Brown Trout Fly fishing — River Test, Hampshire

Wade carefully upstream, keeping low and moving slowly to avoid spooking fish in the famously clear Test water. Present a size 14 CDC or parachute Olive pattern 2–3 feet upstream of a visibly rising fish, with a drag-free drift of at least 2–3 metres over the lie. Cast at approximately 30–45 degrees upstream at a distance of 8–12 metres to stay outside the trout's window of vision, and mend immediately after delivery to kill any drag induced by cross-currents. Strike gently on the rise — the Test's wild browns are selective and will eject an unnatural presentation instantly.

• —Mid-May on the Test is peak Mayfly build-up, but also the height of the Olive (Baetis rhodani and BWO) hatch — the river will carry significant surface fly activity from mid-morning onwards on mild days
• —May chalk stream water temperatures typically sit between 11–14°C, ideal for active surface feeding and sustained rise activity throughout the day
• —The Test is a heavily managed, crystal-clear chalk stream with slow, gin-clear currents — selectivity is extreme, so precise presentation and a well-matched pattern are essential, not optional
• —Brown trout on chalk streams are almost entirely sight-fed and position themselves in well-oxygenated runs, below weed beds, and along the current seams — wading upstream keeps you behind the fish and reduces disturbance
• —The evening rise (often a Spinner fall or continued Olive activity) can be as productive as the daytime hatch in May — fish it if access allows, targeting calmer glides and tail-outs