Feedback & Reports

River 0.58m and clear. A cool easterly breeze resulted in the gloves being worn for the first time since April. Unusually for October didn't see a fish show all day. Fished all the different pockets in addition to the banker pools. Was lucky to have a 5lb cock fish in full tartan accept my size 10 Black Boar by the fallen tree under the bridge. Swam off strongly on release.

1 Salmon

Fishing for salmon, but one nice trout (bit over a pound) hooked and returned as it was out of season.

1 Trout

Slightly high and coloured water, intermittent cloud and sun, with periods of keen and gusting wind. Using a Sink tip with a Geoff Franks single hair wing Comet fly, I felt a strong tug on the line, and landed an 8lb hen fish. Half an hour later, a 16lb hen fish, followed within the hour, by a fine looking 20lb cock fish. Contrary to what a previous report suggested, this is fine fly water, and marvellously maintained by Mick the ghillie, whose expert guidance put me on to each of those three fish. So thank you Mick and Geoff, for a memorable end to this year's season.

3 Salmon

2 Barbel

This was our second day on the Wye and after a disappointing day at Sugwas we were hoping things would improve. This was our first time at Fownhope and again a lovely stretch of water. We tackled cardiac hill, I'm sure it's a breeze for the fit angler but I would definitely recommend anglers to travel light. We started up in the woods but with the low water struggled to get a bite. We then walked up stream into the open field where the river was deeper and soon started to get bites. We ended up with three barbel biggest 9.3lb and two chub again biggest around 4.0lb all caught on luncheon meat. I'm sure with more water in the river we could have caught more but nevertheless a very enjoyable day.
Thank you W&U

3 Barbel, 2 Chub

River low and dropping with a hint of colour. Fishing very slow with all fish caught after 5pm. Chub ranged from 3lbs to 4.5lbs, barbel 9lbs. Tried a variety of baits but all fish fell to Halibut pellets. Plenty of wildlife-kingfishers, buzzards and a red kite.

1 Barbel, 5 Chub

A couple of hours post lunch. River low and clear. Some fly life but nothing rising. Had 1 small grayling on nymph. Lively and in v g condition but feel inferior to some other 'returners' - I suspect they greatly exaggerate? Returned to car before venturing upstream only to find it wouldn't start. Tried to phone the AA but no signal. Fortunately, a very kind man in the holiday cottage helped and took me to a red BT phone box up the hill which worked. Had to wait nearly 2 hours for AA - from Worcester - said they had nothing out this way. He fixed the prob in a minute - fuel air lock and showed me how to prime - he saw my kit and said he was a keen angler - we talked for a bit - I told him about W & U. Now very dark with no chance to go upstream. Very many thanks to the holiday cottage syndicate!

1 Grayling

Three barbel by mid-morning, then the sun broke through on Legg Meadow and for the rest of the day it was far too bright for them. River dropping back but retaining a touch of colour. Sat back in the sunshine and enjoyed the Wye valley at its autumn best, until with 6pm approaching virtually the last cast of the day brought one more fish and the best of the session at 9lb 2oz. All fish on 10mm pellet. As always, enjoyed a tranquil day at Courtfield.

4 Barbel

A stunning stretch of water. Quiet on the fishing front but impossible not to appreciate being able to fish there

1 Trout

A good day for fishing, bit of cloud cover, still a bit of colour in the water, decent push, mild, should have been a good day for a big catch. but just one barbel to show for it, roughly 9lb. Stuck with the feeder/pellet method which was probably a mistake as I ought to have tried meat etc . but it is called fishing, not catching, and is what keeps me coming back year after year. As always, a day out on the Wye beats all my other fishing expeditions hands-down. Will be back.

1 Barbel