Wye & Usk Foundation News Friday 17th March, 2006.

With both the Wye and Usk falling and clearing after several days of snow, and rain, those that are able to withstand the somewhat harsh wintry conditions will find both rivers in good fettle for the weekend. Then again, those of you with a more delicate constitution can always follow our Deputy Director’s lead in borrowing a pair of his wife’s tights to combat the cold on his first salmon foray…….at least that was the reason he gave us.

Conditions should be right for salmon fishing from today on the upper Wye and much of the Usk. Several fish have been seen on the upper Wye during the high water of the past week. No news of the first fish from the Usk yet but there’s every chance the river’s first salmon will be caught over the next few days. Please remember that both rivers require mandatory catch & release for salmon until June 16th. Spinner and fly are permitted on the Wye but it is Fly only on the Usk.

Early season trout fishing has also been affected by the low temperatures. The early afternoon olive hatch has been the most productive time to fish when trout have often succumbed to dries & emerging patterns, as well as traditional across and down. We have also heard of a few March Browns hatching on the Usk.

Anyone wanting to try for a spring salmon or for some early season trout should contact us on 01982 551 520 - cross-dressing isn’t compulsory though. We also have a few season rods still available and a couple of very reasonably priced places in a Lower Usk syndicate.

Finally, don’t forget to buy your new EA rod licence from the Foundation! Call us on the above number - by doing so, you ensure that any commission goes back into fishery work.