Hoarwithy — Red Rail Fishery

River level

The lowdown

• The beat starts below the campsite field and runs upstream-to-downstream to above Valentine Cottage, near the lower parking layby. It’s a compact 500-metre job, not a huge wander.
• You’re fishing the right-hand bank when facing downstream. The top end is reached through a gateway and kissing gate near Pear Tree Cottage, then along the public right of way.
• The lower section means crossing a privately owned field. Sheep may be about, so take care and don’t go charging through like a bull in a china shop.
• It’s coarse fishing only here. The club names barbel, chub, dace, roach, pike, eel and grayling among the fish present or targeted across the fishery.
• With only four rods permitted each day, this should suit anglers after a quieter session rather than a packed bank. Get the booking sorted before setting off.
• The club describes the water as prime coarse fishing on the Wye. That makes it one for working the river properly, looking for the crease, steadier edges and any likely holding water.
• Barbel are specifically named as a target species, while chub, dace and roach give you options for a trotting or feeder approach. Pike are also listed, though the stretch remains coarse fishing only.
• Parking is in two designated laybys beside the main road. Pull tight to the verge and keep the road clear — no daft parking that causes a proper faff for passing traffic.
• The map gives postcode HR2 6QR and marks Hoarwithy, Tresseck Campsite, Pear Tree Cottage and Valentine Cottage. The official pages don’t confirm night fishing, so don’t assume it’s allowed.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: For barbel, a feeder or simple legered approach is the obvious starting point, while trotting can be bob on for dace, roach and chub if the flow is behaving. Keep mobile and fish the crease, glides and steadier edges rather than chucking blind all day.

Access & tickets

Book in advance through the Merthyr Tydfil Angling Alliance booking system. MTAA offers weekly permits and guest tickets, with no tickets sold at the venue.

Fish the club names

barbel, chub, roach, pike, eel, chub

Key rules

• Coarse fishing only.
• Maximum capacity is four rods per day.
• Fishing must be booked in advance through the club’s online booking system.
• Permits must be purchased before fishing starts.
• Tickets cannot be purchased at the venue.
• Guest tickets require sponsorship by a full MTAA member.
• Access to the lower section is across a privately owned field; take care because sheep may be present.
• Use the public right of way and kissing gate near Pear Tree Cottage for top-of-beat access.
• Park only in the two designated laybys, close to the verge, without obstructing the main road.
• Night-fishing permission is not stated on the official pages.

Where it is