Gilly Bate Fly Odyssey

Gilly Bate Fly Odyssey Fly Odyssey Chalkstream offer a bespoke fishing experience across the River Test, Itchen, and

09/09/2026

Preventing drag on the fly.
There are several casts that can eliminate drag of the fly.
I love a reach cast as it’s relatively easy to do and doesn’t disturb the water.
Reach upstream as the line is unrolling parallel with the water. It’s a smooth movement and re position the rod tip to be in line with the end of the flyline once the cast is finished.
You also need to make sure that you are connected to the fly as you have introduced an element of slack into the cast.
You may also need to shoot out some extra line as you are shortening the length with the reaching upstream of the line.

07/09/2026

Another nice grayling from the River Dun.

06/09/2026

I love it when a fishing day turns up something completely unexpected.
There are chub in many parts of the river, but I hadn’t see one here before.
It appeared out of nowhere to sit right in front of me and at this point, I actually thought it was either a big wild brown or a strayed stockie.
It was however, rather dark and an odd shape, but with little time to really think about it, I just popped the tiny nymph straight into front of it.
There’s nothing like really close quarters and seeing a fish grab your fly.
Such fun and as you can tell, I was a tad overexcited.
Such fun catching other species, especially if it’s a tough trout day.
Many thanks Mr T. What a fab day.


03/09/2026

I don’t usually target grayling until the trout season is over.
However, yesterday was cooler with rain in the afternoon, no hatches to speak off and the wild trout in hiding.
Grayling are so beautiful though and I love sight fishing with a nymph. It’s not easy, especially with a 14ft leader 🤦🏻‍♀️ which was set up for using dries. Great fun though and you have to have your eyes 👀 wide open to see any takes. They can be unbelievably subtle.
It was a fabulous day and so cool to be on a wild fish only stretch. Perfect day.
Huge thanks to for such a wonderful invitation 😘. Loved it Will.

27/08/2026

A truly memorable fish from
I watched it for ages before I cast the fly.
Sometimes you only get one shot at a fish, and it’s so easy to get over excited and whack out a fly. For me, anyway.
Current considerations affecting the fly are so important for placement and a drag free drift.
Also, I was watching to see if he was taking on one side only or prepared to move.
It was totally nerve wracking making that first cast and he was a reasonable distance.
I like to lengthen line behind them to the side before I cast over them and also minimizing false casts all helps. Tiny things all add up (usually) and fortunately, it all went according to plan on the final delivery.
So happy with this one. Beautiful fish.
Caught on a black sedge pattern.
trout


26/08/2026

Sorry about the hat in the video 🤦🏻‍♀️.
A fabulous day of fishing on the River Test with superb dry fly action all day.
This was the first one, although, I have to confess, I was casting at a different fish to the one that actually took the fly.
I love heading into September: with cooler weather, normal water temperatures, and fish keen to take a fly.
Perfect fishing day.
Many thanks to the estate. Awesome day.

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