Feedback & Reports

Fish were returned.

2 Trout

The river was very low and clear, the weather cool and overcast following a long sunny spell. The bulk of our fish were caught in one long glide which varied from 12 inches to about 3 feet in depth. Most fell to small nymphs trailed under a dry fly indicator, but some did take the indicator fly. The average size was quite good at about 12 inches, but we did not see or catch any of the two pound plus fish that we encountered on the same beat last year. Nevertheless, and excellent day on a superb beat.

3 Trout, 31 Grayling

Low level of water, no trout caught.

Fished this lake before, excellent sport and the wild life that was around on the day was great. The fish put up a good fight and were very attractive fish. Would recommend everyone to try this lake, it is worth the effort to get there.

10 Trout

6 Brown trout. River very low and clear. Lots of trout skulking but not taking (lots of big ones). Also in one pool, 20 plus trout in a shoal swimming in circles (have they been stocked or are they distressed?). 2 Cormorants working the water. Hard day. Method: tiny dry fly.
WUF Note: To our knowledge no stocking has taken place upstream of Brecon Weir so it is likely these fish were stressed by low water and avian predators.

6 Trout

Started on the dry, but there was a strong wind and limited surface activity. Moving on the wet flies, I was soon into the first fish. Most successful fly was a Mallard and Claret.

10 Trout

Fished a shallow swim for the evening. Picked off the odd fish early on until the barbel properly switched on in the last hour. Brilliant sport, caught on pellet, no feeders, catapulting free offerings over. Will be back!

10 Barbel, 1 Chub

Weather dull & overcast, no fly activity, water low & very clear. Caught 2 trout very small on nymphs no rises seen, fished for 2 hours then moved to Lower Longtown.

2 Trout

Weather sunny and warm, better than the afternoon, water low but was carrying a little colour, some rises seen, raised 2 fish but did not connect. I did catch 1 nice trout about 12 inches on nymph, fished for about 2 hours.

1 Trout

Arrived to be greeted by low cloud and mist, water understandably low and clear. A great start, landing a small Barbel within a minute of the first cast hitting the water. Persevered with feeder and pellet for majority of the day but couldn't sustain the pace of the first few minutes.
Two further small Barbel (approx. 1.5lb) before resorting to free-lining meat later in the day, which duly accounted for two fine Chub of 3lb and 2lb.
Whilst I fully appreciate the river also belongs to canoeists, and I do expect Saturdays to be very busy at this time of year, I would say the constant traffic between 10am and 4pm (and I mean constant) was not conducive to worthwhile fishing. In particular, the slack water between the numerous croys at Wyebank seem to be the go-to areas for canoe-schools, with groups of 10-15 spending most of the day there, practicing their new skills, effectively rendering two thirds of the beat unfishable.
Lost 2 larger fish, definitely Barbel. One whilst free-lining, which sped approx 10 metres into a snag, unstoppable!, the other on pellet who's first run snapped a 10lb hook-link. Fished until 7pm, the conditions and the beat promised great things but in the circumstances, finished with a reasonable 3 Barbel and 2 Chub.
Fishermen will always want to catch bigger fish, but it's also great to see the next generation of Wye Barbel in such fine condition!
Despite the 'distractions', still an enjoyable day on the river. Great to see the Buzzards overhead, the wagtails and robins catching insects, and the kingfishers criss-crossing the river between the canoes. Fascinating to watch them waiting for a safe gap in traffic, just as we would, to cross the road. Thanks to all at WUF for all the hard work.

3 Barbel, 2 Chub