Last weekend we saw temperatures in the chalk valleys rocket into the mid and high 20s, with it came a sharp kick start to spring and the long awaited spring fly hatches including the hawthorn. Large dark olives are still seen hatching steadily through the day, joined by the fluttering grannom in the afternoons. This has certainly all helped the chalkstream fly fishing season.

River Test, River Itchen, River Avon, River Frome, River Kennet, River Anton, hawthorn, brown trout, chalkstream, dry fly, Aardvark McLeod

The most recent to join in the activity, and a firm favourite of the trout, was the hawthorn fly this weekend. They could be seen hovering over the bankside vegetation. A clumsy fly, they have little control when on the wing with the slightest gust of wind able to push them onto the surface of the river.

The river are now all flowing with good pace, last season’s silt build up has been washed clear from the gravel and hungry trout are actively looking to the surface for their next meal.

River Test, River Itchen, River Avon, River Frome, River Kennet, River Anton, hawthorn, brown trout, chalkstream, dry fly, Aardvark McLeod

If the winter cabin fever has gotten all too much why not try one of our opening season days below:

River Test, Broadlands Estate
Friday 27th April – up to 3 rods
Friday 11th May – up to 3 rods

River Anton, Westover Estate
Wednesday 25th April – up to 8 rods
Thursday 26th April – up to 4 rods
Friday 27th April – up to 6 rods
Sunday 29th April – up to 2 rods
Tuesday 1st May – up to 2 rods
Wednesday 2nd May – up to 4 rods
Thursday 3rd May – up to 6 rods
Friday 4th May – up to 2 rods
Saturday 5th May – up to 4 rods
Sunday 6th May – up to 2 rods

River Kennet, Denford Water
Wednesday 25th April – up to 4 rods
Thursday 26th April – up to 4 rods
Monday 30th April – up to 4 rods
Tuesday 1st May – up to 4 rods
Wednesday 2nd May – up to 4 rods
Thursday 3rd May – up to 4 rods
Saturday 5th May – up to 4 rods
Sunday 6th May – up to 4 rods

River Nadder, Compton Chamberlayne
Sunday 29th April – up to 4 rods
Monday 30th April – up to 4 rods
Tuesday 1st May – up to 4 rods
Wednesday 2nd May – up to 4 rods
Thursday 3rd May – up to 4 rods
Saturday 5th May – up to 4 rods
Sunday 6th May – up to 4 rods

Looking for mayfly fishing, see our latest availability HERE.

For more information on chalkstream fly fishing and the current fly hatches like the hawthorn please do not hesitate to contact Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.