Feedback & Reports

River still dropping slowly, walking up from the lower limit, settled on two trotting pegs but not a bite between us, either on float or feeder pellet. Moved to first peg at the lower limit and fishing for last couple of hours resulted in Chub of 2lb 8oz, 3lb, and just under 4lb. Two on luncheon meat and the other on pellet feeder. Disappointing days fishing but the peace and quiet of fishery was excellent.

3 Chub

Having struggled on Middle Hill Court the previous day we optimistically thought Holme Lacy would produce the goods as in previous trips. Sadly, upon arrival and observing the river level our hopes dived. Once again struggled to hold bottom in most places despite using 7oz of lead! The amount of debris coming down river made presenting a bait very challenging. All four anglers blanked including Birthday Boy P, who was hoping to catch his first Barbel. Better luck next time I guess. Still one of my favourite beats.

Fished about four swims in the first field. With the river pushing through we managed to catch a couple of barbel, both about 6lbs on pellets and garlic spam. Lost one chub before it got to the net. Nice place to fish with plenty of swims, will be back.

2 Barbel

Not a fishy day at all, not so much as a nibble all day. Nice place to be though.

Dead baiting & lures for pike. A number of slack swim's tried but no luck. Another time maybe. River in good condition, thanks WUF for the easy booking system.

Upstream nymph fishing New Zealand Style, water quite high but pretty clear. Both fish came at last light - 1 1/2lb and 2lb. We also missed a few earlier in the day. 9lb salmon hooked by F J stayed on for 10 mins, then the hook hold failed. Weather cold.

1 Trout, 2 Grayling

Only 1 angler made it fishing today! Didn't miss much. River in good nick - colour and dropping. Spent most of day trying to catch chub and dace on big stick to no avail, although kept entertained with trout and grayling. Fished last couple of hours on feeder with pellet but no knocks. Fished about 50 metres short of wood.

7 Trout, 2 Grayling

River level falling. Spent the day exploring the stretch and dropping baits into likely spots. Muddy conditions after recent flood but thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Caught both chub in a slack on a wide bend. First of 3lb 2oz fell to ledgered bread flake. Second of 3lb 4oz took luncheon meat. Missed a few other bites during the day.
Very friendly and helpful couple at the white cottage.

2 Chub

Conditions looked good, river high with light colour but cold frost on ground.

1 Barbel, 2 Chub

A torrid time by all on the river today! Levels up and carrying lots of debris. All struggled to hold bottom with 6 oz of lead! Managed to mug one Chub at end of the day but other 3 anglers biteless despite trying various swims and tactics. A beautiful beat with stunning scenery topped by Goodrich Castle as a backdrop. Vehicle access good but swims quite a challenge. Had my first experience of abseiling for Barbel! Would return in lower water level conditions.

1 Chub