Following on from “more posts” thread I thought I would introduce you to where I fish
Brought up on the Don my career led me to pastures new and I am now retired and reside in Hampshire. Being a fanatical fisherman, especially trout, I joined a rather expensive club which has over 20 miles of sublime chalkstream fishing.
They have water on the Anton a tributary of the Test
This water contains some really big grayling.
In addition the club owns water on the Wylye which is a delight to fish especially from mayfly to evenings in Summer time
As can be seen weed growth is prolific but fishing is both fun and challenging focussing on the gravel channels that develop. Expect to lose quite a few in the weed.
The club owns some water on the Upper Itchen which is wadeable with formidable fly life. It is very unusual not to see rising fish
Likewise fishing is available on the Upper Test which is truly picturesque
The fish here are really difficult with crystal clear water and stealth is a priority. I am convinced the fish here have Phd’s!
Finally a picture of the Candover Brook which is a tributary of the Itchen. This has to be my favourite. 7ft rod with fine leaders and small flies targetting 8-11in fish with the odd larger trout or grayling is order of the day here.
The rivers are getting slightly low now as the aquifers did not get the usual Winter top up due to low rainfall. However, the keepers artificially keep the levels up by cutting less weed than normal and adjusting hatch gates. All helps but the fishing is far from easy and the last few weeks has ben only worthwhile in the evenings with good BWO hatches and some caddis.
Hope this gives a flavour of my type of fishing but I still love the Don nad come back now and then to fish around Castle Forbes area for your magnificent trout
