Feedback & Reports

I arrived at the beat only to find the river in an almost skeletal condition. The water crystal clear and extremely low. Not a hint that fish were present. This coupled with a more than comfortable downstream breeze suggested to me that this was going to be a tough day.

And, so it proved. I managed to bring one solitary fish of about 1/2lb to the net and pricked at most 3 or 4 more.

I did get a glimpse of one of the so called "Penpont Porkers" patrolling a shallow section of river mid-beat. Due to it's position relative to the wind and trees I decided to leave it be and return another day when conditions were more favourable.

Left the river at 3pm just as a hatch of mayfly had begun but even this wasn't enough to get fish moving.

The river was extremely low although still very beautiful. 6 small trout caught to half a pound and a couple of larger ones hooked and lost on f-flies. Good hatches of caddis and small upwinged mayflies/ephemera. If fishing is to pick up we need a downpour! Lovely day on the water even though the Usk trout were elusive.

A pleasant but windy day, fishing was hard but managed 7 trout in all, mostly caught at bottom of beat under the trees on suspenders and dries. This is a lovely beat and was well worth the 1 and 1/2 hr drive. I also hooked my 1st ever, what I think was a salmon or a very big trout on a hares ear, wasn't on for long and leapt to his or hers freedom. Was a joy to hook, even for only a split second... thanks again WUF.

Strong, cold wind with fish reluctant to rise. Nice w.b.t. taken from Salmon Pool, 14oz, on small grhe nugget, with copper coloured flanks. Four more small trout between us -5 fish for the day.

After 3 years of fruitless fishing on the Wye and Usk roving scheme we decided drastic measures were called for - hire a guide, and what a difference it makes! As our choice of guide, Frank Williams, was busy for our preferred dates he passed us on to an alternative, Gareth Lewis.
Gareth proved to be well worth the investment and had us catching fish within minutes in, what he informs us, were very tough conditions. In total a count of 5 trout to 8" were landed and several more lost - only small but very welcome. With Gareth's tuition and some wonderful scenery a fantastic day was had by all.

2 x Penpont Porkers... 17" and 2lb in weight. Fantastic, lovely day. Thank you.

Weather less windy than previous days, and tree cover helped protect water. River the colour of hot chocolate, but reasonably warm, hence a variety of hatches. Plenty of fish rising, primarily under cover. Eventually took 2 Penpont porkers of 17in+ and lost a 3rd on suspender nymphs. Wonderful sport on light tackle necessary to get under trees. Wading necessary but relatively easy for an Usk beat. Had to leave early for home, but got takes from all rising fish, gutted to leave!

Water low and clear with a strong downstream wind. CJK had 3 undersized trout from faster water on a olive nymph. JW had 2 undersized fish on an olive nymph. Beautiful surroundings! It would be nice to re-visit when the river is in better condition.

3 1lb brown trout caught on size 18 PTN. All safely returned.
1 2.5lb Brown Trout caught by Andrew Dunn on a Caddis under the bridge. Splendid fish.

River low and clear but guess what? It rained - most of the day! Just that nuisance type welsh rain, not enough to affect the river but enough to wet us through!

Fishing was tough. A steady stream of brook duns and sporadic olives and pale wateries throughout the day kept the fish interested but they were very spooky! 4 fish between us - 3 small ones and one Penpont Porker of 17 inches - a very well conditioned fish. The fish are all there but the water is so low that in places they are lying in little more than their own depth so extreme caution is needed for success - and fish under the trees!