Feedback & Reports

Access was typical of so many Wye fisheries: down a steep and slippery bank, especially at the bottom where receding floodwaters had left the ground quite muddy. Turned out to be an expensive day, as 10+ feeders were lost in a snag which I was later informed might be the carcase of a motorbike dumped a year or two earlier, and slowly being washed down the fishery by each flood (thanks for that info Rudi). However, the snag turned out to be the fish-holding feature, and when the casts didn't go awry 4 barbel were the result, 3 estimated between 5-7 lbs, and a pristine beauty of 11 lbs exactly. Pellet/paste combo was the main producer, with only 1 fish falling to meat. Other fish caught were a chub of about 2lbs, and the real surprise of the day: a 4lb jack pike which grabbed the pellet as I began a retrieve to refill the feeder. Stunning surroundings as ever, even with the Ross road a few yards behind (and above!) me. No less than 20 or so different bird species seen and/or heard throughout the day, the highlight being a juvenile sparrowhawk fly-past on the oppsite bank. The only downside were the incompetent canoeists who insisted on hitting the sides of their canoes with each paddle stroke creating a fish-scaring racket - and surprisingly there were more today than when I fished at Caradoc on Bank Holiday Monday.

Access was typical of so many Wye fisheries: down a steep and slippery bank, especially at the bottom where receding floodwaters had left the ground quite muddy. Turned out to be an expensive day, as 10+ feeders were lost in a snag which I was later informed might be the carcase of a motorbike dumped a year or two earlier, and slowly being washed down the fishery by each flood (thanks for that info Rudi). However, the snag turned out to be the fish-holding feature, and when the casts didn't go awry 4 barbel were the result, 3 estimated between 5-7 lbs, and a pristine beauty of 11 lbs exactly. Pellet/paste combo was the main producer, with only 1 fish falling to meat. Other fish caught were a chub of about 2lbs, and the real surprise of the day: a 4lb jack pike which grabbed the pellet as I began a retrieve to refill the feeder. Stunning surroundings as ever, even with the Ross road a few yards behind (and above!) me. No less than 20 or so different bird species seen and/or heard throughout the day, the highlight being a juvenile sparrowhawk fly-past on the oppsite bank. The only downside were the incompetent canoeists who insisted on hitting the sides of their canoes with each paddle stroke creating a fish-scaring racket - and surprisingly there were more today than when I fished at Caradoc on Bank Holiday Monday.

Access was typical of so many Wye fisheries: down a steep and slippery bank, especially at the bottom where receding floodwaters had left the ground quite muddy. Turned out to be an expensive day, as 10+ feeders were lost in a snag which I was later informed might be the carcase of a motorbike dumped a year or two earlier, and slowly being washed down the fishery by each flood (thanks for that info Rudi). However, the snag turned out to be the fish-holding feature, and when the casts didn't go awry 4 barbel were the result, 3 estimated between 5-7 lbs, and a pristine beauty of 11 lbs exactly. Pellet/paste combo was the main producer, with only 1 fish falling to meat. Other fish caught were a chub of about 2lbs, and the real surprise of the day: a 4lb jack pike which grabbed the pellet as I began a retrieve to refill the feeder. Stunning surroundings as ever, even with the Ross road a few yards behind (and above!) me. No less than 20 or so different bird species seen and/or heard throughout the day, the highlight being a juvenile sparrowhawk fly-past on the oppsite bank. The only downside were the incompetent canoeists who insisted on hitting the sides of their canoes with each paddle stroke creating a fish-scaring racket - and surprisingly there were more today than when I fished at Caradoc on Bank Holiday Monday.

What a beautiful setting for this stretch. Easy access to riverside but settled for swim close to fishing hut that could accommodate the 3 of us. Our friend had flown in from Germany the night before but unfortunately the Barbel would not oblige for him. Only 1 caught, 1 lost and few chublets but enjoyable nevertheless. Many thanks to WUF for providing the opportunity to fish this magnificent river. We'll be back next year.

Fished Boys Rock, 6 barbel, largest 10lb 4oz all taken on pellet. Anyone who fishes this swim will use a lot of end tackle due to the large stones. I found the best way is to fish as heavy as poss and just bully the fish to the surface.

River was still up 3-4 feet on this day so fishing the top peg (boys rock) wasn't possible sadly as the bank was submerged and dangerous. Roved the whole section fished 5 swims and only had one 8+ Barbel. Couldn't stay until dusk but would like to on another day. Travel light as there are fishable pegs all the way down the beat, but it is a long stretch.

The river very high and going through like a train. Didn't have tackle heavy enough to hold bottom in recommended island swim (a 2 ounce feeder simply floating on the surface such was the pull). Tried the margins but just lost tackle in snags.

Nearly gave up, but found a quieter area at the top of beat 4 and caught 1 8 pound 10 ounce barbel and 2 chub. Very limited swim choice when river up. Must come with appropriate gear next time. Lesson learnt.

Directions spot on weather fine but rain the previous days and worked its way down and the river was like chocolate. Doubt we could have fished at all the previous day. 3 Barbel to 7lb 9oz caught but hard going. All fish to pellet again.

Fished the river on 16th and 20th September for the first time. On the 16th the river was high. Had a short session of 3 and a half hours. Rewarded with three chub (best 4lb) and a barbel of 6lb 11oz. Fished for 5 hours on 20th (river down) and had 3 chub (best 3lbs). All of the fish were caught on luncheon meat. Very pleased and will book again

Yesterday's rain had dramatically increased levels. River high and very coloured & logs, branches & other rubbish were flying downstream. At least it wasn't raining, but still very windy.
We had a recce first and only found 3 viable spots to fish in safety, all near bank slower runs & slight eddies. We caught 16 barbel between us, mainly fish between 5-7 lbs with two slightly larger at 8lb, plus a couple of small chub - all on pellet & pellet/boilie combos. Had to hold the fish hard so they wouldn't get into the main flow. Brilliant fun & not expected when we arrived and saw the state of the river. We will be back.