Feedback & Reports

11 x grayling 6-12 inches, 1 x chub 4 pounds, trotting. A late morning to early afternoon session in the rain fishing a river already high, although not yet coloured. Eventually I called the session off as the river began to rise rapidly. There was an incident involving the chub, when something I have occasionally feared might occur, did occur. Winter chub sometimes give a reasonable account of themselves in a strong current, but generally I don't have a huge respect for their fighting ability. However, they will make a dash for a snag if they get a chance. If there's no obvious cover, the lower half of an angler standing waist-deep in the middle of a pool looks like safety. This one took me by surprise by dashing straight between my legs. Chaos for a moment, while the top section of a 14 foot float rod took on an alarming angle. Fortunately, he went back out the way he went in and I was able to scoop him into the net without any more nonsense.

11 Grayling, 1 Chub

Postcode would have been useful - overpriced for time of year.

Mucky day tucked under the brolly. Quiet day too but great to be out.

2 Barbel, 2 Chub

River and weather conditions looked just about perfect for some Chub action and possibly the odd Barbel. Unfortunately the fish did not seem to share my enthusiasm and it was not until 17:10 that I had my only bite of the day resulting in a 4lb 1oz Chub.

1 Chub

Bright skies and a cold breeze welcomed us on our first visit to this beat. The gently sloping banks and the generally well-maintained nature of the beat made for a very attractive sight on arrival, with the river’s tinge of colour only serving to heighten our anticipation.
Cloud cover increased as the day passed but our search for fish wasn’t made any easier as a result. B P led the way with two Barbel, at 7lb 1oz and 5lb, both caught on pellet. C H resorted to exploring most of the swims along the beat, finally managing to winkle out a Barbel of exactly 6lb in the late afternoon, also on pellet.
All fish were fin-perfect, were determined not to come to the net without a major fight, and were all returned in full health. Whilst the conditions had seemed to promise greater things, the three pristine fish that chose our baits provided a very enjoyable day, in magnificent surroundings, on a special river.
Thanks to everyone at WUF for ensuring such wonderful days are possible.

3 Barbel

Heavy nymphs/bugs, eight good fish, lost quite a few flies by pushing my luck around the trees that had fallen in the river. Could do with some sort of path cutting in the wooded areas and some of the trees taken out of the river, but will be visiting again for sure when trout are in season.

8 Grayling

Fishing for grayling, polish nymph style. No fish seen rise. Water was difficult for fishing. I will back to fish for wild trout in summer time.

First time on this beat for me. Hard work but enjoyable. Trotted maggot in several swims, river flowing at it's winter level. A good few hours spent on the river.

1 Trout, 2 Chub

One Grayling of around 14" hooked (red tag) but lost. One decent, 16", OOS Brown trout taken on a 'Holy Grail Hare's Ear Olive' which went ballistic when hooked!

1 Trout

Float fished and legered baits Saturday and Sunday. The original idea was to fish for grayling on the float but it rained overnight and consequently the river rose and colored up making it very difficult to find grayling. Fished beat 2 Saturday and beat 6 Sunday with only one grayling to show between 3 of us. Ended up fishing cheese paste and meat for the chub, who were more obliging than the grayling. Terry responded quickly to the E mail I sent and was helpful as regards what Beats would be best for grayling, just unfortunate about the rain.

1 Trout, 1 Grayling, 12 Chub