The Parsonage Beat, River Test
The Parsonage Beat is a cracking day-ticket stretch on the River Test, downstream of Timsbury between Romsey and Stockbridge. You get a wide main river, a restored carrier and a proper Hampshire chalk-stream setting, with trout and grayling on the menu.
Run by Fishing Breaks · checked 15 Oct 2026 · boundaries only partly described by the club
River Test
The Parsonage Beat, River Test
Our river artwork — photos for this stretch are on the way
River level
Measured — Environment Agency
Oxlease 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 Oxlease on Live River Levels
The lowdown
- This has been one of Fishing Breaks’ original beats since 1992, so it’s an established bit of water rather than a new punt.
- The main river is wide and varied. Expect long glides, deeper pools and shallower sections, giving you plenty to look at as the day unfolds.
- There’s a long carrier stream too. It’s more intimate water and suits a smaller rod — bob on when you fancy getting away from the bigger channel.
- The carrier has been extensively restored, while the wider setting runs through woodland and water meadows. Proper idyllic chalk-stream surroundings.
- The main river holds a good wild trout population, backed up by regular stocking. Grayling are present as well, with the October and November booking period specifically sold for grayling.
- Rising fish are reported throughout the day, and alder cover adds plenty of character around the banks. Keep an eye on the water rather than charging about — there should be signs to watch for.
- Fishing is bank-only according to the beat information. The water is fly-fishing focused, with the main river offering roomier water and the carrier giving a tighter, more compact option.
- Occasional sea trout and salmon are present towards the end of the season. They’re a bonus rather than the main billing, with the beat’s core appeal being its trout and grayling fishing.
- It works for individual rods or larger parties, with one to six rods available. There’s a fishing cabin overlooking the river, plus on-site parking, which takes a bit of faff out of the day.
Methods: This is fly-fishing water, with the broad main river offering long glides, pools and shallows, and the restored carrier better suited to a smaller rod. Keep an eye out for rising trout and work the water that looks lively.
Access & tickets
Day ticket — May 1–12
One rod. Day-ticket fishing.
£225 per rod (as listed 15 Oct 2026 — check before you go)
Day ticket — May 13–June 4
One rod. Day-ticket fishing.
£295 per rod (as listed 15 Oct 2026 — check before you go)
Day ticket — June 5–July 31
One rod. Day-ticket fishing.
£245 per rod (as listed 15 Oct 2026 — check before you go)
Day ticket — August 1–September 30
One rod. Day-ticket fishing.
£195 per rod (as listed 15 Oct 2026 — check before you go)
Grayling ticket — October 1–November 16
One rod. Grayling fishing.
£95 per rod (as listed 15 Oct 2026 — check before you go)
Season rod
Two days per month from May to September. Includes two guest tickets, including one during the Mayfly period.
£2,250 (as listed 15 Oct 2026 — check before you go)
Half season rod
Two May days and one day per month from June to September. Includes one guest ticket from June to September.
£1,425 (as listed 15 Oct 2026 — check before you go)
Bookings are made through Fishing Breaks. The listed August 1 to October 24 price is £270 per rod; the November 1 to January 31 grayling price is £75 per rod.
Fish the club names
trout, trout, trout, trout, trout
Key rules
- Bank fishing only.
- Dogs are allowed.
- The beat is available for one to six rods.
- Season-rod date changes normally require 14 days’ notice under the season-rod terms.
- Night fishing should be confirmed directly before booking.
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 fishWhere it is
Pins mark the access postcode each club gives, not the bank itself. Exact boundary map: see rights holder.
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