Old Clytha

River level

The lowdown

• The beat runs for approximately 470 yards, or 400 metres, so there’s enough water to have a good wander without it turning into a full expedition.
• Fishing is from the left bank only. Parking is about 300 metres away, so there’s a short walk and not much faff once you’re on the bank.
• Croy Pool is the headline feature — a noted salmon catch and attractive fly water. Worth giving it proper attention if there’s a bit of colour in the river.
• Much of the rest is a long, shallow-ish glide. It’s described as lovely trout water and is generally practical for wading.
• The glide is the sort of place to watch for rising trout, with fly tackle and a careful approach likely to be the order of the day.
• At the top of the beat there’s a deeper pool holding larger trout. That extra depth gives you a different swim from the shallow water below.
• The upper pool can also be fished for salmon with a spinner, where national byelaws allow. Salmon fly fishing is permitted too.
• This is a handy few-hours stretch rather than a marathon session. It includes pools, glides and salmon-holding water, so there’s a fair bit to poke about in.
• Trout fishing is fly only. Salmon can be targeted with fly or spinner, while bait fishing isn’t permitted.
• Dogs are allowed, but keep them under control. The beat also operates a wash-off policy, and Fishing Passport catch returns are provided.

Methods: For trout, stick to fly fishing and work the shallow glide for rising fish, with the deeper upper pool worth a look for larger specimens. Salmon can be tackled with fly or spinner when national byelaws allow, including the upper pool and Croy Pool.

Access & tickets

Tickets are booked through The Wye & Usk Foundation’s Fishing Passport scheme. A maximum of three tickets is available per day.

Fish the club names

trout, pike

Key rules

• Fly fishing only for trout.
• Fly fishing and spinning are permitted for salmon when national byelaws allow.
• Bait fishing is not permitted.
• The trout bag limit is two fish.
• All trout over two pounds must be returned.
• Salmon must be released at all times.
• Dogs are allowed but must be kept under control.
• The beat operates a wash-off policy.
• National fishing byelaws must be followed.
• Fishing Passport catch returns are provided for the beat.

Where it is