Chalk Stream Trout Fishing

THE BEAT

Wherwell Priory offers a mile and a half of premium Upper Test trout fishing in the peaceful and private Hampshire countryside, providing some of the most exciting sport the UK has to offer for both novice and experienced anglers alike.  

The fishing is split between two beats which flow through prime riparian habitat and contain a variety of water to be explored, Both the Priory Beat and Park Beat offer gin clear waters and exceptional fishing. 

The Upper Park Beat, to the north of the Estate, is accessed by crossing the iconic Wherwell Priory bridge. The bridge itself offers an ideal vantage point for anglers to spot their quarry in the bridge pool which can be reached with a fly from the island situated in the middle of the river. Park beat widens steadily as you move down stream, offering the widest stretch of free-flowing water on the beat with a seemingly endless number of riffles and runs to be explored. 

The top of Priory beat provides a secluded and tranquil stretch of river with ample overhanging cover over the series of shallows and eddies.  It is possibly the most scenic fishing on the Estate, running adjacent to the recently restored wetland which plays host to a number of waders. The resident Kingfishers can often be observed gliding along the lower Priory beat in search of their next meal.       

SYNDICATE MEMBERSHIP

Every season, there are small number of rods available on the exclusive Wherwell Priory Syndicate.

Syndicate members are permitted to fish one fixed day a week for the entirety of the season, which runs from May 1^st until September 30^th. Rods are guaranteed the opportunity to fish the whole river under the season rota. The syndicate has a maximum of four rods per day to ensure privacy is maximised for all. Syndicate Rods are welcome to bring a guest with them to share their rod whenever they visit.  

Given the small number of rods available, it is advisable to contact us well in advance of the season.

LET DAYS

A select number of corporate let days are available over the course of the season, primarily on Fridays. The river is let exclusively on a whole beat basis with both Park and Priory Beat made available solely to the fishing party on their day. 

William Powell Sporting and the Estate can offer a truly unparalleled chalk stream experience, offering bespoke packages to suit your every need, whether it be for entertaining clients or simply a day on the river shared amongst old friends. 

Up to eight rods may fish on these let days, but it is of course perfectly acceptable to have a larger party than this and share rods, with experienced and fully qualified guides and instructors available should you so choose. 

Your day will commence in the heart of the Estate, gathering at the quaint and traditional fishing hut to indulge in a hearty cooked breakfast, or perhaps a lighter continental selection of pastries during the warmer summer days. Following breakfast, the host will give you the order of the day and position all anglers accordingly.

Fishing guests are offered as much assistance or privacy as they would like, with the host being available to cater to all needs and offer bankside refreshments throughout the morning. 

Returning to the hut for lunch, your team will enjoy a barbecue lunch prepared with locally sourced ingredients on the riverbank with an ample selection of beverages.

Your host will rotate the fishing guests for the afternoon session to allow everyone to fish the beats in their entirety and cover as much water as possible.

Refreshments will be available on the bank once again and afternoon tea can be served in the hut with a selection of sweet treats. Alternatively, you may choose to indulge in a second meal or a lunch later in the afternoon and enjoy the evening on the water. This is often the most productive time, particularly during the Mayfly hatches for which the Test is so famed.