Information

The River Severn rises on the slopes of Plynlimon (Welsh: Pumlumon), the same mountain that is the source of the Wye. At around 220 miles, it is the longest river in the UK and has the largest water flow of any river in England and Wales. From its source, the Severn (Welsh: Afon Hafren) flows in a north easterly direction to start with, through the towns of Llanidloes and Welshpool. Crossing the border into England, it takes on a more southerly course and loses its upland character, flowing more leisurely through Shropshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire before becoming the Severn Estuary around the M4 bridge. The Severn has some famous tributaries, including Vyrnwy, Clywedog, Teme, Warwickshire Avon and Stour.

The Severn catchment is perhaps best known for its coarse fishing though (particularly for barbel and chub in the middle reaches) but like the Wye, its salmon are of a good average size. The main stem provides some good salmon fishing opportunities but below Shrewsbury is mainly concentrated around the weirs. It isn’t until May/June that fish start to arrive in the upper river. Of the tributaries, the Vyrnwy offers salmon fishing opportunities as does the Teme further to the south.

The best of the main stem’s trout and grayling fishing is in the upper reaches. Some of the tributaries are also well known for their wild brown trout and grayling, especially the Teme and its own feeder streams. The Forest of Dean streams also offer some great trout fishing to the small river enthusiast.

Severn catchment Booking Office beats are shown as orange markers on the map to the right, Wild Stream beats are shown with grey markers.