Wye & Usk Foundation News Update 1st May 07

Despite both rivers reaching levels usually associated with a summer drought, there has been some excellent trout fishing in recent days on main river beats. The smaller streams have been more challenging but a stealthy approach with a small rod has given some excellent rewards.

Good numbers of Hawthorn flies have been reported and, with a bit of wind to help put them on the water, the trout are taking the artificial readily. Along with a scattering of various olives, the Hawthorns have encouraged decent rises from about 10am onwards. Small nymphs have also accounted for plenty of fish, as have spider patterns. Perhaps as a response to the incredibly warm and dry April, there have also been several reports of small mayfly hatches - a full month early! The fish are not yet taking them but as numbers continue to build, there will be some excellent sport on those rivers blessed with a hatch, including the Llynfi Dulas, Edw, Lugg & Arrow, main Usk and Wye etc.

Although both catchments are in desperate need of some fresh water, trout fishing prospects still look very good. Salmon fishing, on the other hand, will be limited to the very lowest beats until rain arrives.

May and June is generally the busiest time for many Wye and Usk fisheries. The trout fishing is at its peak and the shad usually start turning up in the second or third week of May. If you are thinking about a day or two on one of our Booking Office beats it would be advisable to plan in advance – call us on the usual number….01982 551 520.

At this time of year it is quite common for trout anglers to catch salmon smolts, especially on small dry flies and nymphs. If you do happen to catch one, please be aware that they are extremely delicate at this stage of their lives. It is best to try to remove the hook without touching them at all but if you do have to handle one, ensure you wet your hands first. If you start to catch a few from one spot, we request you try another part of your beat.

We are excited to report that the first Wye & Usk Foundation river webcam is now up and running. Now you can check water height and clarity on the upper Wye before you visit, something that is essential for all anglers. Please see… http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/conditions/waterheights.php
Another webcam will soon be installed on the middle Wye around Hereford and there are plans to do likewise on the Usk. We hope you find them of use.

Finally, on Tuesday May 29th we are running, in conjunction with the Guardian Hay Festival, a river walk where we hope to show progress with our restoration work and see some of the problems. The trip also coincides with the spawning of the sea lamprey and the run of shad. We will be looking at the spawning sites for the lamprey and hopefully seeing a shad caught. Anyone interested should contact the Hay Festival team on 0870 990 1299 or see their website - http://www.hayfestival.com