Feedback & Reports

River about 1 foot above normal levels, no Salmon or Sea Trout seen. Brown Trout taken on Sea Trout flies and 1 on spinner, all returned.

3 Trout

After weeks of reading catch reports talking about low river levels, I arrived on the bank after three days of rain and plenty of water pushing through and in good colour. The weather was fine sunshine and broken cloud. Arrived around 7.00am and fished until 6.00pm. Everything I had read about the walk from the car park to the bottom end of the copse was true. The hill is a challenge with your gear so travel light, I'm pleased I did. The footpath through the copse wasn't as overgrown as I had been led to believe it would be from the reports I'd read but it was treacherous after the rain. Getting down to the river required the use of a rope. There aren't many swims accessible in the copse so its not hard to work out which one produces the multiple catch reports. Not the most comfortable day's fishing perched on a rock but well worth it. Fished pellet and feeder in the crease between a pool created by the croy and the main flow. I only landed 6 fish but with the Barbel to 7lb 4oz and Chub to 4lb 8oz it was a satisfying day. I would definitely go back.

3 Barbel, 3 Chub

Three brown trout, 9", 10" and a superb fish of 18", impossible to tell if the latter was a grown on stock fish from 2014 or completely wild, but either way an indication that the water supports trout to rival those in the Usk itself. Very windy, blowing down towards the dam, so fishing the right bank I was restricted to the more sheltered bays where the wind didn't push the fly line back around my head. As a consequence I fished heavier than I would have preferred with a 7wt ghost tip, GRHE gold head, Diawl Bach on the mid dropper and orange hopper on the top. One fish on each with the best to the Diawl Bach. A great way to spend a short afternoon and worth a whole day next time.

3 Trout

I fished the last swim at the very end of the beat. Started on the feeder fishing the crease on the edge of the slack water. I had a few small chub around 6oz. After 3 hours of watching a motionless quivertip I got the trotting rod out and had 2 decent chub one over 4lb. The 2 guys upstream didnt appear to be fairing much better although I did see a barbel come out. The highlight of the day was a kingfisher perched on my rod. Beware if you dont like cattle. They are in the field and are very curious surrounding my car and licking the paint for whatever reason.

6 Chub

Hit the river at just the right time as it was starting to drop and fine down. The result was 16 barbel to 8.10 all taken on pellet from Legg Meadow, most upstreaming in mid river. Always enjoy fishing Courtfield but can't always count on a bag of this size.

16 Barbel

Gorgeous stretch, a tranquil and peaceful place except for fifteen minutes of mayhem when a very lively group of children in five or six canoes were shepherded from pool to pool by instructors. Needless to say, they held just above our swim and proceeded to shout instructions. To add to our delight, the children who were too young to canoe were brought along the bank by another instructor. They settled on the top of the bank directly behind us and engaged us in lively conversation!! Fortunately, they didn't stay long and we found it all rather hilarious.
All fish caught on pellet, with the river dropping back nicely.
A stunningly beautiful stretch of river, some lovely swims and a great place to fish (especially if you like children!)

4 Barbel, 1 Chub

I happened to be in the area on other business and stole an hour (11.00-12noon) on the brook which was running reasonably clear and at good level. Fish came to both dry fly and nymphs and were in all the likely places!

6 Trout

Good flow in the river, only slightly coloured and not too high. However, attracted nothing on klinks or nymphs until about 4pm. The sun had shone for a while by then, and a few flies emerged. A gray duster para. did the trick, I landed 4, 3 at 9 to 11" and 1 cracker at 15",and another the same size launched itself like a missile and shook the hook on landing. Had to give it 10/10 for style and technique.... Also missed several, great finish to the day.

4 Trout

River was up and had considerable pace. I had to use a 6oz pellet feeder to hold bottom for the start of the day but as the water dropped was able to comfortably fish with 3 or 4oz. River had a gorgeous caramel colour and the fish were on it throughout the day. Second visit to this stretch and there will be many more to come. Biggest barbel was 10lb 6oz and the biggest chub was 6lb 5oz a PB for me by 2oz! Fished a back up swim as the swim next to the access path was taken and I wasn't disappointed. I did however lose lots of tackle due to the deluge of weed and other detris. Saw a tree come down the river at one stage!!!

8 Barbel, 10 Chub

Arrived at 7.30 a.m. greeted by a rainbow but with river higher than expected at 1.14m and carrying too much colour. Persisted with a large feeler cascade and a beautifully marked brownie of 2 1/2lb was landed on the 15 fter and safely returned. River barely moved in the day but colour improved marginally. Should be a good weekend!

1 Trout