Feedback & Reports

Just back from 7 days fishing. Having fished W&U waters on previous visits we decided to try two fisheries that we had not fished before. I chose Sugwas Court.
The first thing to point out were the poor conditions and low catches reported by various bailiffs throughout the lower Wye. Low water levels, clear water, cold easterly winds, high pressure, and low overnight temperatures. Not conducive to prolific catches and certainly no reflection on the venue.
I drove through the orchard and parked next to the river. Walking upstream we met the land owner (not a fisherman) who informed us that the area above the Bait Pool was heavily overgrown and had no open swims. We walked the beat and can confirm his observations. In reality only the Bait Pool is fishable; however waders are required to reach the exposed gravel bar and the fast flowing channel. A word of WARNING...the mud where the cattle come down to drink is very deep.
We then drove to the lower end of the fishery and walked the whole beat. There are more swims in this area but the very low water level limited the choice. The swims in the Mill, Pump, and Island Pools have fairly easy access but unfortunately, due to overhead growth forming a canopy over the swims, casting was difficult. This is evident by the number of feeders decorating the branches. A real shame especially as a couple of hours with long handled loppers would open up these swims.
Despite employing the knowledge gained by many years of Barbel fishing, various fishing methods, and a variety of baits we came away with dry nets.
Looking forward to the next trip to the Wye and praying for some long overdue rain.

1 Barbel, 1 Chub

Water levels dropping and becoming clearer. We had to try a number of different swims before finding the fish. We fished with swim feeders and used Luncheon Meat or Spicy Sausage Pellet on the hook.

1 Barbel, 4 Chub

Water levels dropping and getting clearer. We had to search for the fish and used swim feeders with halibut pellet, luncheon meat or spicy sausage pellets on the hook.

8 Barbel, 1 Chub

Disappointing day arrived to find the river low and clear. We started in the orchard and during the day worked our way up stream trying different baits pellet, boilles and luncheon meat but to no avail. It's a lovely stretch of water with plenty of wild life to keep you entertained. Three guys fishing the opposite bank arrived and within a short time we're into the barbel we saw them land three and lose one so it showed the fish were feeding but unfortunately not where we were fishing. I'm sure we will be back when the river has more water in it.

Caught on pellet feeder

3 Barbel, 2 Chub

All caught on pellet feeder

5 Barbel, 2 Chub

Bright sunny day throughout. River was coloured. River was up by about a foot from the day before, although from the water marks on the tree stumps was down about a half foot from the night. Both Rods were fished leger for Barbel. Two were caught 1x 7.13Lb + 1x 6Lb.

2 Barbel

The weather was mainly overcast with fairly short downpours throughout the day with some short sunny spells. River was coloured and I think average height. Target species was Barbel both rods were fished leger. Caught - x1 Chub 4.1Lb. x1 Barbel 8.2Lb x1 Barbel 5Lb

2 Barbel, 1 Chub

A very poor day on the river today. River was on the rise and lots of weed which made for poor fishing. To round it off local canoeist decided to use the stretch for there launching base.
Overall the wife had four Barbel the best pushing 6lb. I myself kept on the move and had a zero catch return.(not heard the last of it)
I must say over the week we fished in many areas between Hereford area and Ross and we had a very pleasurable week catching lots of fish. Also lots of very small Barbel, around the 1/2lb mark which goes to show the river is thriving.
Brian & Lynne

4 Barbel