Feedback & Reports

We arrived for our two day trip to fish the Wye at Lower Ballingham. We found the river to be slightly coloured but not far of its normal height. After walking the venue we decided to fish either side of the bridge pool. I fished the lower pool while Phil my fishing pal fished the upper pool. I had a small slack which I decided to float fish, I started to catch small dace but eventually the minnows got the better of my maggots so went onto the lead.
The river was much stronger than the rivers we normally fish so were using 3 and 4 ounce weights to hold the bottom. I managed to catch one chub on pellet around the three pound mark while Phil didn't get a single bite.
By midday we decided to try the lower end of the venue. Again targeting the barbel we tried pellets and meat and late afternoon Phil hooked into a barbel which weighed in at 7lbs.
The venue was superb a wonderful location to spend a days fishing and although we didn't get amongst the fish we look forward to trying again very soon.

A lovely bright day after a cold start - but the fish weren't very cooperative (or more likely we were incompetent): 9 barbel and 3 chub between us. The highlight of my day was first ever close encounter with a Wye otter!

Water level very low and clear. One bite and barbel just before 6pm by viaduct.

Only managed 3 barbel the best going 6lb and 1 good chub all taken on pellet. Hard frost first thing, maybe that put them down a little. Nice to have the whole river to myself. Perfect day for the middle of October.

Fishing wise, a very slow start to what was one of the most beautiful days I've ever spent by the river - what a location. We did however finish up with about 30 barbel between the 2 of us, from 5 different swims right from the very upper and lower limits, and from the old bridge supports. Awesome fishing, river, company, and location. Thanks WUF.

30 barbel and 6 chub between us - most caught by J who as usual gave me a fishing lesson. Most fish were 3 - 6lbs. A few fish were lost in the rocks and weed. A great day in lovely weather.

River in prime condition with little weed coming down. 23 Barbel caught by 2 rods, best fish 8lb - all in super condition.

This early autumn day was dry, cloudy and very windy so fish spotting was impossible. Relying on knowledge of good swims we found a shoal of big barbel and ended the day with 16 barbel and one chub. We did have a problem with pike since the feeders filled with mixed pellets and fishmeal paste attracted small fish on the drop and this in turn attracted pike. Once they came into the swim the barbel shyed away so it was necessary to rest the swim. A change to lead instead of feeder might have been the solution. We'll try that next time.

17 barbel to 7lb 8oz and a chub, all on pellet. A very enjoyable days fishing.

Arrived mid-morning and after walking the beat and spotting both chub and barbel in several areas spent an enjoyable few hours stalking the fish with meat, catching some nice chub to about four pounds and being frustrated by a nice barbel that refused my offerings even when trundled right down on to her nose!

Moved downstream in the afternoon and the barbel were very visible as they flashed on the gravel, so fed them some hemp and 6mm pellets, made a cup of coffee and enjoyed a fantastic three hours taking 13 barbel to about 8lb and a couple of stray chub. Small (6-8mm) pellets on the hair, small (size 14) hooks and long hook links (4-6 foot) did the trick as usual in the gin clear water.

Canoe traffic very light and the sun even shined all day long! Thanks W&U!