Itchen Evening Rituals
Abbots Worthy beat, River Itchen — May 15–June 8 mayfly nights
Abbots Worthy beat on the 45 km River Itchen fills at dusk with mayfly spinners between May 15 and June 8. Keepers work dry flies where trout rise in 2–4 foot runs between weed and gravel. The water stays steady at roughly 55°F; the clarity shapes every ritual.
Fly‑tying by the bank
Keepers sit with lamps, thread and feathers. The Number 1 Chalkstream Fly (olive body, CDC wing, size 16–18) is a staple. Ties are short, precise and saved for dawn. Emergers and scud imitations get priority.
Tea and company
Tea steeps in a billy can. Keeper's brew: 2 tsp Assam, 8 oz chalk‑filtered spring water, boiled three minutes, dash of local milk. Conversation slides from hatch timing to who beat the brownie that day. A wicker creel lies open for tomorrow's tally.
Riverside cookout
Brown trout, 1.5 lb, go whole on embers stuffed with wild garlic and lemon thyme, wrapped with 2 oz smoked bacon lardons. Twelve to fifteen minutes per side until fish flakes at 145°F. Serve with foraged watercress and new potatoes roasted in ash.
Etiquette and lore
Toast the river first: "To the Itchen's jewel trout!" Tail pieces go to guest tiers. The site is left spotless; no ash remains. The song from Halford's era still drifts across the reeds.
Recommended: canvas creel basket