Flies For The River Test
TThe River Test is likely to be the most famous fly fishing chalk stream in the UK, if not the world. The River Test rises near Ashe in Hampshire and flows for around 40 miles before converging with the River Itchen. The River Test is fly fished extensively for Wild Brown Trout, Stocked Rainbows and Grayling as well as Salmon & Sea Trout. The water quality in the chalk stream is the perfect habitat for producing extensive aquatic life including Mayfly, Olives & Shrimp. This natural larder means that the Trout can grow fat on natural food. The Trout are free rising to a well fished dry fly. The best flies for the river Test will vary according to the time of year however our collection below should cover all the likely flies for the River Test you need for your trip. Flies for the River Test tend to sway towards dry fly fishing mainly due to the heritage and history of the river
Flies For The River Test In April
The main flies hatching on the River Test in April are the Large Dark Olive, the Grannom Caddis and the Hawthorn. The dry and the nymph can be covered with a few different patterns. Sub-surface, Trout will still be feeding heavily on Shrimp and it's important to have a few shrimp patterns available too.
FLIES FOR THE RIVER TEST IN MAY
The River Test in May sees the first Mayfly hatch of the year as well as the emergence of other up-wings and terrestrials. Maybe the finest month to be out fly fishing as the fish feed heavily in more favourable weather conditions..
Shrimper Barbless
Hawthorne Barbless
Grey Wulff Barbless
Black Gnat Barbless
Thomas Yellow Mayfly
Spent Hackled Mayfly
FLIES FOR THE RIVER TEST IN JUNE
June sees an abundance of new flies hatching including the Blue Winged Olive and Medium Olives. Days are longers and days can be plagued by cloudless, sunny skies making fishing harder. At this time of year, it's worth making an early start or a late finish to get the best of the fishing.
FLIES FOR THE RIVER TEST IN JULY
We are now into the Summer and the sun is rising high in the sky. The Trout are also well fed after gorging on Spring flies. Picking a morning or evening session, or a more overcast day will certainly prove advantageous. Nymph fishing can be useful on bright days when nothing is rising..
Shrimper Barbless
Daddy Long Legs
Cinnamon Sedge
Black Ant Barbless
Pearly Daddy
FLIES FOR THE RIVER TEST IN AUGUST
We are now into the height of Summer and what is considered by many to be the slowest month of the year in terms of fly fishing. Picking an early morning or late evening session will defiantly play to your advantage. Small flies such as midges and river buzzers as well as long leaders and fine tippets will increase your chances.
Shrimper Barbless
Daddy Long Legs
Cinnamon Sedge
Black Ant Barbless
Pearly Daddy
FLIES FOR THE RIVER TEST IN SEPTEMBER
September on the River Test will see the return of the Large Dark Olive. Cooler weather and less sunlight will also improve the fishing although the month can often be a mix of both Summer and early Autumn conditions..
Shrimper Barbless
Olive Dun Barbless
Daddy Long Legs
Cinnamon Sedge
Black Ant Barbless
Caperer (Size 14)
Pearly Daddy
FLIES FOR THE RIVER TEST IN OCTOBER
The last part of the Trout season at the beginning of October can provide some excellent fly fishing. The cooling temperatures can provoke Trout into an aggressive feed as they put on weight to improve their condition before spawning..
Shrimper Barbless
