Anglers' Feedback & Reports
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P. J. from Merthyr Tydfil, Thursday 2 February, 2012
Beat: Kerne Bridge (Booking Office), Rod Type: Coarse, No. Rods: 1
No fish caught on a bitterly cold day. However it was good to be back on a stretch I have not fished for a number of years and it certainly blew the winter cobwebs away.
The Beat's owner was most welcoming. At winter water levels quite a few of the swims are un-fishable but there are still a few that are accessible. I have read much criticism concerning the difficult nature of the swims and the prevalence of snags. Come on, the Wye is a wild river if you want ideal swims dont fish the Wye. I sympathise with the owner. He says he has done his best to make the beat accessible adding ropes to assist anglers and they are clearly evident. It is difficult to see what else can be done cost-effectively to improve it further. The whole beat has been cleared of the once prevalent scrub so it's no longer a case of fighting your way through to swims. And you can park your car directly on the beat should you wish.
I like the beat. It is never going to be an easy place to fish nor, from past experiences, will it give up quality fish easily. That said Chublets abound so if bagging up is your thing go for it.
As for the snags ... angling is supposed to be a skilled activity, do your homework and learn to cope. Snags come and go, snags and the Wye go hand in hand, i'ts up to the angler to apply watercraft and common-sense to cope with them.
I once had an 18lb Pike off this beat and see no reason why that cannot be improved on and I suspect some decent barbel and chub are around as well. I for one will be back.
N. F. from Bristol, Wednesday 1 February, 2012
Beat: Abernant (Booking Office), Rod Type: Winter Grayling, No. Rods: 2
A clear lovely cold day with snow on the mountains. Three Grayling to one and a half pound, two lost at net and two OST, all on trotted maggot.
O. B. from Gloucestershire, Tuesday 31 January, 2012
Beat: Cefnllysgwynne (Booking Office), Rod Type: Winter Grayling, No. Rods: 1
34 x grayling 11-18 inches, long trotting with centre pin. Raw weather with snow on the hills and the odd flake falling, but the river was in nice condition and almost too clear. Proper cold grayling conditions, in fact, with the fish packed in tightly together, but it was just warm enough to trot properly. There is the world of difference between plus one degree, when the tackle works as it is designed to do, and minus one degree, when the rod locks up with ice. Lovely fish on the Irfon today, most of them over 15 inches, plenty at 16 inches, several at 17 inches, one at 18 inches. A very nice day's sport, but it was good to get back to the car and hot coffee.
S. B. from Alfrick, Tuesday 31 January, 2012
Beat: Llanfechan (Booking Office), Rod Type: Winter Grayling, No. Rods: 1
Nothing to report I`m afraid. Fished a variety of fly fishing methods but could not locate the fish. Very very cold, I think I am getting old!
P. B. from Pontyclun, Sunday 29 January, 2012
Beat: Cefnllysgwynne (Booking Office), Rod Type: Winter Grayling, No. Rods: 1
No Grayling caught on a bitterly cold and wet 3 hour afternoon session, but 3 x WBT and 1 salmon parr caught on trotted maggot. River was clear, but rising slightly.
Didn't really have time to search out the Grayling and a longer session would have done more justice to the beat.
T. G. from Bristol, Sunday 29 January, 2012
Beat: Upper Bigsweir (Booking Office), Rod Type: Coarse, No. Rods: 1
No catch.
D. S. from Clevedon, Sunday 29 January, 2012
Beat: Courtfield (Booking Office), Rod Type: Coarse, No. Rods: 1
Two sea trout [1lb and 2lb], one grayling 5oz, one chub 2lb. All fish caught on red maggot. The river was carrying extra snow melt water and going thru. Water temp was 4 degrees all day killing any hope of barbel. Really helpful advice from the owner and locals. Can't wait to get back in better conditions.
S. S. from Berkeley, Sunday 29 January, 2012
Beat: Sugwas Court (Booking Office), Rod Type: Coarse, No. Rods: 2
9 Chub & 1 WBT on maggot, bread and meat.
C. H. &. B. P. &. R. E. from South Wales, Saturday 28 January, 2012
Beat: How Caple Court (Booking Office), Rod Type: Coarse, No. Rods: 3
Our first visit to this stretch saw a bright, calm day with the birdsong broken only by the afternoon pheasant-shoot on the opposite bank. Comfortable conditions for fishermen but evidently not conducive to fish feeding, as the week’s wintry downpours had ensured the river was running high, coloured and very cold.
We had anticipated a challenging day and so it turned out.
An initial exploration of options resulted in one of us settling-in mid-beat and two in the lower section.
Despite the usual array of pellets, luncheon meat and cheese-paste, the fish proved elusive throughout the day, with only one, albeit beautifully conditioned Chub of 2lb 7oz, to show for all our efforts (taken on pellet in lower section by CH).
So R.E.’s quest for a first-ever Barbel continues!
Nevertheless, an enjoyable day in wonderful surroundings (possibly not so enjoyable for the pheasants!).
Thanks to Alison and in particular Adam for the very helpful conversation prior to booking.
Having endured a series of problems in recent months with prominent organisations such as Apple, Travelodge and Royal Caribbean, the ordering experience once again pleasantly reminded me that the customer-service offered by the WUF is truly first-class.
R. S. from Atherstone, Saturday 28 January, 2012
Beat: Middle Hill Court (Booking Office), Rod Type: Coarse, No. Rods: 1
One pike - 18lb 4oz, legered deadbait. Lost one pike est. 15lb. Great place to fish, I'll be back.
