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Wye and Usk Foundation Update
Thursday 26 January, 2012
Thank you so much to all those who were kind enough to write in response to our last email. Responses will of course be treated as having been sent in strict confidence. While it remains WUF’s right to defend ourselves against unfair, undue or untrue criticism, it is of course for the editor or editorial board to appoint its staff or contributors but ultimately for the readers to make their choice of magazine. To answer one point raised, I don’t believe Trout and Salmon resort to inciting controversy to sell magazines!
Monday was the last day for submission of responses on how DCWW (Welsh Water) manage the future of water resources in Wales including the Wye and Usk. These replies and the original consultation document will be found at http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/news/noticeboard.php with two papers setting out how WUF believes the abstraction and regulation should be managed to avoid us falling foul of the EUs Habitats Directive. Our view is that the abstraction/regulation scheme on either river is simply not fit for purpose. However, it’s important to be able to demonstrate this and crucially, we have been able to suggest ways in which releases on the Wye can be improved without necessarily incurring additional costs and even bringing some savings.
It has been in preparation for a very long time: On the Wye, our consultant John Lawson has used historic records to show under what circumstances salmon migrate ….or don’t and how flows may be released so that migration can be encouraged. On the Usk, trustee Dr Guy Mawle, a former Usk fisheries, officer has taken a very critical look at the existing regime and presses for immediate changes. The Usk may in addition be suffering with problems getting its smolts out to sea from a series of low spring flows made worse by abstraction.
One of the problems we face in getting the message across to the authorities is stripping out the perception that it is just another scheme to catch more fish. It isn’t: if fish fail to migrate from estuary to river, there will be serious losses and in a river that is 150 miles long
such as the Wye, salmon need to be well upstream before cold or low water prevents them accessing their natal stream. The documents are there for those that take a keen interest in this important aspect of river management while there are summaries that give some of the overall picture for our busier supporters.
Now to the rivers: Both have experienced what is best described as patchy rain but so far- I’m always nervous writing this -no serious downpours. They are now rising and falling gently with each patch of rain. This has encouraged grayling fishers to get amongst them in the Irfon, Arrow and Lugg and main Wye. With temperatures over 10° C even at night, fly fishing has been possible. Further downstream, below Hereford, chub and even barbel have featured but it’s taking a bit longer for levels to drop after each rain event. Please see reports. There have also been reports of some big pike topped by a fish of 39lbs from Hereford Town water.
Finally, there are a number of season rods available this year. Wyesham may already be filled but Chain Bridge, Llanover, Dinas and Abercynrig and the Breconshire fishery are some of those available on the Usk. On the Wye: Cefnllysgwynne, Rectory/Gromain, Whitney Court. Please contact the Office.
You can now follow The Wye & Usk Foundation on Twitter @WUFoundation. When you log in, you can see what the latest updates are and Twitter offers you updates via text messages directly to your mobile phone! Learn about Foundation news, beats opening and rod availability in an instant.
The Wye and Usk Foundation
The Irfon project, ISAC has its own website which can be accessed via our projects page or http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/isac/ for those who want to know more about our flagship project
Angler’s reports: http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/fishing/feedback.php Agency Hotline: 0800807060 Rainfall at Erwood 3.25” 2012 (29” 2011)
Bookings and availability: http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/fishing/booking_office/ 01982 560788 Twitter: @WUFoundation
Wednesday 18 January, 2012
Wye and Usk Foundation Update - Time for change?
For more years than I can remember, Trout and Salmon magazine has informed the game fishing world with top quality articles, features and comprehensive river reports. The latter are compiled by locals – anglers, tackle shop owners, fishery officers and ghillies. The reporting network stretches from Land’s End to John O’Groats and come rain or shine, a continuum of reliable information about the nation’s trout, grayling and salmon fishing is available every month.
In February’s edition the Wye correspondent begins with an apology for what he described in the November edition as….”the latest act of vandalism by the Wye and Usk Foundation”. The apology stems (so it seems) from the fact that he hadn’t troubled himself to check the facts before rushing to print. This is just the latest in a series of negative jibes, innuendo and downright untruths in his vendetta against the Foundation – one in which we feel he has gone too far on many occasions.
Trout and Salmon rely heavily on their local network of reporters to be fair, honest and truthful. After the best part of a decade of denigrating the Wye itself, the Foundation…. and in fact anyone who has been brave enough to stick their head above the parapet and actually do something or hold an opinion that runs contrary to his; is it not now, time for a change?
The Wye has more than its fair share of problems but does it really help to have this continuous stream of negativity? It doesn’t reflect the enormous support and goodwill the Foundation and partners receive. We fully accept the need for on-going debate about what should and can be done for the river. But that debate is debased and smothered by resorting to untruths and personal invective. We expect there are plenty of people out there who love the river and are up to speed with what’s happening but above all can give an unbiased view. What about giving someone else the job of reporting on the Wye?
We would be very interested in your views on this
The Wye and Usk Foundation
The Irfon project, ISAC has its own website which can be accessed via our projects page or http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/isac/ for those who want to know more about our flagship project
Angler’s reports: http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/fishing/feedback.php
Agency Hotline: 0800807060 Rainfall at Erwood 2.5” 2012 (29” 2011)
Wye and Usk Foundation Update
Wednesday 4 January, 2012
Welcome to 2012 and how different it has been to last year..... so far. Christmas day in Erwood reached a warm 14.5° C, some 38.5°C higher than twelve months earlier! Since then the rain has fallen with scarcely a pause. At last we start the year with most of the water ‘overdraft’ paid off.
We wouldn’t have been surprised if no one had ventured out but to prove us wrong, several hardy souls have braved the weather to catch grayling from the Irfon and chub from various beats on the main Wye. As the water table has risen, it is taking longer for each spate to go down and may deter even the hardiest for a day or so. A frost would help to drop flows and allow the pike fishers some sport.
The 2012 Passport is nearing completion and there are some exciting new beats. Just like Christmas, it’s sometimes hard to keep a secret but I will try! They include: two major salmon beats on the Wye; One on the Usk and two mixed fisheries on the Wye plus a new section ‘Hidden Lakes’ - small and unspoilt places. The Passport and 2012 newsletter will be with you by mid/late February we hope.
Louis was out marking trees and saw what was probably one of the last redds of the season on the Garth Dulas. The colour and height has curtailed redd counting early this year, but clearly it has been a rather better year. Although the water was still low during November and December, there was enough to push fish upstream and we are pleased to report salmon and trout seen as far up as Kington on the Arrow. Who knows how far they will have continued here and on the Lugg where the new Presteigne fish pass could have taken them into the excellent spawning in Wales.
All the best from
The Wye and Usk Foundation
Wye and Usk Foundation Update
Tuesday 20 December, 2011
The great talking point here is that the celebrated log has gone! Sitting opposite the Heirag at Gromain for the best part of 10 months, it must have felt secure and at home..... then it just slipped anchor and overnight left us with no ceremony, no goodbyes. That’s what 7’ of flood water does and clearly most of our catchment is more than just rehydrated. Much water under the bridge...but still not everywhere: parts of south Hereford like the Garren have barely moved.
For the time being, this has brought fishing to a complete standstill and may be so until the floods abate. So we take this opportunity to wish you all the best of Christmas and New Year’s holiday and thank you for supporting the Foundation in so many different ways over the past year....
Our very best wishes for 2012.
Wye and Usk Foundation Update
Tuesday 6 December, 2011
The salmon spawning season is now well underway in both Usk and Wye. We have been out redd counting to see how far upstream fish have managed to get in what amounts to a low water year. Following several years of fish pass construction it’s always a relief to find fish upstream of them, so it is with some relief we can report redds above Pembridge on the Arrow with fish seen as far upstream as Kington on both the Back brook and the Arrow itself. The problem river is the Monnow which simply refuses to get wet!
Our Deputy Director, Simon checked the Rhiangoll and Crawnon (Usk) – quite a walk up the latter. He found a redd near the top of the Crawnon and several further down showing that some fish made it over the passes and the plethora of natural falls, despite modest flows. Rhiangoll is now a reliable site for spawning. We hope to give an overview after the main activity has ceased.
Elsewhere, the mid and lower Irfon, Cammarch, Garth Dulas, Hirnant and Chwefru has enjoyed a much increased level of spawning as did the usual sites on the main stem of the Wye.
Fishing continues mainly for Grayling in the Lugg Irfon and upper Wye and some good bags continue to be reported. This is the first week that no barbel have been taken – its December after all! Chub and dace still featuring though. Those after pike will be looking forward to a frost ....but shouldn’t have to wait long – the Black mountains were white yesterday morning
Those with 2011 Vouchers would be advised to use them soon before they expire: they can be used on booking office beats. 2012 Vouchers are now on sale and make ideal Christmas presents
Prospects: This time last year it was easy to predict – it was frozen over! At present the Wye is dropping but Lugg and Irfon are fishing extremely well. The main Wye will do better when it has shed a few inches. Enjoy it while you can but suggest not starting too early in the day – fish get more lively as time of day progresses.
The Irfon project, ISAC has its own website which can be accessed via our projects page or http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/isac/ for those who want to know more about our flagship project
Angler’s reports: http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/fishing/feedback.php
Agency Hotline: 0800807060 Rainfall at Erwood 24” so far in 2011
All the best from the Wye & Usk Foundation.
Wye and Usk Foundation Update
Thursday 17 November, 2011
I admit it – I am a weather ‘anorak’, waiting to see what’s happening each day; looking at forecasts with the same sort of enthusiasm as the racing results or the stock exchange. November is proving to be as difficult as every other month this year: hottest, driest ever etc and following on the heels of April and October there will surely be a place for 2012 in the record books.
Radnorshire has finally had a couple of inches allowing the Lugg and Arrow to rise a foot or so. Irfon and Ithon came in with a couple of feet and a lot of colour but quite unexpectedly, the main Wye at Pumlumon missed it so yet again the river fired on just “three cylinders” and there was no grand spate. We are getting fed up with looking at the same log which arrived in March!
We have found redds in the Irfon catchment and relieved to hear of salmon ascending the Arrow but high temperatures and low flows is delaying activity. One decent flood should do it followed by a few nights of frost.
One of the signs of higher water temperatures is that barbel are still featuring in catches together with chub dace and pike. Grayling fishing has been very good at times when levels have been in order. Irfon, Upper Wye and Lugg are all fishing well.
Work continues: The Usk team are just finishing coppicing and fencing on the Mensagin – an important spawning tributary in need of restoration; the Irfon team are finishing the South Dulas before moving onto the Garth Dulas; Lugg and Arrow team are fencing the Hindwell having just finished six more fish passes in the two catchments. Now we wait for more water to see if they work
The Irfon project, ISAC has its own website which can be accessed via our projects page or http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/isac/ for those who want to know more about our flagship project
The Lugg and Arrow (LAFA) newsletter is now available at: http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/news/downloads/RLAFA_Newsletter_Autumn_2011.pdf the piece on the 109 mile litter pick spells out the enthusiasm of this association.
Events: The Autumn River Walk on 27th November - just a few places left , please contact the office. We hope to show fish either ascending fish passes or actually spawning. Details may be found at http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/news/events.php
Angler’s reports: http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/fishing/feedback.php
Agency Hotline: 0800807060 Rainfall at Erwood 22 ½ ” so far in 2011
All the best from the Wye & Usk Foundation.
Bookings and availability: http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/fishing/booking_office/ 01982 560788
Wye and Usk Foundation Update
Sunday 30 October, 2011
Ugh! – Winter time today. Those animals that hibernate have the right idea but it’s a very important time for the two rivers and particularly those fish that migrate upstream for spawning – salmon and trout. Crucially, we need to ensure free passage to all the tributaries. The first big flood will do its best to stop this: filling fish passes with debris and blocking streams wherever possible. So it’s our job to patrol the 1000 odd miles and keep them open.
Many thanks to all those who came to our end of season meeting in Hereford and to all those who troubled to write who weren’t able to make it. Nearly 90 people heard talks on our fish passage progress and about the Irfon project – ISAC. As further data comes to hand we will use our newsletter to display results.
The Lugg and Arrow (LAFA) newsletter http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/news/downloads/RLAFA_Newsletter_Autumn_2011.pdf can now be downloaded. The piece on the 109 mile litter pick spells out the enormous enthusiasm of this Association.
Fishing has been confined to coarse and grayling and between mini-spates the results have continued to be encouraging, especially the Irfon
Events: The Autumn River Walk on 27th November 2011 continues to fill up and to guarantee a place, please contact the office. We hope to show fish either ascending fish passes or actually spawning. Details may be found at http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/news/events.php
Frank Williams will be running his second grayling course on the 5th November on the Upper Wye. Attending one of these days is highly recommended - spaces are limited and further information is available by contacting Frank through www.frankwilliamsflyfishing.co.uk or 07824 363376.
Angler’s reports: http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/fishing/feedback.php
Agency Hotline: 0800807060 Rainfall at Erwood 20” so far in 2011
All the best from the Wye & Usk Foundation.
Wye and Usk Foundation Update
Sunday 16 October, 2011
The temperature is dropping, leaves falling but so is the river. A flurry of action on the upper Wye showed that at least fish were moving upstream and with catches reported from the middle Wye as well as the lower beats, the suggestion is that there are more fish in the river than for some time. Over 800 have been reported to us so far on the Wye. Salmon have been reported from the Usk above Crickhowell – Glanusk, Dinas and Abercynrig but the bulk have been taken from lower down....Chain bridge doing very well in its first year for its new owner.
The final reckoning will show how badly low rainfall and low flows have affected catches. 2011 was a year with enough salmon to have given much more sport than the catch returns suggest. The concern now is to have enough water to get them to the spawning areas and also give the rivers a good clean out and wash through before spawning. In both Usk and Wye there will be many more available spawning sites this year.
As in our last report, Grayling fishing is doing much better in the tributaries and rivers that have received rain from the west - Irfon and main Wye. Downstream, barbel have been very cooperative judging from reports. Barbel fishing should continue for a week or so while the grayling will get even better provide water holds up.
Finally, may we draw your attention to the events listed below? Next Friday’s meeting will include a report on WUFs continued efforts to improve the rivers. Please book with the office if you would like to come....and we hope to see you in Hereford and our river walk in November (weather permitting!)
Events: 21st October: WUF General meeting, Three Counties Hotel Hereford
27th November Autumn River Walk. Details may be found at http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/news/events.php
Salmon blog and catches: http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/fishing/season_catch_report.php
Angler’s reports: http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/fishing/feedback.php
Agency Hotline: 0800807060 Rainfall at Erwood 18 ¼” so far in 2011
All the best from the Wye & Usk Foundation.
Bookings and availability: http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/fishing/booking_office/ 01982 560788
Wye and Usk Foundation Update
Saturday 1 October, 2011
There’s one absolutely infallible rule about weather forecasts in this catchment: if the prediction is not what we want, it’s nearly 100% accurate; if it looks as though we might get what we want; it is likely to be wrong! That’s been the pattern for most of the year, reporting on a day that will be a record high temperature for any day in October, immediately following the record highest 30th of September.
There’s also a tendency among salmon pundits to predict “ideal water” whenever the gauge reaches the perceived optimum fishing height. For most beats there has been an ‘ideal height’ at some time during the last 10 days but not the success with catches to match. What we now know, following several months of painstaking research on flows and salmon migration is that ‘ideal height’ needs to be preceded by some very un-ideal conditions, ie much higher flows.
This year the almost complete absence of input from Ithon, Edw, Lugg/Arrow and Monnow has meant that the occasional good flows from Llangurig (uppermost part of the Wye) and the Irfon both of which arise in naturally very wet catchments have amounted to very little by the time they have reached the estuary. Astute observers may have noticed the marked peaty colour showing even on the lowest beats. This is typical of water from the top of the Wye catchment, but in years of more normal flows drowned out by the greys and reds from the ‘dry’ tributaries...
So, however ideal fishing heights may have appeared, the vital stimulus from part of the catchment was missing and the salmon appear to have voted with their fins and attenuated their travels. What can be done about this? Water management remains crucial and in November, our consultant, John Lawson’s report on how well or otherwise flows are managed on the Wye for salmon is due for completion.
As to salmon catches, I think it true to say most beats were disappointed with the last rise on the Wye; Usk catches remain equally inconsistent. The common feature is that most fish have been caught in the lowest beats. The Wye total now exceeds 700. For those whose glass is half full, this is not too bad, considering the extremely low water conditions, while for those for whom it remains half empty, it’s not like the old days!
It’s not like the old days for barbel either: catches have been good for these relatively recent additions to Wye fish stocks and grayling fishing has been exceptional on the Irfon and upper main Wye as one might expect given the rainfall; the Ithon, Lugg and Arrow are a bit more testing with their lower flows. That will surely change with the next downpour. Please see link to reports below.
The trout season ended yesterday - a very mixed year with the smaller streams losing out to the larger main rivers where fishing overall was good.
Events: Frank Williams will be running his grayling courses the 22nd October and 5th November on the Upper Wye. Attending one of these days is highly recommended - spaces are limited and further information is available by contacting Frank through www.frankwilliamsflyfishing.co.uk or 07824 363376.
21st October: WUF General meeting, Three Counties Hotel Hereford
Autumn River Walk 27th November. Details may be found at http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/news/events.php
Salmon blog and catches: http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/fishing/season_catch_report.php
Angler’s reports: http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/fishing/feedback.php
Agency Hotline: 0800807060 Rainfall at Erwood 17 ½” to date in 2011 (Now substantially less than in 1976)
All the best from the Wye & Usk Foundation.
Bookings and availability: http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/fishing/booking_office/ 01982 560788
Wye and Usk Foundation Update
Monday 19 September, 2011
Quite a good week judging by the returns from all the fishing parishes. The headline must be that a salmon of 49” was caught at Llanover on the Usk, where fishing this month has been very productive. The big fish was taken by Dr Scott who incidentally, took the first fish of the year from the same fishery. During the week, Salmon have also been caught from WUF beats including Chain Bridge (Usk) Wyesham, Upper Redbrook Rectory, Gromain and Glanwye.
Trout, grayling, barbel and chub fishing has also been good – don’t take our word: please see the reports section using link below.
It’s a considerable task keeping all our beats ‘open’ for fishing. The Harp project has enabled many to be cleared. These include: Backney; How Caple Court; Middle Hill Court; Sugwas Court; Foy Bridge; Upper Clifford; Lower Ballingham and Abbeydore Court. This work will open up areas that were difficult to fish previously. We also hope to announce a few new fisheries joining the Booking Office in the next few weeks.
Tonight (20.00pm) another spate is falling away on the upper Wye and arriving at Monmouth while the Usk is settling nicely. As last week ....Our advice is to get to the rivers, whatever you favourite type of fishing may be – it will be much improved following a drop in temperature and rise in water levels. There aren’t many days left!
Salmon fishing may be booked up at many beats but Llanover has a few spare rods – contact Allyson at the booking Office
Events: Over 100 people attended our meeting in Builth and many stayed on to see our work with the ISAC project on site at the Irfon.
21st October: WUF General meeting, Three Counties Hotel Hereford
Autumn River Walk 27th November. Details may be found at http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/news/events.php
Salmon blog and catches: http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/fishing/season_catch_report.php
Angler’s reports: http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/fishing/feedback.php
Agency Hotline: 0800807060. Rainfall at Erwood 16 ½” so far in 2011
All the best from the Wye & Usk Foundation.
