Feedback & Reports

River looked perfect but fish were either hiding or not feeding. Fished known 'hot swims' with various baits but no bites. Did manage 3 barbel of around 6lb each in quick sucession from a previously unfished spot and then nothing. Occasional chub kept our interest up but a challenging day.

3 Barbel, 5 Chub

Hmmm? The little bugger's ! Two Wbt on G gnats just added to the enjoyment of fishing this lovely beat, that and the proximity of the Seven Stars !

2 Trout

Arrived around midday with 5.5 on the gauge and carrying quite a nice colour, was informed that fish had been caught earlier in the week so was quietly optimistic, alas today wasn't to be? fished hard on the fly but that first fly caught salmon is still alluding me! Couple of coloured
fish seen by the submerged tree/log below rock pool with one of them looking well into its teens. Although no fish caught still a nice day.

7lb fish from the island run taken on an Ally's Shrimp.

1 Salmon

Very hot conditions as we arrived, also the otter was just finishing off what looked like a barbel not a good omen. River was very clear by noon and the fact that there was numerous anglers on the other bank spoilt the peace and quiet. Never found the barbel but at least a few chub played ball. Saw a mink chasing a duck on the bank, a great venue but will book double banks from now on. The group on the other side had a couple of barbel but made a lot of noise. A couple of cormorants about as well but all in all a good 2 days. On a weird note, a near naked man in a dinghy full of beer came down stream looking for the main road to Hereford!? Thanks WUF

7 Chub, 5 Other

Had a quick morning session on what is a new beat to me. There are some lovely pools halfway up the beat. I only caught one 10" trout on a Elk hair caddis but will give it another try when it has a bit more water in it.

1 Trout

Returned to Llanfechan as last time I was there the river was at least 2ft up. This time it was running well, and very clear. The weather started misty but, at about 11am the sun came out and stayed out, making conditions difficult. There was no wind to speak of and there was very little fly hatch.
Used weighted nymphs of various types, a white and pink tungsten bead czech nymph seemed to be most effective. I caught two grayling one about 10 inches and one about 5, however I lost numerous fish including a big brown trout and particularly big grayling. Not sure if it's because I was using a lighter rod, but either way it wasn't my day.
Overall a lovely beat with lots of fishable areas, took me all day to get to the top. One thing to note is that I agree with the need for a wading staff on this beat. I don't actually own one but I will get one after taking a rather nasty fall on the rocks. Despite the frustration of losing so many fish I had a great day.

2 Grayling

River back to summer level and quite clear. Continuous sunshine on a very warm day for September. I was surprised to catch a barbel at 15.00 but no more action until evening when four more followed. Biggest went 9-0 and 7-14 on the scales. Two others around 6-0 and a baby. Used various baits and methods. A very good day.
Thanks to Alyson for excellent service in recent weeks when some of WUF's emails have disappeared in the ether.

5 Barbel

Apart from fish of 6lb 8oz and 6lb 3oz, most of the barbel were in the 2lb to 10oz range. Both Chub were also small. Although getting to the swim is somewhat treacherous, this is a nice fast flowing stretch of river, and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I should also mention a gentleman called Geoff, who came for a walk and spent most of the day watching me. Undoubtedly a good angler, he gave me a lot of tips that will improve my chances in the future.

16 Barbel, 2 Chub

Visiting angler Dr Bradshaw landed a fish 90cm long after an epic fight fishing a tiny Willie Gunn on a split cane rod and ancient Farlows reel which played up. 7.30 pm. Well done!

1 Salmon