Feedback & Reports

This beat has lots of variety for trout and salmon fishing. I saw all of it, and I tried and waded up much of that which was possible before the water level rose. I spent most of my time prospecting for trout using a 9ft 4wt rod and dry flies only - my choice as I also had spiders and nymphs with me, as well as more powerful and longer rods. It was cloudy and rather cold all day, with a strong upstream wind, and a little rain in the breeze. There were a couple of short hatches around me as I waded, but I saw very few rises – even in the long, smooth and still glides - apart from a couple of obvious big splashes in deep water off the wooded bank. I only caught two modest trout and, to be honest, one of them caught me. However, I really enjoyed fishing this lovely river, and getting to know the beat, and I would certainly like to fish here again – probably with a single handed salmon rod made up too. The very helpful owner of the beat phoned me before I started fishing to give me some tips, and he also called during my fishing, to thoughtfully warn me about a head of water heading my way – which I greatly appreciated. He had been watching the gauges and saw the flow of water coming downstream after yesterday's rain. The river started crystal clear, but by the time I left as the light faded around 8:30pm the level appeared to have risen in a very short time by more than 18 inches, and turned a chocolate colour. By the way, it was 2am on the day of fishing when I decided to book this beat – so the WUF online booking service was just what I needed, thank you.

2 Trout

River fairly low, but a pleasant warm but overcast day. Lots of Chub caught on legered pellet/meat. Finished off the day with a Barbel of about 3lb around 7.00pm. With these low clear conditions the Chub will often feed all day but you have to wait until the evening to catch the Barbel. As always a pleasure to be on the Wye.

1 Barbel, 15 Chub

Had an enjoyable days fishing sometimes catching sometimes not. Really enjoyed listening and watching the red kites which were nesting in the woods opposite. Most fish came once the canoe action had ceased and everything had quietened down.

3 Barbel, 3 Chub, 1 Other

Lovely day fly fishing. No fish caught.

Beautiful beat but no sign of salmon unfortunately. Very low water but start to come up late afternoon. All trout released.

4 Trout

As always such a pleasure fishing the Wye. Fish were all caught in the morning and evening, this is the first time I have experienced a midday lull on the Wye at this time of year. All Barbel were in fantastic condition weighing 9lbs 12oz, 8lbs 9oz and 7lbs 10oz. Chub went up to 4lbs 6oz. Salmon were continually leaping all day through the length of The Vanstone Pool. I have visited Middle Hill Court for the last 5 years, this is a fantastic beat with great access which I will continue to return to. Moving forward I really would like to see some effort made at the bottom end of the beat to make more accessible.

3 Barbel, 17 Chub

Couple of hours from 5 in the evening. Water low (but not as low as Escley). Very low cloud almost like fog, then drizzly rain. A few caddis on the water, saw one fish rise to something tiny. Fish both caught from same swim on small para adams. Nice talk with friendly farmer in the camping field.

2 Trout

I fish a duo with the river slowly rising and caught 3 on a small prince nymph and 1 on an elk hair emerger. 2 were around 1lb and the other two were tiddlers. I also lost a better sized fish, that took the dry on the second cast.

4 Trout

The river had risen as a result of persistent overnight rain. I and my 10 year old son - on his first fly fishing expedition - saw plenty of movement on this beat, including a leaping salmon of I would guess 10 - 12lb, in the Bathing Pool. We also saw several trout rising to what appeared to be pale yellow emerging flies. Despite the idyllic scene and near perfect conditions (a gentle breeze, water slightly up, cloud cover) we did not connect with any fish. However, I think it's safe to say my son is now hooked on wild river fishing, and much more aware now of the river's rich and delicate eco system. Magical!

We had a lovely day, albeit lacking in fish. 1 Barbel 8lb and 1 eel, both on meat. A lovely stretch of river and hopefully will return when the level is higher.

1 Barbel, 1 Other