Feedback & Reports

NEW BEAT
Dryslwyn Castle is part of the famous Golden Grove Estate and is the lowest of the Golden Grove beats. Just over 2 miles in length, this beat can be booked independently from the Golden Grove Estate beats for just £40 for the remainder of 2014. Much of this beat is unknown as it has only been fished a handful of times in recent years but there are several holding pools and the potential is exciting. Even the pool names have only just been created but it is an excellent fishery with running fish required to pass through it to reach the famous Golden Grove Pools such as the Whistle Pool, the Paradise Flats and the Pipe Pool.
Wading is required for night fishing and can be quite deep. However access down to the riverside is usually very easy and the wading is generally excellent, being on wide open water on a shingle base, although there can be odd larger stones and rocks, and occasional mud banks. At summer levels one can usually wade across the river at selected places.
A day ticket is valid for 24hrs 7am to 7am.
All anglers are to contact the Ghillie Jamie Harries no less than 24hrs before arrival to confirm the beat rotation 07810 184547
In 2013 we experienced a very dry summer which resulted in a very late run of Sewin, with over 280 fish being caught in August and September. Over 400 Sewin were caught overall with 92 percent of these being returned. The average weight was over 4lbs and 130 fish were over 5lbs. Notable catches were 17lbs 8oz Sewin from the College Pool Cilsane, 17lbs from The Stakes Rofawr, 16lbs 8oz from The Whistle Pool Cilsane. 23 Sewin were over 10lbs.
2013 Season - 40 Salmon, 402 Sewin.
2012 Season - 85 Salmon, 390 Sewin.
2011 Season - 64 Salmon, 379 Sewin.
2010 Season - 79 Salmon, 470 Sewin.
Up to the last week in August Golden Grove has caught over 410 sewin for the season so far with over 88% caught and released and 32 double figure fish.

River low but in lovely condition now and plenty of sport for the rods who fished this week. 7 good pike reported to 22lb from beats 2 and 6. Barbel shoaling up now and were caught well when they were located. Good bags of dace and chub reported from beat 2. Salmon showing in some numbers but no one fishing for them.

7 Pike

Knill beat, nil return! My first visit to the area, stunning scenery, lots of trout, all spooked. You get within casting distance of the tail of a pool, and they are all off! Ah well, lots of kingfishers, and was it a mink or an otter that I saw?

This was my first visit to Dolgau and I found myself constantly wondering why I hadn't decided to fish it sooner. The water looked inviting and the well maintained riverbank and facilities a great credit to the beats owner.
I started fishing the downstream section at 9am but due to the amount of quality water to fish only had time to briefly fish the upstream section in the afternoon. I fished P/T nymph patterns on a french leader all session which produced 5 x trout between 3/4 & 1 3/4lbs and 4 x grayling between 1 & 2lb. All fish were in good condition and safely released.

5 Trout, 4 Grayling

Arrived around 11.00, fished below suspension bridge trotting bread, corn and tare to take 21 Chub to 4lbs 2oz with quite a few prime Dace throw in. Also had an appearance from sized good trout. All fished over a bed of hemp and corn with the occasional hand full of liquidised bread. Moved to the upper stretch early evening and fished meat and pellet over a bed of hemp and small pellet for three more Chub to 4lbs 3oz.
All in all a very enjoyable day, a lot of weed was coming down river which made bottom fishing very difficult though.

1 Trout, 24 Chub

Fished all day for one small barbel. Started at the very top peg. The last time I fished here I had twelve barbel and three chub, but very different this time. Fished for two hours for no bites, and lost three feeders on the snags so I moved to the bottom swim on the fishery before the woods, where I finally got the barbel which at least avoided a total blank.
I also explored the wood at the bottom of the fishery. A lot of clearance work has been done here and there are some great looking spots. The problem is that generally about eight foot above the water which makes netting very difficult, and would be hazardous in wet conditions.

1 Barbel

My son and I try to fish together once a year and so I always try to arrange a special day for us. He works very hard and loves to fish. This year we decided it should be trout and grayling as he had not caught The Lady Of The Stream before. I spoke to Dai in the office and he directed me towards the Upper Wye and The Rectory Beat. It's not a cheap day out but bless you Dai, what a day we had. Although the river was low we found running water just below the bridge and about 200yds upstream. Fishing a team of dark coloured spiders we fished no more than 20 yards apart in these two spots and caught fish all day. We lost count but must have had over seventy fish between us. My son Jake caught his first grayling and then added to his tally throughout the day. The fish were smallish but we had some up to 3/4 lb and I lost two very solid fish. They were in tip top condition and we shared a marvelous and memorable day. Bless you Dai and all at the foundation I've fished your waters for a long time now and your service and advice is always freely given and your work beyond reproach. We salute your efforts!

40 Trout, 20 Grayling

Fished Loxter's Pool during the day, nothing caught (two salmon jumping). Moved upstream to the island at the top of the fishery and had a barbel at dusk.

1 Barbel

River needs a good flush through. Lots of twitches to sunken orange head nymph only two connected to - one decent grayling and then another. Nothing more till late as I cast back prior to straighten line. Must have landed on head of 1lb trout which made the day.. Enjoyed the silence for 5 hours that fled past.

1 Trout, 2 Grayling

A cracking stretch with a lot of character and light canoe traffic which was pleasant. A low and clear running river made it difficult but fish were still willing to feed throughout the whole day. All fish were taken on double pellet and meat. A very enjoyable day had by us both and we will be back when the river's got a bit of extra water in it.

5 Barbel, 7 Chub