Feedback & Reports

River very low now (just above zero on the Brecon gauge) and with rafts of floating brown algae in the slack parts, but masses of fly life and quite a few fish moving. No takers in the sunny hours but I took two small fish (returned) in the faster water of the bottom pool in the evening with very small nymphs. Birds included spotted flycatchers, a family of grey wagtails and three baby redstarts. I love this beat, but I'm not so keen on the constant flow of walkers and gawpers on the far bank in fine weather - one couple sat down to a picnic on the edge of the bank opposite and watched me expressionlessly for half an hour without so much as a wave. I felt like asking them for their tickets. And while I was trying to photograph the wagtails a hiker talking on his phone wandered down to the edge of the rocks where the birds were (or had been), ignored my request to move and rabbited on for 20 minutes until I left him there with a less-than-polite gesture. I'll be back of course, perhaps when it's raining...

2 Trout

A really lovely stretch of river in beautiful surroundings. This beat would be absolutely ideal with another couple of feet with water as landing any fish caught would be a little easier. The weather was warm and sunny and the river low and clear mostly although the deeper pools seemed to be colouring up a bit. 2 anglers finished on 5 chub and one eel after a very tough days fishing.

5 Chub, 1 Other

The river has been at typical June levels over the last fortnight, making for challenging conditions on the feeder and straight lead. Plenty of Chub showing on the surface throughout the beat, mainly in the top meadow and bottom meadow.

For those like us visiting the Creel for the first time, there are four meadows. Upstream of the church, meadow 1 offers deeper slower water which then runs into rapids under a couple of trees. Meadow 2 downstream of the church is characterised by high sandy banks, where scrambling is required to access the river's edge. At its upper end, namely the Island Pool Barbel appear to be the main species. (Two losses so beware of the submerged rocks). The lower end has the odd nearside bush for cover. Meadow 3 is a continuation of the high sandy banks with odd grassy platforms to scramble down to access the water. At this time of year the river runs slow through these sections, where large Chub showed on the surface during the morning and evening.
Meadow 4 has been allowed to grow wild this spring so access is difficult. The near Bank is characterised by alder and scrub and is steep with a 30 feet drop to the water's edge. There appear to be deep slow flowing pools, which must be productive during the latter months of year.
The Chub caught came from meadow 2 & 3 ranging from 1lb to 5lb. All were hard won from a variety of ledger tactics and baits. The float may have been a better bet but we were after a Barbel and both fish lost were of a good size so we will be back in the Autumn.

6 Chub

Great beat. Left at 4pm to watch the England Germany match (fantastic result) so I think I would have more fish.

I am concerned about the River Wye, no weed on the beats I fished and I saw no swans with signets. The catch returns are low compared to previous years. Even the chub are seem to be less abundant, despite reports from other beats.

1 Barbel, 8 Chub

Good fishing fish on the float up to 5lb

15 Chub

Great beat for access with steps in many swims. Low and clear but much better looking than this time last year. No visible streamer weed but did pick up the odd bit on the hook. Charlie fishing the middle of the right bank with meat on the waggler for 12 good chub to 4-12-0 and lost 2 barbel. I fished the fast water on the left bank on the feeder - corn better than meat and pellet. For 11 chub and 3 barbel to about 7 lb . Fished 9-3.30 as had to get to the football.

3 Barbel, 23 Chub

4 Trout

2 Chub

1 small barbel 3.5lb, best chub 4lb 3oz. River a little low

1 Barbel, 4 Chub

Short evening session, plenty of bites from small chubb around 1lb. River low and clear. 4 barbel caught in total best 6lbs 12 oz.

4 Barbel, 12 Chub