Feedback & Reports

A little local knowledge from the reception at our campsite (Pencelli Castle, two miles on the same road, excellent facilities) said 'go small'. All our small trout were caught on 14 and 16 size klinkhammer and grey duster. Nothing tempted through the day despite casting to rising fish, all caught between 17.00 to 20.00
Three trout in the lower pools of the beat, one from the pool below the canal aqueduct.

4 Trout

Didn't start until lunchtime and all our endeavours came to nothing. We tried several different swims and tactics.

Sadly, another blank. Didn't see any rising fish today but did see a lot of trout in several places from 5/6 to 10 inches. Some were in shoals of up to 10 fish of various sizes. At one point I was in a pool, waist height, and fish were swimming by me almost oblivious to my presence. I had already tried drys here earlier so changed to nymphs, Tried several patterns and shrimps and got some casual glances but no takers. It was amazing to see them at such close range. Spoke to a local near my accommodation who said they had been on a reservoir day before, fish jumping out taking flies on the wing but wouldn't touch anything they offered. At least it wasn't just me!!

1 Trout

A fresh, slightly breezy day - mainly sunny. Virtually no signs whatsoever of fish rising. Fished, nevertheless, with dry flies (as nymphing is something of a dark art, to me)
Both my companion and myself are inexperienced which I am sure counts a lot to the fact that we caught nothing.
Had a pleasant day nonetheless, with lots of experience of casting both into and across the wind.

Fished for total of about three hours during afternoon, at the various open spots along the west (roadside) bank. Sunny but strong on-shore breeze. One fish landed on a Bibio. Another good fish lost, and three other takes. The reservoir appeared high.

1 Trout

7 Trout, 2 Grayling

Fished the inside line at the top of Legg Meadow alternating a couple of swims but breaking off from late morning to mid afternoon to avoid canoes and brightest sunshine. Not the easiest session I have had at this great fishery but the 3 barbel landed made it a worthwhile trip.

3 Barbel

No fish caught, but a good day on a lovely beat.

River in nice condition, recent rain gave good colour and flow. Access to most swims precarious because of steep banks and no steps cut, especially after rain made the bankside muddy. Excellent fishing conditions - 14 barbel to double figures plus 6 chub to 5lb taken on inline feeders with a mix of bait.

14 Barbel, 6 Chub