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

River level

The lowdown

• The lower end is deeper stuff immediately above the A40 Bridstow Bridge. A good bit of water to have a poke around, especially when the river’s carrying a touch of colour.
• Upstream, the character changes nicely. Expect pools, shallow runs and streamy sections, with typical depths around 1 to 2 metres and deeper holes dotted about.
• The Wall is the standout feature. It averages roughly 2 metres, with deeper holes scoured out by the current. The club calls it a productive salmon spot.
• Barbel, chub and large pike are the headline coarse targets. There are also bream, brown trout, dace, eel, grayling, perch, roach and salmon present.
• The club reports occasional grayling and a 10-pound common bream from the stretch. So it’s not just a barbel-and-chub job — there are a few cheeky surprises in there.
• Fly or spinner fishing is allowed for salmon across Upper Benhall. The Wall has produced salmon up to 28 pounds in past seasons, which is proper river sport.
• For coarse anglers, the varied flow gives you options: trotting the runs, working the creases or feeder fishing the deeper holes. Barbel and chub are the obvious targets.
• There’s a walk from the car park to the top of the stretch, with fishing available both upstream and downstream from the access point. Worth allowing a bit of time for the wander.
• Access is via Benhall Lane car park in Wilton, near the A40 roundabout. The track turns to grass and gravel near Benhall Farm, and the car park is about 100 metres from the right fork.
• Stick rigidly to the signed route from the car park. That includes a five-bar gate and a stile about 150 metres along the path — no shortcuts, as the club is keen not to disturb the farmer.

Methods: A cracking all-round Wye stretch for trotting, feeder work and fishing the deeper holes for barbel, chub, bream and pike. Salmon anglers can use fly or spinner, with The Wall the obvious place to investigate.

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

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

Key rules

• Coarse season runs from 16 June through 14 March inclusive.
• All anglers must carry the relevant current Environment Agency rod licence.
• Members must carry their club membership card while fishing.
• Dogs are not allowed on the Benhall stretch.
• Boat fishing is prohibited, except for accredited salmon anglers at Weirend.
• Gates must be closed, and anglers must not damage fences or crops.
• No fires or litter. Baited rods must not be left unattended.
• Anglers must follow the exact signed access route from the car park. The club may close its waters during unsuitable river conditions.

Where it is