Feedback & Reports

Three very inexperienced anglers from Northern Ireland. We had never fished for barbel or chub before and this was our first day of three on the foundation stretches of the Wye. First of all we were all taken by the beauty of the river and the surrounding countryside along with the abundance of wild life. Regardless of catches we found the Wye a great place to fish.
On arriving we found that water appeared to us to be very low. There were a number of really nice looking swims but most of them appeared to be left high and dry above the water with little access to either land or return fish safely. We found this to be a feature throughout our trip. The fishing was, as we expected, very difficult although I did manage to catch two barbel of six pounds and five and a half pounds from just below boys rock. This was a really nice and picturesque swim. Attempted to trot with maggots but this only brought bleak and minnows. An enjoyable day which allowed me to tick off a totally new species.

2 Barbel

Same as yesterday, level dropped another 25mm, one barbel from Boys Rock and one lost from new 'wires' swim. Hope we get some rain soon! Original 'Wires' swim has fallen tree over it which needs clearing.

1 Barbel

Difficult conditions still, river very low. Fished various swims and methods, only one barbel from Boys Rock on halibut pellet.

1 Barbel

First time on this attractive beat. River very low and clear so not the best conditions, but we managed five barbel to 7 lbs and a chub from various pegs along the top end of the fishery.

5 Barbel, 1 Chub

Hot and sunny conditions. A good beat with varied water type. Productive for one angler (me!) but not for others.

3 Barbel, 1 Chub

Wow! What a stunning piece of water. Very low water, clear river and high air pressure conditions was always going to make it tough going. However, I managed a lovely barbel and chub during my 3 hour session.
Thanks to WUF as always for the clear maps and a good selection of swims.

1 Barbel, 1 Chub

A Very tough day fishing. Wandered all over the beat and fished hard. The weather and moon phase made it obvious that this was going to be the case.
Saw plenty of king fishers, signs of an otter and beautiful surroundings as usual.

2 Barbel, 1 Chub

A difficult day on a very low and all but non flowing river, best chance would have been in the fast water at Boys Rock but the heavy number of canoes made this an impossible choice. Should really have known better and not booked a Sunday but sometimes there is no option! A lot of algae and silk type weed across the river which also did not inspire confidence.

Second day on the beat managed 3 barbel each best 8lb and one chub 4lb 8oz. Lots of disruption from drunken canoeists!!

6 Barbel, 1 Chub

River low but good days fishing 5 barbel and one chub all on pellet and feeder from several swims.

7 Barbel, 1 Chub