Feedback & Reports

4 Barbel, 5 Chub

Having spent two sessions broiling on the preceding two days elsewhere and with only one half pound Barbel to show for my efforts I was really looking forward to today. I followed the advice of an earlier visitor and given the very low and clear conditions headed for the bottom of the beat where the river channels into a fast flowing bend before meeting the River Lugg. The action was slow but steady and I ended up with 5 Barbel - the best just shy of 9lb and 5 Chub averaging 2lb. Very challenging but rewarding session in a very, very snaggy swim. O lost four Barbel - I suspect there are some very sharp rocks as the hooklength came back sheared straight through. Midway through the morning I was enjoying the lack of traffic noise - seems to be an inescapable feature of many spots in the Wye Valley - when the farmer came and started up his generator in the field opposite. If visiting best pack some earplugs and make sure you carry your rod license - I had a visit from a pair of EA Bailiffs who were very friendly once they had checked my licenses. We had a good chat and they took my picture for their Twitter feed! Finally praise for the pristine condition of the fishery - the banks were immaculate. Whoever does this deserves a pat on the back.

5 Barbel, 5 Chub

Decided to fish a little later than I usually do and turned up at midday. The river looked wonderful however the amount of streamer weed coming down was unbelievable and didn't stop all day. It was all through the water column and I fished at least 8 different swims in an attempt to avoid it but to no avail. Lines didn't stay in the water longer than 10mins before being carried down stream and I was using up to 6oz.... This is the second time in 3 trips that this has happened and ruined the last of my three sessions. Appeared as though someone upstream was clearing swims as the weed looked cleanly cut.

Managed to somehow land 1 barbel at around 7lb and 2 chub of 3lb each. Not sure if I'll be returning!

1 Barbel, 2 Chub

Baking hot day and the fishing was very hard!

2 Barbel, 5 Chub

6 Barbel

2 Barbel, 5 Chub

Although the river was low and clear there was a little cloud cover, which appeared to have the desired effect! Largest barbel was just under 10lb and largest chub just over 4.5lb - and was smashed up a total of 4 times on 12lb hook link! Started slowly but after that caught fish throughout the day. Everything caught on halibut pellets (wouldn't touch meat or corn), with the barbel being very particular - they wouldn't touch anything other than 2 x 8ml pellets glued to the hair. Anything smaller or larger was refused. Chub would take any size!! Fished the bottom end, just on the back end of the broken water before the bend. Casting has to be very precise as there are large weed beds and a number of snags under the far bank. Another fabulous day on the Wye and great tips from the bailiff. Have already booked my next visit!!

27 Barbel, 18 Chub, 2 Other

Hottest day of the year. Caught at between 0930 and 1030, thereafter with sun blazing down no further action. Packed up at lunchtime for a much needed drink and returned for the evening. Not a thing. Just too hot i think.

1 Barbel, 2 Chub

Despite the exceptionally hot conditions, low water levels, blazing sun etc, the fish were still feeding. Barbel to 9lb 2oz and chub to 2lb. Feeder method.

4 Barbel, 8 Chub