Chalk-Stream Morning Brief
Chalk-stream brief: Test & Itchen — early April
What's biting today
Contributors to Trout & Salmon report brown trout in the River Test and River Itchen holding in clear, low-gradient runs this morning. Fish are favouring slow glides below riffles around Stockbridge and the Alresford stretch, taking occasional surface flies as midge activity lifts at first light. Dry takes are intermittent; most captures come from tentative rises and short, precise presentations.
Water & flow notes
Flows are low to normal after a dry fortnight; clarity is high on both chalk streams. Early-morning calm has left surface film in places; slack margins and tail-of-pool runs are providing oxygenated lies. Anglers should note silted patches near weirs downstream of Mottisfont and reduced chute flows at some sluices.
Tactics and flies
Recommended approach is a two-stage presentation: start with delicate dry-fly offering—small paraffin-coloured Black Gnat and PTN imitations—and be ready to switch to a subtle nymph rig when fish refuse surface offerings. Single-shot emerger tactics and long, fine leaders suit the clear water. Keep drift tight over seams and change stretch if fish are only taking subsurface.
Forecast
Into mid-April, warming days will increase midge and daphnia activity; anticipate more visible rising and an uptick in dry-fly opportunities at dawn and dusk. Persistent low flows favour stealthy wading and long casts to holding water.
Recommended: subtle nymph rig kit