Feedback & Reports

I thought a break from fishing the Usk would be a good idea so a camping/fishing trip staying at LLanthony Priory and trying a new beat was on. Had a great day sneaking up river, landing the Elk hair caddis on a sixpence between tree branches and at the necks of pools. Around midday onwards there was a good hatch of a variety of upwings and caddis with a few Dancia coming off. Some good fish showed themselves but a clumsy cast would put them down. The fish were in excellent condition with the biggest at 12".

10 Trout

Fine day on the Honddu, which was running full and fast, although coloured. No campers so I had the river to myself, and all day there was a constant stream of all sorts and sizes of fly - the trout did not seem to notice! With no rises I started with klink and PTN nymph which attracted 2 trout, and when eventually 2 small trout had a go at the klink I switched to a para adams and searched the likely spots. Eventually landed 7, 9" to 13" all of whom fought sturdily in the fast water. Ended the day weary after wading the current all day but very happy with the return.

7 Trout

This beat has a lovely mix of runs, gutters and pools, and I looked forward to fishing on a warm, occasional sunny day. River low and crystal clear, but a range of flies about. However, this was a real struggle, was there most of the day and tried on, in and under the surface with barely any interest. 2 at 8" on an elk hair caddis, but that was as unsuccessful as the other offerings most of the time. Perhaps next time....

2 Trout

6 Trout

Arrived early (8.30am) primarily to walk the beat as not seen before & prior to fishing Lower Henllan from lunchtime. As to be expected - not much activity but we only made a few token casts with dry flies.
We walked the short length downstream of the bridge through the campsite but made no casts.
We were unsure of access upstream of the bridge (right bank as per map). A gate sign posted "no footpath" was on the only gate we could've used. Rather than risk trespass we entered the river below the bridge and waded as far as the cross-stream structure and were then puzzled again as there was no visible (worn) exit point. We about faced and walked back down the stream. Maybe 'no footpath' was for the campers and not anglers, info appreciated on this.

WUF note: If the fishing is marked on your map, you can access it through the fields. The 'No Footpath' sign would be for the general public and walkers.

River still very low and clear, because of the fine sunny weather perservered with dries. Landed 3 on an iron blue, and then one on nymph when the sun went later. Lovely autumn day. Also, the wife of the landowner said we could park on the old road in front of the gravel mound, to keep out of the way of the lorries, big tractors etc. Very helpful.

4 Trout

One 3 inch brownie on small nymph.

1 Trout

Not much happening, caught 1 brownie, still an enjoyable day anyway.

1 Trout

Sunny warm day and river in perfect condition. Started on dry flies and rose 3 fish straight away. Stealth tactics required and low to the water approach needed before the fish scatter. Enjoyed the day and the Monnow Valley stunning at this time of year.

3 Trout

Again lots of fly life but very few risers. Fished afternoon to 7.30, but no sign of an evening rise, got quite cold in the wind when the sun went down. Successful on the faster runs and rough water, caught 7 between 7 and 9" and missed many on para adams and olives. Bigger fish must have stayed deep in the pools, could not entice them to rise. Looked at Lower Stanton on the way home but no sign of an evening rise there. Very enjoyable day though!
I parked where the map and directions advised, when I got back there was a stroppy note on the windscreen saying I had parked illegally on private land etc. Pick your spot carefully!

7 Trout