Atlantic Salmon
The Wye is traditionally known for its large spring fish of 20lbs+ and March, April and May are good months for them. Early season water levels are usually high enough to bring fish in from the estuary and they will disperse throughout the river, which can give sport to beats even above Builth Wells. Late May and June has a strong run of fish in the 9-16lb class along with the first of the grilse.
During July and August, low summer flows often restricts fishing to the beats downstream of Monmouth. However, any significant rainfall during the summer months will distribute the run of summer salmon and grilse to all parts of the river, giving the fly fisher perhaps the best opportunities of the season. June, May, July and October are the most productive months.
Autumn can bring fish on the take in most sections of the river. Ideally, a good flood is needed to flush the river out: thereafter rainfall will dictate where fish will most likely be found. The wetter it is, the further up river fish will travel. The Wye does not have many new fish in October but those present are good fly takers. Salmon stocks are steadily recovering after 30 years of decline.
In recent years the Usk has been the most productive salmon river in Wales. In 2004 and 2007 the catch exceeded 1,000 fish. The Usk is a good deal more dependent on adequate rainfall than the Wye. The season starts with a modest spring run from early April that builds into very productive summer fishing during late May and June. Rainfall and flow are critical in determining how far fish will travel with high water suiting the Abergavenny to Brecon area while lower flows confine consistent sport to the river below Abergavenny. The Usk has a much later run than the Wye and the chance of a fresh grilse fish or summer fish is good right up to the end of the season. September and October are the most productive months and often account for 50% of the annual catch. The Usk has some classic fly water although spinner and bait are allowed at certain times. In wet years, 2007 for example, large numbers of fish can be present upstream of Brecon before the end of the season but in most years the best of the salmon fishing is to be found from Crickhowell downstream. The best months are usually October, September, June and July.
Season: 3rd March to 17th October (inclusive)
on both rivers. Some areas of the Wye system have an extended season to 25th October - Rivers Irfon, Ithon and the main Wye above Llanwrthwl.
3rd March to 15th June - Mandatory Catch & Release on both rivers. Voluntary C&R from June 16th until end of season.
3rd March to 31st August - Spinning and Fly Fishing only on the Wye.
16th June to 31st August - Spinner, fly and natural baits allowed on the Usk.
1st September to end of season - Fly Fishing only on the Wye, Fly and spinner on Usk
