Feedback & Reports

First time out this season and first time ever on Upper Bigsweir. I have to say that overall I am very impressed with the beat and cannot wait to get back on there with a foot or so off the guage (? - see below). Neither Nathan or I managed to connect, but we saw several very good fresh fish showing in the cockpits,sunken tree and later in Little Stream. The wading was quite easy, but deep in places - once you got into the water (see below)

There are a couple of points would help to turn this into a very nice fishery;
1) Cutting some steps down to the water - ok there are a few ladders, but on the day we were there most looked as if they dropped into 6ft of water! The bankside access is very poor in places and I wouldn't recommend to those who cannot climb.
2) Some bankside clearance would improve casting/fishing lines. Maybe because the water was high this became more obvious, as some of the bushes and general bankside scrub made spey casting impossible
3) I understand the hut is for private/syndicate use, however use of the toilet would have been welcomed (it's a bugger having to head into Monmouth in your waders) - female anglers take note.
4) It would help to have some pool markers and an idea of the ideal heights - there is a gauge in the beat but it doesn't have any meaningful value unless you either know the beat or have some idea of the best heights - could be part of the information sent when booking. (this applies to other beats)
5) The entrance from the road is a bit hairy considering the speed most seem to drive along the A466 - be careful when pulling in or out of the gate.

Lovely to be out on the Wye again and shall be back.

Carl

7lb pike caught on lure.

1 Pike

Beautiful stretch of river but a shame about the noise from the road (and the loggers on the other side of the road). River was high and fast and the weather quite cold but did manage to catch a decent sized Barbel from the slower water at the top end of the beat. Would like to come back when the river is at a more manageable level :)

1 Barbel

Perfect conditions. 1 run take, fish didn't stay. Nothing else, not a touch all day after that run.

13lb pike caught on the lure.

No catch.

As normal a delightful day. Good acccomadation at the George in St Briavels - superb breakfast.
Sadly no fish taken. Hugh moved a fish which did not come again. We saw say half a dozen fish through the day some looking fresh. Will return next season.

Unable to fish due to hight of river. Wash off has been agreed but not sure if I can get there again before season end. Did fish Chainbridge on Usk but nothing caught.

Nil return river still too high.

Had one good take in the morning on a very small Cascade. nothing else. River a wee bit too high still. Enjoyable day though.