Written By: Dr Stephen Marsh Smith
On Date: 29/3/2017
Trout Fishing & Upcoming Events 27th March 2017 The trout fishing season has got off to a good start in our area, despite the high flows that have persisted for most of March. The Taff in particular has been outstanding right from the off with 2lb+ fish in superb condition coming from that river in the first week of the season. When levels and temperatures have been right, the Usk too has produced some good catches and the hatches of March Browns and Large Dark Olives on the upper Wye have been impressive. Reports of Grannom are starting to come in from the Usk, a hatch no trout fisher should miss! Tributary fishing, as is usually the case, is taking a little while longer to get going although in the past week or so we've received some good reports from the upper Wye and Forest of Dean streams.
Oliver Burch's March report will cover the first month's trout fishing in much more detail but in the meantime, trout and grayling fly fishers might be interested in two upcoming events.....
Wild Streams Day, Saturday 13th May
Following the success of previous years' events, the Lugg and Arrow Fisheries Association (LAFA) and WUF will once again be holding a Wild Streams Open Day on Saturday 13th May. In a change to previous years, the day will be held at The Radnorshire Arms Hotel, Presteigne from which the upper Lugg and Arrow beats are only a short distance away.
The day will give participants the opportunity to enjoy the delights and challenges of fly-fishing for trout and grayling on small rivers, and to share experiences with fellow anglers and local enthusiasts in an informal setting.
The event will suit those anglers already able to cast who are looking to try small streams for the first time or those with some experience of this type of fishing who are looking to get more out of it. Novices or more experienced anglers are, of course welcome too! Several beats will also be blocked off for those wanting to put their new skills to the test on Sunday 15th.
Tenkara Day, Sunday 2nd July
Tenkara style fishing has become increasingly popular in the past few years and looking at the catch returns, it's quite effective too! Another Tenkara Fishing Day will be held on Sunday 26th June at the Caer Beris Manor Hotel in Builth Wells.
The day will give you the opportunity to learn about and get more out of Tenkara in the upper Wye catchment with practical demonstrations and talks, followed by some guided fishing. This event will suit a range of skills and experience.
For those without their own kit, Angus Campbell of Tenkara Centre UK will again be on hand to supply you with the fishing gear required.
More information.....
The cost for both events is £35.00 per person (£45.00 to include the additional Sunday fishing for the Wild Streams Day). Please note that you will need to bring your own waders (preferably chest waders), polaroid glasses and packed lunch. Those attending the Wild Streams Day will also need to bring a small brook rod, ideally 6 to 8 foot, 2 to 4 weight.
technique at last year's event.
Anyone interested in either event can call the Booking Office on 01874 712 074 to reserve their place. For more information on both of these events, please click here.
Finally, there are still one or two places remaining for the Spey casting courses on 22-23 and 29-30th April 2017. For more details, please click here.
All the best from WUF.
Wye & Usk Foundation Newsletter