Feedback & Reports

3 x grayling 15-16 inches, bugging. A really beautiful winter's day, still and sunny, with the temeperature hovering just above zero - although there was no visible frost, the air being so dry. River still a little high but looked in nice condition. Nevertheless, fishing was very hard work and by mid-afternoon I had made no contact. At 4.30, with the sun going down and the rod rings beginning to ice again, I found a pod of nice grayling in a very deep run. It was one of those places where a man of my height finds it necessary to wade to the armpits and bounce around on tip-toe, while envying those tall young fellows from the Foundation who no doubt take these deep holes in their not inconsiderable stride. If you have visited the WUF, you will know the ones: always first to be aware when it starts raining. Lost one good grayling and netted three, which made a very satisfactory end to a lovely day. I'm sorry to see that we lose this beat at the end of January; whether the fish are co-operating or not, it's always a nice place be. Can the WUF get it for next year perhaps?

A most enjoyable day with water level returning to fishable height from recent floods. Sadly no grayling could be tempted by our nymphs and shrimps!

Nice conditions to greet us on arrival, temperatures hovering above zero and a river that was somewhat low and crystal clear. Certainly a slow start until we located a shoal of feeding fish where we were able to connect with some fine specimens including a cracker estimated at 2 1/2lb caught by Peter on a small JT nymph. This beat has many inviting pools but as so often at this time of year they are not all occupied by fish and sometimes a lot of fruitless searching is required before finding them. 9 good sized Grayling and a couple of out of season trout between us, certainly worthy of a return in the future.

Above freezing at last, for a day at least, and some bird-song to be heard above the pistol-shot cracking of marginal ice sheets. There was even an olive hatch during the afternoon, although no signs of reaction from fish. Arrow running very clear although I expect it may colour up now if the thaw continues. I fished with a pair of weighted bugs and found shy-biting grayling in just a couple of places. 7 x grayling altogether, 4 in the 10-12 inch range, best 3 fish: 15, 17 and 18 inches.

I think I may have been a Little optimistic but never mind! After talking to Richard the farmer at the Leen his suggestion was to turn around and go home. Problem - ice, which apparently appeared over night. Never mind, after inspecting the river several swims were fish-able so on with the gear. The lower section from the old railway line was solid! 1 1/2hrs later stopped for a coffee break, no fish! Fished till 3.30 with variants of gold head nymphs but no joy, however it was a beautiful day sun shining birds singing and as Arni says I WILL BE BACK.
P.S. the fish were there, I saw at least 11 under the ice!

Had a fabulous day despite the rain. Saw an otter cub (rare as hen's teeth here in the East Midlands!) to add to the mother and cub seen at Arrow mill the day previous. I then went on to catch 3 grayling (42 cm, 35 cm and about 25cm) and 2 out of season brown trout ( small), unfortunately the other rod blanked. Can heartily recommend the accommodation at The Bateman Arms at Shobdon (contact number in the Passport)

Had a lovely day on the river Arrow, I caught one grayling approx 1lb plus which was returned safely.

First time on this beat, fished from bridge upstream. The river was clear and at a reasonable level, but cold. It is a very fishable piece of water with a mixture of glides, riffles and bends in quiet surroundings. On a very cold day I managed 6 good grayling, with a couple of beauties. All fish were caught czech nymphing with heavy 'bugs', but I did see a few fish rising later in the day. Easy booking using online system.

Fished lower end of beat only. Two trout. First on #12 killer bug, very plump and over 14", other was 6" and took #16 GRHE on dropper. Disgorged skeleton of a bullhead when in landingnet. Lost one grayling. Will try again and fish the top section of beat.

A glorious autumn day following a sharpish overnight frost. Cold throughout - especially in the freshening wind. Our first time on the water. Got our cards marked by the farmer on arival. The river had been carrying a bit of colour on Saturday but, come Sunday morning was running clear - but still pushing through a bit. Took a while to work out where the fish were. Picked up the odd fish downstream in the morning before dropping onto a run of quality Grayling mid afternoon in one of the glides below the top weir. Around a dozen fish in total to a mixture of PTNs, Copper Johns and Klinkhammers.