Feedback & Reports

River very low today, some parts were virtually static.

The floods earlier in the year have definitely changed this beat, with lots of trees blocking previously good spots. There are also huge banks of stones where there were runs. Having said all this there are new spots to to try and the fishing doesn't seem to have suffered.

I fished dry all day, starting on a size 16 orange clinkhammer, taking the single grayling and five small brownies in the first 100 yards of the beat.

I then upped the size of my fly to a size 14, and then had my first decent fish of the day.

In the end I had six size sizable fish in the 10-12 inch range and on 14 inch beauty that was close to 2lb, the rest of the fish were in the 4-6 inch range.

Fantastic day out, and can't wait for when there's a bit more water as all of those stones have made some lovely runs.

16 Trout, 1 Grayling

I fished the beat from start to finish in five hours with a break for lunch half way. The river was low and overnight rain was giving it a slight, helpful colour as the morning went on. Four fish to hand, mainly to a small GRHE but the best and last rose to a Klinkhammer in the pool just before the last cross river cattle gates. Much as I enjoy Hergest Court it is more difficult to navigate these days. Access is rather restricted by the new barbed wire fencing whilst the cattle gates and several large fallen trees make it something of an obstacle course. I guess I’m just getting old!

4 Trout

Trout rising in the extremely low and clear water when I arrived at 5pm. Shortly after the rise petered out. The odd rise thereafter but couldn’t get one to rise to one of my offerings. Finally got one on a nymph as light began to go.

1 Trout

Not much rising but apparently a good hatch of something at the top of the beat - seagulls eating them in the air but no fly on the water. Very gusty downstream wind. Lovely beat with easy access at low water from the right bank.

2 Trout

Fantastic dry fly fishing in Mayfly season produced fish of 3lb,and 2.5 lb with 4 others over lb just above the bridge. John blanked fishing subsurface nymph through woodstream.
Further visits alone on Sat 28th and Tuesday 31st May late evening produced 2 more fish of 1and3/4 and 1and1/2lb. all fish taken on dry grey wulff 12 fished diagonally upstream..
Brilliant week given the very low water.

6 Trout

Two small brown trout caught on pheasant tail nymph, french nymphing style. Tricky casting in a blustery downstream wind and a lot of variation in river height in places made things complicated. Excuses I know.

2 Trout

Fished 9 till late. Fished only Dry Flies of which Hares Ear Klink, Adams and Fluttering Caddis were best. Best fish 16''. Great evening rise after 8. Had many opportunities to rises and fish on.. Enjoyed sharing the river with 2 Otters, many Ducklings and Sand Martins and Swallows.

4 Trout

Weather changed every 5 minutes but fish were in the mood. Occasional surface feeding but all but 2 fish caught on beaded hares ear nymph. All by me, my fellow angler a novice, proved impervious to my good advice

9 Trout, 5 Sea Trout

Lovely unexpected chub about 1lb taken on klinkhammer dry fly. Bright overcast day. Not very warm. Shame pub closed on Mondays but took a packed lunch!

1 Chub

River definitely benefitted from the recent rain. Overcast conditions, with a gentle breeze. An intermittent hatch of olives with the occasional mayfly over the course of the morning but only the martins were showing any interest. Teased one BT from the bottom of the Blue Pool on PTN. Heavy rain in the afternoon put paid to any further surface activity.

This is rapidly becoming my favourite beat. Masses of space for 4; styles etc. very well maintained; access points to the water are limited but, once in, the wading is easy and you can cover lots of water. A lovely mix of fast runs, glides and pools. My only issue is that in front of Ashford House is the only feasible parking spot. It is a long walk back to the car from the top of the beat for lunch!

1 Trout