Feedback & Reports

No fish caught but one seen jumping twice at the junction of the Maddox & Corner Tree pools maybe 5-6lb, could not tempt it though. Tried various flies, Cascade, Ally's Shrimp, Wille Gunn, to no avail. River was easily wadeable but conditions were far too bright but a very enjoyable day all the same.
Booking process very easy, staff in the office very friendly & helpful.

Both fish returned.

1 Trout, 1 Grayling

Bottom fishing low clear water.

4 Barbel, 1 Chub

Fishing hard, river low with bright conditions and hundreds of canoeists, they never seem to see you.

3 Barbel, 3 Chub

Lovely day, even the campers and caravaners along the riverside were friendly and interested. Though the river was low and crystal clear, the recent rain seems to have freshened the trout. Found many willing to have a go at a drab Klink in the runs, and I managed to land 6 from 7 to 11", whilst missing many. Saw no rises though. Only frustration was connecting with and then being broken by a large bruiser - only caught a glimpse as he sped past me downstream, so don't know how big, easily snapped my 3.5 lb line. Had to sit down for 10 minutes after that, you know how it is!

6 Trout

Short time trout fishing, evening and morning. Trout rising to dry fly; too quick for this old soul. Sporadic rises throughout day, especially the areas in the wood's shade. Stayed at Swanmeadow, lunch and a beer at The Black Bear, super.

Started promisingly enough at 5pm with interest every cast on meat until 2 boatloads of idiots came through and decided to start their outboard motors in my swim while shouting to me.
Went quiet for a while after that but we did have 1 barbel each circa 5 and 6 pounds, neither was weighed. 1 on pellet, 1 on meat. I also lost 2 to snags (along with seven 12lb GT80 hooklinks!) and one other to a hook pull. A bit snaggy but a pleasant beat to fish.
We had the usual brainless hire kayakers who either don't care or simply can't control the things come in close once or twice but we didn't start til 5m so thankfully missed most of them. We simply reel in or dip the rods but unless something is done to increase angler awareness amongst the hire fraternity I can see some ugly scenes developing which will ultimately impact WUF and the fantastic fishing they've made accessible.
Not even my usual method of sitting there sharpening my machete kept the hirelings away! As usual the privateers were courteous and considerate...well, except the guys with the Outboards.
All in all we were happy to catch seeing as it was 29 degrees with bright sunshine on arrival. Thanks WUF, an enjoyable evening :-)
A last word to anyone staying til last knockings....it gets DARK under those trees!

2 Barbel

Caught one chub on trotted bread in the morning (only fished 0530 to 1000), Chub 3lbs 13oz.

Acted on advice from bailiff fished in the evening from 1830 to 2115, the bottom glide under tree's. First take produced a good struggle fish felt heavy but before I even saw it hook pulled; as it turned out hook was partially bent should have checked clutch setting as didn't quite get the tension off in time.

Followed a series of good takes, should have done better at least managed a 4 lb 4 oz Barbel and a 4 lb Chub. Bites for Barbel were not the savage takes I experienced at the Bibblings stretch last year. I did however enjoy the experience and I will probably be back for some more next year.

1 Barbel, 2 Chub

All six barbel caught on Halibut or crab pellet , ranging from 5lb 2oz to 6lb 12oz on a simple ledger rig .all fish were in superb condition.

The river was clear and low, lot of streamer weed in places with a shoal of barbel spotted in a really dense weed area on the near bank, however like most of this beat almost impossible to fish for.

The only downside to this beat is the lack of swims available, I know you can "make your own" ,which is what we tried to do, only to find that once you get next to the river, it is either a steep drop off ranging from 6-10 feet or overhanging trees making landing anything all but impossible.

There are maybe 4/5 places to actually fish from. I was disappointed in the lack of swims/access to the swims.
That said if you want to go and stalk these barbel the effort is well worth it these fish are beautiful in colour and condition. Take a rope to get back up the bank if you are feeling brave.
On a really big plus point fishing from the croy is an absolute joy , you will know what I mean when you get there!!!.

The scenery if fantastic with all manner of wildlife to watch " as we'll as your rod tip". Trout rising opposite the Croydon all evening after the hatch.

It's a healthy climb to get back to the car, take a torch if you leave at dusk it's quite dark in the wood. I would go back here no doubt but with a view to going light.

6 Barbel

Had a couple of hours in the night after some rain, no sewin for me but the river looks healthy with a nice flow. The river had a slight stain in the water but there were a few anglers out. I saw three sewin jump and heard a few more on the move, it was a very dark night with a slightly stained river so my chances were slim but you cant catch fish at home. Did once again catch some nice brown trout all over the 1 pound mark.

3 Trout