Cadora Backs

River level

The lowdown

• The beat includes the fly run at the head of Cadora Pool, with Alders Pool and the flat above Cadora also capable of holding fish. Plenty to have a poke about with.
• Low water is the name of the game here. The recommended Redbrook gauge level is 1 metre or less, with roughly 0.5 to 0.7 metres described as ideal.
• The riverbed is mostly big rocks, so take care. Wading is difficult and generally unnecessary for most of the beat.
• There can be a bit of a faff reaching Bakers Crib, where wading may be needed. It’s the exception rather than the rule.
• This isn’t generally classic fly water, apart from around Cadora Stream. When the river is clear enough, though, fish may respond well to the fly.
• The fly run at the head of Cadora Pool is the obvious place to concentrate your attention if conditions are bob on for fly fishing.
• In dry weather, a 4x4 can be driven along the length of the fishery. That makes getting between areas a good deal less painful.
• The beat is let exclusively to one salmon rod, with the booking allowing guests. One other salmon angler and one coarse angler are permitted under the arrangement.
• A guest coarse angler may fish the upstream half in season, and that section is double-bank fishing for the permitted coarse guest.
• Day-ticket anglers get use of a small hut with cooking facilities. Handy for a brew when the Wye is being a bit awkward.

Methods: Primarily salmon fishing, with fly worth a go when the water is clear enough, especially around Cadora Stream and the fly run. The coarse guest can fish the upstream half in season, with the beat’s rocky bed and difficult wading making bank-based approaches the sensible option.

Access & tickets

Tickets are marketed through The Wye & Usk Foundation’s Fishing Passport. A maximum of four tickets can be sold per day.

Fish the club names

The club doesn't list species for this stretch, so we haven't guessed.

Key rules

• National fishing byelaws must be followed.
• Salmon fishing is catch-and-release at all times.
• Dogs are allowed but must be kept under control.
• The beat operates a wash-off policy.
• Coarse fishing regulations also apply.
• The maximum number of salmon tickets per day is one.
• The fishery is let exclusively to one salmon rod; the booking permits the salmon angler to bring guests.
• One other salmon angler and one coarse angler are permitted under the beat arrangement.
• The guest coarse angler may fish the upstream half in season; this section is double-bank fishing for that permitted coarse guest.

Where it is