How to fish the Test

troutminded · #1 10-14-2009, 07:36 PM

Hi all

I have been fly fishing now for just 2yrs and have been invited to fish the Test. My only experience to date are with large waters ( Rutland etc ). Can any body give any guide lines , ( Only have a 10ft GRXI 7/8 rod )
Thanks, Mike.

fullcreel · #2 10-14-2009, 08:57 PM

I'd check on the methods allowed, some rivers only allow dry fly and upstream nymphing. If you have time to read up, there are some good books, but as I'm sure you know, there is no substitute for experience.
I'd phone local tackle shops/river keeper before the trip and get in suitable flies.

Pleccy · #3 10-15-2009, 03:27 PM

Chances are you'll need a new rod, however unless you are fishing the Test next year you can't target Brown trout as these are now out-of-season until the 15th of March. However Grayling are in season and will be throughout the winter. A 10ft #7/8 rod is overkill apart from Sea trout and light Salmon fishing.

For Grayling a 10ft #4-5 weight rod will be ideal for bugging and also for fishing dry flies, however if you are fishing an overgrown part of the river then a 10ft rod won't exactly be ideal for 'jungle warfare' and something in the 7ft 10" #4 - 8ft 6" #4 range would be more ideal. A good compromise for river fishing would be a 9ft #4-5.

geejayy · #4 10-16-2009, 09:10 AM

my chosen weapons were 8ft 6'' & #6 line , iron blues or cinnamon sedge on the dry when i used to fish there @this time o year.

crafty flyer · #5 10-16-2009, 03:18 PM

Hi mike you lucky guy to get an invite to fish the beautifull test.
Try and visit the orvis shop in stockbridge as often as possible they allways are willing to give expert advice which is priceless.
Your outfit is not suitable for the test.
An 8 foot or 8 1/2 foot 4 peice 5 weight floating line.
No nuymphs,just pure dry flys hook sizes 12/14/16/18.Should suffice.
Barbless hooks,if not debarb them yourself,that gives the fish a fighting chance,and allows for quicker hook retrieve,causing less stress to your catch.
If you can not get hold of this set up you may be able to hire it from a good shop.
Try orvis at stockbride for advice on this or the Rod Box at Kings worthy i am sure they will help.
Or orvis will sell you this set up for about £120. or cheaper if you shop around.
Good luck and enjoy tight lines crafty.

troutminded · #6 11-04-2009, 07:15 PM

Hi Crafty Flyer

Thanks for all the info. So sorry so late in posting a reply ( my system showed it as spam ). Had a great day - although blanked, but learnt so much in prep for next year. Have never fished a river before and only been fly fishing for 2yrs. Really nice to know that there are like minded around that can and will help. Mike

crafty flyer · #7 11-05-2009, 06:30 AM

Hi Mike just for my curiosity what part of the test did you fish.

Thanks crafty flyer

troutminded · #8 11-05-2009, 07:22 AM

Good morning
I work for the John Lewis Partnership and we own the Lecford estate which has the Test running through it. As a result there are I believe 18 beats. Exactly from and to where not to sure although we started from the village of Leckford.
Mike

crafty flyer · #9 11-14-2009, 12:42 PM

Hi Mike,I know the village of leckford and stockbridge very well,And i am very familiar with the leckford estate.
That in my oppinion is probably one of the best beats on the test, Good for you.Have you sorted out a fly rod set up that is suitable for that type of river fishing yet.Regards Crafty Flyer.

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