Feedback & Reports

1 Barbel, 1 Chub

River very low and no signs of salar. I knew it would be hard going, but needed to get out, so didn't mind so much.

In spite of the low river and the nasty down stream wind, the Grayling were up for it today. Second thoughts, make that "down for it" - with most of the fish taken on a tungsten nymph. Some good fish, a handful at 12" plus, with the majority in the 10-12" bracket. One Trout at 14", others smaller. On one of the few occasions when the wind dropped, I switched to a dry; and caught half a dozen Salmon Parr in rapid order. Tres bonne

6 Trout, 20 Grayling, 6 Other

Nice weather conditions, river low and clear. Fished wooded area using mainly luncheon meat. Enjoyable day.

7 Barbel, 13 Chub

2 anglers fished top end of beat and 2 anglers fished bottom end. Most fish taken on top end using pellets, river was getting lower and very clear.

14 Barbel, 10 Chub

Fished early morning till 12 in the woods off some boulders into the river lost feeder after feeder more of a float swim I think? no fish only a eel my friends down stream in the had 2 barbel lovely clean fish and nice size.we then went upstream around 6ish at night on the peg with the inspection panel in front of the fire and rubbish my friends dropped into a peg next one down and caught within 10 mins.there action never stopped with barbel topping double figures my friend in the peg next to me had his pb a mint 9lb 5oz barbel me only a 12oz barbel and the eel. Wont fish the woods again only the deeper stretch near the Severn Trent entrance

14 Barbel, 2 Other

A beautiful stretch of water overlooked by a very pretty church. Baited up 3 swims along the far bank trees and let them "soak" for a good hour whilst setting up and eating lunch. First chuck, a barbel of over 7 pounds. Second chuck, another of 6 pounds, followed by nothing for a hour. Moved to one of the other swims and had 4 chub to around 2 pounds before again, that swim died. Not a tap from the third swim. Rebooted the first and second swims whilst walking below the Rapids for a spot of stick and pin fishing. With bread flake on a size 10, third run through a chub of around 3 pounds fell in the very fast, boiling water, taking nearly 10 minutes to come in due to the strong flow. Several more fish fell to the same method, all over 2 pounds and fighting like the devil in the strong flow. What a way to catch fin perfect fish in a wonderful location. The best workout my stick/pin outfit as ever had. Eventually returned to the first barbel peg and fished to last light, with only one proper bite, leading to a snapped hook length after only a few seconds. A disappointing finish to an otherwise lovely day. Peace and quiet reigns in this beautiful location. Thanks to W&UF for providing the opportunity to fish on such a great river.

2 Barbel, 12 Chub

Fished from 5pm to 9pm. There was a fairly decent hatch of sedges, and a few olives and yellow mays. The fish were looking up and took an elk hair emerger as often as the little ptn I fished below it. Most of the fish were small, the biggest graying was 9/10" and two of the trout were about the same.

7 Trout, 2 Grayling, 1 Chub

Sedge and pink shrimp. Spooked several fish by not approaching pools stealthily.

8 Trout

Nice parking by the trees with an easy 150 yd walk to the river in the middle of the stretch. Decided to find the gulley at the top end of the fishery. Could find no deep water with any flow at the top end. Water levels slightly low but normal summer level. Then walked the stretch looking for swims combining features with flow. These are all at the downstream end and only the last swim is a large tranquil salmon pool. All the flow and features are on your bank. The opposite bank is low and has many comfortable shingle beaches to fish from. The farmer was digging gravel from the river using a a small digger when I fished. Quite a few people fishing the opposite bank and casting to your bank. Not a real problem on the day I fished but I suppose it could be. It wasn't until I met the other angler booked on the beat that my luck changed. From Oxfordshire he clearly knew the section well and was generous with his advice. My luck changed quickly and soon had 3 nice barbel - two at 8lb, one slightly smaller and I lost one when the hook pulled when the fish was beaten and under the bank. I didn't see the other angler again as he went off for lunch but I am very grateful. As all the depth is under your bank you need to be careful as deep water can be off the rod tip. To net the fish I had to sit at the top of the bank and then use a 3 piece landing net to reach the fish. I also used a rope to trail into the water just in case I fell in!
Great stretch if you like near bank work and can put up with a few anglers on the far bank.

3 Barbel, 1 Chub