The Timsbury Fishery, River Test, Hampshire
Prices from £20,000
A share in a productive chalk stream fishery on the River Test.
Overview
The Test Valley is one of the best-kept secrets in Hampshire, nestled between Winchester, Salisbury and the New Forest, and only an hour's drive from London. 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.
Description
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 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.
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 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.
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.




