Bredwardine — Red Lion (The Moccas Fishery)

River level

The lowdown

• This is scenic, peaceful Wye fishing in the central Wye Valley, with the river right beside The Red Lion Hotel.
• The hotel provides access to approximately eight miles of River Wye fishing, although day-ticket anglers have access to around one mile of pegs.
• Barbel are the headline act here. The usual fish are stated at 4–9 lb, with larger double-figure fish present too. Proper fish, then.
• The river offers plenty to go at: fast gravel runs, deep pools, slower glides, red-bedrock areas, ledges and holding pools.
• Barbel are the principal target, but chub, bream, carp, dace, bleak, roach and pike are also named as present.
• The coarse-fishing season runs from 16 June to 14 March. That gives you plenty of time for trotting, feeder work and fishing the crease.
• When the river has a bit of colour and the barbel are on the munch, a feeder approach into a deeper pool or the tail of a glide is the obvious starting point.
• Quieter water, ledges and holding pools are worth a look when the flow eases. Tackle needs to be sensible around barbel and the rocky features.
• Individual anglers, small parties and larger groups are welcome. Hotel guests can get special group rates and access to four miles of river.
• Salmon and grilse fishing is also described, with a separate season running from 4 March to 17 October. Visitor dogs are not permitted on the fishery.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: For barbel, feeder work into the deeper pools, tails of glides and holding water looks bob on, while trotting suits the faster gravel runs when conditions allow. All EA-permitted baits are allowed, with barbless or micro-barbed hooks required.

Access & tickets

Contact The Red Lion Hotel, Bredwardine, for fishing enquiries and permits. Day and weekly permits are available; limited season tickets are issued each year, with existing season-ticket holders receiving priority.

Fish the club names

barbel, chub, bream, carp, roach, pike, trout

Key rules

• All anglers must hold a current Environment Agency rod licence.
• Barbless or micro-barbed hooks must be used at all times.
• All EA-permitted baits are allowed.
• Barbel and carp must not be kept in keepnets.
• Visitor dogs are not permitted on the fishery.
• Coarse fishing is permitted from 16 June to 14 March.
• Salmon fishing is permitted from 4 March to 17 October.

Where it is