Feedback & Reports

River brown but dropping fast, down about 1.5M from previous days. All looked good for some end-of-season Barbel, but no-one had told them that! Only fish of the day was a 4lb Chub. No other bites all day even after changing baits, fishing in the slacker margins etc. Now looking forward to the summer.

1 Chub

The river dropped slowly throughout the day and was still ripping through. Fishing some slower water at the bottom end of the beat, we both had a barbel on at the same time. Hopes were then high, but this was to be our only action of the day. Best barbel weighed 8lb 9oz. The fish were caught on halibut pellet.

2 Barbel

A very steep learning curve for us today as the water was very cold and much, much, higher than normal after the snow melt. We used 6oz cage feeders plus additional lead and still could not hold bottom even close in. The current seemed to take great delight in snagging our gear in the bank side vegetation, which you could not see. This is one of my favourite Wye & Usk Beats, but note to self, avoid booking 'straight beats' in March.

After the recent bad weather, we decided to try and get down to the river, got the van stuck in the snow several times and had to dig it out. Started to think we should have listen to the weather warnings and not travel! Many hours later we did get down to the river and it was worth the effort just to see such a beautiful stretch of river. We fished for a couple of hours without a bite, before we made the couple of miles walk back to where we left the van stuck in the snow and ready to do some more digging.

Fly fishing for pike. River wade-able in places, moderately clear and a medium flow. But we couldn’t find the pike! Banks slippery in places so care needed.

Very cold day on this beautiful river. Unfortunately no fish but scenery made up for it. Fished between 10am and 4pm.

Fly fishing for pike - river very high and rising - difficult conditions very coloured water with large amounts of debris coming down the river. Looks like it could be a great beat though!

River swollen and coloured - estimate 7-8 feet up on normal levels though level dropped out slightly through the day. Frosty start but glorious sunshine later, fished 4 slackish areas for pike and barbel in hope rather than optimism. Lovely fishery very good access, excellent directions but nothing showing - packed up mid afternoon.

Fished short morning and afternoon sessions. Nothing worked first session, but wonderful spot. Swans, Peregrine Falcon and a tame Robin. (Also Cormorant). In afternoon I tried several baits with no result. Swapped to cheese paste and bait taken on the drop first time. Chub 2lb 10oz. Great day, thanks.

1 Chub

First time on this beat so started early to walk the beat. In the conditions prevailing, there were 4 swims I felt suitable to fish. No joy during the morning. Returned later in afternoon. About 3:3O lost possibly a large Barbel. Hook to 8lb nylon line broke at loop knot leaving me with 2 loops and leger gear!