Feedback & Reports

A hot and sunny day. Water very low and barbel on evident in one spot just below the viaduct. There were a lot of fish flashing, perhaps rubbing against the rocks to rid themselves of the Argulus that they are still carrying. Caught steadily throughout the day and did not suffer the fish losses of the previous day at Backney. Played the fish from high up the bank to keep the line clear of snags.
Finished with 13 fish to 8lb 13 oz, my partner had 4 fish to 7lb. He caught a couple from a clean run down towards the island in the morning, and then moved up later in the day to fish the same spot as me beneath the viaduct. It was eveident as the day wore on that the average size of the fish increased as the bigger barbel moved in. Resting the swim and going for a walk after baiting up was also a good ploy, you nearly always had a take after recasting.

Plenty of variety of water for barbel. Spent a leisurely morning walking the lower half spotting barbel feeding on the extensive weedy shallower (4ft+) stretches, and other spots. Fished the shallows but canoes activity and lunchtime called a halt after one 4lb chub.
Back in the evening targeting the other spots for 25 barbel from 2lb to 8lb 8oz with plenty of 7's and the rest (enough!) 4 to good 6's.
The boulders and rocks are generally flat throughout with a downstream shadow so suitable techniqe will mitigate tackle loss. I lost 3 feeders and one rig, 2 of the feeders bumping off at the net with the 5lb'ers that just will not give up. Also two barbel taking seconds after the feeder dropped as did many; probably foul-hooked as I got back scales. Adjusted the rig to stop that with smaller hook and longer hookling and went on for an eventful evening.
Access and security using the upstream point I thought was very good throughout, with gentle approaches to the water and several swims already there, but you had to look for them. Nice and away-from-it-all and many options for the future.

Two of us fished for 12 hours. Result: 2 Chub on meat to one rod and the other didn't have a single bite! This section of the river suffers severely from low flow levels. Fished it last year in heavy floods and caught loads.

A very difficult day for two of our party. The river was very low and clear and access was very difficult. It seems a couple of the swims fromm last year have gone. 1 barbel caught.

I would echo the sentiments of the previous poster, this is not a beat for those less mobile anglers.

The access to the bank is via 48 steps which we found very difficult even without tackle. Ok if you are in your prime but not for us. Also a 4-5 foot drop to the high bank if you want to fish behind the piers. Other swims very limited. Booked for 2 days, had to forfeit the last day very disappointed.

WUF note: Further improvements to Lower Ballingham will be made in the next couple of months, including repair works to the steps. In the meantime, despite being further from the riverbank, the downstream access point is much easier going.
If access to the river is a concern, please contact the Foundation prior to booking for advice on suitable beats and access points.

Back again for another go. Weather still not good so I spent most of the early part of the day in yesterdays swim.
Todays total 3 chub 5 barbel which was actually better that yesterday as all chub type bites were ignored today. I decided that unless the baitrunner went off I would not react as I noticed that the chub would rattle the rod then leave it alone giving the barbel more time to take the bait.
I had to leave by 6pm and as I had not caught a barbel by that time the previous day I felt today was better.
Both days I used a feeder and pellet approach.
I gave the faster water towards the top of the beat a go both days catching a chub there on the first day, nothing on the second day. I put my waders on and had a wander about but could not see any fish spooking off. I thought it might be a good holding area for the barbel but unless I am mistaken there does not seem to be much there which is surprising.

Weather was perfect for fishing but not for moving around.
Being dull and showery meant that the long grass made you soaking wet in a very short time so I tended to stay in a couple of swims for most of the day, not really my type of fishing being bit of a fidget.
I caught 10 chub and 6 barbel plus one fell off.
I caught chub throughout the day but no barbel until after 6pm.
I did catch a barbel with somebody elses hook in it. Nothing else just a hook so the knot had probably come undone.
The other angler seemed a very nice chap he caught some fish but not sure what.

Had the beat booked for two days - found the fishing very slow. Lots of salmon jumping in the quarry pool. This area of the river is very snaggy but managed five barbel and several chub on pellets - thank you very much.

Lovely days fishing, took 7 barbel to 8lb, roaming around. Took 5 from one swim, blanked on 2 others and came back to fish original swim taking another 2 (lost 2 barbel). River fining down nicely @ 2ft over, caught on halibut pellet, with soaked pellet and hemp in feeder. Also caught on legered crab bolie and crab paste. Beautiful surroundings, very sunny and hot (sun tan as well). Happy Days!

Second visit, last time it was -5 (Nov 29th). When I arrived this time -6! Started in the Island Pool, no fish but did see an Otter. Next fished Carey Brook, caught two chub (about 3lb) on meat. Then fished Quarry Pool, very snaggy, lost equipment, no fish. Finally fished Lower Bridge Pool, caught 1 barbel (5lb 8oz) on 14mm pellet.