Wyastone Leys

River level

The lowdown

• The beat mixes open-field stretches with tree-lined sections, so there’s a fair bit to explore rather than one uniform run.
• The river carries expansive, weedy runs. Look for the crease, gaps in the ranunculus and quieter water tucked under the willows.
• Chub are properly highlighted here, with abundant fish among the ranunculus and overhanging willows. A trotted bait or light feeder approach should suit those swims.
• Barbel numbers are described as exceptional, including double-figure fish. When the river has a bit of colour, it’s a good-looking setup for a robust feeder approach.
• Dace and roach are also named as target species, giving you lighter sport when you fancy something more delicate than barbel gear.
• The mix of weed, flow and cover means the water should offer plenty of different lines to try. Don’t just hammer the obvious slack; work the edges of the faster runs too.
• There are a maximum of four tickets per day, which keeps pressure nicely limited and gives the mile-plus beat room to breathe.
• Evening fishing is allowed from 5pm, but only on evening tickets available between 16 June and 31 August. These can be bought after 1pm on the fishing day.
• Maggots are permitted by dispensation from 16 June to 14 September. All fishing is catch-and-release, so handle everything carefully and get it swimming smartly.
• No pike fishing, no dogs and no night fishing. Fishing runs only through the permitted period until one hour after sunset, so pack up before dark rather than having a cheeky late one.

Methods: Trotting and light feeder work look bang on for the dace, roach and chub, while a stronger feeder setup suits the exceptional barbel. Pick apart the ranunculus, willow cover and flowing channels rather than fishing every swim the same way.

Access & tickets

Guest tickets must be purchased by a current Full Member, who must accompany the guest. The membership page lists Full Membership at £190 plus a first-year joining fee of £150, but the rules page still quotes £175 — confirm the subscription before paying.

Fish the club names

chub, barbel, roach, perch

Key rules

• Catch-and-release applies to all species.
• No dogs are allowed.
• Pike fishing is not permitted.
• National Environment Agency byelaws must be followed.
• The beat operates a wash-off policy.
• Maggot use is permitted by dispensation from 16 June to 14 September.
• Evening fishing is permitted from 5pm, with evening tickets available between 16 June and 31 August.
• Professional guides may not operate on the water.
• Publicity on social media, forums and magazines requires prior approval.

Where it is