Fishing Breaks agree exclusive access to stretches of River Test

A new venture is promising to bring a new level of professionalism to fly-fishing.

Fishing Breaks is the passion of Simon Cooper, who has run the business for 30 years. The angling company offer a number of organising outings along the River Test, all in close proximity to the rail network. Clients can also book overnight accommodation from several exclusive partnerships formed by Mr. Cooper.

The overreaching intent is to make fly-fishing accessible to everyone regardless of experience or car ownership.

What is described as “the idyllic gin-clear chalk stream,” the River Test was the birthplace of fly fishing. Several spots alongside it are accessible by rail and Mr. Cooper has organised exclusive access to the river in several spots.

Chief among these attractions are fishing within the grounds of the famous Broadlands House.

The private beat of the Mountbatten family, Fishing Break patrons can now access this hitherto forbidden fishing spot.

This is an opportunity to fish on one of the most iconic sections of the River Test and can only be done so through Fishing Breaks. The Tanyard and House beats have open banks and large sections suitable for wading.

As with most of Fishing Breaks' facilities there is a fishing hut for your use but The Cromwell Arms is just a short walk away, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.

A little further afield are facilities for a short break in the market town of Romsey.

Further along the River Test is Mottisfont Abbey. This is where Frederick Halford, who established the sport of dry fly fishing, spent many a summer in the early 20th century. Halford fished at the famous Oakley Hut and you can follow in the footsteps of this fishing pioneer.

The banks at Mottisfont are well maintained and nature takes the lead allowing for an abundant wild trout population. Four beats include Oakley, Rectory and Main (suitable for 2 Rods) and one on the Test's Tributary the River Dun (for 3 Rods). Each of which is located within a mile of the nearest train station at Dunbridge.

Dunbridge is near the Mottisfont beats and on the River Dun. Simon calls it ‘a little bit of chalkstream heaven,' immaculately maintained with good fishing. This is the nearest fishing to a station, just one third of a mils from Dunbridge and also close to The Mill Arms which serves food and drink and offers six en-suite bedrooms.

The river offers wild trout and grayling plus some very large fish. This beat regularly gets an evening rise and the fishing here is also exclusive to Fishing Breaks.

For some the River Itchen is the ultimate chalk stream. Shawford Park is a hidden gem in the grounds of the magnificent Shawford Park House, dating back to the 15th century.

The fishing here is beautifully maintained, carefully looked after for a decade by river keeper Pete Glyn-Jones. There are two beats, exclusive to Fishing Breaks, providing close to a mile of water in wonderful surroundings. You can wade or stay on the bank and the fishing is available for single rods or parties of up to 4. Shawford station is just a quarter mile away and there's plenty of accommodation in Winchester, a short train ride away.

The River Kennet is another of Fishing Breaks' fly fishing greats. Three miles of the River at Barton Court (former home of the late Terence Conran) lie to the east of Hungerford in Berkshire and is regarded as the best section of the chalk stream. Stocked with brown and rainbow trout, it offers everything you could want from a day's fishing.

Fishing Breaks caters for both the experienced fly fisherman, those who are tasting it for the first time and all in between. It offers private tuition and courses on the River Test as well as your own personal and very knowledgeable fishing guide.

Says Simon Cooper; "Fly fishing has seen a real surge in popularity with all kinds of people recently, offering the perfect fresh air pastime for all levels. And for those who want to keep things as environmental as possible, or who don't have access to a car, the train is a great solution.

"A break away is easy too, with close access to some characterful and comfortable places to stay."

The fly fishing season is between April and September. To find out more visit https://fishingbreaks.co.uk

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