Feedback & Reports

Lovely fly water at 8" on Fownhope Gauge but we didn't see a fish or feel a pull all day!

A few fish were rising regularly but not tempted by numerous dry flies I tried, mostly klinkhammers, although I think I missed one or two chances. I am unused to river fly fishing methods and would like to come back sometime with a guide. The sound of drums from the Mill House was unexpected in the countryside, but I got used to it after a while.

Abundant Mayfly but fish only taking them sporadically. Surprising numbers of fish caught in faster shallow water between pools. Similar numbers of takes on CDC Mayfly and Grey Wulff, but much better hooking ratio on CDC pattern. Lots of trout up to ~ 15", and plenty of missed takes. Lovely beat in perfect setting.

17 Trout

Found the fishing here very difficult for trout. Very deep water, access from bank very steep, wasnt a gravel bed as indicated in book, mainly rock. But on the bright side it was a lovely location.

Arrived around 6 ish, lot's of Mayfly coming of the water, also a profusion of yellow may duns and lots of the little brown jobs with the long twin tails (what are they?). No evening rise as such but tempted a trout and 2 grayling with an Adams, all around 8 - 10 inches.

3 Trout, 2 Grayling

River running low and clear no fish showing, walked down to Bridge pool bigger fish showing under tree branches on far bank, impossible to cast too. Picked up a few smaller fish from the pool, missed one really big fish among the branches of the tree that has fallen across the pool. Went back later in the day to try again, rose him second cast, pricked him, lost him, nearly cried, packed up and went home! All fish taken on olive cdc dun, happy with number of fish caught but biggest was only about seven inches.

14 Trout

Down stream part of beat very poor access, you need to walk 2 fields before you can get in to the water. Do not know why they have increased the price, maybe I caught it on a poor day. Lots of fly life but only managed 3 small wbt to 16 spent cdc.On the plus side the weather was great and the scenery was out of this world. Be back next year as there is some thing special about fishing the Usk. Good B&B at Park Place, Crickhowell, ask for Maxine.

Again worked the top run through to Chine for salmon without success. Sea trout is still showing occasionally at the rock. Attempted to catch it using small sewin flies and 3lb line with no success,
No rises until around 8.30 and caught 6 to 1.25 lb at the tail of Chine Pool on Yellow May Dun 14 and later White Wulff 12. Fished until 9.45 then all went quiet.
Water .6 and clear.

6 Trout

25lbs spinning from Alders pool. Levels still too high for bottom beats. Colour due more to Ithon mud than algae.

1 Salmon

Only fished the morning as we had a long drive back. Caught & released a shad on spinner and also a lovely 1lb wild brown trout on a wet fly & a SH outfit. Saw one salmon heading downriver but they wouldn't co-operate in the bright sunshine. Lovely beat though and will certainly be back next season.

2 Other