Feedback & Reports

Conditions were perfect and the river was starting to fine down.

3 Barbel, 5 Chub

The river had been up in the previous few days, refreshing things in time for out day at Holme Lacy. The chub were in feeding mood but barbel were harder to come by and we ended with 6 whiskers to 7lb 10oz and 11 chub, all on pellet. Some of the barbel showed signs of being damaged by barbed hooks which is a great shame.

6 Barbel, 11 Chub

Very well kept beat by colin who does a great job. Lots of available swims to fish in comfort We fished various swims to catch a few chub early on to 4lb then it slowed.
Colin came and had a chat and put us on the barbel (thanks colin)
KW caught 5 barbel from 7 to 8lb and 7 chub to 4lb on various methods and baits. GW caught 10 chub but could not bag a barbel even though he did try very hard
The river was up a few inches and had a little bit of colour but still very low. I am sure we will be back to target those barbel again. Thanks WUF, great parking and good instructions.

5 Barbel, 17 Chub

2nd visit this year to HL3 this time with my friend PD. Weather was autumnal following two days of rain but the river had a few inches on and a tinge of colour heightening our expectations. This is my 60th year of angling and I fulfilled a lifelong ambition of catching a barbel float fishing. A fine 7lb fish on a 4SWG pellet waggler fished on the snag swim far side 6lb line to size 10 pellet banded hook on 5lb hook link. I had several hours fishing this method with the upstream wind helping the bait presentation catching another 26 Chub to 5lb. The usual feeder method brought 2 more barbel and 6 chub. PD caught steadily through the day on the pellet feeder in the bottom swim on the beat catching 10 barbel to 7lb and 17 chub to 4.5lb.
Many thanks to Wye & Usk for the opportunity to fish this fantastic water and bailif Colin Richardson for keeping it in top condition and the latest information on the river.

13 Barbel, 49 Chub

First time on this stretch and not disappointed, very well maintained and Collin the Ghillie is one the nicest people you could meet. In two days me and my mate caught 2 barbel and 47 chub between us, my mate trotting took most of the Chub. The river looked good but with all our best efforts could only manage the 2 barbel. We will return next year as we really enjoyed the two days. Stayed at the Brandon Lodge, also very impressed, clean rooms, beds are great and breakfast is very good. Staff friendly and helpful. Thanks WUF for a great couple of great days.

2 Barbel, 47 Chub

A superbly well maintained beat, tried various swims with nothing to show for my efforts till about mid afternoon then had 4 barbel to 8lb & 8 chub to 5lb with average stamp about 4lb, caught on feeder method. Thanks to all at WUF.

4 Barbel, 8 Chub

River low and clear with bright sunshine. There were plenty of chub feeding but only one 4lb barbel. All fish caught on 8mm pellet.

1 Barbel, 17 Chub

River had dropped back after recent spate. Water temperature has dropped about 10 deg F. Fished the top end croys.

5 Barbel, 11 Chub

River a few inches higher than of late. Several very heavy showers and strong wind. Chub more inclined to feed than the barbel (best 7.2lbs).

4 Barbel, 10 Chub

Better day - river again slightly down. Barbel up to 7lb, chub up to 4lb. All on straight leger and feeder tactics. Absolutely poured down late on but thanks to Colin the resident guide for pointing out the good swims for us.
Overall a lovely stretch of river and countryside but if you are a bit of a river novice like us it can be quite hard at times!- but nonetheless enjoyable.

3 Barbel, 9 Chub