I N T E R N AT I O N A L F LY F I S H I N G S P E C I A L I S T S
AARDVARK MCLEOD ON THE CHALKSTREAMS
We are delighted to offer an ever increasing range of domestic fishing options throughout the chalk belt of southern England. These rivers and lakes offer crystal clear sight fishing throughout the season, whether you are a first-time angler or a seasoned hand. Alex Jardine and Justin Hancock head up our chalkstream programme and work with an enviable team of guides to offer the best experience on these wonderful rivers. Both spent their formative years fishing and are always keen to push the boundaries of tactics and techniques, and take great pleasure in passing this knowledge on to others. Whether you are a single angler, a group of friends or are looking for a professionally organised corporate day, why not join us for a memorable time on the water this season. If you would like to explore further afield, the latter pages of this brochure offer UK fly fishing ideas which combine perfectly with time spent on the chalkstreams. “God did never make a more calm, quiet, innocent recreation than angling”. (Isaac Walton)
CHALKSTREAM FLY FISHING
Chalkstream fly fishing for trout and grayling demands a unique style and attitude which sets it apart from fly fishing other types of rivers and lakes. Although the same basic equipment is used, the water clarity requires stealth, observation and pinpoint casts to fool your quarry. It is usual to cast to rising fish or those that can be clearly seen feeding subsurface on nymphs. The tactic is to start at the bottom, or downstream end of the beat, and work slowly upstream, stopping frequently to scan the immediate area whilst being aware of any movement ahead. On many beats, benches are placed along the bank in positions that give the angler a good view of the water ahead. These are not just to rest weary limbs, but to encourage anglers to move slowly, watching the water ahead for clues as to where to place the next cast. Fly fishing on the chalkstreams is a perfect escape from the pressures of modern life, with anglers returning refreshed at the end of the day whether they’ve caught fish or not. This calm sport is wonderfully restorative and if catching fish were the only goal, fishing would lose its fun and excitement and become just another pastime.
WHY THE TEST
WHEN
SUITABLE FOR
For any avid trout fly fisher the Test is a “must do”. It offers great variety, strong mayfly hatches and grayling fishing.
The majority of fisheries on the Test open their trout season in early April in time for the hawthorn hatches, running through to early October.
All abilities & levels of experience Single rod days Guided trips Larger groups & corporate days Grayling days.
Grayling fishing continues through October until mid-March.
RIVER TEST The Test is the most famous trout fishing river in the world, not only for the quality of the fish, but also for its history and characters. The literary heritage is probably the richest of any river, with the writings of Peter Hawker, Plunket Greene, John Waller Hills, G E M Skues, and probably the most famous of all, F M Halford. By far the longest of all chalkstreams, the Test offers over 100 miles of fishing. Over the centuries man’s manipulation of the river for irrigation and milling purposes have resulted in a braided river system of many carriers, most of which are fishable. From the source half a mile to the east of Overton at Ashe the river flows west to Whitchurch before turning south to continue the onward journey. Primarily, the Test is known as a trout river but at Testwood before the river spills into the Solent, double figure salmon and sea trout are regularly caught. The river is joined by four main tributaries; the Bourne Rivulet, Dever, Anton and Dun as well as some smaller streams including the Wallop Brook and Blackwater.
WHY THE TEST
WHEN
SUITABLE FOR
For any avid trout fly fisher the Test is a “must do”. It offers great variety, strong mayfly hatches and grayling fishing.
The trout season opens in early April in time for the grannom hatch and runs through until the late October. Grayling fishing continues through November until the end of December.
All levels of experience Two to three rods per day Guided trips Groups & corporate days Grayling days.
TESTCOMBE Testcombe is situated on the upper River Test, just downstream from the delightful village of Wherwell, and was once the chosen fishing spot of King George VI. It offers a wonderful variety of water with the main river and several interesting carriers to explore for two to three anglers. The beat enjoys good numbers of brown trout and also grayling for those looking to fish later into the autumn and winter. Your HQ for the day is the spectacular Grade II listed fishing hut which dates back to 1888. Although originally a pavilion for a tennis court built by the Disraeli family, it is now the perfect spot to immerse yourself in a day’s chalkstream fly fishing. Throughout the season, this beautifully varied stretch of water suits all abilities, with wide main river and intimate carriers offering deep holes, overhangs and shallow glides. All of this within easy reach of London and with fantastic accommodation options nearby.
WHEN The trout season opens in mid-April in time for the hawthorn hatch and runs through until the first week in October. Grayling fishing continues through October until the end of December.
WHY THE TEST TRIBUTARIES Ideal for those looking for smaller rivers and streams within the Test valley.
SUITABLE FOR All abilities & levels of experience Single rod days Guided trips Small groups & corporate days Grayling days.
RIVER TEST TRIBUTARIES The Test is met by several notable fly fishing tributaries along its course. The first is the Bourne Rivulet, followed by the Dever, Anton, Wallop Brook, Dun and lastly the Blackwater. Except for the Blackwater, these rivers offer the same crystal clear flows and luscious ranunculus weed beds that define the Test valley. The tributaries are often smaller than the main river offering challenging and exciting sight fishing for both trout and grayling. The pure and nutrient rich waters provide a great habitat for aquatic insects allowing wild fish to feed freely and grow to large sizes relative to the size of the rivers they inhabit. Varying stocking policies along these rivers offer a range of fishing for all anglers to enjoy.
WHEN The trout season opens in mid-April in time for the hawthorn hatch and runs through until the first week in October. Grayling fishing continues through October until the end of December.
WHY THE ANTON A great river for those looking for a more challenging alternative to the River Test.
SUITABLE FOR
RIVER ANTON One of the four main tributaries feeding the Test, the Anton is a short chalkstream of some seven miles rising to the north of Andover and joining the Test just below the riverside garden of the Mayfly pub. The Phillhill Brook joins the main stream just south of Andover. From below Goodworth Clatford the river is very attractive, mainly running through old water meadows grazed by sheep and with sheltered wooded sections. The beats are varied, some with wide shallows, while others have narrower faster water, all offer plenty of likely places for trout and grayling. Invertebrate life is prolific with good hatches of all the upwinged flies throughout the season. The rich fly life supports a great population of wild brown trout and reasonably sized grayling.
Intermediate and experienced single rod days Guided trips Small groups & corporate days Grayling days.
WHY THE ITCHEN
WHEN
SUITABLE FOR
A great river for those looking for a challenge. Like the Test, a chance to walk in the footsteps of many other great anglers.
The trout season opens in mid-April in time for the end of the large dark olive hatch, running through until the first week in October. Grayling fishing continues through October until mid-March.
Intermediate & experienced Single rod days Guided trips Small groups & corporate days Grayling days.
RIVER ITCHEN The Itchen is formed by the coming together of the Candover, Arle and Titchbourne streams just west of New Alresford. The Itchen to Winchester is just six miles in length and is considered to offer some of the finest chalkstream trout fly fishing in the world. Surrounded by the serene beauty of the countryside through which it flows, this part of the valley has remained fairly untouched. Below Winchester the area has seen more human encroachment but that said, there are still some beautiful stretches to be fished. The river between its source and Winchester is primarily run by clubs and syndicates, but very occasionally day rods become available. Many notables have fished the Itchen over the years including G E M Skues, F M Halford, Viscount Gray of Falladon, and John Goddard. Watching the fly hatches on the Itchen today, it is easy to see how this river inspired them and thus shaped fly fishing as we know it.
WHY THE AVON
WHEN
SUITABLE FOR
A great river for those looking for a more challenging alternative to the River Test.
The trout season opens in early April in time for the grannom and large dark olive hatches, running through until the first week in October. Grayling fishing continues through October until the end of December.
Intermediate & experienced Single rod days Guided trips Small groups & corporate days Grayling days.
RIVER AVON There are two headwater streams that feed the Hampshire Avon, both rising in the Vale of Pewsey. The East Avon comes from chalk bedrock whereas the West Avon rises in greensand and it is because of this that the Avon is not considered to be a chalkstream in the strictest sense of the word. Persistent heavy rain can leave the river a little coloured but it quickly clears, only affecting the water for a few days. Below the confluence, just above Upavon, the river runs through chalk down the valley to Salisbury and beyond. Below Salisbury the river is mainly a coarse fishery until Fordingbridge where there are several notable salmon fisheries before it reaches the sea at Christchurch. The upper reaches of the Avon, at Netheravon, were home to two more of fly fishing’s greats, Frank Sawyer and Oliver Kite. It is their observations on the river here that led to numerous creations that continue to shape fly fishing around the world.
WHY THE WYLYE
WHEN
SUITABLE FOR
An ideal river for those looking for a small and intricate beat with wading within the Salisbury area.
The trout season opens in early April in time for the grannom hatch and runs through until mid-October. Grayling fishing continues through October until the end of February.
All levels of experience Syndicate rods One or two rods per day Guided trips Grayling days.
RIVER WYLYE The River Wylye is one of the Avon Valley’s most sought after streams. Home to strong populations of wild trout and grayling, the abundant fly life and crystal clear waters make it a fly fishing dream. Our beat at Steeple Langford runs through the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s Langford Lake Nature Reserve, offering spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities to compliment this special fishery. The fishing is mainly wading with great twists, bends and in-water obstacles to provide fish with a fantastic habitat. Do not be surprised to encounter some large trout along with excellent autumn and winter grayling fishing. The fishing is largely run as a small syndicate with a number of guided day trips available for those looking to explore this little Wiltshire paradise.
WHEN The trout season opens in early April in time for the grannom and large dark olive hatches, running through until the first week in October. Grayling fishing continues through October until the end of December.
WHY THE WILTSHIRE CHALKSTREAMS Ideal rivers for those looking for small and intricate beats within the Salisbury area...
SUITABLE FOR Intermediate & experienced Single rod days Guided trips Small groups & corporate days.
WILTSHIRE STREAMS With Salisbury marking the coming together of five chalkstreams, there is a rich vein of fly fishing opportunity in Wiltshire. The Ebble, Nadder and Wylye rivers to the west and the Bourne to the east, all meeting the Avon which flows north to south through the cathedral city. Crystal clear waters flow on all sides of the city filled with wild trout and grayling. With relatively little stocking throughout these valleys the native trout population has been allowed to thrive. Every season, consistent fly hatches bring larger fish up to the surface. Those willing to brave the conditions in the early season can be rewarded with good hatches of large dark olives and grannom sedges which are often missed on the neighbouring rivers.
WHEN The trout season opens in mid-April in time for the hawthorn hatch, running through until the first week in October. Grayling fishing continues until the end of December.
WHY THE KENNET AND LAMBOURN Ideal rivers for those looking for a challenging river close to London.
SUITABLE FOR
KENNET & LAMBOURN The Kennet catchment stretches from the Winterbournes above Avebury in Wiltshire to Reading in Berkshire where the Kennet flows into the Thames. The catchment is defined by the chalk uplands of the Marlborough and Berkshire Downs to the north and the Hampshire Downs to the south. Much of the area falls within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Many small tributaries feed the Kennet but only the Dun and Lambourn can be considered as trout fisheries. Once again we have to thank the water engineers of the 18th century who created over 80 miles of fishable water. The river below Hungerford near Kintbury usually experiences massive hatches of mayfly to rival and surpass anything that can be seen on the Test or Avon systems.
All abilities & levels of experience Single rod days Guided trips Small groups & corporate days Grayling days.
WHEN The trout season opens in early April in time for the large dark olive hatch, running through until the first week in October. Grayling fishing continues through October until mid-March.
WHY THE DORSET CHALKSTREAMS Great rivers for those looking for wild trout and grayling fishing throughout the year..
SUITABLE FOR Intermediate & experienced Single rod days Guided trips Small groups Grayling days.
DORSET STREAMS The lesser known chalkstreams of Dorset offer a wonderful fly fishing experience, with rivers such as the Frome, Piddle and Allen, along with a plethora of winterbournes and streams, providing a rich habitat for wild brown trout and grayling. The lower reaches of the Frome also see reasonable runs of salmon and sea trout. To walk along these babbling waters is to pass through the pages of a Thomas Hardy novel, and recent river work has gone a long way to restoring these rivers to an almost self-sustaining wild habitat. The fishing can be challenging, but the rewards are great. As a result these waters can produce very large wild trout and grayling. With flourishing water quality, the river life is abundant and fly hatches occur consistently through the year.
HATCH CHART Common Fly Species
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Grannom Mayfly Large Dark Olive Blue Winged Olive Iron Blue Medium Olive Olive Upright Pale Watery Anglers Curse Medium Sedge Alderfly Large Cinnamon Sedge Black Sedge Hawthorn Fly Black Gnat Crane Fly (Daddy Long legs)
The chalkstreams boast some of the most consistent fly hatches found anywhere in the UK. This is mainly due to the fantastic growing conditions that the chalk bedrock creates. Rainwater is filtered over several months through porous chalk, removing sediment and adding minerals and nutrients. When the water eventually resurfaces through bubbling springs it enters the river at between 7—9⁰C all year round, offering perfect growing conditions even in the hottest summers or the harshest winters. Above is a generic hatch chart for the southern chalkstreams to act as a guide when you are planning your next trip. For more detailed river by river information please contact us. We would like to thank Dr Cyril Bennett MBE for the data to create the hatch chart.
WHY GRAYLING
WHEN
SUITABLE FOR
A great fish to target with dry flies & nymphs. They offer a season extension for those who are not ready to hang up their rods at the end of the season.
The grayling season opens on the 16th June and runs through to the 15th March.
All abilities & levels of experience Single rod days Guided trips Group days.
Winter openings vary between beats and estates.
GRAYLING FISHING Referred to as ‘the lady of the stream’, grayling are found throughout the UK chalkstreams. The silvery, ghost-like, shadows with a striking orange dorsal fin can be seen elegantly holding position amongst beds of ranunculus and clean white gravel. They thrive in the nutrient and invertebrate rich conditions provided by these spring-fed streams and river systems and throughout the summer and autumn months can be found rising freely. These rivers offer the perfect environment for grayling to grow quickly, and it is not unusual to find fish in excess of two pounds. In the winter, after the trout season has finished, grayling can be targeted on certain beats with both nymphs and dry flies. Whether you are looking to catch your first grayling, or hunt a specimen, we have beats for all anglers. They may not have the fight of the more sporting brown trout but they can be challenging and can offer hours of enjoyable frustration throughout the long winter months.
LOCATION Most venues are within 1 to 2 hours drive/train from London. For those travelling from further afield we can offer accommodation. Transfers can also be arranged.
WHEN Courses will run throughout the year. Private courses can also be arranged for intact groups.
SUITABLE FOR All abilities & levels of experience We welcome groups of all ages Groups: 2 to 8 people..
DAY COURSES For those looking to improve certain areas of their fly fishing from entomology through to casting into the wind or looking more specifically at technical skills such as European Nymphing; we run numerous courses and master classes through the year. The Aardvark McLeod team has built a huge wealth of knowledge and enjoy being able to be able to pass this on through day and weekend courses. These courses are built around a set running order to look at various techniques, tactics and equipment for specific applications, with guide to angler ratios kept to a minimum to ensure you get the most out of the course. Courses can be tailored to suit a specific group or to help prepare a group for a specific destination, either fresh or saltwater.
LOCATION Most venues are within 1 to 2 hours drive/train from London. For those travelling from further afield we can offer accommodation. Transfers can also be arranged.
WHEN River days are arranged during the trout season and lake days can be provided all year round...
SUITABLE FOR
GROUP DAYS A day by the water is the perfect environment in which to entertain clients, to reward team members or purely to have a good day out amongst friends and family. The calming influence of running water, blossoming trees and the chorus of birdsong offers a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city. We have a range of private rivers and lakes available to us and can tailor days on the water to the needs and desires of each individual group. Whether you are a group of seasoned rods or first time anglers, our experienced guide team will be on hand to help and instruct as needed. With our range of premium equipment, full catering options and beautiful locations, you can be assured that every day on the water with us will be one to remember.
All abilities & levels of experience We welcome groups of all ages Groups: 4 to 16 people...
WHEN
LOCATION
SUITABLE FOR
Lake days can be provided all year round..
Most venues are within 1 to 2 hours drive/train from London. For those travelling from further afield we can offer accommodation. Transfers can also be arranged.
All abilities & levels of experience We welcome groups of all ages Groups: 2 to 16 people.
EXCLUSIVE LAKE DAYS Looking for a perfect fishing day out for all the family, or perhaps a group of friends or colleagues who want to experience fly fishing for the very first time, then our exclusive lake days are perfect for you. We have a number of lake venues in Hampshire and Wiltshire that can be taken on an exclusive basis. These are ideal for groups to enjoy fly fishing with great chances of success and all the facilities needed for a fully catered day out. Each of these days is tailored to the needs of each group with our team of experienced guides and instructors perfect for teaching new and experienced anglers alike. We have a range of catering options from simple and tasty lunch hampers and BBQs through to full service sit down dining. Our top of the range fishing equipment will have you fishing—and hopefully catching fish—in no time.
LOCATION Most venues are within 1 to 2 hours drive/train from London. For those travelling from further afield we can offer accommodation. Transfers can also be arranged.
WHEN River days are arranged from 20th June to 2nd October.
SUITABLE FOR
All abilities & levels of experience We welcome groups of all ages Groups: 1 to 2 people.
GUIDED SALMON DAYS The River Test needs little introduction as a fly fishing river, the chalkstream offers fantastic clear water dry fly fishing throughout the season. Throughout the river’s history the section of river from Romsey to the sea has always been considered a great place to target salmon. The added joy is the clear water in which they can be spotted and cast to. While they may not always take the fly, part of the thrill is seeing the way they charge towards your offering. With the peak runs turning up through the summer months the mid to late season can be a great time to join one of our guided days for an English salmon. Our experienced guide team is well equipped to show you the dark art of luring salmon to take a fly in the crystal clear water.
LOCATION Most venues are within 1 to 2 hours drive/ train from London. For those travelling from further afield we can offer accommodation. Transfers can also be arranged.
WHEN River days are arranged from 1st November to 28th February.
GUIDED PIKE DAYS On the surface, the chalkstreams often appear calm and sedate, but under the surface it is quite a different story. Brown trout and grayling thrive in the swift flows and nutrient rich clear waters, but venture into the deeper parts and there is another fish that lies in wait, the pike. Pike are the apex predator in freshwater, and masters of stealth and camouflage. They have the ability to remain hidden for long periods of time, before moving with stunning speed and ferocity to take their prey. Over recent years they have gained a cult-like status amongst some anglers. They were, for a long time, persecuted for attacking trout, but we have since learnt that they are part of a healthy chalkstream environment. They are now able to flourish alongside brown trout and grayling.
SUITABLE FOR All abilities & levels of experience We welcome groups of all ages Groups: 1 to 4 people.
OTHER UK FISHING From Scotland’s fast flowing rivers to enchanting Devon streams, there is plenty else to offer the visiting angler. Head north and you’ll find the famous salmon rivers like the Tweed, the Spey and the Esk. Just across the border in Cumbria, the Eden offers some fabulous fly water for salmon. At the other end of the country we can offer a variety of wonderfully wild fly fishing on the Tamar and its tributaries.
DEVON FLY FISHING We are delighted to be able to offer fishing packages to the Arundell Arms on the Devon/Cornwall border. This beautiful country sports hotel has 22 miles of wild fly fishing to offer its guests, including stretches of the Tamar and five of its tributaries. Anglers can target wild brown trout, sea trout and salmon. Each spot has its own characteristics, from the classic large, slow and deep holding pools of the Tamar to the incredibly attractive River Lyd—a spate stream perfect for salmon and sea trout. The hotel also has its own lake which is a great teaching venue as well as holding rainbow and brown trout. It’s a great spot to enjoy fly fishing, walking, wonderful food and simply exploring the local area. Fishing packages of various lengths can be arranged here.
WHEN
WHY THE ARUNDELL ARMS
SUITABLE FOR
The trout season runs from mid-March to the end of September. Sea trout from beginning of March to end of September, salmon from beginning of March to midOctober, grayling from early June to mid March.
Over 22 miles of different water and a great variety of beats, from wide open water to hard to access wild fishing.
All levels of experience.
WHY THE EDEN
WHEN
SUITABLE FOR
The Eden offers some of the finest salmon and trout fishing in England..
The salmon season runs from January to October. Prime time is May to October. The trout season runs from March to September. Prime time is April, May and September.
Intermediate & experienced Beginners welcome on master classes Single rod trips, guided trips, small groups.
RIVER EDEN Cumbria’s River Eden is a wonderful fly fishing playground. The lower and middle sections offer fantastic fly water for salmon with the river often appearing in England’s top five salmon rivers. Throughout its river system the Eden boasts some fine dry fly and wet fly fishing for wild brown trout, throwing up some truly giant fish each season. Fly fishing in Cumbria can be a great standalone trip or an excellent way of extending a trip north to Scotland. We have teamed up with the delightful Tufton Arms Hotel in Appleby-in-Westmorland to offer a series of fly fishing packages, from self-guided trout and salmon trips with wonderful hamper lunches through to full riverside master classes to hone your trout and salmon skills. Whether an eternally optimistic salmon angler or someone in search a large dry fly eating brown trout, the River Eden has plenty to offer.
LOCATION Rivers and estates across the Scottish mainland and outer isles.
WHEN River seasons vary with offerings from January to November.
SUITABLE FOR All abilities & levels of experience We welcome groups of all ages Groups: 1 to 10 people.
SCOTTISH SALMON Head north into Scotland and you really are into the realm of the salmon. Each dip between rolling hills or jagged mountains offers hope of a salmon stream or river twisting and turning its path to the sea. We are delighted to be able to offer a range of bespoke group packages on numerous notable salmon rivers including the mighty Tay, the Brora, the Ness and delightful lochs and streams in the Hebrides. Each trip can be tailored to your group size, fishing experience and dates of travel. We are happy to put together a range of suggestions covering the length and breadth of this salmon kingdom. Whether you are looking to start out on your salmon quest or a seasoned hand, we have some exciting venues to offer.
I NT E R N AT I O NA L FLY FI S H I NG S PE CI A L I S T S In association with Castaway Flyfishing
Aspire Business Centre • Ordnance Road • Tidworth • Hampshire • SP9 7QD • UK Tel: +44 (0)1980 847389 mail@aardvarkmcleod.com
www.aardvarkmcleod.com