Leo’s Picks

The Test, The Itchen, Broadlands, Mottisfont, Halford, Skues and Sawyer are all names associated with the chalkstreams of England and amongst the most noteworthy in the world of fly fishing. CHALK is a feature length film about the past present and future of the chalkstreams of England and how their very existence shaped the sport of fly fishing. We meet the people who continue to fish and care for these storied rivers, while learning about the techniques that Halford, Skues and Sawyer invented. In addition to visiting the famous rivers and beats, we also travel to some lesser-known rivers. CHALK is a thoughtful examination of why the chalkstreams of England are probably the most important rivers in the history and development of fly fishing. From the geology that created the rivers and their abundant plant and animal life - including the legendary mayfly hatch - to the characters past, present and future who make these rivers unique, this is the definitive chalkstream fly fishing film. The film celebrates the rivers while also drawing attention to the threats and challenges facing these fragile environments. CHALK was narrated by actor and keen fly angler, James Murray and features some of the most recognisable names and faces in the UK fly fishing world, including Marina Gibson, Alex Jardine, Steve Cullen, Glen Pointon and Charles Rangeley Wilson, as well as anglers from all over the world. The expert voices and thoughtful voiceover complement the stunning cinematography, combining to tell the story of these precious waterways that have shaped a sport. CHALK was created by Fishing TV, independent filmmakers aka Chalkstream Fly, and fly fishing writer Simon Cooper. Members of the international fly fishing community helped to fund the production, setting CHALK apart from other films about the sport. A must-watch for all fly fishers the world over.

Rae Borras pays his dues to the most quintessential of all British Chalk Streams, Hampshire’s River Test, in this special episode of The Game Fishers Diary. Widely regarded as the cultural home of fly fishing as we know it, the Test to this day offers the best river fishing for Brown Trout in the country. The filtration qualities of the chalk beds make for gin-clear water, abundance of aquatic life, and idealistic Trout fishing. Rae begins by paying tribute to the three wise men of the sport; Halford, Skues and Sawyer, before putting their respective techniques to work on some pristine chalk stream brownies. A day on this river should be considered a pilgrimage for every serious British fly fisher.

In this very special episode of The Game Fishers Diary, Rae returns to The River Test in Hampshire for the infamous and star-studded One-Fly Competition. Rae’s team are in good company this year, rivalled by ‘The Dream Team’ of fishing legends Chris Sandford, Bob James and Chris Tarrant of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. The rules are simple, each competitor starts with a single fly and can use no other throughout the day, keeping it classical in the name of Test tradition. With great company, beautiful surroundings and brownies of several pounds, a pint in the pub afterwards is enough an award for Rae.

A short video promoting the work of the Wild Trout Trust  

In this episode of The Game Fishers Diary, Rae gets a lesson in bugs on the rivers Wylye and Itchen, as he enjoys a couple of days fly fishing for Brown Trout and Grayling. The show begins on the delightful Wilton Estate on Wiltshire’s River Wylye in early June, prime time for the absolute epitome of the sport; the Mayfly hatch. Rae joins Peter Hayes, one of the best minds fly fishing has to offer to work up the river. Peter explains his invaluable theories on how to fish these rivers and local entomology (bugs) that he’s garnered through years of research and observation. A few weeks later, Rae joins John Slader on an even more prestigious river, the Itchen. After some informative kick-sampling and discussion of that old fisherman gospel; ‘matching the hatch’, Rae and John get their hands on some stunning chalk stream Brown Trout and Grayling.

This is a movie about fishing the dry fly. We join Morten Oeland on a number of trips to different waters in Denmark, Greenland, Germany, New Zealand and Swedish Lapland. We take a close look as he finds the insects the trout are feeding on, and when he chooses the right imitation in every situation. With underwater cameras we go beneath the surface for a closer look at fish, flies and insects from a brand new perspective. The recordings for this film have taken several years to complete. The movie is instructive, inspiring and well filmed with lots of good spirits, fishing action and great catches.    

In this movie we cover in detail many different challenges the flyfisher faces. We have travelled to amazing rivers and lakes to find the best conditions to demonstrate nymph fishing. We join Morten Oeland as he demonstrates how to handle many different situations. We take a detailed look at the naturals and Morten shows us practical fishing with his best imitations. As in the previous movie we have placed underwater cameras in the areas as we fish and thereby gained a unique insight into the behavior of the fish. The movie is a journey into the magic world of flyfishing, with great fish and intense sceneries. A combination of excitement, experiences, the joy of flyfishing and facts about fish and flies.  

Sandford demonstrates how to tie the Sedge fly, reviews new guide books and unveils his selection of small vintage gadgets.  

Tony Jay is in his own idea of fishing heaven as he wades a tiny clear stream in search of wild trout.  

Tony Jay's inspirational journey into his love for fly fishing for wild brown trout on chalk streams and small lakes.