River Test Fishing Guide

About River Test

The River Test is a productive 10km chalk stream holding excellent populations of barbel, chub, carp, bream, and pike, alongside trout, salmon, grayling, and smaller species like roach and dace. Fishing rights are predominantly club and private; a rod licence is essential, and day-ticket opportunities are limited.

River Test observes the standard close season: No close season (tidal waters). Always check local byelaws before your visit. A rod licence alone does not grant access — most stretches require club membership or a day ticket in addition.

Current Water Conditions

Water level data from the Environment Agency Real Time Flood Monitoring API. Nearest gauging station. Always verify conditions on arrival.

Fish Species in River Test

River Test holds common carp, carp, barbel, bream, chub, roach, rudd, dace, perch, pike, gudgeon, grayling, trout, salmon, eel.

Carp are a popular target on River Test — handle carefully with a landing net and unhooking mat, and return promptly.

Salmon fishing on River Test requires a separate migratory salmonid licence from the EA in addition to the standard rod licence. Bag limits and season dates apply.

Trout fishing on River Test may be subject to season restrictions set by the local club or riparian owner — always confirm before your session.

An EA rod licence is required by law to fish River Test. Club membership or a day ticket is also required on most stretches.

River Test — Photography

Image via Wikipedia · Used under Creative Commons licence

Frequently Asked Questions

• What fish can I catch in River Test?+
  The tidal river holds Common Carp, Carp, Barbel, Bream, Chub, Roach, Rudd, Dace, Perch, Pike, Gudgeon, Grayling, Trout, Salmon, Eel. Carp are a popular target — handle carefully and return promptly. Salmon fishing requires a separate migratory fish licence in addition to the standard rod licence. Trout fishing on River Test may be subject to season restrictions — check local byelaws.
• What is the close season on River Test?+
  No close season (tidal waters) Always confirm with the landowner or club before fishing out of normal season.
• Do I need a licence to fish River Test?+
  Yes — a valid Environment Agency (EA) rod licence is required by law to fish River Test. Licences are available online from gov.uk. In addition to the rod licence, most stretches require club membership or a day ticket from the controlling club or landowner.
• What is the water quality like in River Test?+
  The Environment Agency classifies River Test as having Moderate water quality. Fish status is rated as Poor. Water quality can affect fishing conditions — check the EA's Catchment Data Explorer for up-to-date information.

Planning a Trip to River Test

To fish River Test, you need a valid EA rod licence, available online from gov.uk. Annual, day and 8-day licences are available. In addition to the rod licence, you will need club membership or a day ticket from the controlling angling club or riparian owner for most stretches of River Test.

Always check conditions before you visit. Water quality, access and rules can change seasonally. The EA's Catchment Data Explorer provides up-to-date water quality information for River Test.

Nearby Rivers & Canals

Other UK fishing waters near River Test on PiscaMaps:

• Tadburn Lake
• Beaulieu River
• Andover Canal
• Bartley Water
• Cadnam River
• Monks Brook
• Southampton Water
• River Itchen
• River Test
• Dark Water
• Lymington River
• Beaulieu River