Feedback & Reports

A beautiful river and, on this occasion superb conditions however, despite seeing a number of large trout in the crystal clear water, none could be tempted by dry flies or nymphs. Indeed there seemed to be very little feeding activity all day despite numerous mayfly hatches and swarms of smaller flies near the surface. Suspect this would be good grayling water later in the year.

No fish showed up as the sun was bright, water was low and clear, red kites were hovering above, not much hatch was happening. All sounds excuses for not catching fish, but the day was beautiful and enjoyed the fishing very much.

Guided by Oliver Burch. Nothing caught. Mainly on dries but very little rising.

Fished the fly early untill the boat traffic got heavy, nothing seen or touched.

Great weather to be out on this great looking beat. Started below the bridge but no fish seen. Moving upstream resulted in more action as an out of season grayling of about half a pound took my Baetis Nymph. This was followed quickly be a 10 inch wbt that took the snipe and purple I had on the dropper. There is an incredible amount of water on this beat, far too much to cover in one day but I fished my way upstream and finished the day with a total of 7 trout, capped by a 16 inch beauty that turned a good day into a really memorable one.

7 Trout, 1 Grayling

River at 1ft 2" and clear. Sun and showers. Lost 2 salmon in evening session.
Wading neck of Rectory I was marveling how from that angle you could hang the fly in the narrow gap at the run out, when the slide of water pulled back. Had an amazing moment, rod hooped, reel barking, yellow line stretching out to a big silver side twisting in the clear sparkling water. Scene was back lit by a low sun illuminating the vibrant May colours. Back drop was the imposing ridge of Twmpa and the black mountains glowing orange and set against an indigo black sky. It was salmon fishing perfection. It didn't matter that it fell off after a minute! Lost another headshaker and a few splashy seconds just behind the stones in the Bridge pool.
That is 5 lost on the beat in last 3 days and none landed!

Very nice condition 15" BT caught on dry (black sedge). Lots of hatches throughout afternoon but hardly a rise. Access improved but still quite limited.

1 Trout

Intended to fish nearer to home but was detered by the Whit Bank Holiday mega-canoe event, so headed to calmer waters upstream! Had 10 trout to 14" and six OOS grayling to 14" as well. The cold wind of the last three days had abated and there were mini-caddis around mid-morning with fish taken on suitable emergers. On cue shortly after midday, Olive Uprights began to appear, followed by smaller olives later in the afternoon, and fish were taken on Duck's Duns to match the hatches. Later, sipping trout were taken on a shuttlecock midge. There were loads of spinners around during the afternoon (OUs judging by their size) but I didn't stay for spinner fall. After an enjoyable few hours, the prospect of some liquid refreshment in the much awaited evening sun won out!

10 Trout, 6 Grayling

No fish caught but feel that we really should have given conditions.
I must say that I have fished some incredibly beautiful places all over the U.K but this beat has left it's mark on me. Stunning.

I will be back as soon as possible.

Fished using the new "wild stream" permit, a good and efficient service with very helpfull staff. Fished from 1PM to 8PM on a beautiful bright day with some cloud cover; tree cover and shade also helped comfort very spooky trout. A good rise early afternoon, I'm not clever enough to determine what type but I for sure saw some mayflies amongst some smaller flies. Short beat that has benefited from the coppicing work done by the Foundation. Tried a klinkhammer and mayfly to the rises but my casting failed me, one heavy cast and they were spooked. Searched with GBPTN for the remainder of the day, managed one 12" WBT in good condition. Beautiful beat, wished there were more trout in evidence.

1 Trout