Escley Beat 2

The Escley is a high gradient, fast-flowing upland trout stream that flows off the eastern edge of the Black Mountains into the Monnow at Longtown. With its habitat recently restored, the river is a delightful sequence of pools interspersed with fast shallow water over the largely bedrock riverbed. The river contains a high number and average size of trout and combined with a stunning location, is prime upland trout fishing. Like other Monnow streams, the Escley enjoys a decent mayfly hatch. One note of caution is the high number of watergates which can be tricky to negotiate. Also, due to the rocky nature of the stream, studded soles to your waders is highly recommended. Approx. ½ mile (0.8km) in length. This beat is the upper half of the beat formally known as Middle Escley.

Ideally fished with a 6½-7½ft, 2 to 4wt rod.

There was an outbreak of crayfish plague in the lower Irfon on the Wye catchment in July 2024 resulting in the deaths of the many of the native white-clawed crayfish. This beat contains a healthy population of native crayfish therefore, visiting anglers MUST ensure against cross contamination by approved check/dry/disinfection procedures, and importantly waders, nets and tackle should be sprayed with Virkon disinfectant before and after fishing.

Availability & Booking

View this beat's catch returns

View this beat's gallery