Compton Chamberlayne Estate, River Nadder
Often overlooked when booking fly fishing on the Hampshire and Wiltshire streams the river Nadder at Compton Chamberlayne offers some exceptional sport especially during the Mayfly period.
Hatches of this fly tend to start just a little later than the rivers to the east including the Test and Avon.
Rising close by to Shaftesbury the river flows for some miles through a greensand belt. Lined by old Alder trees the river meanders through disused sheep grazed water meadows. From below Tisbury to Salisbury where it joins the Avon displays all the characteristics of a chalk stream with bright gravel and long tresses of dark green ranunculas.
The Compton Chamberlayne Estate offers 7 beats sold for 2 rods each during the prime period between 15th May and 15th June. Although there are plenty of wild fish the river is stocked with the highest quality brown trout. Unusually for this catchment the Estate does have Environment Agency permission to stock rainbow trout but in very small numbers.
All the beats have easy access with mown banks although not overly manicured. The river is fairly narrow in places with contrasting deeps and shallows. The river, even in low water is never as clear as a true chalk stream but the fishing offers excellent value for money.
Each beat has a small hut equipped with table and chairs and parking is always very close to the river.