Feedback & Reports

As part of The Wild Streams day based in Presteigne, there were 2 anglers (incl. myself) plus our instructor, Tony.
After 15 years of abstinence, I can confirm that dry fly fishing on small streams is not like riding a bike! Despite many 180 degree turns in the direction of flow, a gale seemed to follow coming from the same direction. I may have done better if I had pre-stocked my waders with trout since that was the area my fly constantly ended up! I also hadn't realised how much my eyesight had deteriorated over time.
I have always fished upstream dry and wondered why the others seemed to be "nymphing" and catching fish...
Oh well, I must get more practise in for my casting technique and try other methods too.
Still, it was such a lovely day out on the water and I have never been disappointed at not making a catch. That's not what it's all about..... -is it?!

A very pleasant day in the good company of other anglers as part of the LAFA small streams day. A steady trickle of flies coming off which was just enough to bring the fish up. There were plenty of Black Knat about as well as small Olives.
A lovely beat in stunning country side. Many Thanks for a great day.

4 Trout, 1 Grayling

No fish caught

River in good fettle. Used micro riffling hitch flies, sunray shadows and franc n snaelda in various colours. Did not see a fish (salmon). Did not catch a fish ... but a wonderful bit of river. Thought provoking !

River was in good nick. Able to access pools OK. Tried micro hitch, sunray shadow and franc n snaeldas. Did not see a salmon. Did not catch a salmon. No such thing as bad day on the river. Saw my 1st swift, swallow and house martins of the season. Lots of mayflies hatching off. Grand day

A cool overcast day with some light rain and the river running reasonably low for the time of year. I fished the upper half of this beat up to the suspension bridge having parked at the middle access point. Christening my new 4wt rod with 4 trout the best around 10". New Zealand style did for them 3 taking the beaded PTN and 1 on the Klinkhammer. Very slippery underfoot. Studs and a wading staff recommended.
If you park here be wary of fencing staples on the farm track through the field. There were a fair few of them.

4 Trout

River below summer levels which perhaps opened up more water to access?
A pedantic approach to "dry fly only'' to rising fish left one rod blank, the majority fell for an olive shell back nymph fished NZ style through the faster water. Slab rock very slippery, water crystal clear. The young boy in the group sends his thanks for the fly vest "on offer to a good home'' in the fishing hut. Great day on a cracking beat.

15 Trout, 12 Grayling

7 Trout

I fished a wild stream for a first time as a participant on the Wild Stream Day event. What a fantastic day! Coming from still-water fly fishing background, I was daunted before the start but soon getting a hang of it; thanks to our superb guide Tony, who is very knowledgeable. I learned so much from him in a couple of hours; how to read the water and various technique. I was over the moon to catch 4 beautiful wild-browns on size 14 Klinkhammer. I cannot thank Usk & Wye foundation enough for this wild stream course; excellent value for money.

4 Trout