Feedback & Reports

Fished at Fownhope 5 on Sunday 23rd Aug. Had previously read about the landslide and having to go around the wood but that does not tell you anything. For instance you do not mention that the footpath that goes by the private house is almost impossible to climb in wet conditions due to the nature of the ground which is clay. Would it not be a good idea to start a forum or request others to leave contact no,s on there feedback so you can get a better idea of conditions. On a more serious note as wye and usk receive money for day tickets i would assume they would be liable for any injury or even worse death. I may set up a forum if you decide not to because i think its very important for all anglers to exchange information.
WUF Note: The path up and around the wood at Fownhope 5 can be difficult, especially when we have had a period of wet weather. All river banks become more hazardous and more difficult to move along in wet conditions so we ask all anglers to bear the conditions in mind when fishing anywhere, not just waters in the Passport. If access is an issue, please contact us and we'd be happy to advise. There are plenty of already well-established, specialist fora where anglers can exchange their views.

Arrived early morning in rain, river was bear brown but fishable. 7.8 on the gauge. I used spinner and by 10 am had 6 browns up to 2lb all returned off barbless hooks. Fish in top condition river then rose 2 feet. Access good, locals friendly and helpful contact with owner by phone very informative and friendly.

6 Trout

Arrived at the riverbank to a horrendous thunderstorm with torrential rain lasting 2 hours. Added to extra water from the previous day, the new influx turned the river red before our eyes! This was much to the barbel's liking as we caught 20 up to 8.8 from two separate pegs between lunchtime and 6.30.
The Creel is a beautiful stretch and it was good to chat with the owner and his wife later in the day.

20 Barbel, 2 Chub

We were booked to fish the river, however overnight rain and more in the forecast meant the river was on its way up and full of debri so we moved to this Stillwater. A lovely location, shallow and silty. Surface fishing took one ten pound common with float fishing taking a few Rudd and roach.

1 Other

First time at Middle Hill Court. Lovely accessible beat. The river now has a good colour to it with a fair amount of flow. A lot of debris and weed being carried down made fishing difficult at times. The rain today did not let off during the A.M with one torrential downpour/thunderstorm followed by constant steady rain. This lasted until mid afternoon. Nevertheless we still managed to bank 3 barbel and a chub between us. The rain stopped bringing with it some bright sunshine into the evening, with temperatures getting quite warm compared to what it had been in the previous hours. We both continued to catch steadily for the rest of the day into the evening until it was time to leave.
All fish were caught between the parking area and the 'end of beat' sign. Method used was feeder at no more than a couple rod lengths out aiming for creases or features.
Bait used was boilie, pellet, paste and meat combinations.

11 Barbel, 2 Chub

Worm and pollyball used as bait. Weather raining reservoir water clean.

3 Trout

Sewin caught during an absolutely torrential downpour.

1 Sea Trout

Fished the river from Rhydycar up through Merthyr town. River was quite high so opted for a French leader with a team of heavy nymphs. Managed to catch 3 dozen fish ranging from 1/2lb up to 21 inches which is around 3lb. All of the fish had been feeding very well with big fat bellies and the bigger fish having big shoulders. Awesome fishing.

36 Trout

Clean hen fish of 5-6lbs taken on a size 10 Ally's Shrimp at ten o'clock, from the Maddox before the weekend onslaught of boat craft. The advice given by Mick Sutton the Ghillie was invaluable, proffering lie, pool information and successful fly selection.
The weather was hot and over cast in the morning and it brightened up at lunch as we retired to the Hostelrie to allow the boats to pass. The afternoon brought cloud cover then a huge thunder storm curtailing the fishing. Great beat and thanks Mick and WUF.

1 Salmon

Good flow but clear. Good hatch and rises. My first time on dry fly (a couple of hours) - caught two 9 inches on para adams. Nice spot. Stayed at the Tanners' Arms - nice stay/food.
Called in to Fishtec just off the Brecon by-pass. Ceri kindly sorted out my rod problem - shop worth a visit.
Getting on and some waters round here a challenge re. access. They should send local SAS trainees to try these - a few might succeed!

2 Trout