Introduction

The Test Valley is one of the best-kept secrets in Hampshire, nestled between Winchester, Salisbury and the New Forest. The area is characterised by its wonderful countryside, attractive villages, the famous River Test and bustling market towns of Andover, Stockbridge and Romsey.

The River Test is regarded as the most famous chalk stream in the United Kingdom. Physically it is the longest, being 39 miles from source to estuary and flows through some beautiful countryside from its source in the hamlet of Ashe to the sea at Southampton.

The river is said to be the home of modern fly-fishing and it is high quality game fisheries that have made the River Test justifiably famous. Its chalk water and abundance of weed are ideal for salmon, trout and grayling.

Situation

The village of Timsbury is situated beside the River Test between Romsey and Stockbridge, on a prime stretch of the river referred to as ‘Middle Test’. The fishery is accessed via a private road and is surrounded by 100 acres of private water meadows that are also managed by the fishery.

The Fishery

The Timsbury Fishery comprises four individual beats providing fishing for two rods per beat over 1.5 miles of both the River Test and two carrier streams. The fishing lodge is equipped with power, water, a kitchen area, WC, washing facilities and large patio area with seating, which overlooks the main river. There are three other huts around the fishery each with picnic tables.

The Fishing

The fishing is for brown trout using up–stream dry fly and nymph, salmon can be caught but they all have to be returned to the water. During the winter months members can also fish for grayling and coarse fish. Ownership of a share will entitle the shareholder to fish one rod per specified day on a single beat every fortnight within the season. The fishery is well stocked and there is no bag limit.

The Season

The season is 24 weeks long and each rod fishes one day per fortnight. Normally the season will start on the last Sunday in April and finish on the second Saturday in October. Members can then fish for grayling and coarse fish until 16th March. All the beat rotations are sent before the season starts.

The Management

The fishery is fully keepered and has had the same manager for the last 16 years. There is an annual management fee, payable by all shareholders, currently £755; this is the only fee payable.

The cost of a rod

All the rods belong to members of the syndicate, therefore the price of a rod can only be fixed between the seller and the buyer during private negotiation. The value of each rod will range from £20,000 - £25,000 (depending on the day of the week). Each rod also carries a joining fee of £1,000 which is payable to the syndicate.

Directions

From Stockbridge, take the A3057 south towards King’s Sombourne. On entering Timsbury village go past the pub, cottages and bungalows on the right hand side, then pass the Test Valley sports ground on the left. Shortly after the sports ground there is a long lay by on the left hand side, take the right hand turn opposite this lay-by, signed posted St. Andrews Church, this is Manor Lane. Follow this road, passing the entrance to the church car park, Heron’s Mead house will be in front of you and on the left is a steel gate with signs saying ‘ Private Herons Mead no public access’. Go through his gate and follow the track over two bridges and through a further gate. The car park can be found at the end of an avenue of poplars.

Local Authority

Hampshire County Council, The Castle, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8UJ.

01962 841841

Test Valley Borough Council, Duttons Road, Romsey, SO51 8XG. Tel: 01794 527700.