Feedback & Reports

We originally booked Perryhill but a combination of heavy rain, access issues and dodgy knees meant we chickened out and booked Wyastone Leys instead. This was the first time I'd seen this beat in the summer, having only previously fished there in March. We fished the faster swims at the top end of the beat - a bit of a struggle really, possibly because the river was just starting to rise after the heavy rain. However we managed to eke out a Barbel and 3 Chub. One of the Chub was a absolute clonker at 5lbs 10oz. Finished early at around 6pm.

1 Barbel, 3 Chub

River low but fresh. Both barbel taken on pellet.

2 Barbel

Started promisingly enough at 5pm with interest every cast on meat until 2 boatloads of idiots came through and decided to start their outboard motors in my swim while shouting to me.
Went quiet for a while after that but we did have 1 barbel each circa 5 and 6 pounds, neither was weighed. 1 on pellet, 1 on meat. I also lost 2 to snags (along with seven 12lb GT80 hooklinks!) and one other to a hook pull. A bit snaggy but a pleasant beat to fish.
We had the usual brainless hire kayakers who either don't care or simply can't control the things come in close once or twice but we didn't start til 5m so thankfully missed most of them. We simply reel in or dip the rods but unless something is done to increase angler awareness amongst the hire fraternity I can see some ugly scenes developing which will ultimately impact WUF and the fantastic fishing they've made accessible.
Not even my usual method of sitting there sharpening my machete kept the hirelings away! As usual the privateers were courteous and considerate...well, except the guys with the Outboards.
All in all we were happy to catch seeing as it was 29 degrees with bright sunshine on arrival. Thanks WUF, an enjoyable evening :-)
A last word to anyone staying til last knockings....it gets DARK under those trees!

2 Barbel

First time on this beat and really liked it. Would certainly return, hopefully when conditions are more favourable. All the fish were caught from the swims down stream of the rocks. The largest barbel, a stunning fish weighing 9lb 10oz. The barbel are long, lean and stong!

8 Barbel, 3 Chub, 3 Other

All fish taken in run off to Boys Rock. Walked remainder of beat but very few swims in very shallow water. In these conditions, ideal for 1 or 2 anglers. First time on this beat so was pleased to find good directions and access. Owner popped in to say hello which is always a nice touch.

9 Barbel

Tough day all round. Nothing caught, not even a bite. Weather conditions (hot) and low water levels made it hard going.

Great day had by me and my mate. 10 barbel between us although 9 were to him. Please be careful returning these fish as they are struggling at the moment with the low oxygen levels. I had to spend 20mins with one up to my waist in the water to make sure she was okay. Great stretch of river but be prepared to fight your way to swims.

Another scorcher of a day so didn't start till 4pm and managed to winkle out a few barbs early on then went very quiet with just the chub nibbling. Fished off the rocks bit and lady in house said we should use a different footpath - not exactly obvious and would appear to involve wading rather than rock hopping!

3 Barbel, 1 Chub

3 eels on pellets. A very hot day, bright and sunny by 6am.
After 12.00 too many canoes to fish. A lovely stretch of water, would like to give it another chance on a cooler autumn day.

3 Other

Great mornings fishing before we went home with a 11 pound Barbel topping the day. The owner of Vaga Cottage is concerned about anglers fishing Boys Rock and accessing it from the path above. We understand her point on the erosion of the bank but there is no easy access to the water other than clambering down the bank below the path?

8 Barbel, 2 Chub