Feedback & Reports

It was a frosty start at first light and we flushed a hare walking downstream towards the island. With the river running fast and coloured we initially tried an early start at the hotspot below the island. General ineptitude with such fast water meant we soon moved upstream. Eventually we settled on the first two swims near the hut. Using the ubiquitous pellet and maggot we accounted for 10 Barbel, 3 Chub and several fine, specimen Dace. More were potentially available but the lunchtime cider took it's toll on our reactions. Despite the wonderful scenery and wildlife, J.H. once again couldn't keep his head out of yet another dreary 'potboiler'. Another very enjoyable day on the Wye. Thanks to the lady who takes the phone bookings.

We could certainly see why this beat gets such mixed reviews. In terms of accessibility it makes the Clettwr seem like a well-manicured chalk stream! The wading is easy enough once you get down to the water but, just as other anglers have reported, you encounter very deep pools which mean you have to back-track a long way to get out and get around them. In most places the banks are very steep, very high and very overgrown. But for all that, if you connect with one this river's beautiful fish, you know all about it, especially with the sort of light tackle that is essential here. Despite a chilly northerly (so mostly downstream) wind, we managed 9 good fish: 4 trout to just over a pound and 5 grayling to around 12 ounces. There was very little showing on the surface all day and the river was still quite coloured after the rain earlier in the week.
Most of the grayling came from the section below Abbey Dore bridge which the delightful lady who owns the house not only allowed us to fish, but insisted on taking us and showing us this part of the river.
This is a very beautiful place and, given favourable conditions, almost certainly offers some really excellent fishing. It would, however, benefit from some serious coppicing and clearance work to justify its relatively high price tag when compared to other Foundation waters. Send for Louis and his chainsaw!

Fantastic day on a lovely beat. No salmon for me, although I saw a great coloured fish jump, and felt like I was in with a chance all day. I did have a couple of nice browns on a small Ally's shrimp fly, which I released.

No fish caught, but a very pleasant few hours in the sunshine on an attractive looking beat.

Have always wanted to fish this beat but never succeeded. After a few days of high coloured water the Wye was beginning to clear and drop.

In spite of an excellent briefing from Jeremy, the beat's owner, wading was still a bit of a challenge for a pair of trout anglers more at home on smaller waters.

This was a relatively short session due to family commitments but we did manage 3 small wbt around the 6" mark and a slightly bigger grayling. All taken on weighted nymphs and all returned safely.

As we pulled away and headed for the long journey home we both vowed to fish this beat next season in more favourable conditions, as we really didn't do it justice. I have fished all over the UK and can't remember a more beautiful location to cast a line. Add to this the very warm and informative welcome from Jeremy, March can't come quickly enough!

The river was up a foot or so and carrying a tinge of colour. It looked good. However, the fish weren't as enthusiastic as us and it was a slow morning. We bumped into the other anglers sharing the beat and they complained about the lack of swims. It's not a problem we have at Caradoc, there's too much choice for us! We fished hard and were eventually rewarded with a barbel each and a smattering of chub, including the same fish falling to my rod twice in an hour! A difficult day.

1 x trout 6 inches, 2 x grayling 7 inches and 14 inches on dries. I avoided the floods by fishing the Elan tailwater below the dams, but didn't have much success until I reached the steeper gradient at the top of the beat where just a couple of good fish were rising. I caught one and missed the other! A beautiful-looking piece of river, especially with the autumn colurs coming on.

Nil fish caught, decided to spend afternoon at Beacons.

Lovely stillwater although no fish caught.

None caught, lost a 5 lb grilse, suspect had another but it shook the hook before I had a chance to see it. If not that a huge brownie!!

Great day, lovely water.