Feedback & Reports

Fished the upper section in the morning arriving later than planned due to the M5! Looked perfect as I set up and fed the swim, but then the sun got above the hill burnt off the mist in about two minutes and i knew it would be a struggle. River very "sluggish" and clear holding the bottom with 30gram feeder. 1 Chub in the morning. Planned to move down to the bottom section for the afternoon evening packed up, back to the car and drove down to the lay-by for the downstream section. This was not a nice experience, lay-by full of big lorries and the hedge full of rubbish, bottles of urine and you can guess what else. To be honest felt uncomfortable leaving my car there, and a quick walk along the banks did not inspire so back in the car to the top end again. Afternoon session produced another chub on bread flake. Evening session produced three Barbel, 5lbs 2oz, 8lbs 4oz and 9lbs 14oz. If only they would feed all day. All fell to feeder and pellet. Another great day and well worth the drive

3 Barbel, 2 Chub

First time I've fished this lovely lake. I didn't expect these grown-on wild fish to be easy, and I was right about that. When the perfect SW breeze finally fell away at dusk you could see countless fish dimpling the lake, and it was clear that they know exactly how far anglers can cast! I took a small fish (returned) on a droppered dry dabbler near the car park, my only take in a 3-hour evening session. No rise to speak of, just a few very small chironomids. Will be back, but next time I'll concentrate on the less fished areas.

1 Trout

Tough day,very hot,bright sunny day, a few bites and a couple of chub during the day, remainder of fish taken after 7pm. Best Barbel = 9lb. a "Baby" Barbel from the top field.

4 Barbel, 8 Chub

Many thanks must go to Mick Sutton who put me onto a fish almost straight away. 3lb Grilse from Vanstone stream on a home tied Wotsit fly. A few fish seen but no other takers- heavy canoe traffic all afternoon. Left about 3pm.
I can throughly recommend Mick to anyone who is new to Goodrich - he is a wealth of information about the beat and the Wye. I really enjoyed his company on the bank.

1 Salmon

River low and clear - very hot with bright sunshine all conspiring to make catching very difficult - 3 barbel, the best being just over 8lb and 2 chub between 3lb and 4lb - will be back when the river has been flushed through after a good spell of heavy rain.

3 Barbel, 2 Chub

Hard days fishing as the river was pushing through hard and fast. Very little fly life and only the odd fish rising. Still caught all fish bar 2 on dries tan klink and pheasant tail para doing the business. All trout were small 8" to 10" grayling from 12" to 16".

5 Trout, 11 Grayling

Back again today. Lovely weather with the river slightly lower but still looking good. Lots of Grayling and a few trout. All the fish coming to the New Zealand method with most taking the PTN but a few taking the large Elk Hare life jacket Caddis. What struck me was the larger than average size of the Graying and this was backed up by the other angler on the beat I spoke to. Most fish were 14-16" but two were more like 18". Wonderful fishing.

3 Trout, 10 Grayling

A bright, warm afternoon and evening with virtually nothing showing on the surface. All five Grayling rose from nowhere to take a size 16 Griffiths Gnat drifted along the deeper, shaded banks. Best fish 14" the rest 8-9".

5 Grayling

No joy. Good hatch and plenty of movement.....

Stunning beat but for whatever reasons it didn't get going till last few hrs, prob because of bright sunshine and clear water. Tried numerous baits and tactics but barbel eventually fed on pellets, weighing from 1lb up to 6lb also chub and eel made appearances.

6 Barbel, 2 Chub, 2 Other