Feedback & Reports

River low, very bright, very hot conditions.

Sport was patchy, more off than on.

10 chub to ledger tactics.

Went for the long walk around the woods to lucky stone, chub were absolutely frantic. Barbel a little conspicuous by their absence however that not helped by 2 or 3 losses, one an absolute submarine that came up from the depths, swam over the top of the net and then performed a neat swimmers roll to make good his escape.

All baits caught but pellet accounted for most of the barbel bites

1 Barbel, 65 Chub

The river was very difficult to approach , overgrown with nettles and long grass.
Appreciate this is not under our control but coupled to poor actual river bank access I would avoid this beat.
We abandoned todays fishing .

I think it worth mentioning that there's only one swim available in the upstream meadows due to over growth of vegetation. Bear this in mind if that swim is occupied when you arrive....it will leave you no choice but to attempt the walk over the hill . Although I didn't find this a problem someone who is less able may struggle ...if you are less able then your only choice will be to go home ! Also the path through the wood is treacherous due to the sheep that get up in there...the path is very slippery especially after overnight rain ....and once again if the only swim is occupied you will have a wasted journey on that dodgy path . However the first meadow downstream does have several fishable spots but the next meadow down cannot be fished ....neither of the meadows can be described as "open " as they are for the most part tree lined . This is not a moan , it's just an observation of the situation down there .

1 Chub

Lovely stretch of river but unfortunately almost all of the bankside is overgrown making access impossible to most of the beat which is a shame. I’d like to invite comment by the W&U foundation if there are plans to clear areas for angler access in the future.

Fishing Passport Note : We dont know of any immediate plans to tackle bankside vegetation which will undoubtedly be high this time of year and more footfall will improve access. We will pass your comments on to the fishery owners though.

1 Barbel, 2 Chub

3 Chub

Fownhope never disappoints those that make the effort. Treking up and over Heartattack hill and deep into the mountain Goat territory of the enchanted woods, you reap the rewards from the fishing Gods. Barbel were second in the queue all day to the ravenous Chub. Several caught between us 2 anglers to the edge of 6lb, with most reaching 3 too 4. All spawned out, none milting this year.
Stu G had 60+ Chub. Simon M had 60+ Chub and a single Barbel of 7lbs-ish. Mostly feeder tactics and pellets.

Go careful as it is treacherous in places.

Cheers again W&U

1 Barbel, 120 Chub

A bit of a hike to the river and a tricky riverside path to negotiate but ultimately worth the effort! Ranging from 1.5lb to 3.5lb. The Barbel didn't show but my best ever day trotting for Chub despite a paddle boarder falling off right in front of me.

A very busy day!

42 Chub

All fish in excellent condition.

4 Chub

A very difficult day after more heavy rain . The river was swollen, dark and angry. We usually head to the woods, but on inspection from the first field, this was a definate no go. We fished the top field and had one bite each , resulting in a Barbel each.
A typical early spring day with sleet, rain, cold winds and really warm sunshine.
See you next season. Cheers

2 Barbel