Feedback & Reports

Fishing wise, a very slow start to what was one of the most beautiful days I've ever spent by the river - what a location. We did however finish up with about 30 barbel between the 2 of us, from 5 different swims right from the very upper and lower limits, and from the old bridge supports. Awesome fishing, river, company, and location. Thanks WUF.

30 barbel and 6 chub between us - most caught by J who as usual gave me a fishing lesson. Most fish were 3 - 6lbs. A few fish were lost in the rocks and weed. A great day in lovely weather.

River in prime condition with little weed coming down. 23 Barbel caught by 2 rods, best fish 8lb - all in super condition.

This early autumn day was dry, cloudy and very windy so fish spotting was impossible. Relying on knowledge of good swims we found a shoal of big barbel and ended the day with 16 barbel and one chub. We did have a problem with pike since the feeders filled with mixed pellets and fishmeal paste attracted small fish on the drop and this in turn attracted pike. Once they came into the swim the barbel shyed away so it was necessary to rest the swim. A change to lead instead of feeder might have been the solution. We'll try that next time.

17 barbel to 7lb 8oz and a chub, all on pellet. A very enjoyable days fishing.

Arrived mid-morning and after walking the beat and spotting both chub and barbel in several areas spent an enjoyable few hours stalking the fish with meat, catching some nice chub to about four pounds and being frustrated by a nice barbel that refused my offerings even when trundled right down on to her nose!

Moved downstream in the afternoon and the barbel were very visible as they flashed on the gravel, so fed them some hemp and 6mm pellets, made a cup of coffee and enjoyed a fantastic three hours taking 13 barbel to about 8lb and a couple of stray chub. Small (6-8mm) pellets on the hair, small (size 14) hooks and long hook links (4-6 foot) did the trick as usual in the gin clear water.

Canoe traffic very light and the sun even shined all day long! Thanks W&U!

A hot and sunny day. Water very low and barbel on evident in one spot just below the viaduct. There were a lot of fish flashing, perhaps rubbing against the rocks to rid themselves of the Argulus that they are still carrying. Caught steadily throughout the day and did not suffer the fish losses of the previous day at Backney. Played the fish from high up the bank to keep the line clear of snags.
Finished with 13 fish to 8lb 13 oz, my partner had 4 fish to 7lb. He caught a couple from a clean run down towards the island in the morning, and then moved up later in the day to fish the same spot as me beneath the viaduct. It was eveident as the day wore on that the average size of the fish increased as the bigger barbel moved in. Resting the swim and going for a walk after baiting up was also a good ploy, you nearly always had a take after recasting.

Plenty of variety of water for barbel. Spent a leisurely morning walking the lower half spotting barbel feeding on the extensive weedy shallower (4ft+) stretches, and other spots. Fished the shallows but canoes activity and lunchtime called a halt after one 4lb chub.
Back in the evening targeting the other spots for 25 barbel from 2lb to 8lb 8oz with plenty of 7's and the rest (enough!) 4 to good 6's.
The boulders and rocks are generally flat throughout with a downstream shadow so suitable techniqe will mitigate tackle loss. I lost 3 feeders and one rig, 2 of the feeders bumping off at the net with the 5lb'ers that just will not give up. Also two barbel taking seconds after the feeder dropped as did many; probably foul-hooked as I got back scales. Adjusted the rig to stop that with smaller hook and longer hookling and went on for an eventful evening.
Access and security using the upstream point I thought was very good throughout, with gentle approaches to the water and several swims already there, but you had to look for them. Nice and away-from-it-all and many options for the future.

Two of us fished for 12 hours. Result: 2 Chub on meat to one rod and the other didn't have a single bite! This section of the river suffers severely from low flow levels. Fished it last year in heavy floods and caught loads.

A very difficult day for two of our party. The river was very low and clear and access was very difficult. It seems a couple of the swims fromm last year have gone. 1 barbel caught.

I would echo the sentiments of the previous poster, this is not a beat for those less mobile anglers.