Winter is Coming
When the chalkstreams fall quiet in winter, their clear waters reveal a hidden drama: the pursuit of pike on the fly. For the 2025–2026 season, we are once again offering exclusive guided days on the River Test, giving anglers the chance to target one of Britain’s most thrilling predators in a truly unique setting.
The Pike in Winter
As temperatures drop, pike become more active as they start to fatten up before spawning in the spring. Thanks to the chalkstream’s clarity, sight fishing is often possible—you may see the fish glide into view before engulfing your fly.
Tackle & Techniques
Fly fishing for pike is not about delicacy; it’s about strength and control. A 9 or 10 weight rod with a strong reel and reliable drag is essential. Heavy leaders and bite tippets protect against sharp teeth, while large synthetic flies—in a range of colours and weights—mimic wounded baitfish.
Accurate casting tight to structure, and working flies with pauses to trigger takes is the name of the game. Strikes can be explosive, so a firm strip-strike rather than a lift of the rod ensures the hook sets properly.
The Experience
Winter pike fishing is as much about atmosphere as action: quiet banks, clear water, still cold air, and the crunch of last summer’s foliage under foot. Anticipation can build with long, quiet spells—but when a pike finally pounces, the sudden eruption is unforgettable.
Booking
Availability is limited to keep pressure low through the winter and spread out so that there are good rest periods between trips. Each day will be guided and sold on a minimum of 4 anglers (up to a maximum of 8).
The pike booking windows will be (1 day in each window):
1 to 8 November (Booked)
15 to 22 November
29 November to 6 December
13 to 20 December
27 December to 3 January
10 to 17 January
17 to 24 January
31 January to 7 February
14 to 21 February
28 February to 7 March
13/14 March
Private Estate, Middle River Test (4 to 8 anglers)
Short video filmed on location here.
This is a private estate just south of Stockbridge with five long beats, with a mix of deep slows, big corner pools and swift shallows providing plenty of habitat for pike and their favoured prey the grayling. It has had next to no pike fishing pressure in recent years except for the odd excursion by the keeper who has had them to nearly 20lb on the fly, and our initial guided seasons here have seen both numbers and pike in excess of 20lb landed.
2025/26 Winter Pricing:
£880 for up to four anglers with one guide
£330 for an additional guide
£130 for an additional angler (max 8 anglers)
£40 equipment rental for rod/reel setup per person
As normal, flies and leaders will be provided.
For those seeking a fresh challenge this winter, guided chalkstream pike fishing offers a rare mix of beauty, skill, and raw excitement.
For more information about guided pike fishing days please contact Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389
