Feedback & Reports

Managed a start at first light despite driving through sleet and heavy winds! However, the day turned out to be bright and breezy. River still pushing through and with quite a bit of colour. Fished a swim by the "inspection drain" near to ST pump station. Used a sliding 2oz feeder with a 3ft lead core lead and 2ft hook length to a size 6 knotless hair hook. Hook bait was mixed meat chunks marinated in halibut oil and loose feed was hemp with 4and 6 mm pellet.
First cast produced a 5lb chub then quiet for an hour before 2 barbel each around 7lb. 3 remaining chub (3-5lb then spread during the day) before heading back to Surrey at around 5pm.
A great day's fishing in a wonderful spot!

2 Barbel, 4 Chub

Nice bit of river with great views. Access a bit tricky due to the beat being split into two sections separated by a road, although parking is good thanks to the public car park at the downstream end. Tried lots of swims along the whole length, working my way upstream and switching between Pike and Barbel gear depending on the swim. This resulted in a very nicely marked small Pike on float-fished Mackerel and a brief Otter sighting but not a twitch on the Barbel rod. Would like to fish here again in the summer.
Unfortunately someone appears to have fly-tipped several large fertilizer type bags filled with what appeared to be garden waste at one of the access points to the top section (by the small lay-by and public footpath), can provide a picture if necessary.

1 Pike

River conditions perfect, 3 people fished all day until 5.30pm. Did not get a single bite.
We tried pellets, Bread and maggots on float and feeder.
We have fished this section before and know the pegs well. Very disappointing.

River and weather conditions looked just about perfect for some Chub action and possibly the odd Barbel. Unfortunately the fish did not seem to share my enthusiasm and it was not until 17:10 that I had my only bite of the day resulting in a 4lb 1oz Chub.

1 Chub

Drew a blank ! River up and using through. After Pike but that's how it goes sometimes.
Please be wary of the steep banks. We could do with some proper swims being cut into the WUF stretches as a lot the fishing this time of year is dangerous on a lot of the stretches with the bank access just too steep.

Nothing caught this time.

First time on Courtfield. Looked some pikey looking swims but unfortunately the pike weren't playing, although the river looked good. It was a little low and clear but we have fished in much worse conditions. Two of us fished all day, covering the whole stretch without a touch.

Was only able to fish for a short period in the afternoon due to unexpected work commitments. I blanked.

River was in flood - though at a steady level through the day. Fished a large chunk of flavoured luncheon meat. Caught 1 x 1lb eel - that was right in the main flow with 6 oz lead holding bottom. Put it back. Nothing else. Roved, fished the main flow, creases, slack water and at one point 12ft above the water in a tree. I am sure the barbel were feeding but due to my lack of knowledge of this stretch didn't catch. I had a great day though and will be back. Lovely fishery.

1 Other

No fish caught on a tough day, river in flood.