The Test at Overton
The River Test
Much has already been written about the Test, so I will just give an introduction here.
The upper and middle reaches.
| Rising out of the chalk at Ashe, near Overton, the Test flows for almost 40 miles before emptying itself into Southampton Water. Joined by the Bourne Rivulet at Hurstbourne Priors, the river by-passes Andover before meeting the River Dever just north of Chilbolton. Just a mile further downstream, the River Anton links up to the Test at Testcombe. |
|
|
The Test at Overton |
|
At Testcombe on the A3057, you'll find a nice pub right next to the river. After ordering your drinks you can sit at one of the tables outside and feed the fish. Prepare to be amazed when you witness the trout race the ducks to intercept the free offerings. The more observant visitor may even notice the roach which hug the gravel bottom, along with the eels which seem to appear out of nowhere! |
|
The Public House at Testcombe |
On then through Leckford and Longstock to Stockbridge, where the Test runs under the A30. Fly fishermen may like to know that there's a good tackle shop here, and fly fishing on the river can be arranged through the shop.
Before meeting the Wallop Brook at Bossington, the river passes through Houghton, well known for it's dry fly fishing club.
Following the A3057 towards Romsey, the river them flows past Mottisfont Abbey to meet the River Dun at Dunbridge and continues through Kimbridge and Timsbury to Romsey. Winter coarse fishing is available on the river at Timsbury between October and the following March. Details on this can be obtained by phoning 01264 365165.
| Now, Romsey holds a lot of memories for me; not least because that's where I first wet a line way back in the 60`s. Anglers will be pleased to know that there is a tackle shop in the centre of the town, as well as numerous pubs, hotels etc. Coarse fishing in the Memorial Park is available upon purchasing a ticket from the council offices. Also, depending on the time of year, you can take a leisurely stroll down to Sadler's Mill to watch the salmon leaping. |
|
|
Sadler`s Mill in Romsey |
|
|
Below Romsey, the Test enters the Broadlands Estate. This stretch of water, once cared for by Bernard Aldrich (head river keeper) and his team, is now looked after by John Dennis. John and myself grew up in the same village and I remember fishing with him a couple of times during the 70`s. |
|
Broadlands House |
|
The lower reaches. |
|||
| Below Broadlands, the river runs
under the M27,via
Nursling Mill and joins with the River Blackwater. From here the Test runs on to Testwood, where the river becomes tidal, before spilling into Southampton Water. This stretch of water is primarily run for the Salmon anglers, although members of the coarse syndicate can fish a short length of river here until October/November. After that, the whole river becomes available to the members
|
|
||
|
|
|||
|
Testwood Pool and the Fishing Cottage |
|||
The `Little River` Test.
Just a couple of hundred yards below the M27, the river takes a 90° bend before hurtling towards Nursling Mill. On this bend, an offshoot carries water down towards Conager Bridge and the keepers cottage, this is known as the `Little River` Test.
The `Little River`, is completely different from the main river being a lot narrower. Alternating between sparkling shallows and deep pools, it carves its way through the meadows and under a couple of footbridges before linking up to its parent river in the estuary at Redbridge.
Visit our website at Testwood Coarse Angling
