Ross-on-Wye — Lower Benhall (Duchy of Cornwall — Robert Pashley water)

River level

The lowdown

• This is a continuation of the club’s Upper Benhall stretch, with access available from both ends. A proper useful bit of Wye if you fancy quieter water.
• Most of the stretch is deeper, so expect steady glides and more depth than the shallower water opposite the rowing club. Worth having a good look before settling on a swim.
• The club describes Lower Benhall as underfished. That always makes it worth exploring rather than piling straight into the first obvious peg.
• There are specimen barbel in the stretch, with chub reported to 6 lb 10 oz. A cracking target for a feeder or a bit of careful trotting when conditions are right.
• The wider species list includes bream, brown trout, dace, eel, perch, pike, roach, salmon and sea trout, alongside barbel and chub. A proper mixed Wye ticket, then.
• Autumn and winter are specifically highlighted for pike and perch. Look for the slower, deeper areas and fish sensibly as the river gains a bit of colour.
• Coarse fishing runs from 16 June through 14 March inclusive. That gives you plenty of season for barbel, chub and the rest of the coarse mix.
• Access is via Benhall Lane car park near Wilton, the A40 bridge lay-by, or the Wilton Bridge lay-by and footpath. From the car park, follow the marked route, stile and hedge line.
• The car-park gate is locked, with the combination issued to current members. Stick exactly to the club’s access route so the farmer isn’t disturbed. No dogs, fires or night fishing either.

Methods: Feeder work and trotting look the natural starting points for the deeper glides and barbel water. In autumn and winter, switch your attention to pike and perch in the slower, deeper areas.

Access & tickets

Pick up a day ticket from a patrolling club bailiff on the bank. The club also lists Badger’s Bait, the White Lion pub and Riverside Cafe as ticket sellers.

Fish the club names

carp, tench, bream, pike, perch, barbel, trout, roach, chub, eel

Key rules

• Coarse fishing is permitted from 16 June through 14 March inclusive.
• No night fishing; leave no later than one hour after sunset.
• Dogs are not allowed on the Benhall stretch.
• Fires are prohibited on the riverbank and adjoining fields.
• Boat fishing is prohibited, except for accredited salmon anglers at Weirend, not Lower Benhall.
• Carry a current membership card and Environment Agency rod licence.
• Fish only one peg at a time, and do not leave baited rods unattended.
• Follow the exact marked access route to avoid disturbing the farmer.

Where it is