Feedback & Reports

1 barbel of about 5lb and 2 chub of 3-4lb. River looked OK, decent colour, maybe a bit pacy but the water temperature was very cold. Quite slow going, only 3 bites all day. Only 3 or 4 swims that are realistically fishable at the moment. Saw otters in 2 different swims at top and bottom of the stretch.

1 Barbel, 2 Chub

Was only able to fish for a couple of hours, and river was quite off-color. One OOS trout.

1 Trout

A very muddy but rewarding day on this beat.
River was 2.8m on the Lydbrook Gauge and water still carrying a fair tinge. I think with a bit less water pushing through, perhaps 2m on the gauge this would open up a lot more of the swims for Pike potential.
The very first cast of the day (just after dawn) resulted in Pike rolling near the surface when chasing in a deadbait while on the retrieve. The next cast, leaving the bait in position, ended a take no more than 2 minutes later: most likely the same fish - a decent, solid Wye Pike of 14-15lbs in the net, which unfortunately we were unprepared to photograph.
A hour or so later in a different spot another quick take from a Pike of around 10 lbs was landed (photographed).
Some good action and a satisfying result from a long days effort of scrambling and sliding the banks.

2 Pike

Had a few hours on one of my favourite Grayling beats. River in great condition, just settling down after a lot of rain, with just a little colour. Took 4 Grayling, 3 of which were a good size, one about 1 and 1/2 lb. All taken on a black and bronze jig pattern

4 Grayling

Spent the morning down on the fly run trotting but only managed a couple of OOS browns . Switched to the Town stretch in the afternoon , taking a few small grayling and one lovely fish approaching 2lbs

7 Trout, 4 Grayling

Started fishing at 11am, River was clear and high. Banks very slippery. Fished with halibut pellets to start, after a couple of hours changed to a bait I haven't used for years, luncheon meat.First cast had a typical barbel bite, but had a hook pull after a minute or so. Felt like a good fish, but they always do when you miss them. Nothing after. The only down side was a pheasant shoot on the other side of the river most of the day. Very loud.

Well with the intention to christen my new ten foot three weight I've had for some time , saw the Ithon was fairly coloured at The Severn Arms bridge so mooched on to the Elan Valley , to catch up with some friends working at the visitors centre . . . Had a good look at the Afon Elan , which looked in super condition , and has fished well for small brownies this season . . .

Anyway heading back along the A44 towards Llanddewi , as wanted to see how this rod performed like with two heavy nymphs in tow !!

Well still up when I arrived at eleven ish, and coloured but perhaps clearing a little. Nice to get the new rod and french leader rig a bash . . .

Ha ha was surprised to get one on after twenty mins , and a perfectly formed little grayling, only six inches but alas rod christened , happy days!!!!

Bimbled up stream, from the bankside most of the time , working my team of two , pink shrimp and squirmy wormy . Again, like the Arrow , some serious bank erosion , but also some meander changes noticable to this section , stayed on terra ferma for the majority of the two hours I was there , bingo and another take , happy with the coloured indicator section , again a grayling against all odds , took the squirmy wormy , about ten inches , slipped back in , sorted.

An enjoyable session, if a bit frustrating due to rainfall last night , this will be lovely by Sunday I should imagine , and very fishable then !!! Still enjoyable and a good blast of fresh air , nice to get the french leader going with the new rod , lovely jubbly !!!! And two bonus grayling which made my day on what looked an out if sorts river !!!! Off home and a large glass of something medicinal me thinks !!!!!

2 Grayling

The Wye was in perfect condition for a winter fishing session; likewise the weather. I was not disappointed, with barbel up to 7lbs and the best chub over 41/2 lbs. Halibut pellet and meat were the baits used with feeder method.

6 Barbel, 2 Chub

Fished the whole beat from the road bridge to the weir in 5 hours. A lot more fishable than my previous visit in early November, although a little less water would of been preferable. Trotted maggot landing 2 trout and 1 grayling, all 3 around the 10" mark.

2 Trout, 1 Grayling