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Houghton Lodge Upper Beat

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A cracking chalk-stream beat upstream of Houghton village, with about 1.25 km of clear River Test water through open countryside and water meadows. It’s tranquil, right-bank fishing with runs, riffles and deeper pools — bob on for hunting visible trout on dry fly or nymph.

Run by Houghton Lodge Estate · checked 16 Oct 2026

River level

Measured — Environment Agency

Stockbridge Main gauge

Nearest EA gauge we've matched — it isn't on this stretch, so levels on your peg will differ.

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We don't publish an "ideal level" — nobody can promise one. Flood water is dangerous: if it's up and coloured, stay well back from the edge. Open Stockbridge Main on Live River Levels

Angler Plus · My River Watch

Get notified when Stockbridge Main reaches your preferred level

Pick the level range and direction you want on the River Test. We check this Environment Agency gauge about once an hour and tell you when it's met. Real readings — not a forecast or a safety check.

Readings, trends and typical ranges stay free for everyone. Alerts are part of Angler Plus (7 days free, card needed, £0 today, then £4.99/month).

The lowdown

  • The Upper Beat sits upstream of Houghton village, near Stockbridge, with the Test flowing through a seriously peaceful bit of Hampshire countryside.
  • There’s roughly 1.25 km to explore, with the river around 12–15 metres wide in places. Plenty of room for a proper wander between swims.
  • The beat is mainly or entirely right-bank fishing, so that’s the side to have in mind when planning your day.
  • Expect classic chalk-stream features: neat runs, shallow riffles and deeper pools. A cracking mix for spotting fish and picking apart individual lies.
  • The water holds wild brown trout, stocked brown trout and stocked rainbows, with grayling also present. The visible-fish game is a big part of the appeal.
  • Dry fly and nymph are the main plays. Keep things tidy, watch the crease and make the first cast count — the fishing is described as low difficulty.
  • The setting is highly tranquil, with managed water meadows, open fields and mature riverside vegetation. Proper lunch-by-the-river territory.
  • Parking is reported about 80 metres from the river, and there’s a fishing hut or summer house for shelter and a brew.
  • It’s available for two to six rods, with fishing hampers arrangeable through the estate or associated fishing-break providers. Friday and Saturday are reserved for syndicate rods and family days.
  • Trout fishing runs from 1 May to 15 October, while grayling fishing runs from 16 June to 14 March. A brace of stocked trout may be retained; wild trout and fish under 2 lb should go back carefully.

Methods: This is a lovely sight-fishing beat for dry fly and nymph. Work the runs, riffles and pool edges quietly, keep a sharp eye out for moving fish and cover the crease without charging in.

Access & tickets

Fishing break / rod hire

Fishing is available for a minimum of two rods and a maximum of six rods. Prices start from £280 per rod.

£280 per rod (as listed 16 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

The estate’s current website asks anglers to email Oliver Busk for availability and further information. There is no online ticket shop or current price list on the estate’s fishing website.

Fish the club names

trout

Key rules

  • Trout season is 1 May to 15 October.
  • Grayling fishing is 16 June to 14 March.
  • A brace of stocked trout may be retained.
  • Wild trout should be returned carefully.
  • Fish under 2 lb should be returned.
  • Fishing is available for a minimum of two rods and a maximum of six rods.
  • Friday and Saturday availability is reserved for syndicate rods and family days.

Coarse fishing on English rivers is closed from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. That's the law for coarse fish on rivers — it's not a club rule, and game-fishing seasons work differently.

GOV.UK — Freshwater rod fishing rules: when and where you can fish

Where it is

Pins mark the access postcode each club gives, not the bank itself. Exact boundary map: see rights holder.

Community reported

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