Feedback & Reports

The banks were quite treacherous and the river was still recovering from the weekend floods. All fish taken on luncheon meat at the last downstream swim. All barbel were monsters, 9lb, 9lb 1oz and the biggest at 10lb 8oz. Lost 1 more when hook pulled out and also lost half a dozen chub in the nearbank snags, they certainly know exactly where they are!!!

3 Barbel, 4 Chub

The water level was virtually level with the field, but we found a few spots close in to the bank where the flow was slower. 3 takes between us, but we were probably fishing over what was a week previously bankside vegetation, and as soon as we hit the bites everything went solid, and all 3 fish were lost. Took a while to find this spot, as the directions said to go down the only road signposted to the Hole in the Wall, but some joker must have turned the signpost around (it was at a crossroads)! Water level rose throughout the day, and by dusk the field was 50% under water. Note to my fishing buddy - PF from Midhurst - wear your wellies next time mate!

We arrived at the water and decided to analyse the stretch before getting our gear out of the van. Started the morning ,fishing a few pegs down from the upper limit. These pegs were unfishable after about 20 minutes due to the river level rising at such a fast rate.
Our friend and well known angler Chris Petter from Hampshire had the right idea of fishing the deeper part of the stretch at the lower limit. These pegs were snaggy but provided great fishing. Finishing the day with 11 barbel, largest of them at 9lb 10oz.

11 Barbel

Difficult fishing conditions with the onset of storm Callum but the fish seemed to be feeding.
Barbel caught throughout the day from the upper end of the fishery on either pellet feeder or straight lead & PVA with all fish taken on West Country Baits pellets & boilies.

7 Barbel, 2 Chub

Pleasant day on this lovely stretch.
River was a bit low and sun quite bright but still managed a few on standard feeder/pellet approach from top and middle areas.

5 Barbel, 2 Chub

Poor day for me, others on the stretch did better.

CM. River was low. Tried pellet and meat. Early afternoon tempted a Barbel about 6lb on meat,and just before packing up tempted a nice Chub of 5lb 4 oz on a halibut pellet. PM . Blanked.

1 Barbel, 1 Chub

Lovely stretch. Air and water temps both better than Sunday and the fishing was somewhat better as a result. Still didn't feel like it was fishing its head off though and we had to work hard for the fish we had. Was our first time on this stretch and would definitely come back. Decent access, nice surroundings and plenty of swims to suit different river conditions. On the day it seemed to be a bit "peggy" and there was a definite pay-off for my fishing partner who tried multiple spots versus me who was lazy and went for the bait and wait approach.

4 Barbel, 8 Chub

A very wet day. All 3 Barbel were over 6lb the best being 8 lbs 5 oz all on feeder & pellet. The sun came out in the evening.

3 Barbel

Disappointing day on one of my favourite stretches. Heavy rain didn't materialise which I hoped might rejuvenate the river, but still an enjoyable day.

1 Chub