Feedback & Reports

Perfect conditions and an early start rewarded me with a couple of nice Barbel (one on my first cast) along with a PB Chub of over 6lb in the evening (followed by one of under half a pound on the next cast). Most fish were in great condition and caught on feeder-fished pellet and sausage sizzle with hemp added to the loose-feed. Bites were delicate throughout the day, even from the Barbel so I had to feel for them. Waders really do open up a lot of options at this beat, so a decent set of breathable ones are highly recommended.

2 Barbel, 14 Chub

Lovely stretch of river although it may be worth travelling light if you are fishing downstream of the woods.
We fished on one of the hottest days of the year, we didnt travel light and the yomp up the hill after the house certainly got the heart pumping, however the walk is well worth it as the river is in great condition. Swim selection is tricky when the river is low as the banks are quite steep. Access in the woods is very difficult in the summer undergrowth but there was little weed in the river and once you've found your spot the fishing is excellent. We both fished static baits, one on straight lead and Frankfurter sausage boilie, the other on Halibut Pellet and feeder. The boilies won the day taking four chub to the pellets three.
Unfortunately the Barbel didn't want to come out in the fierce sun and preferred to stay under the tree's on the far bank all day. Never mind, the chub ranged from 2.5lb to 4.5lb and were more than worth our sunburn. We saw a lot of boat and canoe traffic but they were no problem and many held back and politely asked about our lines before they went past.
A great day out and cant wait to do it again. Cheers!

7 Chub

Lost a brawling fish of maybe 15 lbs in Lower Bachaway. Broken - ashamed to say it had to do with a dropper and a rock!

3 Trout

A superb day. Extremely hot, bright sunlight, river quite low. We fished opposite the gardens where there was good flow, on feeder and ledger. Between us we netted 15 barbel and 4 chub. Several fish snapped us off - like other reports close inspection showed the line abraded on rocks. Two barbel of 8lbs, several more of 7lbs - the rest between 5 and 6lbs. All fish in superb condition. Long walk well worthwhile. DO PLEASE BE CAREFUL OF HIDDEN CRACKS/HOLES IN THE GROUND. They are invisible because they're covered with grass as you walk through the field about 10 yards after the electric fence going to the garden end. I fell up to my thigh and was very lucky not to break my leg. A superb day. Thanks WUF.

15 Barbel, 4 Chub

6 Trout

Dry fly was the best method, I landed both wild fish and stocked fish on this method.
River looked nice and clean, all but the exception of a bike in the Daggers Pool.

20 Trout

A charming stretch of river, a little overpriced compared with other beats though. Fishing was difficult as gin clear and very hot and bright. Deep fished nymphs taking a few small fish. There are, however, plenty of good fish here as I saw many and moved god knows how many whilst entering the water. A classic dry fly beat but not really the day for it.

4 Trout

Good day, river lowest I've ever seen. Hot day but lovely days fishing.

3 Barbel, 3 Chub

A hot sunny day made fishing difficult and at times uncomfortable, but we managed a few chub and barbel between us. Church Stream is probably best fished early and late as canoes make life difficult during the day as they come right beneath one's feet. However, the swimmers stayed on well into the evening!

5 Barbel, 5 Chub

We enjoyed a very successful session fishing in the faster water opposite the Weir Garden using a variety of methods with pellet baits. Only fished from 3pm - 9pm and sport was fast and furious at times with barbel between 4lbs - 8lbs.
Left it too late to book a taxi so walked to the river. However as we wanted to fish the faster water we had a further half mile walk downstream - take care if you do this as there are some very deep holes in one of the fields hidden by long grass. I think this needs attention as a serious injury could occur in a remote location.
If a shorter route could be made available across the fields that would be a very positive development.

15 Barbel, 2 Chub