Feedback & Reports

None caught.

Fished for a good full day and into dusk in various swims for one barbel of approx 6lbs. Conditions were seemingly good and we both went through a wide range of baits and methods but to no avail. I did lose a large fish which powered downstream on an unstoppable run until the hook pulled. Felt like a carp although could have been a salmon.
Final note the parking is extremely precarious without a 4x4 with only the middle space by the gate a viable option. Are there any plans to improve this?

1 Barbel

First day of a 3 day trip, very wet and difficult to safely access many swims. However, for the time of year had a great morning and early afternoon session with 6 Barbel all of similar 'stamp', maybe a shade over 8 lb range (not weighed). All in great condition.

6 Barbel

Good weather three rods and no fish.

An enjoyable but unproductive day. A fair bit to go at for both fly and spinner but also big chunks not very accessible. The most obvious fly run was below bridge on right hand bank which was a long easy wade which looked very fishy. I'm sure a more confident wader will find more fly water especially around the island at bottom of beat. As it is a fairly long beat it is usefull having a vehicular track (no need for a 4x4) running the length of the fishery. Would definitely try again as there is clearly potential, but after Easter I'm sure canoes will be a problem unless fishing early and late.

Two kelts caught and a sharp pull felt in the bottom pool. The water was at approx 11'' dropping perhaps a tiny bit during the day. It was slightly coloured.
The kelts were taken on a 1 1/2 brass black and yellow tube on an intermediate line with a fast sink tip.
The beat had some excellent fly water, particulalry at the bottom end. Some of the higher pools were rather difficult to access through overgrown banks over very slipery mud. The upper half would not be recommended for anyone with mobility issues whilst the lower half was much easier with some steps and a reasonable walkway along the pools at this hight. All in a all great day out, lots of wildlife, especially water foul preparing to mate.

2 Other

Swims on the lower stretch have suffered from the floods and banks very damgerous. River low and clear with no barbel showing, but chub available.

6 Chub

Overcast, damp day. Perhaps too early in the season?

It was pleasing to catch two barbel and a chub each on a dull, wet and cool day. The fish weren't big but very welcome. Water levels were well down enabling fairly light rods and feeders to be used.

4 Barbel, 2 Chub

Blank. A lovely bit of fast fly water this, but a fair amount of water was still charging through with a lot of power to it. A nice brownie of nearly 2 pounds grabbed the tube at the bottom end, but no salmon. Otherwise, a frosty start changed to warm bright sunshine and a very pleasant day in what must be one of the most beautiful valley settings of the whole WUF portfolio. The view upstream and down is superb. Owner Donny Macer-Wright came along and very helpfully pointed out the hot-spots.
One thing which did strike me was that, at this time of year, the morning sun shines straight down all the pools. It might be an idea to time your visit for the afternoon/evening or during cloudy weather? Another angler was giving it a try when I left; I hope he was lucky.

1 Trout