Feedback & Reports

A relatively short beat but with a variety of fishing pools. Rain forecast over the previous weekend did not materialise and in consequence the river remained at summer level. I concentrated on using small salmon covering all pools above the Chainbridge - easy wading at low level conditions. I could imagine it would be more difficult in higher water levels! Although I didn't see a fish nor have a pull I thoroughly enjoyed myself. For trout fishers there are some good sized brownies in the stretch.

Great to be back on the river. Arrived early and had 2 small chub in quick succession. We had a couple of barbel later in the morning to feeder tactics. A rest and then a move to a pre-baited swim proved a wise decision as at one point it was a bite a cast and we ended our tally with 7 barbel to over 7lb and 4 chub to 4lb. Saw several salmon jump which brightened up the, at times, slow fishing.

7 Barbel, 4 Chub

Opening day of the season finally arrived, hot and sunny with the river low. Fished a couple of swims before finding the barbel, caught 5 up to 6lb, 3 chub to 4lb and a brown trout. D.S had 4 chub to 3lb all fish taken on pellets.

1 Trout, 5 Barbel, 7 Chub

A complete blank on day one. The water was very clear and you could see the bottom across most of the river. I tried baiting several spots and found no fish. Martin lost a chub of about 4lb at the net.
I have to say that when I arrived at 09.30 there where 9 other anglers on the far bank taking up a number of swims and driving up and down the river bank. As I booked late I was also aware of an abstraction pump which the description says "Occasionally during dry periods an abstraction pump maybe in operation on this beat for 2-4 hours per day." This was on at arrival at 09:30 and switched off at 20:00. To make matters worse a further pump is situated upstream on the far bank which was on constantly. Be aware of this when booking. It is unlikely to be a stretch to which I will return. This is not sour grapes because of the blank - as a angler I expect the blanks - I don't expect diesel fumes all day.

A rather too bright, sunny day. Fished below the first island downstream of the Tollbridge. Fished the feeder with pellets, corn and meat. Only two chub to show for my efforts, one on corn and one on pellet. The Wye looking as beautiful as ever, and I look forward to my next visits, when I'm sure I will enjoy more success. The river could do with some rain.

2 Chub

Hard day, river very low and clear.

1 Barbel, 3 Other

One brown trout, water very low and a good down stream wind, fished 2 till 6. I feel l should have moved about more on the whole of the stretch to get the full benefit.

1 Trout

A beautiful day (for sunbathing..). River, whilst a bit low, had some colour. Used my tried and trusted pellet and feeder tactics and had 8 chub out but no barbel showing. Quite a few salmon splashing out. This stretch is a good test of technique and river craft and the barbel are not easy to find but it is a stunningly beautiful place to fish.

8 Chub

6 Barbel to 8lb. Pegs well cleared by farmer with whom we spoke - care is needed though as some are steep and banks are undercut. The wooden footbridge at the downstream end of the beat needs URGENT ATTENTION - the plank supports are rotten and my colleague fell straight through on the return to the car - could easily have done himself a real injury - please sort this out before someone else does. Otherwise a great days' fishing, thank you WUF.
WUF Note: Thank you for the information regarding the bridge. This is part of the Wye Valley Walk so the information will be passed onto Herefordshire Council. Anglers are requested to take care until they are able to make repairs.

6 Barbel

All trout taken on upstream dry fly. Successful flies were Adam's and Mayfly. Good hatches of fly and still good numbers of mayfly about. Fish were in fine condition and between 6 and 8 inches. A few in the 2lb range spotted.
A nice day all round.

3 Trout