Chalkstream fishing with Roxtons

The Hurdcott Estate on the River Nadder is one of the best chalkstream destinations to entertain a group of clients or guests for up to six rods. It is exactly what you might imagine the quintessential chalkstream 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. The fishing hut is second to none with a tree lined avenue down the drive that leads directly to the hut.

The management of the estate and water meadows lends itself wonderfully to fly life and that is evident on the river. The Nadder produces wonderful Mayfly hatches as well as the most amazing olive and sedge hatches later in the season.

Prince Leopold Inn, Upton Lovell
01985 850460

The Angel Coaching Inn, Warminster
01985 840330

Lucknam Park Hotel, Bath
01225 742277

Rods
A 9ft rod for a 6wt line is the all-rounder we recommend, however many people, Americans in particular like shorter rods and lighter lines. As a guide, the lightest line we recommend would be a 4wt; otherwise it is difficult to cast into a strong headwind: and the shortest rod we recommend would be an 8ft which gives reasonable line control and enough power to cast a good distance.

Reels
These are generally not an issue with trout fishing on these rivers, but a balanced outfit gives you the perfect combination to maximise your casting.

Lines
Lines of suitable weight for your rod are very important, if your line is a 5wt with a 6wt rod, the rod will not load properly; conversely a 7wt line with a 6wt rod will deaden the action and make casting heavy work.

The ideal line for dry fly and nymph fishing is a weight forward floating line, with a high float profile. The weight forward line is an ideal shooting line and is easy to pick up off the water.
Some fishermen still prefer traditional double taper.

Terminal Tackle (Leaders & Tippet)
Nylon tapered leaders (9ft normally) 4x to 7x, approximately 2½lb to 6lb breaking strain.
Nylon tippet material 4x to 7x, approximately 2½lb to 6lb breaking strain.
nb Not Flurocarbon for dryfly fishing.

Flies
All traditional English dryfly patterns. Specific patterns such as Mayfly, Kites Imperial and Greenwell's Glory, all of which are easily obtainable in local tackle shops.

Fly Dressing
Floatants: Liquid, gels, sprays and powders are all used depending on the size, type of fly and personal choice.
Sinkants: Pastes and liquids are used for sinking and de-shining leaders and tippet.

General Tackle
Scissors, forceps or snips.
As per UK law, nets should all be knotless.
Insect repellents are generally not needed but it is always wise to have in case.
Polaroid glasses in yellow or grey. Yellow for cloudy dull days and grey for sunny days to cut out glare.

Footwear & Clothing
Wellington Boots are the normal footwear as wading is rarely needed or permitted.
Lightweight Waterproof (including leggings if available).
Warm sweater.
Hat of your own choice but long peaks like baseball caps do keep out the glare.

Southern England is a wonderful place to visit with a host of historic places to see such as:

• Stonehenge
• Winchester Cathedral
• Salisbury
• Romsey Abbey

Situated in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, west of Salisbury.