Feedback & Reports

Fished from 5.30pm until 8.00pm on this attractive beat and managed 4 wbt the best of which was 12" and about a pound and a half. All took a dry black gnat size 16. I saw no fish until about 6.30pm and did not recognise a specific hatch although the air was thick with midges and the downstream breeze was welcome. I used a 9ft 4wt which was ideal for the conditions.
The water was fairly clear and although not high, I found the lower part of the beat a little deep for my comfort. All fish caught were from the middle section where at waist deep I could more easily cover the rise.
The lane down to the beat is very narrow and overgrown and the path down to the river is also very overgrown (I had to take my rod apart to make any progress) but access into the water is reasonable for most of the beat. This is an ideal evening beat but I needed more time particularly to explore the faster waters at the top end. There were a lot of tracks in the mud and whilst I'm no expert I would say otter or mink. Possibly mink as the prints were less webbed?

4 Trout

After the previous day on the Creel stretch, it was never going to be as good. It was difficult fishing and managed one or two fish on a stretch I particularly enjoy fishing. It's worth noting there is no access to the parking at the top of the field now.

2 Barbel

7lb and 8lb pike caught on plug, river was in perfect condition, very tidy beat.

2 Pike

There were 4 anglers, this report is from me alone, the others will submit their own catch returns. Warm day, water had some colour from previous rainfall and was higher than the previous day. A few olives, but even fewer rising fish and despite trying various methods from dry fly to heavy nymphs, success was limited. The small trout (parr) that I caught took a beaded catgut nymph, on a size 12 barbless grub hook. It was returned without being taken out of the water.

1 Trout

Mike Stirk 12lb Salmon from Piles on Saturday. David Rance 12lb sea liced fish from High Bank on Monday.

2 Salmon

There is good access to the river in the top field with fishy swims but the bottom is snaggy and there were a few fishermen on the opposite bank while we fished so we moved on, beyond the woods, a ten minute walk. The river opens up much wider in the bottom field with less obvious places to fish but venture into the woods and you may be rewarded. We caught all our fish in a stunning pool at the bottom of the riffles in a frenzied session where we had a number of double hookups! Used halibut pellet, method feeder.

12 Barbel, 8 Chub

Second day of two days and a lot better weather for sitting on the bank. The river dropped slowly during the day and I fished two sessions, one first thing in the morning the second in the evening, thereby avoiding the canoeists. Plenty of fish caught with a specimen barbel at 10lb 5oz the highlight of the day. Saw Don on both days, always a pleasure. It is worth mentioning that a fair amount of work has been done to improve the access and provide more swims.

9 Barbel, 4 Chub

The river had a lot of colour with the rain we have had , but levels were good and the water was not pushing though to quickly. I walked the whole beat,the river looks in good condition in general. This is a wide stretch of the river that is fairly shallow and pacey. Fish came from about halfway across between the lanes of streamer weed.The only downside to this beat is the parking !! Just doesn't feel safe, lots of fly tipping been going on, and it would seem the parking is used by the locals as meeting areas. Would make sure you have locked your car and don't leave anything on show.

2 Barbel, 1 Chub

2 Barbel, 6 Chub

Caught here on ledgered pellet and feeder. The two swims upstream from the car park. Access was ok and thankfully the canoeists were both few and polite. Barbel up to 8lb and chub from 4 to 6lb. Caught steadily through the day.
Good Access to the swims and relatively snag free fishing. Would recommend and will return

9 Barbel, 6 Chub