Feedback & Reports

Starting from the bottom of the beat at 4.30pm I reached Mallhollam Bridge at 9.30pm, so fading light prevented me reaching the top end. This is a long beat, quite narrow in parts with an intriguing mix of environments. I wouldn’t want to work it with a rod much longer than 6’6”. The fishing was slow to start with, then out of curiosity I tried a size 14 Black Beetle. An enjoyable and rewarding couple of hours followed with 12 fish to the hand and many more lost or missed. Ranging in size from 5” to 10” all were healthy, beautifully coloured brown trout.

12 Trout

A really satisfying session. The water was low and clear as tap water. Fished during from afternoon until 9pm. The fish ranged between 5 and 9 inches and all fell for either a copper beaded PTN, white beaded PTN or white beaded stipped quill nymph. I don't think they were too fussy, being keen to take anything so long as I could get close enough without spooking them. Consequently, stealth was the key as I tip-toed, crouched and kneeled my way up the stream.

17 Trout

A lovely day but no fish seen or caught. The lower half of the beat had more promise but overhanging vegetation and inexperience with small streams rather got the better of us. Previous catch reports show plenty of fish so technique may well be the issue. Green spider and PTN had no success.

This was my first experience of the Kington Wild Beat. As expected it has a similar feel to the top section of Hergest Court. There are some surprisingly deep pools. I had to work hard for my four trout (of 6-10 inches). The weather was bright, warm and still. The river was flowing swiftly and slightly coloured. In several hours I only saw one fish on the surface. Tried a variety of dries and some wets - not a sausage. All four fish came from broken water to weighted nymphs.

4 Trout

Arrived 1.30pm, surprised to find the river clear. All fish taken on dry madam/march brown variants. 3pm, May fly hatch, no rises, however birds enjoyed the hatch. 4 fish to 8inches, plump and well marked. Departed 4.30pm.

5 Trout

Got to the river at about 2pm for an afternoon and evening session. Found the Arrow quite low and clear with plenty of mayfly coming off and the trout rising to them on just about every pool. Expecting a red letter day I tied on a mayfly pattern but unfortunately for some reason (probably my poor skills!!) I failed to connect to a single fish!! Some of the larger trout were even leaping out the water to catch the naturals in mid air but still I missed every take!! I had to check my fly at one point to make sure it was still tied to a hook!! Tried a few other dries but they were locked onto the mayfly. Gave up in the end for fear of going home bald through pulling out my hair in frustration!!
Another cracking bit of river and a better angler would of had a great few hours. Who ever said fishing when the mayfly are on was too easy?!!

16 trout caught on dry flies and 8 on nymphs/spiders mostly from 7-11 inches.
Fished for about 5 and half hours from mid-day onwards with the weather mild and overcast. River low and clear.
I started off fishing with a dry fly and nymph rig catching 7 on a beadhead PT Mary and 2 on a Klinkhammer. With the fish showing an interest in the Klinkhammer I switched to a single dry fly catching 14 on cdc & elk dry flies. I caught several fish I had seen rising but most were caught in prospecting runs, riffles and pocket water. 1 other fish caught on a snipe and purple spider.

24 Trout

Lovely day in superb surroundings. A few fish rose during day but no interest with dry flies. Caught 3 wbt, all about 6 inches on weighted nymphs (small Pheasant Tail and Greenwells). Need to improve my stealth to catch more! Lots of wildlife including kingfisher and dipper. Will be back later in season.

3 Trout

Nothing seen rising but 5 on a black knat late afternoon.

5 Trout

A few fish moving when I arrived so only fished on the surface hoping to rise a fish but nothing fancied my offering. I noticed on feedback that someone had fished this beat the day before & had a spectacular day. Perhaps I should have used the same tactics but not my idea of fly fishing.