Life of a Chalkstream: What is new and news for 2024

Greetings!

I know you all love the old favourites, some of which have been with Fishing Breaks since what sometimes seems like the dawn of time (33 seasons and counting ……) but it is always good to ring the changes as aspirations change and we listen to what you ask for.

I am often asked what has changed most over my past three decades. The answer is pretty easy: catch and release. In the early days of the business I had a few catch and release only beats but really, the truth is, they did not sell well. In the 1990’s trout fishing was still predominantly catch and kill. The first four fish you hooked you dispatched and once the fourth was in the creel (does anyone still buy these?) you headed for home.

However, by the time we reached the Millennium mandatory killing was a thing of the past, catch and release the norm with the option to take home a fish or two on rivers with a stocked population. I do read with some amusement, and not a little cynicism, arrivistes to the wild fish/catch and release debate who seem to think they just invented the concept, the rest of us being ignorant stockie bashers.

You know this is not true because, not least, over a third of Fishing Breaks beats are 100% wild, with over two thirds of the beats (and 85% by length) home to a wild brown trout population that comprise over half the fish in the river.

Click here to visit the Fishing Breaks website. Full list of wild beats under Compare the Fishing.

Difficult diaries

Firstly, the good news. Shawford Park on the River Itchen was sold recently but I am delighted to say the new owners have enthusiastically embraced the fishing and the excellent river keeper of some 15 years, Pete Glynn-Jones is staying on. The result is more dates than in the past, with the opportunity for weekends.

Broadlands Estate on the River Test is currently making significant changes to the management of the river, some 5 miles in all, which includes our Broadlands House beats. I am hopeful we will be able to resume day rods in the medium-to-long term but in terms of 2024 it is very much watch this space.

Also in flux is Fisherton de la Mere on the River Wylye. Currently, The Dower House, the home the late Robin Thompson who many of you will remember, which is undergoing major restoration. Along with this, and possible changes in land ownership, again watch this space.

Shawford Park - no fishing in the lily pond!

New for 2024

I’m definitely expanding our horizons beyond our comfort zone of the chalkstreams. Last year we introduced chub and barbel with John Bailey on the River Wye which is a great success. This year, and hoping for equal success, perch and pike in the Lake District with Eric Hope and a hiking adventure with James Waine in same part of the world, plus the Ladies Days with Gilly Bate back here in Hampshire.

Eric Hope has been going nearly as long as me from his base in Cumbia which encompasses Derwentwater, Windermere and the River Derwent. He really does offer a complete service from pike (see fine example above) and perch from the boat in Derwentwater, specimen hunting at selected times of year to salmon and sea trout in the River Derwent. Tuition is offered and children welcome from as young as 7 years.

I have often wondered why a particular madness afflicts fly fishers which makes us travel to the corners of the globe in pursuit of wild fishing that is right in our back yard. Young and upcoming guide James Waine has not only had the same thought but also done something about it with his Hiking Adventure in the Lake District. It is fair to say this day demands a certain level of fitness that is not for all so James also offers great guided days in County Durham on the Eden and Tees.

James Waine: small fish, giant landscape

Finally, we are selling out the Ladies Days with Gilly Bate. There is one place on the Foundation Course (6/April) and two places on the chalkstream Course (26/April).

Simon Cooper talk: why our rivers are the way they are .... and how to save them

I have largely retired from the talk business but I will be speaking in Nether Wallop on Friday 16 February on the topic, “Why our rivers are the way they are .... and how to save them”.

Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Admission is £10/person including a glass of wine with all proceeds to the Village Hall Fund. Everyone welcome and pre booking not required. The talk takes place at the Village Hall, The Square, Nether Wallop, SO20 8EX.