex Downs was this morning, as it is every morning, a cinematic marvel. A heavy mist drapes over the valley and the sun beats down on the only thing it can touch, the towering spires of churches in every village piercing through the clouds in proud defiance. Whisps of cloud burn off like the stiff peaks of a bronzed meringue. It needs a professional to capture it, a photo by my hand would never do it the justice it deserves.
Downstream of here are the chocolate box Hampshire villages of St Mary Bourne and Hurstbourne Priors, where the great Harry Plunket Greene would once have cast his fly, and it is of course the Bourne Rivulet, the famous tributary to the main River Test, that threads them all together.
I missed the dawn chorus so here’s the sunsetting over the North Wessex Downs.
Like many of our chalkstream tributaries the uppermost reaches of the Rivulet are winterbourne, for they run dry in the summer and wet in the winter. Every year the the trout retreat to safer waters, the grasses grow over, and the river falls fallow under the cloven trotters of sheep and their spring lambs. It was particularly arid last summer, and, baked by the sun, the riverbed had begun to crack.
Fast forward 6 months and then come the rains, and those very cracks in the mud become tiny streams of their own. Sometime later the aquifers begin to bubble up and breath life back into the valley once again. What starts as only a trickle between the reed stems, flows faster and begins to carve away the earth revealing the pearly white chalk of the riverbed beneath. Eventually, the water will return to a level you might expect from a small stream.
I’ll concede, this year it took a little longer than usual, but with rain for 40 consecutive days in January and February, it comes as no surprise that the chalkstreams are brimming. Today, our little bourne runs high and clear, tumbling over bright gravels, sliding under wooden footbridges, and sweeping through the meadows as it winds its way to join with the River Test between Tufton and Longparish
Soon the trout will return, and with them the kingfishers and wading birds. The willows are budding, the blackthorn is blossoming, and if I turn my face to the sun it finally feels like spring.
The upper reaches of the Bourne Rivulet in full flow near St Mary Bourne.
We are delighted to be working with the Wessex Rivers Trust to bring you exclusive chalkstream fly fishing on the famous Oakley, Rectory, and Dun beats at Mottisfont Abbey on the River Test.
This is a unique and exciting opportunity to fish in the footsteps of the great F.M. Halford, one of the founding fathers of modern fly fishing. It was here on these very riverbanks that Halford developed the techniques that formed the bedrock of upstream dry fly fishing as we know it. Today, his work at Mottisfont lives on to inspire hundreds of thousands of fly fishers around the world to take up this fabulous way of life.
A large wild brown trout caught and released on the Oakley beat last summer!
Since 2023, the Wessex Rivers Trust have been working alongside the National Trust, the custodians of these fabled stretches of the River Test, to restore and enhance habitat for wild trout and all the wildlife that call the chalkstreams their home.
Think of fallen oaks, dense undergrowth, and wild brown trout drifting over bright gravels, slurping up wriggling gnats. This is chalkstream fly fishing in its most exciting and primitive form.
Soon you will be able to visit for yourself and step back in time in the Oakley fishing hut, where you can sit as Halford once did looking out over his river and tying his flies to match the evening rise.
The famous Oakley beat, looking downstream towards Halford’s Hut.
The fishing dates will be going live for bookings at 10am on Monday 9th March, with the season opening on Monday 13th April 2026. Please note that dates are limited to Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, excluding the River Test weed cutting periods.
When you fish at Mottisfont, you will have private and exclusive use of all three beats: Oakley, Rectory, and the Dun, with space for up to 4 rods. The famous Oakley fishing hut, with table and chairs and ample parking, is the perfect place to base your group for the day. From there the place is yours to roam as you please, with all three beats within a 5-minute drive.
The prices will be just £270/day, or £400/day during the Mayfly period (12 May – 06 June), for exclusive use of all 3 beats, facilities, and fishing for up to 4 rods.
The Oakley hut and gardens in full summer bloom.
If you would like to take a fishing guide, we have assembled our team of Mottisfont-approved guides who will be on hand to help you make the most of your day. They can supply all the tackle, equipment and flies required, plus hotel pick up if you are planning to stay locally.
You will be able to select your date and book online, or if you prefer, please do call the office on 01264 554884 and I will be delighted to confirm your booking over the phone.
Mother’s Day is fast approaching and in all my experience fly fishing is undoubtedly a women’s sport. Yep – I’m afraid they are far better at it than us, chaps!
Why not give the gift of fly fishing this year with our bespoke-made, uber high quality gift vouchers complete with gold foil inlays, a string and washer envelope, and a beautifully illustrated map of the famous River Test and Itchen.
Our Chalkstream Explorer vouchers are redeemable against all fly fishing and guiding experiences.
They are redeemable against all the fishing and guiding experiences offered by Wilde Trout so be it a private tuition, or a day on the river with the family, this is a gift voucher that can do it all.
You can purchase one online, or give me a call in the office on 01264 554884 and I would be delighted to chat through some options. Any excuse to talk fishing!
Welcome to my side hustle! Its rather a lossmaker, I know, but if nothing else I hope it will be a fantastic free-to-use resource for all those visiting the chalkstreams from afar.
I have spent the last few months carefully curating all the best places to eat and stay in close proximity to the best fly fishing locations. Think of us as the ‘Good Food Guide’ for the discerning fly fisher.
The Duke on the Test joins the Fork and Feather Guide.
We are delighted to be working with lots of our favourite fly fishing pubs and hotels in the area already, but only in the last few weeks have we managed to bribe the fabulous Duke on the Test into joining our ranks.
If you haven’t been, this 16th-century inn near Romsey is a must-visit when you are fishing on the middle and lower reaches of the River Test. There is no better lunch away from the river than the classic Duke burger washed down with a refreshing pint!
That’s all from me this week, but look out for a special release this Sunday when we send you a reminder for the main event. Don’t forget, Mottisfont Abbey goes live for bookings at 10am on Monday 9th March.
For many of you around the country, the trout season is opening in the not too distant future. We chalkstream lifers will have to wait just a little bit longer but nevertheless, our reels are spooled, the fly boxes are full and we are chomping at the bit to get make the first cast of the season.
Welcome to the Wilde Trout family, I hope a special fishing trip is about to begin.
Best wishes,
Jamie Hayes-Pankhurst
Founder & Managing Director
01264 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!
