Feedback & Reports

Our second day and we arrived to a high and fast river but at least it wasn't raining. I last fished this stretch in September and estimated the river to be about six feet higher than it was then. We all set up along the meadow, fishing close, in the slacker water. Turned into another tough day but just after 3pm, JC and myself took two barbel towards the water works end, 8lbs 12ozs and 8lbs 14ozs respectively. A few knocks through the rest of the day but the only fish to come to the bank was an eel about 2lbs to MB. Despite the tough conditions we all enjoyed our visit to Courtfield. I would recommend the bunk house at the Jovial Colliers in Upper Lydbrook. Ideal cheap accommodation for anglers. Also recommended is the Indian restaurant at the back of the Forge Hammer pub in Lower Lydbrook. Excellent meal and good ale from the pub. Looking forward to further visits next season.

2 Barbel, 1 Other

Tough day with low temperatures and persistent rain. The river was running through quickly and rising, such that we couldn't hold the bottom with a 4oz feeder any more than a few yards out. Two started in the lower village stretch, one in the woods and one at the woods end of the meadow. Mid-afternoon the two moved from the village to the meadow and late afternoon, JC took two barbel in quick succession from drain cover swim, 10lbs 6ozs and 11lbs 14ozs! Turned a tough day into a great one and gave us something to toast in the pub that evening and raised spirits for the next day.

2 Barbel

Arrived early (7am) and fished until dusk. Not a bite all day. Moved 3 times to various points at top end of beat. Tried maggot, feeder with pellet and paste. Lovely beat but not today!

Legered soft hook pellet for both fish on a brisk river requiring 2oz gripper leads. Both fish taken by same angler on the swim nearest the Seven Trent yard.

2 Barbel

Great end to the season, good weather, good fishing had three barbel best 7ib 12oz and a trout on halibut pellet from midday until last light.

1 Trout, 3 Barbel

3 barbel to 7lb ish. Great beat, fish in top condition. Back on June 16th!

3 Barbel

Despite perfect conditions and trying different swims with both pellets and luncheon meat, the only action came from a 1lb 8oz Trout that took a piece of luncheon meat. Roll on the summer.

1 Trout

Caught 4 barbel (between 6 & 8lb) and 3 chub including one of 6lb 1oz on pellet feeder. Fish came between 10am and 1pm with a couple in last half an hour.

4 Barbel, 3 Chub

Three anglers fished three separate stretches of W and U including Courtfield. The river looked in perfect condition but unfortunately the fish failed to play the game. Total catch for all three beats was six chub and one barbel. Hope to do better in August.

1 Barbel, 6 Chub

Managed a start at first light despite driving through sleet and heavy winds! However, the day turned out to be bright and breezy. River still pushing through and with quite a bit of colour. Fished a swim by the "inspection drain" near to ST pump station. Used a sliding 2oz feeder with a 3ft lead core lead and 2ft hook length to a size 6 knotless hair hook. Hook bait was mixed meat chunks marinated in halibut oil and loose feed was hemp with 4and 6 mm pellet.
First cast produced a 5lb chub then quiet for an hour before 2 barbel each around 7lb. 3 remaining chub (3-5lb then spread during the day) before heading back to Surrey at around 5pm.
A great day's fishing in a wonderful spot!

2 Barbel, 4 Chub