Situated on the Upper River Test, Testcombe is one of the prime beats on this part of the river and is worth singling out as being one of the best for summer fishing. The wide variety of water, from fast, shallow and highly oxygenated to deep and slow, makes it an ideal beat for warmer weather. Having a carrier to fish is also beneficial for sunny days as there is plenty of tree cover and shade. Few beats on the river have a range of water types that can cater so well to rods of all abilities. Testcombe is an ideal beat to take beginner’s and experienced rods, and we are very excited to offer access to this great water to younger and single rods.
Testcombe Summer Deals
- Children between the ages of 10 to 15 come for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
- Previously booking at Testcombe was restricted to two rods or more but both beats are now available for single rod bookings for July and August. The estate reserves the right to book other rods on the day, but we will try our best to ensure that you have this wonderful stretch of river to yourself.
The Fishing
The fishery is split into two beats. The Home beat which is perfect for two to three rods and the Away beat which is ideal for two rods. The fishing is available for groups of 2 to 6 anglers, with full corporate events possible.
The Away Beat
The Testcombe Away beat is a continuous stretch running over 750 metres of the main River Test. The fishing is all from the true right-hand bank and mainly done from a well-maintained path. In several places, wooden walkways help anglers reach past the mature reed beds to target fish that would otherwise be out of sight. The beat features a small wooden fishing shelter from the river in a quiet copse, a perfect spot to enjoy a simple angler’s picnic.
The Home Beat
The Home Beat offers a wide mixture of water types from fishing on the on the main River Test to the carrier that runs parallel. All the fishing on the main river is on the true left-hand bank and there is plenty of space to cast with few obstructions. The water on the lower part of the beat shallower and faster so fishes well during the summer. For those interested in a challenge the carrier has plenty of tree cover on one bank and being quite narrow is ideal for smaller rods.
The main focal point for Testcombe is the spectacular Grade II listed fishing hut which dates back to 1888 and is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in a day’s chalkstream fly fishing. The hut is situated on a long island in the middle of the stretch. Although originally a pavilion for a tennis court built by the Disraeli family, it is now the ideal fishing hut. The main hut is taken with the home beat or if a group books the fishing exclusively. It is ideal for a summertime picnic with family members or a BBQ with friends where you can enjoy a long lunch before preparing for the evening rise of olives and sedge. The Away Beat has its own hut on the opposite bank.
For more information on Testcombe please click HERE. If you would like to view our summer availability for other beats then click HERE or call our office to make a booking on +44(0)1980 847389.