The Rectory Fishery

River level

The lowdown

• This is a proper varied bit of upper Wye, with roughly 1.5 miles of right-bank fishing and about a mile on the left. Mixed single- and double-bank water gives the beat a good spread of swims.
• There are 13 named salmon catches or pools, covering both high- and low-water fishing. Handy if the river is carrying a bit of extra colour or has dropped back nicely.
• The character changes all the way through. Expect gravel areas, open flats, pocket water, steady runs and rockier sections — plenty to keep you moving.
• Bridge Flats and the Gravel Catch are the spots for dry-fly work. They should appeal when the water is clear and fish are showing over the shallower ground.
• There is pocket water and wet-fly water too, so it is not all about waiting for a rise. The runs and deeper pools give you options when the surface is quiet.
• Most pools can be fished from the bank or by wading with normal care. The lower half gets rocky in places, so studded soles are recommended. No need to faff about there.
• The coarse side includes chub, dace, pike and the occasional barbel. That gives the beat a cheeky change of pace when you fancy trotting or working a bait through the flow.
• There are two parking spots close to the river edge, plus a hut for anglers who book the fishery. The salmon ticket limit shown is six for the day.
• Dogs are welcome but must stay under control. Canoeing needs arranging with the owners, and wild swimming is not allowed without prior permission.

Methods: Fly fishing is the game for trout, with dry-fly flats, pocket water and wet-fly runs to work through. Coarse anglers can trot for grayling in the permitted winter window, while the varied flow offers chub, dace, pike and occasional barbel sport.

Access & tickets

The beat is run by Wye Fishing Ltd. Day-ticket bookings are administered through the Wye & Usk Foundation Fishing Passport.

Fish the club names

chub, pike, barbel

Key rules

• Salmon must be released.
• Fly fishing only is permitted for trout.
• The trout and grayling limit is two fish, subject to applicable regulations.
• Trotting for grayling is permitted from 18 October to 2 March.
• Spinning must use single hooks only.
• Dogs are allowed but must be kept under control.
• National and Natural Resources Wales byelaws must be observed.
• Canoeing is only permitted by arrangement with the owners; wild swimming requires prior permission.

Where it is