Feedback & Reports

Today fished the Skenfrith beat of the Monnow.The river has changed quite a bit since my last visit, floods have shifted gravels about changing the depths.

We both fished bugs for Grayling and managed 23 fish between us the largest I guess about 1.25 lb. A very. enjoyable day rounded off by a pint and thaw in front of the log fire in the Bell.

Life doesn't get any better!

5 grayling caught, largest 1lb exactly, 2 of ~ ?lb. Most on nymphs, but a 6" fish took a dry, and rose at least half a dozen others, including a fish of at least 1?lb.

They were reluctant to feed on the surface, even though there were a few hatching olives, willow/needle flies(?)and sedge(?). Water clear, too bright and sunny (mustn't complain!) fairly hard going.

My mate and I fished Skenfrith on the Monnow yesterday. Great day.

M.D. had 12 grayling best at about 1.5 pounds. Mainly to a red tag and hot spot shrimp.

I had 8 grayling and one out of season brown. Grayling mainly on red tags and the hot spot shrimp again, one to a PTN. Brown took a black Klink.

We caught all the way down the river. Fish appeared not to be in shoals at the moment.

As I say a great day on a very nice piece of river. Many thanks

Rod 1: 22 Grayling to 15.5" & 2 B/Trout to 11"
Rod 2: 10 Grayling to 14" & 3 B/Trout to 12"

River level 1'7" on gauge and running clear.
A few fish rising to olives but all fish caught short-line
nymphing with tungsten heads.There appears to be more fish above the bridge than below, another great day out & all fish returned as always.

Many Thanks

Another lovely day in the Irfon valley.Fishing was tough with no fish rising or any sign of any hatch.Lost a nice out of season Brown Trout early on, then landed another trout of 15in both on gold head nymphs.

No other fish caught by either of us,although an angler on the other bank,long trotting with maggots was catching grayling.

Lanfechan is a nice stretch with some good pools but wading is quite tricky in places.

WUF Note : Trotting is allowed on the opposite bank

1 small grayling only (czech nymph) & returned. River high and only just fishable - but a beautiful day and a beautiful beat.

Sorry I'm a little late with our catch return, I'm afraid my organisation isn't improving! Dave M and I had a most enjoyable if, for me at least,challenging day at Monnow Valley on Weds 19th. Water was high-ish and coloured but dropped and cleared a little during the day. We both started out trotting, deeming the conditions tricky for fly, only managing a trout each by lunch-time. I then switched to fly as my trotting skills are something of a handicap.(To be honest I'm not much better with a fly but better the devil you know!) I waded upstream with a team of deep nymphs in search of the elusive grayling, the deep cold water allowing me to develop a profound sympathy for the plight of brass monkeys in winter conditions. Dave stayed on the lower half of the beat and largely on the bank, which was wise. By sundown I'd managed just two grayling of about 8 and 10oz, both on czech nymphs. Dave M however had 7 chub between 2 and 4.5 lbs and he lost count of the trout that probably numbered 15 and ranged between 12oz and 3lbs!

If this is a true indication of the quality of the trout in the Monnow (not fish from the Wye moving in to spawn) then I'd like to block-book the spring please! In all a most enjoyable day on a lovely looking beat and we'll definitely return in the trout season.

Thank you for a wonderful days fishing at Luggs Mouth - no barbel, but I was rewarded with a 4b 4oz chub. Do I need to enter this in the fish returns?

This was indeed the stretch that Martin Bowler fished - I recognised it from the video on his web site. Truly spectacular surroundings, with glorious autumn tints lit by a clear sunny sky. As the sun set I saw the amazing site of Venus and Jupiter rising together above the horizon, When I described it to my wife she remarked.... "that's why you go fishing!"

I shall definitely be returning.....

Best regards

Lypepole is a lovely spot and a great beat. Unfortunately conditions were against - the water level seemed OK on arrival, but was rising rapidly and becoming very coloured by lunchtime and the rain was getting heavier. Both rods failed to trouble the scorers and retreated, cold and wet, at 2.30ish.

We will be back, without doubt.

Started fishing at 8.15am but the river was rising and beginning to colour and unfortunately by 11.15am it became too difficult to fish(leaf soup).I also lost a big Grayling and another Trout. Never mind i'll wait until floods subside and return to this lovely spot again.

Thanks
G.W.

WUF Notes : 2 Grayling to 12" and 3 out of season Brown Trout to 14"