Feedback & Reports

Managed a 7.5lb barbel from one of the middle croy's in the morning, but fishing was difficult due to weed volume in the rising river. Spent the afternoon below the bridge in faster water. This resulted in four average size barbel, to conclude another enjoyable day on this idyllic stretch.

Pools were unfishable, due to the amount of weed coming down river. Fished wider stretch down river had 5 barbel, 3 chub then had to pack up due to the heavy weed. Beautiful stretch, will be back.

5 Barbel, 3 Chub

A day fly fishing for the grayling.
The nearby Titley Mill EA gauge had been showing the level at about 0.08m for the last couple of weeks but overnight rain had raised the level a bit and put a lot of colour into the water.
Chatting to the farmer on arrival, he suggested we might consider applying for a 'wash-off' as the river was so dirty but as my fishing partner was making a 320 mile round trip to be there, we decided to press on, more in hope than expectation.
We've both fished this beat before, trotting maggots (when allowed), so had an idea of the areas that might produce a 'lady' or two.
Various runs were searched with hare's ear and weighted bug patterns, to no avail. The only fish of the day was a 10 inch brownie my partner caught in a slack just below the weir. Although not the target species and out of season, my mate was pleased with his first river brownie on a fly.
On netting, the trout regurgitated the partially digested remains of a 4 inch fish, a small trout or salmon parr possibly.
Although a day that did not live up to expectations, still a delightful wee river in some beautiful surroundings, and we look forward to our next visit.

1 Trout

Arrived at dawn with the river at 0.6m on gauge and reasonable colour. It rose 10cm in next 4 hrs but then steady for next 3 but just fishable. Saw 2 salmon by Chine and 2 below the bridge around the cables. Worked hard with fly and spinner, the last 3 hrs in a complete deluge. Retired soaked and defeated after 7 hrs with the river rising again and colouring badly. Forget Friday. Sat and Sunday... tight lines!

4 barbel to one rod between 4 and 9lb, no fish on the second rod but an enjoyable day. The only comment I would make is the banks were dangerous when wet. All fish fell to meat on a feeder rig.

4 Barbel

One brown trout. Surface and sub surface lure for pike and maggot using swim feeder for barbel. No takes. Steep banks were very slippery making access very difficult. A lot of weed drifting down stream.

1 Other

Overnight rain put a nice tinge of colour into the river,and the fish enjoyed it as well! Had 4 fish in the first 6 casts and I`ve never even been here before! Spent quite a bit of the day exploring the beat and sheltering from the torrential rain all afternoon. Had 9 grayling 10-14 inch and 9 trout to 9 inches, all on klink and dink. Had to give up ealier than wanted due to the stream at the top of the beat pouring in very dirty water and colouring up my side of the river!

9 Trout, 9 Grayling

Although we didn't catch many fish, four Barbel to 9lb 12oz and a chub of about 3lb, we had a very enjoyable day. River was low and clear but heavy rain during the day gave an indication that the next day might not be so enjoyable.

4 Barbel, 1 Chub

1 barbel of 8lbs 4ozs caught near the top end of Legg Meadow. 2 barbel, 10lbs 2ozs & 6lbs and a chub of 4lbs 6ozs taken in the woods.

3 Barbel, 1 Chub

The river was low & clear and I fished the bottom pool just after the faster water feeding maggots & pellet on a regular basis. I took a Barbel of about 7 lb on the 1st cast a Chub of 6 lb on the second cast then lost a ton of tackle (there must be more lead down there than on a church roof!!). I kept the feed going in and ended the day with 10 barbel & 9 chub. The 1st 2 fish were the biggest of the day and a couple of barbel were in the 1 to 2 lb region. Nice to see as they must be breeding.

10 Barbel, 9 Chub