The River Wye

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

The salmon rivers of Southern Norway

James Boren

Southern Norway’s Salmon Rivers: A Fly Fisher’s Paradise
Norway 🇳🇴

The salmon rivers of Southern Norway

From intimate spate rivers to powerful hydro-controlled waterways, each teeming with Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and sea-run brown trout (Salmo trutta).

Just two hours from mainland Northern Europe, this angling haven offers accessibility and affordability. Picture yourself casting in pristine valleys, where beavers glide to their lodges and ospreys or golden eagles circle overhead—nature’s spectacle unfolds as you fish.

The Addictive Allure of the Tug
Let’s be honest: salmon fishing tests patience. It’s equal parts exhilarating and exasperating. Yet, that fleeting moment—the sudden, decisive pull on your line—erases every frustration. The rush is real, and it’s why anglers return, hooked on the chase.

Witnessing a hundred salmon leap in a day isn’t rare, but enticing a bite? That’s the art. Some spend weeks without landing a fish. Even a strike doesn’t guarantee success; hooks loosen, fish escape. But it’s this very unpredictability that lures fly fishers worldwide.

Reward Beyond the Catch
Imagine the thrill of battling a silver giant in untouched wilderness, surrounded by birdsong and rustling wildlife. Norwegian nature dazzles, especially when you’re knee-deep in a river, rod in hand.

Salmon here average 4kg, with seasonal giants reaching 16kg—even 20kg. Sea trout? Typically 1kg, though 6kg trophies aren’t uncommon (the record: 10kg).

Fishing here is about savoring the moment. Pause on the bank, breathe in the scenery, and relish a well-earned break—preferably with good food and drink—as you soak in nature’s grandeur.

Featured Species
While other fish may lurk nearby, these stars take center stage:

  • Atlantic Salmon
  • Brown Trout
  • Sea Trout
Location

River Lesse in Lesse

James Boren

The Enchanting Lesse River: A Fly Fisher’s Paradise in the Belgian Ardennes

Flowing gracefully through the lush landscapes of the Belgian Ardennes, the Lesse River is a hidden gem for fly fishing enthusiasts. Its crystal-clear waters teem with brown trout and chub, offering anglers a rewarding challenge amid breathtaking scenery. Towering cliffs and dense forests frame the river, creating a tranquil escape where fishing and hiking seamlessly intertwine.

Tactics and Techniques
Whether you prefer dry flies, nymphs, or streamers, the Lesse responds to a variety of approaches depending on the season. Even smaller trout here can’t resist the allure of a well-presented Wooly Bugger! The river’s gentle flow and manageable depth make it ideal for wading, though caution is advised—its rocky bed demands careful footing.

Prime Fishing Spots
Begin your adventure near the village of Lesse, where convenient parking and a BBQ area serve as the perfect launch point. From here, anglers can explore upstream or downstream stretches:

  • Downstream (right): Features deeper pools and secluded riffles but requires stealth to avoid spooking fish.
  • Upstream (left): Offers easier wading with consistent shallows, though water levels fluctuate with seasonal rains.

Note: Despite Google Maps’ mislabeling (marking the river as "Lomme"), locals know it as the Lesse—a charming quirk for visitors to note.

Licensing Essentials
To fish this stretch, two permits are required:

  1. A Wallonia regional fishing license, mandatory for all waters in the area.
  2. A day (€5) or annual (€35) permit from Amicale Des Pêcheurs de Redu, the local fly fishing association. Contact Manuel via their website (French-only, but Google Translate works wonders!).

Beyond the Lesse: Exploring the Ardennes
Venturing further? Many Wallonian rivers operate on a similar system—private beats managed by local clubs. Websites like FHPSBL and Maison de la Pêche (both in French) are invaluable for securing permits. While some public stretches exist, they’re often crowded; dawn or dusk may yield better luck amid quieter waters and active insect hatches.

River Lesse in Lesse

Target Species
While chub and brown trout dominate the Lesse, the Ardennes’ diverse ecosystems may surprise you with other catches. For now, these two species remain the stars of this serene fishing haven.

Pack your waders, embrace the adventure, and let the Lesse’s currents guide you to an unforgettable angling experience.

Location

BachtellachS® at Seeblisee

James Boren

Fly Fishing at BachtellachS庐, Seeblisee – A Hidden Alpine Gem

Nestled in the Swiss Alps at 1,433 meters, the serene Seeblisee offers a rare fly-fishing experience for the elusive Cherry-Salmon, a genetic marvel exclusive to this lake. Alongside this prized catch, anglers can target rainbow trout, Arctic char, and a select population of grayling introduced for research.

Accessible by public transport, Seeblisee is the first in a chain of picturesque mountain lakes near Zurich, each shimmering like a pearl in the alpine landscape. While other species may inhabit the area, the spotlight here remains on these unique and captivating fish.

Featured Species:

  • Arctic Char
  • Grayling
  • Rainbow Trout

A dream destination for fly fishers seeking solitude and biodiversity in Switzerland’s untouched wilderness.

BachtellachS® at Seeblisee

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