It is no secret that the chalkstreams are the holy grail of trout fly fishing. Not only do they offer worldclass trout fishing right here in the UK, they are the very birthplace of fly fishing itself. Just like Wimbledon for tennis, St Andrews for golf, and Lords for cricket; the chalkstreams are the furnace where upstream dry fly fishing and nymphing were forged.
The tap clear waters and bright gravels that define these little chalkstreams, brimming with trout that are wilier than we care to imagine, often demand a level of finesse unmatched in any discipline of the sport. Add into the mix a calling for a deep understanding of watercraft, and it comes as no surprise that upstream dry fly fishing is something that does not come naturally to many of us.
Β It is a skill that takes days to learn, years to refine, and a lifetime to master. So utterly enthralling is the learning journey, that there are guides and keepers among us today who have quite literally devoted their lives to serving on the chalkstreams. Just like the ghillies of Scotland, Iceland and Norway; or the guides of Alaska, Montana, and Wyoming, there is no one who knows their river more intimately than those who live and breath them. The UK chalkstreams are no exception.
Yes, a qualified fishing guide comes fully equipped with all the tackle, equipment and flies required for your trip but, more than that, they have an encyclopedic knowledge of everything there is to know about the chalkstreams; from entomology and seasonal fly life, to the best local pubs for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Whether you are sight fishing for wild brown trout on a tiny headwater stream, or shooting a long line into the sweeping main River Test, your guide will be on hand with a snippet of advice that might just unlock the day.
It is for all these reasons and many more that we recommend taking a Guide with you for your fishing trip, whether you are a decorated chalkstream veteran, or a welcome newcomer to thisΒ wonderful way of life.
Hey! Jamie here – Founder and managing director at Wilde Trout.
I have spent many happy years as a guide, riverkeeper and fishing agent on the UK chalkstreams, and now I am delighted to be able to guide in both my home county of Hampshire, and further afield.
I am fortunate to have fished almost all of our southern chalkstreams, so if you are not sure where you would like to fish, I am always looking for an excuse to recommend some great water.Β
On the day, I will come fully equipped with all the tackle, equipment and flies, plus waders if required. Tea, coffee, and light refreshments are all provided and for lunch you can bring a riverside picnic, or if you prefer I can take you to the local pub. I will meet you at the river, pick you up from your accommodation, or collect you from the train station, whichever you prefer.Β
To find out more and arrange your date, please click the button below. I hope a special fishing trip is about to begin!
Β
Iβm a tea, coffee, and custard creams man.
Octopus or a good ribeye steak, medium rare!
Fish and Chips and a pint of local ale.
I have been to New Zealand, so Alaska.
Absolutely dry fly always!
Up close and personal sight fishing.
A size 16 Olive Klinkhammer.
The snake roll!
The Dever, a tap-clear tributary on the upper River Test.
I have many but hold a gun to my head and Iβll say FM Halford!
Where the Bright Waters Meet – Harry Plunket Greene.
Catching a large grey mullet with my bare hands straight out of the harbor at Sainte-Marine in Combrit, France.
It has to be the day we brought 10 enormous Blue Fin Tuna to my friendβs boat off the coast of our very own Devon shores.
Watching a big old wily trout finally slurp up my clientβs fly, and thunder off beneath the surface when they lift up into the perfect strike.
I guided a father and son on the River Nadder in Wiltshire. They were both complete beginners and the weather was very poor indeed. It was extremely wet and windy, and we were all soaked wet through, but they both stuck at it with tenacity and gritted teeth. Despite terrible conditions, we rose lots of fish and they caught 5 large trout plus a couple of lovely wild brownies. They were terrific clients and tremendous fun to guide. I hope they return.
Iβm a tea, coffee, and custard creams man.
Octopus or a good ribeye steak, medium rare!
Fish and Chips and a pint of local ale.
I have been to New Zealand, so Alaska.
Absolutely dry fly always!
Up close and personal sight fishing.
A size 16 Olive Klinkhammer.
The snake roll!
The Dever, a tap-clear tributary on the upper River Test.
I have many but hold a gun to my head and Iβll say FM Halford!
Where the Bright Waters Meet – Harry Plunket Greene.
Catching a large grey mullet with my bare hands straight out of the harbor at Sainte-Marine in Combrit, France.
It has to be the day we brought 10 enormous Blue Fin Tuna to my friendβs boat off the coast of our very own Devon shores.
Watching a big old wily trout finally slurp up my clientβs fly, and thunder off beneath the surface when they lift up into the perfect strike.
I guided a father and son on the River Nadder in Wiltshire. They were both complete beginners and the weather was very poor indeed. It was extremely wet and windy, and we were all soaked wet through, but they both stuck at it with tenacity and gritted teeth. Despite terrible conditions, we rose lots of fish and they caught 5 large trout plus a couple of lovely wild brownies. They were terrific clients and tremendous fun to guide. I hope they return.
Charter the chalkstreams in style and come equipped with our top of the line tackle outfits. Simply pick one of our bespoke chalkstream tackle packs; the Halford, the Walton, or the Greene, and let us do the rest!
We provide all the tackle, equipment and seasonal flies required for your trip, so if you are travelling from afar your tackle pack will be delivered direct to your local fishing accommodation, ready for when you arrive and complete with everything you need to get fishing on the chalkstreams. If you prefer, we can meet you beside the river with a flask of tea and coffee!
We will send you a full booking confirmation by email, along with any maps, directions, travel arrangements, and arrival instructions required, plus the contact information for your Guide.
Our guides will come equipped with all the tackle, equipment and flies required at no extra cost.
Sadly, we cannot cancel or postpone your booking under any circumstance. For the period you have booked, you have effectively prevented us from selling the day to another customer so to ensure that we are fair to everyone, we have to take a hard stance on this. If you cannot attend the day we will without obligation endeavor to resell your booking and, if successful, you will be eligible to a credit note for the full value of your booking, or a refund minus a 25% admin fee.
