Feedback & Reports

I had put in more hours than I would care to remember at Talybont last year with more failure than I would care to admit. This time, planning to fish for a few hours before driving on to camp near Brecon, I had loosened up for barely 10 minutes when I lifted into a gentle taker just a few yards out.

After a long fight with much line taken and later several jumps at closer range, this handsome fish finally lay on its side and the netting was easy. At 2lb 9oz it made this three-day trip before it had really begun. A top dropper Kate McLaren was responsible. One further savage take further down the bank followed.

For Upper Usk fishers stymied by the weather Talybont, though not easy, is a fascinating choice. The following day I also enjoyed Crai Reservoir (south of Sennybridge and very popular with cuckoos for some reason) though the east bank gives very limited access to the water beyond the gorge. Keep well above the water for quicker, safer access to the far (west) bank, and be aware the dam may not be crossed, which means a long, ankle-testing walk back! Bring £12 cash in an envelope with car details and go through Cnewr Farm archway (on main road near dam) to post in box just inside the courtyard on the right.

1 Trout

Great days fishing but didn't catch anything.

2 Trout

Weather was abysmal, heavy rain and gales for most of the day. Fished nymphs in the morning, missed one take on a hare's ear. Switched to lures when casting anything lighter became impossible. Caught 2 trout, both returned.

2 Trout

Heavy rain and strong winds, stuck it out all day, 2 fish each to wet flies and lures, best 1.25lb.

4 Trout

Very sunny day with a fair hatch of buzzers. Fished nymphs/buzzers in the morning with no result. Very few fish rising. Returned in evening fishing deeper with goldhead/black lures. Caught 4 trout 8oz - 1lb. Kept two fish which were full of cased caddis - so they were obviously feeding on the bottom which explained the lack of success with the nymphs. Water temp 12C air temp max 15C.

4 Trout

Arrived 6pm, fished until dark using floating line, small traditional patterns, weighted nymphs etc. No fish caught or seen moving. No other anglers seen catching fish either. Beautiful location.

2 x trout 12 and 15 inch, Mallard and Claret and Hatching Olive. A late evening session before the wind dropped at dusk.

2 Trout

My first attempt at fly fishing and did not catch any fish, but did catch the plants behind me. Must get some lessons!

Nil fish caught.