Feedback & Reports

4 on fly and 4 on worm

8 Trout

Apart from the map showing the parking position incorrectly and an electric fence across the alternative, a nice day.
A dull cloudy day with the river a few feet up with a tinge of colour and extra velocity. Started at midday and used small pellets. The Barbel came at regular intervals. Catching five to 8lb 4oz and losing a sixth.

5 Barbel

1 small trout in the weirpool. River looking better each day but still very cold. No fly life seen yet.

1 Trout

River had gone down it was running clear but fast. Very cold and foggy. Like to fish it again in the summer. Very pleased with our catches. All went home happy.

6 Barbel, 6 Chub, 1 Pike

Sadly no fish seen or caught despite trying dry and wet flies and nymphs. The river was running pretty clear but surprisingly shallow given recent rains although this day followed a week of mainly dry weather. There are some deeper pools. The beat is difficult to negotiate in places, particularly near the start, due to obstructions placed across the river presumably by local landowners and quite a bit of scrambling is required in places. Casting is restricted throughout and will be more difficult as vegetation increases. Only very light tackle required. Scenery was pleasant though.

First time I've booked this beat so took me a bit of time to decide what to do with it.
River colour was good and it was less than a meter up but pushing through strongly.
Access to the beat is good with parking for one vehicle at both ends of the beat with an easy flat walk along the whole length of the beat. Quite a straight beat with a large bend at the end so limited options if the water levels are high but should be more to go at with normal levels.
Ground was firm on Wednesday but I could see evidence that someone had difficulty getting off the parking so care should be taken in wet conditions. Looks like recent floods have battered the banks and eroded what must have once been nicely carved out pegs.
Salmon anglers were working away along the opposite bank and were polite.
Tried a few swims around the middle and at the bottom end of the beat but the Barbel eluded me. Persevered with maggot on the float before giving up and reaching for my faithful barbel rod to chuck the feeder with hemp and maggots. Managed to tempt seven lovely Chubb in fin perfect condition ranging from around two and a half up to four and a half pounds from the faster water. Great to be out on my favorite river, many thanks to the Wye and Usk Foundation for being so helpful and finding me a decent beat at short notice.

7 Chub

Very small brown trout, returned safely.

1 Trout

Very small brown trout, returned safely.

1 Trout

Good fly fishing conditions.

4 Trout

River still above normal height, fast and just over the cribs. To fish midstream meant big feeders (4-5oz) and moving around to find a fish. Enjoyable day but fish hard to come by.

2 Barbel, 2 Chub