Feedback & Reports

A good day spoilt by a HEAVY thunder storm, early evening.
Fishing in the wood into dark the fish had just began to bite when down came the rain (much needed) and along came the thunder and lightening away went the tackle!
Sad end to another GREAT week on the Wye in difficult condition's.

9 Barbel, 4 Chub, 2 Other

Session finished early due to a thunder storm. Delighted to say my 7 year old son landed his first Wye Barbel of 4.8lb. Well done, proud of you son. We will be back some day.

8 Barbel, 1 Chub

No fish caught but one seen jumping twice at the junction of the Maddox & Corner Tree pools maybe 5-6lb, could not tempt it though. Tried various flies, Cascade, Ally's Shrimp, Wille Gunn, to no avail. River was easily wadeable but conditions were far too bright but a very enjoyable day all the same.
Booking process very easy, staff in the office very friendly & helpful.

Both fish returned.

1 Trout, 1 Grayling

Bottom fishing low clear water.

4 Barbel, 1 Chub

Fishing hard, river low with bright conditions and hundreds of canoeists, they never seem to see you.

3 Barbel, 3 Chub

Lovely day, even the campers and caravaners along the riverside were friendly and interested. Though the river was low and crystal clear, the recent rain seems to have freshened the trout. Found many willing to have a go at a drab Klink in the runs, and I managed to land 6 from 7 to 11", whilst missing many. Saw no rises though. Only frustration was connecting with and then being broken by a large bruiser - only caught a glimpse as he sped past me downstream, so don't know how big, easily snapped my 3.5 lb line. Had to sit down for 10 minutes after that, you know how it is!

6 Trout

Short time trout fishing, evening and morning. Trout rising to dry fly; too quick for this old soul. Sporadic rises throughout day, especially the areas in the wood's shade. Stayed at Swanmeadow, lunch and a beer at The Black Bear, super.

Started promisingly enough at 5pm with interest every cast on meat until 2 boatloads of idiots came through and decided to start their outboard motors in my swim while shouting to me.
Went quiet for a while after that but we did have 1 barbel each circa 5 and 6 pounds, neither was weighed. 1 on pellet, 1 on meat. I also lost 2 to snags (along with seven 12lb GT80 hooklinks!) and one other to a hook pull. A bit snaggy but a pleasant beat to fish.
We had the usual brainless hire kayakers who either don't care or simply can't control the things come in close once or twice but we didn't start til 5m so thankfully missed most of them. We simply reel in or dip the rods but unless something is done to increase angler awareness amongst the hire fraternity I can see some ugly scenes developing which will ultimately impact WUF and the fantastic fishing they've made accessible.
Not even my usual method of sitting there sharpening my machete kept the hirelings away! As usual the privateers were courteous and considerate...well, except the guys with the Outboards.
All in all we were happy to catch seeing as it was 29 degrees with bright sunshine on arrival. Thanks WUF, an enjoyable evening :-)
A last word to anyone staying til last knockings....it gets DARK under those trees!

2 Barbel

Caught one chub on trotted bread in the morning (only fished 0530 to 1000), Chub 3lbs 13oz.

Acted on advice from bailiff fished in the evening from 1830 to 2115, the bottom glide under tree's. First take produced a good struggle fish felt heavy but before I even saw it hook pulled; as it turned out hook was partially bent should have checked clutch setting as didn't quite get the tension off in time.

Followed a series of good takes, should have done better at least managed a 4 lb 4 oz Barbel and a 4 lb Chub. Bites for Barbel were not the savage takes I experienced at the Bibblings stretch last year. I did however enjoy the experience and I will probably be back for some more next year.

1 Barbel, 2 Chub