Itchen

ONE OF Hampshire’s famous chalkstreams, the Itchen is shorter than its equally famous neighbour, the Test, and is therefore more exclusive. Many Itchen beats are controlled by syndicates and private owners with fishing reserved for members and friends only, although there is some day-ticket availability – and even a free stretch through Winchester city centre.

- Peter Gathercole

Salmon 

The lower reaches provide the best chance of a salmon, with the Lower Itchen Fishery one of the best beats to try. Most Itchen salmon are caught on spinners or the prawn (fishing with worms is prohibited) but they can be induced to take a fly. The more unusual method of fishing a salmon nymph, by casting upstream and fishing down to a sighted fish, is one of the most effective ways of taking chalkstream salmon.

Sea-trout