Feedback & Reports

A bright day with cool downstream breeze could not dampen the enthusiasm of being out to play at last after the longest close season in living memory. River was a perfect colour. The electronic Natural Resources Wales gauge was indicating 1.10 m although the robust physical one at the foot of the steps was indicating just under 1.0 m on arrival which appeared a more accurate representation for those of us familiar with the beat. This 10 cm discrepancy could put people off on what was an eminently fishable day and wadeable with care. Close season bank work on Upper Rock has improved accessibility and it was possible for us to wade from the top of the beat almost to the Chine on lovely fly water. At this height there is also a good flow below the bridge by the pub and just upstream of the cables. Felt I was going to get a take with every cast.. Intermittent hatch of Grannom from 12 till 2 and just 1 or 2 LDO’s could not tempt even trout to show. Still a lovely day in great company.

Great days fishing - lovely water - but nothing caught today

I covered a salmon that showed below the bridge . On the second cast it took . After a very strong, nerve racking fight I managed to net a pristine hen fish of around 15-16 lbs . Whilst holding this hen fish , in the water, prior to release , another salmon showed . I didn’t manage to get this one .
I also caught a cracking trout on the salmon rod .

1 Salmon, 1 Trout

Chainbridge was lightly fished on the Sunday 3 March, Monday and Tuesday. River was high at around 1.5m with OK visibility. At these levels we fished from the bank and from a couple of rocky promontories . We used skagit type lines with heavy sink tips to deal with the fast water and severely limited back space. One good trout was caught on the salmon rod.

A great few hours were spent with friends ; fishing , banter , a bite to eat , a sighting of maybe an otter? My batteries have been charged to 100%. Here’s to a good season.

On this trip, I took the train from London, 3 hours from my door to Abergavenny. Got a lift from there and stayed at Pantygoitre farm .

River o.8 m and colour perfect. Three of us enjoyed the lovely flywater ,fished hard and even after six hours anticipated a take at any time. At this river height it is possible to fish from the top of Upper Rock, right through Rock and into the Chine. A stout wading stick advised . Was entertained by a 2lb chub which went back safely to join his mates. (Another take next cast probably a shoal of them).
Fished below the bridge later in the day, 0.8m is the optimum height for this section and the fly works beautifully off the steps. Found some steps lower down to the river just above the big oaks. There is a length of serviceable ledge to wade and and the fly swam around nicely under the cables where I have had a number of salmon in the past.. No luck today but saw one downstream. A very enjoyable day for the three of us. Once again thanks to the unfailingly helpful and generous Barry.

1 Chub

A lovely afternoon shining on a great place to be in early autumn. River 0.96m and dropping slowly. As usual looked very fishy. New bank side steps down to Upper Rock made access easy and was able to wade right down to Rock / Chine with fly working beautifully. Had a take at the start of Rock and a mid teen fish showed immediately. It then dropped below me for a minute of head shaking before we parted company. Frustrating but a great afternoon.

Too much water in the river for me.

River was swollen and fast running, making wading difficult. Was clarity was low. No fish caught and nothing rising until an hour before dusk when some activity started towards to banks. Stonefly hatch was promising, but no fish caught. May have been better in calmer conditions..

Czech Nymphing

Detailed beat map, useful and call from the owner with advice on access, wading etc helpful

1 Trout

Last chance saloon for this angler. River stayed above 1.0m all day but a very fishable colour. The temp of 2 degrees was the lowest of the season. Had a very enjoyable day greatly enhanced by the entertaining company of a kindred spirit in visiting angler Matt from Devon. Had one pull which was probably from a big trout.. Saw a fresh looking fish in the high teens leave the water in the Chine. An enjoyable season in spite of underlying concerns about salmon stocks this season. It’s a long wait till March.