Feedback & Reports

Having fished Lower Canon bridge the day before we knew the river conditions and were keen to make a start on a new stretch to us Fownhope 5. Finding the parking easily we loaded up the gear and made the relatively short walk through the field to the river. A quick look at the printed out beat map we made the decision to start at the furthest point down stream and work our way back up towards the car. This entailed conquering a hill as due to a landslide access through the woods is unavailable. I've not personally climbed Mt Kilimanjaro but feel after making the summit of the hill at Fownhope I'm more than ready! With all the gear making it over the hill and too the two available fields was a big effort but well worth it. There are several fishable spots and the use of spikes and ropes open up the availability to a couple more. Finding clear spots between the weed seamed to be the key and this stretch would seem to be home to shoals of chub. Having fished the morning with only chub to show, to K.B, for our efforts and the looming hill ever present for the return journey the call was made to return to the first field and finish the day there. Once back in the first field and suitably recovered from the ascent I dropped into the swim nearest the fishing hut and was soon playing a chub followed by the first barbel of the day. K.B was fishing slightly up from me and had got straight back into pulling out chub. As the day came do a close and K.B still only having caught chub he moved to the top of the stretch and fished off the croy landing a last gasp barbel along with more chub. The day finished with myself on 3 barbel and 1 chub too K.B with 1 Barbel 13 chub and one other, a nice small eel that amused me more than its captor.

4 Barbel, 14 Chub, 1 Other

All fish taken on feeder fished pellet. Started in top field early morning, this field is popular with dog walkers & after having a stick thrown into my swim closely followed by a big black flying dog I decided to move down the bottom end for some peace & quite. Had a couple of chub here, moved up into the fast water in the woods (not recommended unless your sure footed as you have to climb down a steep bank onto rocks). It felt like a proper wild fishing adventure & there were plenty of chub here. Booked this beat hopeing to contact some of the barbel that live here however they seem to be very far & few between on this stretch of river

8 Chub

Fished first light to 2000 hrs, river conditions good if slightly low, weather mainly overcast with sunny breaks, the last few hrs solid rain. Despite near ideal conditions had only 2 chub, the barbel did not show from any swim throughout the stretch, bait was ledgered pellet.

2 Chub

Great days fishing landing 9 barbel up to 9lbs and 15 chub. Top half of the stretch next to the brook outlet was the area to fish in the evening. Will be back.

9 Barbel, 15 Chub

A nice beat but no barbel caught, lots of Chub and an eel. It was a bit of a mission to get over the hill but nice views for those brave enough for the climb.

10 Chub, 1 Other

Lovely stretch of river although it may be worth travelling light if you are fishing downstream of the woods.
We fished on one of the hottest days of the year, we didnt travel light and the yomp up the hill after the house certainly got the heart pumping, however the walk is well worth it as the river is in great condition. Swim selection is tricky when the river is low as the banks are quite steep. Access in the woods is very difficult in the summer undergrowth but there was little weed in the river and once you've found your spot the fishing is excellent. We both fished static baits, one on straight lead and Frankfurter sausage boilie, the other on Halibut Pellet and feeder. The boilies won the day taking four chub to the pellets three.
Unfortunately the Barbel didn't want to come out in the fierce sun and preferred to stay under the tree's on the far bank all day. Never mind, the chub ranged from 2.5lb to 4.5lb and were more than worth our sunburn. We saw a lot of boat and canoe traffic but they were no problem and many held back and politely asked about our lines before they went past.
A great day out and cant wait to do it again. Cheers!

7 Chub

Nice afternoons fishing in very hot conditions.

2 Barbel, 6 Chub

Fishing slow on Tuesday but caught both barbel and chub on Wednesday in overcast conditions.

2 Barbel, 6 Chub

All chub falling to rolled meat, nothing was interested in static baits.

5 Chub

A lovely beat with the river in perfect condition. All fish taken on pellet.

10 Barbel, 3 Chub