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House Beat, Bossington Estate

Plan a session

House Beat is a cracking fly-fishing beat on the middle River Test, right in front of Bossington House. It sits at the confluence with Wallop Brook, with the main Test channel, a small island and a mix of classic chalk-stream water to explore.

Run by Bossington 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

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The lowdown

  • This is Bossington Estate water between Bossington Home Beat and Bossington Mill, near Houghton and Stockbridge. A proper bit of Test country.
  • The beat has manicured chalk-stream water, lively riffles, deeper pools and some carrier-like habitat. Plenty to keep you busy as the day unfolds.
  • Fishing covers the main Test channel, plus sport around a small island described by the estate as a natural paradise and terrestrial SSSI.
  • It’s fly-only water. Traditional flies, emergers and nymphs are all on the menu, with upstream nymphing allowed from 15 June onwards.
  • The water is set up for both newer and experienced anglers. Qualified tuition and guiding are available if you fancy taking the faff out of finding the right line.
  • Wading isn’t automatic, mind. You’ll need permission from the river keeper before getting in, so sort that before heading into the flow.
  • The 2026 season runs from 13 April to 11 October, with fishing from dawn to dusk. The Mayfly-period rods run from 15 May to 12 June.
  • Up to 12 rods can fish the beat, though there’s normally a minimum booking of two rods. A single rod is allowed on House Beat during August and October.
  • Access is via the estate back drive, with designated parking and a bespoke fishing hut. Keep cars off the river bank and stick to the parking area.
  • A current Environment Agency trout licence is needed. Hooks must be size 10 or smaller, and barbless or de-barbed hooks are strongly encouraged.

Methods: Keep it classic: work traditional dries, emergers and nymphs through the glides, riffles and pools. From 15 June, upstream nymphing is permitted, but check wading with the keeper first.

Access & tickets

2026 standard day rod — 13 April to 14 May

Fly-fishing day rod; normally minimum booking of two rods per beat.

£328 per rod (as listed 16 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

2026 Mayfly-period day rod — 15 May to 12 June

Fly-fishing day rod; normally minimum booking of two rods per beat.

£398 per rod (as listed 16 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

2026 standard day rod — 13 June to 11 October

Fly-fishing day rod; a single rod is allowed on House Beat during August and October.

£328 per rod (as listed 16 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

Day-rod passes are booked through the Bossington Estate Office. There is normally a minimum booking of two rods per beat; the published pricing sheet does not list a Home Beat exception for single rods.

Fish the club names

trout

Key rules

  • Fly fishing only, using traditional flies, emergers and nymphs. Upstream nymphing is permitted from 15 June onwards.
  • Standard hooks may be no larger than size 10. Barbless or de-barbed hooks are strongly encouraged.
  • Wading is allowed only with permission from the river keeper.
  • There is a six-fish daily catch limit, with rods allowed to kill one brace. Fish of 12 inches or more count towards the limit whether kept or released.
  • Wild fish and grayling should be carefully returned. All fish must be recorded in the day book, including blank days.
  • A current Environment Agency trout licence is required. Sub-letting, rod sharing and relay fishing are prohibited.
  • Feeding the river is prohibited. One well-controlled dog may accompany a fisherman, but dogs are prohibited on House Beat according to the estate rules.
  • Cars must remain in designated parking areas and may not be driven on the river bank.

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.

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