Feedback & Reports

Two trout - one a good one of 18.5", the other 12". Both came around midday when there were a few LDOs and march browns (or similar) hatching, much tougher and quieter later on. The big one obviously isn't a top predator around here - had a recent wound with several marks on it's left flank, a nasty puncture high on it's right flank/back, and another slight mark near the tail. There are one or two cormorants on the beat but I can't imagine one leaving marks like that - assume it was an otter that bit it across the back, but it escaped! Still had a lot of fight though and otherwise in good nick, pleased to say he swam off very strongly too - tough fish these Usk trout :) Some fresh otter spraint seen on one tree root too. Lost three more trout off the hook/charging for the willows. Tricky fishing in some spots as there is a lot of tree cover along the banks, hooking them is only the start and I guess you just have to accept that in some swims the odds are definitely in the fish's favour - worth fishing with strong line and barbless hooks too! Great fun though and lovely wild fishing as with many of your Usk beats.

Away from the fishing one plus point of all that nice canopy cover - I found a definite hazel dormouse nut on one bankside, round opening with smooth face, and angled tooth marks on the outer face. I expect they may already be on record locally as the Usk valley has some nice woodland cover, but nice to know they are here all the same?

2 Trout

7 Trout

4 Trout

Blanked. Very cold. No hatches

Blanked. Very cold. No hatches

Caught opposite the Boat pub on a blue and silver spinner approximately 20lb hen

1 Salmon

Very sparse olive hatches. Lots of takes to flies fished sub surface though, most of which I missed.
Grouse and Partridge hackled wets most effective.
No interest whatsoever in a variety of nymphs that were offered. They closed shop shortly after 3.00 as usual.

8 Trout

First time on this beat, parked middle car parking, arrived at 2pm small hatch happening and a couple rising ,hooked up one on pop up emerger and lost.
Tried nymphs/spiders though faster water below poplar pool ,not a bite but a good test for fitness and balance, on hands and knees at one stage!! .Went in faster water around vicarage pool put on a heavy pt nymph and manage a nice 12" trout around 6pm then called it a day.
My mate had a tough day, blame on the lack of chicken and ham pie from Ledbury.
Will be back soon as thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon, i'm sure some one who knew what they were doing would have caught a lot more

1 Trout

2 Trout

2 Trout