UPSTREAM DRY FLY
CHALK STREAMS To catch a wild brown trout from an English chalk stream using a dry fly or nymph cast upstream is the very essence of fly fishing.
As the rainwater soaks under gravity through the porous chalk geology, it is filtered and stored in these aquifers.
The pristine rivers of Southern England offer the world’s premier trout fly fishing and are the historic home of this most gracious and relaxing of sports.
The water eventually emerges from the aquifers as a spring at the source, feeding the river system with very high quality water of a consistent temperature in both summer and winter.
The crystal clear waters of the Test, Itchen and Avon flow through the bands of subsurface chalk that run across southern England producing the internationally rare and unique phenomena – the CHALK STREAM.
The alkaline water that flows in these chalk stream ecosystems is extremely fertile giving rise to an abundance of weed, invertebrates and of course salmon, trout and grayling.
80 BEATS ON 20 NAMED RIVERS HAMPSHIRE CHALK STREAMS River Test • The Bourne Rivulet • River Dever • River Anton • Wallop Brook • River Dun River Blackwater • Little River Test (salmon and sea trout) • Testwood Pool (salmon and sea trout) River Meon • River Itchen • River Alre • Candover Brook • Cheriton Brook • Elm Stream WILTSHIRE CHALK STREAMS
BERKSHIRE CHALK STREAMS
DORSET CHALK STREAMS
River Avon • River Nadder River Wylye
River Kennet River Lambourn
River Frome River Piddle
Photography: Georgekavanagh.com
WELCOME HOWARD TAYLOR, the company’s founder, is celebrating his 45th year as a fly fisherman. He has worked as a river keeper and a fly fishing instructor, studied conservation biology and shares a lifelong passion for chalk streams and the gentle art of fly fishing.
ANNA TAYLOR, Howard’s wife, is the brains behind Upstreamdryfly. She is a travel and logistics specialist. She has worked for private jet companies logging global flight itineraries, round the world yacht racing organisations sailing against the trade winds, as cabin crew in the early days of Virgin Atlantic and she’s an accomplished Cordon Bleu trained chef.
A very warm welcome to the Upstream Dry Fly brochure. We are very proud to offer this definitive portfolio of English chalk stream fly fishing. A broad variation of fishing on the most exclusive, private estate, chalk stream beats available. We have over 80 beats on more than 20 named rivers and streams on our books. With Upstream Dry Fly, today’s fly fisher can target species from elusive wild brown trout, a night after hard fighting sea trout and even chalk stream salmon on our Testwood and Nursling water of the lower river Test... all within 90 minutes from London. We offer day rods, group and corporate fly fishing days, tuition with our team of instructors and each season we run special themed fly fishing events such as our Ladies’ Day in May, Father and Son Day in the summer and the Lady of the Stream Weekend in February. Our experienced team of professional fishing guides and instructors will ensure you get the best out of your time on the water whether a novice or seasoned angler and with our diverse portfolio of beats we can select a beat to suit your ability, desires or offer you your next piscatorial challenge. With many years of experience in hospitality our team is second to none. Allow us to build a bespoke day for your guests, colleagues or clients with the best guides, chefs and catering staff. Our group and corporate fly fishing days, offer full riverside catering in stunning locations on the very best fly fishing estates England has to offer. If you are a riparian owner, ask us about our river management team and our track record of chalk stream habitat restoration, conservation and fishery management. It would be a pleasure to hear from you. Kind regards
RIVER TEST & TRIBUTARIES
The River Test is the most famous fly fishing river in the world. Her upper reaches and tributaries offer a pristine aquatic environment in which to pursue wild brown trout and grayling. Wet a line and pay homage to the founding fathers of fly fishing.
THE BOURNE RIVULET (Headwater River Test tributary)
RIVER DUN, ‘BLUE POOL’ BEAT (Test tributary)
If you enjoy the challenge of classic chalk stream wild trout fishing, the Bourne Rivulet is a must. Made famous by the book ‘Where the Bright Waters Meet’ by Harry PlunketGreen in 1927. Take a moment in the churchyard to pay piscatorial respect at Plunket-Green’s grave. This is the upstream most tributary of the famous river Test. It is pristine. The fish grow big and provide some excellent and testing fishing.
Our beat on the River Dun is just over 1 km long. Another secluded nature spot where the river flows through old riparian woodland. At the top of the beat is the Blue Pool - a large spring directly out of the chalk aquifer giving the water a unique blue appearance.
UPPER RIVER TEST & RIVER DEVER NEWTON STACEY ESTATE RIVER DEVER (Test tributary) The river Dever is the only main Test tributary to flow from the east of the catchment. Known for exceptional water clarity and very good insect hatches, the Dever is the perfect chalk stream for stalking highly visible trout, lazily sipping insects from the water’s surface between fronds of Ranunculus and Starwort. A personal favourite. UPPER TEST AND DEVER BEATS We are very honoured to have the exclusive letting. Here is the confluence of the rivers Test and her tributary the beautiful river Dever. The Estate water forms a ‘Y’ shape - the eastern arm the Dever and the western the Test. The triangle between is a Site of Special Scientific Interest nature reserve with deer, barn owls and orchids. A very special and secluded spot with super insect life and great dry fly fishing. Truly the jewel of Hampshire. UPPER MILL BEAT, LONGPARISH This is a privately-owned Mill House just upstream of the famous Longparish House Estate. With varied water of main river upstream and downstream of the historic Mill. The downstream section and mill pool is a wading section, and the upstream reach is bank fishing accessed through the beautiful gardens. Stocked brown trout, wild brown trout and some nice grayling. There is also a pretty carrier stream in the woods. About ¾ of a kilometre in all, ideal for one rod or two friends. There is a pretty rod room for your use.
UPPER RIVER TEST Through the writings of fly fishing’s ‘fathers’ such as Halford and Plunket-Greene, the upper river Test is immortalised in fly fishing history and rightly so. Sight fishing through the clear water, targeting trout laying on the gravel runs between fronds of green weed as they feed on a rich diversity of aquatic insects. The upper reaches of probably the most famous fly fishing river in the world offer quintessential upstream dry fly fishing for both brown trout and grayling in the most amazing surroundings.
FREELANDS ESTATE Freelands is a private house and beat located in the village of Wherwell, in the heart of the Test Valley, Hampshire. Half a mile of main river fishing that offers good variation. It sits just below the Wherwell Priory and just upstream from the Fullerton and the Leckford Estates. Top class dry fly water. Both wild and stocked trout are plentiful, and there are some specimen grayling here too. The setting idyllic, peaceful and wild, as here the river meanders through 20 acres of our own private riverine pasture and woodland, overlooking the Chilbolton Cow Common. Birdlife is abundant on this stretch of water and most days our resident Kingfisher makes an appearance. There is a fantastic thatched fly-fishers’ hut built as a tribute to the forefathers of our sport F M Halford and George Selwyn Marryat. It is based on their historic fishing huts nearby on the river and constructed from locally sourced materials throughout. One of the best huts on the river with fishing to match. The Manor House is undergoing extensive restoration to reinstate the property to the famous sporting lodge it once was.
CHILBOLTON MANOR BEATS The Chilbolton Manor water consists of two beats – upper and lower. Main river and carrier streams. So, lovely varied fishing. Both beats have a fishing hut and parking. The upper consists of both single and double bank with some long runs, pools and meanders. The lower beat is all double bank with main river and a pretty carrier stream. These beats have not been available on the open market before. Freelands and Chilbolton Manor beats can be booked together for an exclusive use group or corporate day on consecutive beats.
MIDDLE RIVER TEST The middle river Test is steeped in piscatorial history. The birth place of dry fly fishing by the innovative F M Halford in the 1880’s. Halford perfected his techniques on middle Test beats around Stockbridge. He published his teachings, the most famous, Dry Fly Fishing in Theory and Practice 1889, dedicated to his mentor, George Selwyn Marryat, that revolutionised fly fishing all over the world. The middle beats of the Test’s 40 miles from source to mouth still offer fine dry fly sport today. Upstream Dry Fly offers a choice of several middle Test private estate waters on both main river, carrier streams and tributaries. We cannot list all beats here. Please enquire for details. THE GREYHOUND BEAT MAIN CARRIER STREAM This beat sits on the famous Houghton Club water immediately upstream of Stockbridge behind the Greyhound Inn. The water abuts the prestigious Houghton Club’s ‘Bends Beat’ a short cast across the water meadow. Double bank fishing with a beautiful hatch pool. Excellent value for money and pop into the Inn for a pint at half-time! The fishing is ideal for one or two rods, with plenty of sizeable browns and rainbows on this well known river Test carrier.
BOSSINGTON ESTATE WATER BOSSINGTON
THE HORSEBRIDGE LAKE
Part of British aviation history, Bossington is in the ownership of the Fairey family, makers of the Fairey Swordfish aeroplane. This famous private estate fishing is immediately downstream of the hallowed Houghton Club water and offers a diverse mix of seven beats on main river Test, carriers and the Wallop Brook tributary. Something for everyone from novice to expert. The Estate has excellent facilities and a full time river keeper. Bossington’s House Beat has the beautiful backdrop of the Manor House and lawns rolling down to the river’s edge. Day rod fishing as well as client entertainment or group days available on Thursdays and Fridays for 6 to 16 rods. We can offer the option of lunch in the dining room of the Manor House too.
This private trout lake is set in the Hampshire countryside a short cast from the river Test. Stocked with rainbow trout and arctic char. Perfect for the novice, an introduction to fly fishing with an instructor, or a family day. Use of fishing lodge and facilities included. THE WALLOP BROOK (Test Tributary) A beautiful river Test tributary over 2 miles long! Wild trout, catch and release. Wading required.
TESTWOOD AND NURSLING FISHERY BARKER MILL ESTATE These four unique beats are where the classic chalk stream flows to the inter tidal zone. The most ecologically diverse stretch of river with a mix of freshwater, sea and migratory fish to target. The grand slam of salmon, sea trout and brown trout in a day is not only achievable but only 90 minutes from central London. We can also offer B&B on occasion with three small cabins in the sea trout fishing lodge and a hearty ‘full English’ served in the parlour of the Mill House on the banks of the famous Pool.
LOWER RIVER TEST NURSLING ‘LITTLE RIVER’ SALMON AND SEA TROUT BEAT
TESTWOOD POOL AND BEAT, SALMON AND SEA TROUT
This famous beat offers miles of both tidal and non-tidal water to explore. Excellent sight fishing for salmon and sea trout with a well appointed fishing lodge and patio overlooking the Drawing Room Pool. Our extensive river restoration program here is already paying dividends.
This is a world famous fishery for which we have the sole letting. Historically Testwood was a private and exclusive fishing club. The Pool has been fished by the Royal family and many dignitaries. Sight fishing the clear water for a chalk stream Atlantic salmon is the ultimate piscatorial challenge.
NURSLING MILL TROUT BEAT
TESTWOOD POOL NIGHT TIME SEA TROUT FISHING
The Nursling trout beat offers main river, double bank fishing from the Broadlands boundary downstream to below Nursling Mill. Excellent value river Test trout fishing, renowned for phenomenal mayfly hatches.
Probably the best sea trout fishing in the south of England. Sea trout fight like Trojans and frequently reach double figures here. For three rods. Sea trout anglers’ B&B available.
UPPER RIVER AVON The river Avon is one of the country’s most varied chalk streams. Salisbury is almost a halfway marker and above this historic City she is home to some of our finest wild brown trout and grayling fishing, consisting of gin clear water and some beautiful and challenging side streams and carriers. Her upper reaches are of particular interest to the dry fly fisherman. The upper Avon in particular enjoys good hatches of upwing flies, olives and iron blues in early season, alongside falls of terrestrials such as hawthorn flies which are haphazardly blown onto the water from the trees. Trout love hawthorns and the fishing can often equal that of mayfly time. Of greatest interest is the mayfly of the upper river that hatch from mid May, but hatches can last right through to July here! Sedges work well from June onwards, as will various olives, which one will hopefully expect to see for the remainder of the season. Many of the beats here provide testing but top quality fishing for brown trout and some super grayling to over 3lbs! It was on these famous upper waters that Frank Sawyer developed his famous style of nymph fishing specifically for grayling. He was the first to tie up artificials with fine copper wire, perfect for light subsurface fishing - this breakthrough gave way to the Grey Goose, the Sawyer’s Pheasant Tail Nymph and his Killer Bug, three of our most famous patterns. Oliver Kite was another famous legendary fly fisherman who spent a lot of time on these waters. A pupil of Sawyer’s, Kite wrote ‘Nymph Fishing in Practice’, a book famous for its study of upstream nymph fishing - this is the technique still used today on the English chalk streams. Upstream Dry Fly offer wonderful river Avon beats for 2 to 6 rods.
WILSFORD MANOR ESTATE (Upper Wiltshire Avon) This beautiful private estate fishery comprises of approximately 1 mile of double bank fishing on the upper River Avon. Nestling in the famous Woodford valley on the river Avon - a setting of untouched rural charm, yet easily accessible from London via the M3 and A303. The mayfly hatch here from mid May lasting often well into July. The river is wide for this part of the upper Avon and is wonderfully kept, with a lots of brown trout, from small wild fish to the monsters in double figures that Wilsford is famed for. Anglers visiting Wilsford are exceptionally well looked after based at the very best equipped fishing lodge in Wessex! Everything from a satellite TV, a fully stocked refrigerator, tea and coffee facilities, loo and even a cocktail cabinet. A fully catered luncheon can also be arranged and served in the fishing lodge from the kitchen of the Manor House at extra cost. HURDCOTT ESTATE (River Nadder, Avon tributary) This is simply the perfect venue to fish and to entertain in wonderful surroundings. It is exactly what you might imagine
the quintessential chalk stream to be like. It has a very intimate feel about it and produces hard fighting brown trout and grayling that will willingly sample a well presented dry fly. The river flows peacefully through the water meadows, situated in the middle of the estate with the Manor House as a stunning backdrop. The fishing hut is second to none with a tree lined avenue down the drive that leads directly to the hut. The Nadder produces wonderful Mayfly hatches as well as the most amazing olive and sedge hatches later in the season. UPPER WOODFORD VALLEY (Upper Wiltshire Avon) This beautiful private house beat offers approximately 1/2 mile of main river Avon fishing on the true right bank through the stunning grounds and riverbank below. There are plenty of wild brown trout as well as some carefully stocked browns that have over wintered and grown very large. These large trout for which this section is famed have grown on in the river, over the seasons. Fishing from 15th April to 30th September.
RIVER MEON The conservation of chalk stream habitats is paramount at Upstream Dry Fly. As stewards of these streams we continuously strive to improve habitats and let fishing in a sustainable way. In the 17th century Izaak Walton, who wrote The Complete Angler came to Droxford to fish in the River Meon. He said it was the best river in England for trout. His daughter Anne married William Hawkins rector of Droxford. Walton lived for the latter portion of his life in the county capital, Winchester. His tomb is in the Silkstead Chapel of Winchester Cathedral.
MIDLINGTON Our river Meon beat is just downstream of Droxford, Hampshire. It is about 1 3⁄4 miles long (double bank). Very popular with a handful of wild trout enthusiasts and we keep letting to a minimum. In conjunction with the Wild Trout Trust we have carried out extensive habitat restoration works. Voted one of Britain’s top 5 finest wild trout streams by Paul Procter in Trout & Salmon magazine.
RIVER ITCHEN, ALRE & CANDOVER The River Itchen is the ultimate in chalk streams and designated with the highest wildlife conservation designations. Shorter than her big sister, the River Test, the source of the Itchen is the confluence of three tributaries; the Alre, the Cheriton Brook (or Tichbourne) and the Candover Brook, just below Alresford. The beautiful Garden Cottage near Alresford in Hampshire is available with prime chalk stream fly fishing beats (one double bedroom). This is an exclusive opportunity as only a very limited allocation of bookings are available each season with the cottage and fly fishing beats on the Grange Estate (1 or 2 rods). The season opens in mid April through to mid October. All fishing on the Grange beats is catch and release and only in conjunction with accommodation. A example package would be a three night stay with fly fishing on different beats over the three days.
UPPER RIVER ITCHEN Superb wild trout fishing on the upper river Itchen. Most of the beats require wading as it is very traditionally managed. We have two generous beats on the main river Itchen that offer anglers that ‘lost in time’ private estate, wild trout fishing that is so rare these days. EAST LODGE ESTATE East Lodge is purely and simply an anglers’ paradise that is steeped in fly fishing history dating back to the 17th Century. The Itchen runs for over one and a half miles as the beautiful East Lodge Estate water near Winchester, providing top quality fly fishing throughout the season. Flowing through the untouched water meadows that make up this stunning fishery, the water here is varied and suits both novice and expert. Consisting of both main river and a beautiful fast flowing side stream bisecting the water meadows called Rosemary’s Leat. Fly fishing on the fabled upper Itchen is usually either priced exorbitantly or unavailable to the mortal fly fisher. Please contact us for further details.
RIVER KENNET & LAMBOURN The River Kennet rises near Avebury and flows eastwards through Marlborough. Upon leaving Wiltshire, she flows gently into Berkshire towards Newbury and eventually into Old Father Thames. Historically renowned for superb chalk stream fly fishing and her illusive native ‘greenback’ brown trout. The finest Kennet fly fishing is all privately owned, found between Marlborough and Newbury and not usually available to day rods. We are fortunate to have exclusive access to some beautiful private estate waters on the upper river Kennet.
From book by Peter Hayes and Don Stazicker “Trout and Flies - Getting Closer”
THE CRAVEN FISHERY
AVINGTON ESTATE, DENFORD WATER
Quintessentially English chalk stream fishing though gardens, water meadows and riparian woodlands. The historic fishing lodge is a great HQ for the day, on who’s walls hang reminders from fishing days past and present. Explore variation of main river and extensive carrier streams. The Craven even has a casting pond for the novice. A super family or mixed ability venue.
Recently under new ownership and part of an extensive habitat restoration program. A mix of main river and carrier streams set in seventy acres of beautiful natural water meadows.
THE EASTRIDGE ESTATE The Eastridge Estate’s stretch of the River Kennet, on the Berkshire / Wiltshire border (upstream of Hungerford) was the well deserved winner of the Wild Trout Trust’s 2014 Conservation Award. This is classic chalk stream fishing, with fast flowing clear water, wonderful gravel beds, good Ranunculus growth and excellent fly life. (groups of 4 to 6 rods only).
RIVER LAMBOURN (Kennet Tributary) Offers fishing in a pristine chalk stream; crystal clear water with good gradient for both wild and stocked brown trout and some truly monster grayling.
EVENTS, TUITION & GIFT VOUCHERS UPSTREAM DRY FLY GIFT VOUCHERS Upstream Dry Fly gift vouchers are redeemable against any of our beats or events. They are valid for 2 years. See website for details. FOUNDATION COACHING For those wanting to start fly fishing or if you are returning to the sport after a break. Cover the roll and overhead casts, shooting line, knots, lines and flies, tackle, hooking and playing fish, safety. Hopefully finish our morning lesson by catching your first trout or two to take home for supper! CHALK STREAM FLY FISHING COACHING Specifically for the river and stream angler – Spend a day on a chalk stream beat with an instructor and brush up on upstream dry flies and nymphs, riverside entomology, stalking fish, river etiquette and safety.
C O RPO RA TE FLY FIS H IN G DAYS A day on the most famous fly fishing river in the world. THE RIVER TEST is the birth place of modern fly fishing. Her banks are the most beautiful and quintessentially English setting for a corporate event. Thatched fishing huts, teak picnic tables, barn owls hunting the adjacent water meadows and the crystal clear water running by - all only 90 minutes from London. Upstream Dry Fly offers companies a unique sporting experience in the most beautiful locations. Allow us to build you a bespoke corporate day to the highest standards: Fishing, tuition, equipment and catering. We are experienced in catering for both the individual client as well as larger corporate groups. Whether your guests are complete beginners or experienced dry fly anglers, our beautiful riverside locations and team of professional instructors will ensure you all get the absolute most out of
your precious time on the river. With our second to none hospitality skills, allow us to build a bespoke day around your particular requirements. We provide the finest in modern fly fishing equipment, qualified instructors, catering, refreshments, transport and accommodation. Thus allowing you and your guests to interact, relax and focus on this fascinating and most traditional of country sports – fly fishing. We have exclusive relationships with several of the best hotels and fly fishing inns in the area which ensures your reservation is easier to make and that your guests will be very well looked after. Our professional multi-award winning caterers have many years experience of shoot and fishing luncheons. With linen tablecloths, five courses and fine wines, all of the highest quality.
+44 (0)1264 560976 • office@upstreamdryfly.com • www.upstreamdryfly.com