Feedback & Reports

1.5lb trout on large wet fly.

1 Trout

Arrived at the bridge at the Cothi Ffroodvale beat to see two other anglers fishing just above the the bridge, no more than 20 yards from each other. With very low water, stealth and patience, plus delicate presentation was the order of the day. Limited river experience can lead to disappointment in these conditions. The best move I ever made was engaging WUF approved Guide Andrew Cartwright recently, who taught me technique and river craft. That investment has paid for itself many times over.
I went downstream instead, skirting nesting herons, and concentrated on running nymphs through the pools.
Engrossed as I was in my fishing, a disgruntled "humph!" behind me turned out to be a small herd of 2 dozen cows, no more than 10 yards behind me! How does a herd of cows sneak up on you?! They wanted to visit the water and didn't feel obliged to wait for me to vacate. Exit over rocks...
A change of tactics produced my fish in the end, one small sewin on an f-fly under a tree in a hole with flow, plus one rash brownie rising in open water just downstream from the herons. With a bit more flow, this would be superb, would love to try it at night. Good value for the fishing available. I concur with the comments about directions.

1 Trout, 1 Sea Trout

Dry fly. mayfly hatch. midday. Novice angler.

Water was a bit too high and running fast. Access was good in places, other places you had to find an access and double back on yourself. Fish taken on heavy nymphs. IMHO the price is slightly high, I would suggest £15 would be nearer the mark.

1 Trout, 1 Grayling

Maybe it was the ever so slightly chilly breeze, the dull occasionally damp day, the surprising lack of surface activity, the fact I could only fish morning and early afternoon on a beat I had never fished before, but I blanked. Of course it couldn't possibly be my fault, that I stubbornly fished dry fly only when nothing was rising and hatches were non existent. Not convinced I would have caught anything with other tactics anyway as this stretch did seem lifeless. But then I would say that, wouldn't I!

Fished from 12.30pm - 6pm. Not much rising, generally, ones that did were mostly caught but majority of fish caught came up to an Elk pattern fished 'blind' and were very quick & obliging. Very few mayfly except for a big flurry just after rain. Plenty of LBD's hatching, fish weren't interested in taking them from the surface and yet rose to the Elk. Fished dries all afternoon/evening. Warm & humid, overcast with drizzle & one heavy shower.

11 Trout

Arrived early (8.30am) primarily to walk the beat as not seen before & prior to fishing Lower Henllan from lunchtime. As to be expected - not much activity but we only made a few token casts with dry flies.
We walked the short length downstream of the bridge through the campsite but made no casts.
We were unsure of access upstream of the bridge (right bank as per map). A gate sign posted "no footpath" was on the only gate we could've used. Rather than risk trespass we entered the river below the bridge and waded as far as the cross-stream structure and were then puzzled again as there was no visible (worn) exit point. We about faced and walked back down the stream. Maybe 'no footpath' was for the campers and not anglers, info appreciated on this.

WUF note: If the fishing is marked on your map, you can access it through the fields. The 'No Footpath' sign would be for the general public and walkers.

1'6", falling, bit of colour, overcast - ideal.
Fished 4.30pm to 9pm, saw a fish bottom of Dol-Meudwy.
Plenty of trout rising. Nothing caught.

Worked upstream from bridge, starting at 5.30pm. Finished at dusk.
Not one take!
Not through lack of effort, fish or insect life (there is an abundance of the latter two) but just lack of skill on my part.
I used small olive and black gnats and for a spell when there were no rises, a black nymph.
Hey ho, it is a wonderful beat to walk and sit awhile and with the wall walkway, small pontoons and well spaced seats, one on which the owners have carried out considerable work for our convenience.
It is a real privilege to be able to fish this beat or as it happened this time, cast this beat.

I used 4 different dry flies and only action was on Daddy Long Legs. Unfortunately I didn't catch anything. It was my first experience of wild streams and only the second time I'd fished with flies. I loved it. Nature up close and at its best. The first day was at Lower Grywne Fawr, the second day was at Pontithel. The first was more remote, the second had more water and more fish. Both excellent.
Stayed at the Wye Knot Stop Cafe - good room, very friendly and good breakfast. Across the road was the Griffin Inn - great pub, good food and even better beer.