Feedback & Reports

We tried both the fly and spinner throughout the beat but failed to tempt any fish. A lot of salmon were showing, maybe 2 dozen different fish, but most were moving right under the far bank and just out of reach. The river was carrying a dark brown/green colour which greatly reduced visibility. A very nice location, beat much better suited to spinning.

Opted to concentrate on the Vanstone beat. Began with an early session from 6am and promptly landed a Pike of approx 10lb to a blue/silver devon minnow around 7am which was quietly returned to the water, but no Salmon catch to report. Returned again around 5.30pm for an evening session, lots of fish moving but no takers.
But an enjoyable day with some dry weather for once.

Fished from 9.30am and by 11.30am had 4 barbel. Fish were of a very good average size 7.5lb to 9.75lb. After that despite trying several different swims the fish just did not want to know. Canoe trafic was sparodic and the majority of canoeists were aware that someone was fishing and did their best to keep clear. However at about 4.00pm a large group of drunken 30 somethings proceeded to stage a mock water battle right in front of me resulting in two canoes capsizing to everyone's great amusement (except mine of course). When I remonstrated with them I was told where to go in no uncertain terms. Unfortunately this sort of behaviour from a small minority is becoming the scourge of fishing this fantastic river in the summer months.

Fished 4 hours 11am - 3pm. 3 chub to 4lbs 10oz and 2 barbel to 7lbs 12oz, all on pellet.

Nil. Nice day in the sun.

Fished from 9.30 to 2.30 on both sections. 4 browns and 2 parr caught on Adams P T and G R H E. Nothing over 6inches. Bright sunny day and would have hoped for something bigger. Only one fish taken from the surface and none seen to be rising. Some parts innaccesible due to trees and slippery wading. Still nice to get out after a long lay off.

Had 2 very good sessions. One in the morning and one in the evening. caught 3 WBT upto about 10" and 4 Grayling upto 10". Used both weight 4-3 10' and Tenkara rod with no difficulty.
The only down side of the day I was attacked by an out of control Collie dog while walking accross the field by the caravan site. The dogs were with the owner but she was undable to control then. The dog damaged my wadders and the owners were indifferent to the damage the dog caused.

Arrived 6am to find river slightly up and in good condition. My son and I chose to fish the meadow section and caught 2 Eels and a Chub before the mass of kayaks caused us to pack-up at 10am. Following a recce of the wooden section of this stretch we returned to my son's home.
We returned at about 5pm to fish on the "Rocks" in the wooded section. In a very short evening spell we hooked two Barbel, landing one of 6lb.8oz. Lost one fish and quite a bit of end gear before finding the clearer patches. Determined to fish same spot the next day.

Water was in a great condition, weather was near perfect and there was lots of fly life (BWOs and sedges). That said, rises were not as common as one might expect in such circumstances - particularly in the evening. However, a great day was had.
Our catch reports:
- JM caught two brown tout, approx just under 1lb on a grannon caddis and 6ins on a klinkhammer. Two chubb were also caught: a 3-4lb (which was quite a surprise!) and a fingerling, both on a klinkhammer.
- ST caught two greyling approx 1lb+ and a fingerling brown trout, all on a klinkhammer.
- DH caught four brown trout on BH PTNs and GRHEs and one salmon parr on GRHE.
All fish returned safely.
Keep up the good work Wye and Usk Foundation - we'll be back for more next year!

Arrived at the bottom of the beat and guess what? An otter! That's three this year and it's 35yrs since I had seen one previously. Prospects didn't look good with a major predator on the beat and so it proved. Perfect water, no rises or sign of fish until the very top of the beat where I was rewarded for my efforts with a 9in brownie which appeared to be a well mended stockie. Nothing like as pretty as the wild fish. G/h pt nymph under a Klink NZ style. Double edged sword these otters!