Atlantic Salmon
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.
The Wye is traditionally known for its large spring fish and March, April
and May are good months to try for them. Early season water levels are usually
high enough to bring fish in from the estuary and disperse throughout the
river, which can give sport to beats as far up as Builth Wells. Late May
and June sees a strong run of fish in the 9-16lb class along with the first
of the grilse.
During July and August low summer flows usually restricts sport to the first
half a dozen beats upstream of the estuary at this time. Any significant rainfall
during the summer months can set off a run of grilse and summer salmon providing
the middle and upper river with good sport.
The onset of autumn usually sees an increase in angler numbers wishing to try their luck before the season end. Again, the fishing depends entirely on water flows although dropping temperatures in October can stir up the fish. October often sees the most productive fishing on the upper river but most of the fish will be coloured.
In recent years the Usk has been the most productive salmon river in Wales and 2004 saw an estimated 2000 fish taken. The Usk is a good deal more dependent on adequate rainfall than the Wye. The season starts with a spring run from early April that builds into very productive summer fishing during May and June for double figure salmon. The best section of river is determined by flows with high water suiting the Abergavenny to Brecon area whilst lower flows confine consistent sport to the river below Llanover. 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, with September and October seeing heavy runs of fresh fish and often 50% of the annual catch taken. The Usk has some classic fly water although spinner and bait are allowed as per local byelaws. In wet years, 1988 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.
