Feedback & Reports

Mostly 1/2lb fish, 1 at 2lb

5 Trout

Returned to Llanfechan as last time I was there the river was at least 2ft up. This time it was running well, and very clear. The weather started misty but, at about 11am the sun came out and stayed out, making conditions difficult. There was no wind to speak of and there was very little fly hatch.
Used weighted nymphs of various types, a white and pink tungsten bead czech nymph seemed to be most effective. I caught two grayling one about 10 inches and one about 5, however I lost numerous fish including a big brown trout and particularly big grayling. Not sure if it's because I was using a lighter rod, but either way it wasn't my day.
Overall a lovely beat with lots of fishable areas, took me all day to get to the top. One thing to note is that I agree with the need for a wading staff on this beat. I don't actually own one but I will get one after taking a rather nasty fall on the rocks. Despite the frustration of losing so many fish I had a great day.

2 Grayling

This was my first time on the Irfon and I must say this stretch of the river is utterly delightful – definitely in my top three! The river, with its rapids, islands, pools, and gutters, has plenty of visual appeal. But beware the river bed, which in parts is quite treacherous, indeed throughout the day I used my wading staff (almost) as often as I did my rod!
Due to the characteristics of this beat, I had to change my technique quite frequently. In places, a small beadhead was the perfect choice but less than a cast away a team of two was required in order to stand half a chance. It was all very challenging – but extremely rewarding. Despite the air being thick with fly life I saw only two rises all day.

Fished from 10:00 till 19:00. In total, I managed nine trout: smallest eight inches, largest about fourteen inches.

9 Trout

Got up on Sunday and couldn't decide where to go, as an all round angler I could have chosen almost anywhere.
I decided it would be a good idea to fish Llanfechan, I'd always liked the look of the beat. Did I check the weather or the water levels? - No I didn't!
I arrived to find the river high and chocolate coloured, and the weather was showers and a very stiff wind at times. There were sunny intervals and times when the wind dropped. I decided to fish anyway, as I'm still a beginner I guessed it would be good experience.
I walked the entire beat trying czech nymphing, indicator nymphing and swinging wet files, not a touch.
Then on the way back down the beat I decided to try a fairly large yellow lure, and to my surprise started to get takes.
I missed two and lost one before landing two 8" brownies, then I tried stripping in the lure very, very fast. As I was bringing the lure out a very big trout took it off the surface, unfortunately I didn't react quickly enough and give line. It snapped my tippet easily and my lure was gone.
I only had one of those lures in my box and couldn't get another take after that, on a bright side I learned a lot. Will definitely return to this beat, easy to find, quiet and beautiful. Sadly can't say much about access because I hardly got in the water!

2 Trout

River still high and a bit coloured after recent rain (apparently it was rained off on Monday).
This is a very beautiful and secluded stretch and I would fish it again any time, but in these conditions I was utterly unsuccessful. I stuck mainly to dry fly just because that is the style of fishing I prefer, but that was maybe a mistake in the conditions. I didn't see a single fish rise either to naturals or to anything I put on. Did briefly use heavy nymphs and also hung a Pheasant Tail Nymph under an Elk-Hair Caddis, but nothing got so much as a tug.
There was fly life around, including caddis, some small grey upwings, soldier beetles and a few yellow sally stoneflies. Nothing (either natural or on my line) brought any response.
Fished from 9.00am to 5.00pm. Maybe I missed the best part of the day and it came to life in the evening?

Overcast but fairly bright day. Fished from about 11:00am until 17:00. Little moving, one trout caught to a gold beaded nymph at Glaslyn Pool just above the exit riffle.

1 Trout

Weather was overcast and drizzle.Water coloured.
Usual nymphs for the time of year (partridge & orange, gold ribbed hairs ear etc ) were swopped for brighter nymphs with silver bodies or coloured heads after fish showed no interest. Sadly the brighter nymphs still didn't tempt the fish. We didn't have a single take, so headed to the recently refurbished Prince Llewellyn in Cilmari for a warm and pint.
We fished for 2.5 hrs beofore lunch and the same time afterwards finishing at 18:00 hrs. The river looked magnificent with an abundance of wildlife, Kingfishers, herons & raptors.

First time out with a fly rod in over a year. The fishing was pretty hard going with little showing but managed 2 small brownies and 3 parr all to a small PTN. This is a very quiet and remote beat with plenty of birdlife. Highlight yesterday was a pair of Pied Flycatchers.
In the early evening I did witness some rather suspicious behaviour. A man emerged from the wood on the opposite bank at the Penrhiw Stream wearing a ppe type respirator and carrying a bag. He knelt down by the water and was reaching into the bag when he noticed me and hastily beat a retreat into the wood. A few minutes later I witnessed the same person again approach the water below the Penrhiw Gutter and proceed to remove something from the bag and disturb the water. I made myself visible and the person again beat a very hasty retreat into the wooded area. I have reported this incident to NRW as I can only conclude that the bag contained some noxious substance to necessitate the need for a respirator and gloves.
(any similar incidents please call 0800807060 WUF)

2 Trout, 3 Other

Beautiful day, albeit too sunny for fishing, water was a good level but could not find the grayling despite trying my best for 4 hours with a variety of combinations and sizes. I suspect that I should have concentrated on the pools more and the inviting glides less and just gone deeper. Still nice to be out!

Nil return.