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River level

The lowdown

• This is proper parkland Wye fishing, with Courtfield mansion sitting above the beat. The setting has a bit of history too, being associated with King Henry V’s childhood.
• The beat runs for approximately three-quarters of a mile, with the river generally within about 100 yards of the parking area. Bob on for carrying tackle without a huge faff.
• Parking is at the access gate, and the river’s bottom end can now be reached by vehicle for tackle drop-off. Don’t block the gate, though — access needs to stay clear.
• The access hill is steep, so take care getting down, especially with a barrow or a load of gear. The bottom end is within roughly 150 yards of parking or the drop-off point.
• Named areas include Legg Meadow, Legg Meadow Crib and Wood Crib, plus Boat Pool, Willow Run, Ferry Pool and Island Pool. There’s plenty to explore rather than just one obvious swim.
• Waterscross Pool is noted for salmon and barbel. Elsewhere, expect the classic Wye mix of gravel shallows, deeper pools and salmon runs, with coarse and game water side by side.
• Barbel and chub are named coarse fish, with dace and pike also associated with the water. Pike fishing itself is currently prohibited, so don’t bring the lures for a cheeky pike session.
• Salmon fishing is available in season and under the relevant regulations, with salmon catches described as a feature of the beat. All fishing is catch-and-release, and the surrounding Courtfield water can produce specimen fish.
• Coarse anglers get a maximum of four tickets per day, and maggots are allowed here from 16 June to 14 September under the beat’s special dispensation. Dogs are fine, but keep them under control.

Methods: For coarse fish, trotting or feeder work around the glides, gravel and deeper pools should suit the varied water. Salmon fishing is available in season, subject to the rules and regulations.

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, pike

Key rules

• Catch-and-release applies to all species.
• Follow national fishing byelaws.
• Pike fishing is prohibited.
• Salmon fishing is only available subject to season and regulations.
• The beat operates a wash-off policy.
• Dogs are allowed but must be kept under control.
• Professional guides are not permitted to operate on the water.
• Publicity on social media, forums and magazines requires prior approval.
• Maggots are permitted from 16 June to 14 September under the beat’s dispensation.
• Maximum four coarse tickets per day.

Where it is