We have the honour of long term stewardship of the unique Testwood and Nursling fishery on the lower reaches of the famous river Test. As experienced fishery managers and guardians of such an historic and environmentally important natural resource we are fully committed to creating a sustainable, first class fishing experience. We are now entering our seventh season.
The fishery and all the surrounding land is part of a private estate owned by the Barker-Mill family since 1527. The Barker-Mills have been the major land owning family in the area since Tudor times when their forebear John Mill served under Thomas Cromwell, who was Henry VIII’s chief minister. This river Test estate water divides into three beats prior to flowing into the sea, offering a variety of unique piscatorial challenges in both tidal and non-tidal water and all just over an hour from London. Here one can sight fish for Atlantic salmon in a chalk stream! Catch double figure sea trout during the day or at night and experience the amazing mayfly hatches on the super Nursling Mill trout beat.
The jewel of the extensive Testwood beat is the wonderful Testwood Pool. The beat is served by the charming mill-house offering comfortable members’ facilities, sleeping cabins for night sea trout anglers, catering facilities and two riverside huts. The Testwood beat fishes three rods per day
The equally famous Nursling Little River beat has been held in high regard by renowned chalkstream salmon fishermen for centuries, with the lords of the adjoining manors of Testwood and Nursling Priors disputing the fishing rights as far back as 1387. The walls of the well appointed lodge on the aptly named Drawing Room pool are adorned with fishing photographs and mementos documenting past catches. Nursling has miles of water to explore. A large mill pool, several hatch pools, groynes, bends, holes and pools give both salmon and sea trout respite – presenting the angler with plenty of opportunities to outwit their quarry. The Nursling beat fishes a maximum of 4 rods per day.
Testwood Pool, night time sea trout fishing. Probably the best sea trout fishing in the south of England. Sea trout fight like Trojans and frequently reach double figures here. The beat fishes three rods. Sea trout anglers B&B is available with a bed in the well appointed but simple sea trout cabin and a full English catered breakfast in the Mill House overlooking the river – what could be better after a hard night’s fishing?
Season membership for salmon rods and sea trout rods is sometimes available. If you are interested or would like to add your name to our waiting list please contact Howard.
The Nursling Mill trout beat offers main river, double bank fishing from the Broadlands boundary downstream to way below the beautiful Nursling Mill. This offers excellent value trout fishing with phenomenal mayfly hatches – the thickest we’ve seen anywhere.
Are you looking for the ultimate UK piscatorial challenge? The unique Testwood Grand Slam of a salmon, a sea trout and a brownie……Book one of our Grand Slam packages and fish on a chalk stream salmon beat, a night after sea trout and a day on the Nursling Mill trout beat. Catch a bass as well and you have the Testwood Super Grand Slam!
We can B&B at the fishery. Three single bedrooms in the Testwood Sea Trout Cabin with a catered full English breakfast served in the Parlour of the Mill House (£57pp/pn)
Consecutive day and night bookings are available.
