Wye & Usk Foundation News Update

A surprising number of salmon have been seen and a couple caught in the upper Wye during the past week, despite the prevailing low water conditions. Pwll-y-Faedda got off the mark with a 25lb fish, and the Nyth also had their first of the season. Other fish were reported lost at Pwll-y-Faedda, Ty-Newydd and the Rectory. It does seem there is a chance of a salmon at the top end, particularly if we are to have any more small rises in levels. Otherwise, catches have been largely confined to the lower river and will probably continue to be until the next significant rainfall, which is forecast for the middle of next week. The lower beats on the Usk are picking away.

The blustery weather conditions have made trout fishing difficult at times but whenever it has eased sport has been excellent on both rivers. On the Usk, the Dinas and Abercynrig beat and Glanusk Estate water have both produced impressive trout catches in the past week. The main stem of the upper Wye and some of the tributaries (the Monnow in particular) are also fishing well. Hawthorns and olives are the predominant hatches, although the first of the mayflies are now starting to appear. If you want to see what flies are working and where…. www.wyeuskfoundation.org/fishing/feedback.php

Those venturing out on the Roving Voucher scheme this weekend need to be aware of a fund raising event on the Monnow & tributaries, which means that beats R32 to R42 will be closed this weekend, reopening Monday 11th May.

In other news, the Foundation has been continuing the liming work to correct acidity problems in the upper Wye and Irfon catchments. We have also begun a project to reduce the impact of damaging gravel extraction in the Wye and Usk catchments. Should anyone come across an extraction site during their travels (or any invasive weeds) we would be very interested to hear about it. If possible, please take photos and make a note of the location (grid reference preferably). There is always a chance that it is a new site or one we just haven’t heard about.

All the best from the Foundation.
Booking Office: www.wyeuskfoundation.org/fishing/obs/bookingoffice.php or 01982 551520