Feedback & Reports

River was running hard but fishable. Walked over the hill (not for the feint, or more to the point, weak hearted) to the woods. Because the river was up and it was still raining the swims in the woods were difficult and dangerous (very slippy narrow path), so started just into the woods. Nothing for a couple of hours. Moved to the first swim before the woods which although running hard had a visible "crease" 15 yards out. Fished pellet/feeder to start (one chub) then switched to maggot feeder as the colour dropped out of the water (although levels didn't drop). Two barbel (5lb2oz and 5lb8oz) and another chub (and a lost fish) between 12:30 and 4pm then bites stopped. Went back to pellet/feeder until dark but no further bites. Packed up at 6pm and slogged back to the car. Another great day on a great beat.

2 Barbel, 2 Chub

Had this beat booked for myself and a friend but looking at the water levels he decided not to make the trip. With the river so high it was difficult to find anywhere sensible to fish but eventually settled into a swim which produced a small barbel at about 10 o'clock. Nothing else happened and late in the day the water had dropped a little and another swim became available which produced another 2 barbel towards 6 p.m. A long interval between bites but a welcome end to a hard day. Pellets and heavy swim feeder as usual took the fish.

3 Barbel

Struggled to hold position even with six ounce feeders, but G O managed to catch his first wye barbel so not a bad day after all.

1 Barbel, 1 Chub

3 Barbel

The river was a few inches lower than yesterday but neither of us caught anything all day. We fished the same swims as the day before.

Both had a good day, nice size fish.

6 Trout

Rearly enjoyed this venue even though the conditions were challenging. Had to fish the near bank but eventually found a few fish.

2 Barbel, 4 Chub

1 Barbel, 1 Chub

No signs of life at Blackpool brook, its a challenging bit of water. Bideford brook was pure heaven. saw plenty of fish rising but couldn't tempt any on the dry fly. managed one 6in fish on a bead headed nymph and missed a few takes. the perfect bit of river for my 6ft 4wt split cane. This beat is a true gem!

1 Trout

2 Barbel, 2 Chub