Feedback & Reports

Another amazing day on the Usk, very cold downstream wind to start with so threw a nymph around for a while in the faster water at the start of the beat but to no avail so moved up stream. At 12.20pm the Olive hatch started and the river came to life with lots of rises throughout the mid section of the beat, I managed to land 2 fat 1.5lb BT on a winged Olive and lost several more, its great to get back on the drys again.

2 Trout

Another lovely day albeit with slight, fresh downstream breeze. Saw odd rise (maybe 2 or 3 all day) but we expected more given previous day (on another beat). There was also a flush hatch of March Brown at around 12.45pm (not LDOs surprisingly of which there were very few) but if the fish were taking these it was occurring sub-surface. Great to see them though. My experience (fishing once or twice each year in early season) is that this fly is making something of a comeback on the Usk. Does anyone share that view? Pair of Goosander and one Cormorant shared beat with us and doubtless fished better.

Lots of sun, clear water 4C-10c on car computer. No flies, no trout seen, no salmon seen. One expensive picnic!

The river was low and crystal clear, could not tempt a fish although saw plenty topping. Unable to see what they were taking as the small amount of flies drifting on the water appeared to be ignored.

1 Trout

Nil catch.

Very low water, difficult conditions. Small WBT.

Fished an evening session with no success. Tried dry flies, nymphs and a combination of the two, NZ style. All to no avail.

A beautiful stretch of river marred by the frustratingly overgrown bank, which only allows very restricted view of the water. I lost my folding landing net while scrabbling up the bank (it's probably hanging in a tree!)and would appreciate anyone who finds it contacting the Foundation.

As mentioned by other anglers, Ashford House has a very overgrown sign on the road. It is the property directly opposite the canal tunnel with a large tarmacked car park in front of the house. Take the path to the right of a dwelling, heading towards the farmyard for access to the river.

As always, the booking office staff were very helpful in organising this fishing, which was very much a last minute decision.

Fished morning only. Few fish rising. No takes despite several fishing methods. Will try this beat again.

One fish 1.5 to 2lb, two others about half to three-quarters of a pound. I kept the biggest fish. All were caught on nymphs.
Accessing the river is not easy. The banks on almost the whole length are heavily overgrown with bracken, balsam and brambles but once you reach the river it is a lovely piece of water.
When I arrived I put 9 cormorants off the water. I saw a mink at close range, also otter spraint and footprints. How do the fish survive?
Worth noting that there is no sign on the gate to say it is Ashford House. That may be worth a mention on the directions to the beat.

3 Trout