L’Ellé de Barrégant

Location

Chalkstreams in Hampshire

James Boren

Hampshire’s Chalkstreams: A Fly Fisher’s Sacred Waters

The rivers Test and Itchen, flowing through Hampshire, are hallowed grounds for fly anglers—a living legacy of the sport’s evolution. This English county stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, where centuries of fishing history ripple through its crystal-clear waters.

Winchester Cathedral holds the remains of Izaak Walton, whose 1653 masterpiece The Compleat Angler forever tied his name to these rivers. The Test’s banks witnessed Frederick Halford redefine dry fly fishing in the 1800s, while George Skues, just downstream on the Itchen, pioneered the art of nymphing. Their legacies linger in every cast.

Stockbridge: A Timeless Angling Haven
Nestled in the Test Valley, this village is a postcard of fly-fishing heritage. Mist-cloaked autumn mornings reveal cobbled streets and an irresistible pull toward the river—a siren call for any angler.

The Test: Chalkstream Royalty

Chalkstreams in Hampshire

Carving a 39-mile arc through Hampshire, the Test is a mosaic of water meadows, murmuring carriers, and braided channels. Below Stockbridge, it swells into a formidable flow, joined by the Wallop Brook and Dun, before merging into a single channel near Romsey.

The Itchen: A Rival in Legend
Like the Test, the Itchen is a beacon for wild trout and grayling, fed by the Alre and Candover Brook. Born near New Alresford, it winds 26 miles past Winchester’s cathedral spires and college greens, finally mingling with Southampton Water. Its abandoned 17th-century navigation channels whisper of a busier past, while its pristine currents remain a dry-fly paradise.

Where Rivers Meet the Sea
South of Winchester, the Itchen turns brackish at Woodmill Pool, merging with the Test’s estuary—a poetic confluence of Hampshire’s fishing lore.

Dive Deeper
Explore the secrets of these chalkstreams, their hatches, and the fish that inhabit them in our detailed guide or video tribute: A Homage to the Chalkstream Summer.

Featured Species
While these waters teem with life, the Test and Itchen are famed for their wild:

  • Brown Trout
  • Grayling
Location

Otra river

James Boren

The Otra River: Norway’s Hidden Gem for Anglers

Flowing through Southern Norway, the 245-kilometer Otra River is the country’s eighth-longest waterway. It traces Route 9 before emptying into the sea near Kristiansand, the region’s vibrant capital.

The Otra’s diverse landscape shifts from rushing rapids to tranquil lakes, offering a dynamic fishing experience. Its lower 16 kilometers are a hotspot for migratory Atlantic salmon, sea trout, and wild brown trout, with over 6,500 kg of fish—94% wild salmon—caught in 2014 alone.

Beyond Vennesla, where migratory fish are halted by artificial barriers, the river transforms into a network of interconnected lakes and streams. Here, anglers find abundant wild brown trout—small in size but plentiful, ensuring nearly guaranteed catches.

A Vision for Sustainable Fishing
In June 2023, the Otra Fishing Association partnered with Fishby to introduce a "smart fishing license," granting access to 180 kilometers of the upper Otra system in Setesdalen Valley. This digital pass excludes migratory species but opens doors to pristine waters from Hartevatn to Kilefjorden.

While wild brown trout dominate, elusive American brook trout and the rare Bleka salmon—a dwarf species unique to Byglandsfjorden—add intrigue. South of Fennefossen, perch thrive, while minnows populate the higher reaches.

Rules & Regulations

  • Licenses: Digital (Fishby.no) or physical (local vendors).
  • Youth under 16 fish free.
  • Fees: Day (75 NOK), Week (200 NOK), Season (500 NOK).
  • Gear: Hand equipment permitted; AFTMA 3-6 lines recommended.

    • Otra river

  • Ethics: Bury entrails, leash dogs, avoid livestock.
  • Strict ban on live bait—violations reported to authorities.
  • Safety: Watch for sudden water rises near dams.

Two Rare Treasures

  1. Marble Trout: A striking hybrid of brown and brook trout, found in Evje.
  2. Bleka: A landlocked dwarf salmon, surviving against odds after habitat loss and acid rain nearly eradicated it. Conservation efforts aim to restore this cultural and ecological icon.

Target Species

  • Atlantic Salmon
  • Brown Trout
  • Sea Trout

The Otra isn’t just a river—it’s a story of resilience, adventure, and Norway’s untamed beauty.

Location

Smøla Island

James Boren

Sm酶la Island, Norway
A belly boater’s dream for saltwater fly fishing

Mid Norway is a hidden gem for saltwater fly anglers, offering endless possibilities when explored by belly boat. Glide across serene waters beneath the watchful gaze of soaring sea eagles, and cast your line under the magical glow of the midnight sun—an unforgettable angling experience awaits.

The region’s labyrinth of islands, fjords, and bridges ensures sheltered fishing spots no matter the wind. Here’s a glimpse of the prized species you can target:

Pollack: The Deep-Diving Brawler
Pollack (Pollachius pollachius) are a favorite among fly fishers, renowned for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs. Their distinctive dark eyes and gaping mouths hint at their voracious appetite. While they roam from surface to depths, sinking lines (DI 3–7) often outperform floating ones. Peak season runs June–September, with June’s endless daylight offering prime action.

Atlantic Cod: Post-Spawn Powerhouses
Early June brings hungry Atlantic cod fresh off spawning, eager to crush large flies. These giants fight dirty, twisting around leaders with surprising agility. Watch their spotted flanks and pale bellies flash in the clear water as they charge your belly boat—a sight to behold.

Coalfish: The Silver Shadows
Mid Norway’s waters teem with coalfish, often schooling in vast numbers. While belly boats yield smaller specimens, patience (or a boat trip) might reward you with meter-long trophies. Light tackle turns these acrobatic fighters into a blast.

Unexpected Catches
The region’s rich ecosystem surprises anglers with Atlantic mackerel, sea trout, and even the occasional juvenile halibut.

Dive into Mid Norway’s saltwater fly fishing paradise—where wild landscapes and hard-fighting fish collide.

Species Spotlight
While other fish roam these waters, the stars of the show are:

    Smøla Island

  • Atlantic Cod
  • Atlantic Halibut
  • Atlantic Mackerel
  • Haddock
  • Pollack

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