Feedback & Reports

Too bright, too cold, too low, too clear. Ineptitude may also have been a factor. I note that previous correspondents have generally been catching off the top. The cold wind put paid to any hatch; with all fish taken on deep-fished nymphs.

5 Trout, 1 Grayling

Absolutely beautiful beat would encourage everyone to try it. Lots of fish rising to midge but I couldn't for the life of me catch one. Tried many patterns and wasn't spooking the fish which continued to rise. Maybe the leader was putting them off? At any rate, do not hesitate to try this beat. I will deffinately be returning.

10lb salmon caught from the middle of the Vanstone Pool this morning on black/gold flying c. Saw another show in the tail end.

1 Salmon

Arrived 11.30am. Overcast, due west blustery wind, cold at times, sun then rain. Downstream of the weir mowed river frontage, a very nice part of Herefordshire. No fish rising... no fly life, tried duo set up with pink gold head on point and march brown as indicator. 2 plump wbt 10 /12ins and 2 grayling both 12ins. Great! All returned. Packed up at 3.30pm due heavy rain in the West.

2 Trout, 2 Grayling

Fished 10-2. Rather underestimated the wind - had hoped the trees would shelter the river but found it funnelling up the valley which left me only casting in the lulls. Very pleased therefore to pick up 2 x 9inch trout on a pheasant tail nymph.
This may spark debate but I do think the red spotted Arrow trout are the belles of the W&U river trout.

2 Trout

Unfortunately on arrival private access gate was not locked as advised at booking but wide open due excessive earth moving machinery working on hillside and bank near path down to lake.
As a result of this the route down to the lake was very muddy for a considerable walk.
We both fished from sun up until approx 1.30pm without a bite despite trying maggots/corn/bread/meat/pellets/paste.
It may have been due to the ongoing disruption however there appeared to be no evidence of fish movement at all on the pond. Still cleaning my gear! Place needs tidy up and some fish !

Started fishing at 08:30 and weather was misty and wet, wind was moderate and from the South. First fishing point was on the West bank opposite the small island. Saw a few fish rising but couldn't see any flies about as it was so wet. Fished in several locations along the West bank using wet fly and dry fly but didn't have any takers. After about an hour all went quiet, nothing rising. Weather cleared early afternoon but still no sign of fish. Gave up at 5pm. Most disappointing was the amount of rubbish left by previous visitors to the West bank.

This is a lovely beat and has some really good looking sections. Fishing was tough however, with the river low and clear. Little hatching throughout the day and only a handful of fish were rising sporadically. Managed 5 trout (biggest about 14") and one suicidal salmon smolt that took a DHE just as it started to drag at the end of a drift.

5 Trout

Stunning river fished with weighted nymphs and dry's tenkara style, without success. No fish caught or sited throughout the day, maybe down to my inadequacy. Spoke to a local who used to fish the river but gave up due to decline of fish population, noted a land drain flowing into the river on the lower half of the beat! it would be interesting to know if the water quality is ever tested?

4 Trout