Early-April Trout & Salmon Briefing
Early-April Chalk-Stream Round-up: Where Trout and Salmon Are Biting
Spring qualifier results
Early-April spring qualifier on the River Test produced healthy counts of brown trout across central Hampshire beats. Club reports from Stockbridge and Chilbolton recorded steady takes on nymph patterns, with multiple anglers landing fish to 3lb during low, clear conditions. The Hampshire Avon has also seen renewed salmon interest upriver of Salisbury as recent tidal pushes have moved grilse into lower reaches; ghillies note brighter fish showing on gravel lies at first light.
Beat-by-beat: nymphing or floated dries?
Best nymphing is on classic chalk beats: Itchen, Test and Lambourn where low, gin-clear flows favour tight-line and indicator nymphing through runs and tail-outs. Kennet beats around Newbury and Hungerford are responding well to small pheasant tail and hares ear patterns. Floated dries are waking on shallow riffles and spring-fed tribs later in the day; top-water action improves on warm, sunlit afternoons at long glides on the Itchen and upper Test.
Water levels and seasonal outlook
River levels are generally low for early April following a dry March, with flows below average on south-central chalk streams. Short, light showers in the coming week may slightly raise clarity and trigger small insect hatches. Anglers should favour stealth tactics and smaller flies until flows pick up; hatch windows around dusk remain the best bet for floating-dry prospects.
Local reports and angler tips
Recent bank notes from guides stress measured wading and long leaders. A responsive nymphing rod and a pair of breathable waders plus a supple tapered fly line help detect subtle takes on low flows. Team tactics on evening dries—short leaders and size 16–18 sedge emergers—produce rising fish on sheltered glides.
Recommended: breathable fishing waders