Feedback & Reports

We got 5 trout sized 10 to 11" on dry flies, Adams and EHC, and 2 impressive Grayling sized 14 to 15" on wet flies. Dozens of fish hooked on flies but we could not land most of them. All fish landed were safely returned to the river. Water was very clear and the river was so beautiful. We had not realized until we got there that this beat is split in two halves with a protected spawning area in-between where fishing is not allowed. The lower end of the spawning area was unclear and we could not find any sign of it. There is no written explanation about the spawning zone on the beat summary we got from WUF. So I suggest WUF to add the explanation to the beat summary. Apart from that, the river is so beautiful and stunning. Many thanks to WUF.

5 Trout, 2 Grayling

Worm.

3 Trout

2 Trout

Good day fish rising, very pleasant all round.

3 Trout

River low and clear with bright sunshine didn't bode well. Chub taken on meat and the barbel on the pin with a small pellet. All fish scale perfect and fighting fit (and of a good size too). First field fine, the rest of the beat would need some serious tools to cut a swim - wild fishing indeed. Be interesting to try again with a few feet on the level.

1 Barbel, 2 Chub

Another great trip to the Wye and the chance to share in a good friend's first success with barbel. He didn't quite manage a double, but 9lb 13oz was close enough. Our results included another two 9's and two 8's so, all in all, a good average size. All fish were in great condition and fought well.
The sunny and low, clear conditions meant feeding spells were short and confined to the early morning and late evening periods. Canoe traffic was heavy, but no real problem. The people that lost their camera (see 25 August report) even returned with wet suits and snorkels to continue the search. Thankfully, they found it pretty quickly and so the disturbance was minimal.
Lastly, a recommendation for the Chinese restaurant at the back of the Forge and Hammer pub in Lower Lydbrook. The decor is certainly 'unusual' and we did wonder what we had let ourselves in for. The food was, however, very good and we didn't feel at all out of place in our shabby fishing clothes!

15 Barbel, 5 Chub

No fish seen or caught.

River condition low. Method used Czech nymph and dry fly.
Weights from 0.5 - 2.5lbs. No fish taken.

16 Grayling

Windy day making conditions a little tricky for any upstream fishing. Slow start after a cold morning. Fish more active in the afternoon and early evening. Couple of grayling about 35cm. Trout 20-25cm. 22 adult/adolescent goosander in the bathing pool!

8 Trout, 12 Grayling

Very nice place on a working farm with a great view of Goodrich Castle but did find a previous angler's bag of litter with the day before's copy of the Sun (I took it home to dispose of).
Caught at least 10 mint condition Barbel (I lost count to be honest) to 7lb 8oz and one pretty little Chub about 2 or 3lb but lost a few fish as well and unfortunately had a feeder crack off on the cast. All fish on Hemp, Corn and Pellet.
It wasn't clear in the provided instructions where I should park, so just did my best to leave my car out the way.

10 Barbel, 1 Chub