Feedback & Reports

Water level very low and very clear, fished for 2 days for 1 bite. barbel of 71/2lb. We put it down to water conditions rather than our abilities as we have had some very good days on this beat before. on the plus side we stayed at the local Old Court hotel which we would recommend, the prices, the service and the food all excellent.

1 Barbel

Arrived geared up to try for the barbel - but conditions were not promising; river very low and extremely clear. Managed to sight chub between the streamer weed runs and touch legered cheese paste; with some stealth and perseverance managed to bag a couple.

2 Chub

I had been looking forward to trying this beat for the first time, always excited by previous catch returns from other anglers but then again this is the Wye and have too often been left frustrated by this beautiful river. And so I was again with AB to witness on his second trip up here to try for the Grayling. One brown trout took a pink shrimp and the Grayling preferred a silver beaded black and red nymph( this was to prove the fly of the weekend) fished as a pair up stream. Also lost a clunker in shallow water before the first fall at the top of the beat leaving ripples of water at the scene in the aftermath that could be seen for some time. There are some fish people catch that have their photograph taken, I think if I'd netted whatever this fish was I would have had it painted in oils! Gutted.

Lovely stretch of river but no fish unfortunately. River was very low and clear.

Two fish caught on worm with popup.

2 Trout

River clear and low with some leaf litter. A few fish rising and caught 2 small grayling on klink beneath bridge. Sadly, saw a wary cormorant. Haven't seen as many this year.
Changed to klink and dink (flavoured nymph) and landed a whopper os brown trout 18" pushing 3lbs from a deeper pool further down the beat. Lovely dark colours and good condition. A great surprise to land such a large fish on this small river - tested my light gear to the full. All fish safely returned - took a mobile picture to show to my friends at Leominster Choral!!
Lovely spot with thoughtful parking - wonderful autumn colours with the hills as a backdrop - thanks to the owners and W&U.

1 Trout, 2 Grayling

Began the day fishing deep with weighted nymphs, managed to pick up 1 around 12 inches at the top end of the beat. In the pool below the island fish were rising mid day to 1.30pm, I switched to a single grayling steel blue size 14 on the point landing 5 within 30 mins. Missing a few along the way all then went quiet, returning back to the top of the beat making my way home I had my usual last couple of casts, picked up 3 in half a dozen casts. Fish varied in size between 8 and 13 inches all returned safely, great end to a very good day.

9 Grayling

Started fishing the fast water by the island had a couple of chub, but no barbel. Moved upstream late morning and caught barbel steadily up till dark. Fantastic days fishing. All fish caught on standard ledger tactics using Elips pellets as bait.

13 Barbel, 2 Chub

I did not manage to catch but had a lot of rises to dry fly. Either the fish were too quick or I had lost my touch today. Fished from about 14:30 to 17:30

Conditions seemed good. Overcast and river was up 1' with a bit of colour. Fish didn't seem to be playing ball today and only enticed 2 chub. Not a sign of barbel. Had a few hours pike fishing to but to no avail although The stretch does look perfect habitat for both species. Suppose I was due a slow one as the last two visits have been fantastic fishing although that was on different beats. 1st time I have fished this one but sure it has its days. Still better than being at work. Access is a dream but be careful not to bottom out when pulling into the field. Won't be everyone's cup of tea as banks are very "commercial". Fish caught in the pylon swim
Thanks wuf

2 Chub