Feedback & Reports

Conditions seemed very similar to yesterday, when we struggled at Fownhope 5. What a contrast today though with regular bites all day. RW caught 16 smaller barbel up to 6lb 10oz. RB got in amongst the bigger fish with 7 barbel up to 9lb 12oz with a couple of 8lb fish as well. All caught on a variety of pellets with feeder tactics.

23 Barbel

Despite a grey sky and some occasional driving rain Middle Hill Court always remains beautiful and spectacular.
The water level was extremely high and worryingly cold but looked fishable which clearly makes this a popular Autumn venue.We enjoyed some steady sport throughout the day and managed to catch 5 Barbel and 9 Chub all of which were a good size and fought hard.The best Barbel was a touch over 7lb and the pick of the Chub was 5lb 8oz.
Swims are limited on this venue which is a shame because when the water level is high there would only appear to be 2 or 3 swims available which naturally is going to put a lot of pressure on them and and make fishing more difficult as the season progresses.

5 Barbel, 9 Chub

I took my adult son for two days, we had a lot of rain so shared swims under a fishing shelter, which made things tricky for sure.We ended up with 20 barbel to 8lbs plus and 4 chub, the average size is going down for the barbel from when I first fished this beat by quite a bit .

20 Barbel, 4 Chub

The river was even higher than yesterday when we fished Upper Backney, and most of pegs were impossible to fish.
The 12 Barbel ranged from 6lbs to 10.5 lbs , with an eel of 3lbs. Usual feeder and meat and pellet method used.

12 Barbel, 1 Other

River rising with nice colour, came up 18 inches in the day fish caught at regular intervals from top section

6 Barbel, 2 Chub

River rising, nice colour, fish caught on feeder and pellet from lower section

4 Barbel, 2 Chub

3 Barbel, 6 Chub

1. With the beat as busy as it is I would expect to see more catch returns, you don't have to post where you fish just give an indication if it's fishing well or not. I do a 7 hour round trip and still post after every session!
2. I fished 5 different swims on a rotation and had to spend at least the first 10 mins in each clearing up discarded line and picking up hooks and swivels. If I can take it home so can you!!!
3. The fishing was really good I had 15 of the barbel by constantly changing swims and resting a small baited area. It pays to fish the swims where others fear to tread...
WUF it's a lovely beat but tricky for those less able, with the money the owner makes surely they can be persuaded to introduce some wooded steps to open up some of the better looking sections.

17 Barbel, 4 Chub

River low and gin clear and weather bright with heavy down pours, which made for tough angling conditions. Access to the river was difficult with mud and steep slopes. Morning at the top of the swim was a blank. Mid-afternoon at the bottom produced three barbell (8lb, 8lb, 5lb) and a 5lb chub on luncheon meat. Canoeists were friendly and the location is stunning.

3 Barbel, 1 Chub

Fished towards the top end of the beat,had 3 Barbel each in the morning before a lull until mid afternoon when Barbel started to feed again.Barbel were mostly from 5-8 lbs with the best one 8 lbs 8 oz,feeder and pellet.Also some nice Chub on meat baits. River was up slightly with some much needed colour which made a big difference. All in all a very nice place with easy access ,will definitely return next year.

20 Barbel, 5 Chub