Chalkstream fishing with Roxtons

The Wherwell Estate lies in the heart of the Test Valley in the picturesque rural community of Wherwell.

This is a classic upper Test fishery with beats that meander through wonderful water meadows which produce prolific fly hatches throughout the season.

Each rod has their own beat for the day making a day here a truly exclusive experience.

The fishery comprises of eight beats which are all for single rods. This makes for an exclusive feeling meaning that you 'own' your beat for the day.

The beats are split between the main river and some very intimate and challenging carriers making it one of the most diverse fisheries on the River Test.

All the banks are lovingly cared for by the river keeper and the weed is cut in such a way that it helps to enhance the natural fly life that is already abundant.

Brown trout and grayling can be seeing sipping the surface at almost any time of day at Wherwell. The fishery holds a very good stock of wild brown trout which is testament to the quality of the river.

Below is a selection of hotels and local hostelries where you can spend the night before and after your fishing day on the Anton.

Greyhound Inn, Stockbridge Tel: 01264 810 833
Recently refurbished to a very high standard, with excellent dining.

Peat Spade, Longstock Tel: 01264 810 612
Recently refurbished, six rooms.

Grosvenor Hotel, Stockbridge Tel: 01264 810 606
A lovely old fashioned hotel, popular with fishermen.

White Hart Hotel, Stockbridge Tel: 01264 810 663
Gales Brewery pub, refurbished to a high standard as a commercial hotel.

The Three Cups, Stockbridge Tel: 01264 810 527
A very friendly local, eight rooms.

Esseborne Manor, Hurstbourne Tarrant Tel: 01264 736 444
Very pleasant manor house hotel with fantastic food and service.

Lainston House Hotel, Sparsholt Tel: 01962 863 588

White Lion Pub, Wherwell Tel: 01264 860 317

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
• Salisbury
• Romsey Abbey
   

Wherwell is very close to the market town of Stockbridge, the spiritual home of dry fly fishing. Stockbridge has two first class tackle shops, four pubs, one quality hotel plus a Michelin star restaurant.

Eating Locally

Peat Spade, Longstock Tel: 01264 810 612
Excellent home cooking with a small interesting menu.

Greyhound Inn, Stockbridge Tel: 01264 810 833
A superb restaurant.

Clos du Marquis (formally Leckford Hut) Tel: 01264 810 738
French-run restaurant with excellent food.
3 miles from Stockbridge on the London road.