Thomas Wood

River level

The lowdown

• This is private-estate fishing within the Courtfield Estate, with the beat ticketed through The Fishing Passport and operated by the Wye & Usk Foundation.
• The stretch is over a mile long, so there’s plenty of water to explore rather than feeling boxed into a handful of pegs.
• Expect a mix of wooded banks and more open meadow sections. One minute you’re tucked into cover; the next you’ve got a more open swim in front of you.
• The lower end reaches the small confluence of Bishopswood Brook. That sort of junction is well worth a proper look, especially when the river has a bit of colour or extra push.
• Barbel are the headline fish here. Chub are present too, including large chub, so a feeder approach or careful work around the crease could be bob on.
• Trout, grayling and salmon are also present. It’s a varied bit of river, with plenty to keep you interested as conditions and seasons change.
• Vehicle access is available, with bankside parking at the access gate. You can drive equipment close to your swim, which saves a fair bit of faff, although the track can be unsuitable in some conditions.
• There are only four coarse tickets available per day, so the stretch should have a nicely uncrowded feel. The setting is a proper blend of meadow, woodland and wild fishing.
• Maggots are allowed under a fishery-specific dispensation from 16 June to 14 September. All species are catch and release, and an online catch return is compulsory after fishing.
• Dogs are welcome but must stay under control. No pike fishing is permitted, professional guides cannot operate on the water, and publicity needs prior approval. The beat also runs a wash-off policy.

Methods: Barbel and chub look the obvious targets, with feeder work and careful fishing around creases, deeper water and the Bishopswood Brook confluence worth considering. Trotting may suit the more open glides when the flow and depth allow.

Access & tickets

Day tickets are booked through the Wye & Usk Foundation’s Fishing Passport booking page. Season rods are available separately through the Fishing Passport scheme.

Fish the club names

barbel, chub, trout, bream, pike, perch

Key rules

• Catch and release applies to all species.
• National byelaws must be observed.
• No pike fishing is permitted.
• Dogs are allowed but must be kept under control.
• An online catch return is compulsory after fishing.
• Professional guides are not permitted to operate on the water.
• Publicity on social media, forums and magazines requires prior approval.
• The beat operates a wash-off policy.
• Maggot use is permitted under a fishery-specific dispensation from 16 June to 14 September.

Where it is