I'm traveling from Northampton to Llandrindod Wells in early March (midweek - possibly 3rd). I can set off early and possibly get in some fishing for Grayling but would appreciate some guidance as to where.

I have 10 "wildtroutfishing" tokens I can use if necessary.

Anyone willing/able to offer some choices for this time of year?

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Brian

You're getting very close to the end of the grayling season (it ends on 3rd March for grayling on the majority of Wye and Usk voucher beats) and I've found that they're already becoming 'distinterested' to say the least.

If you have a look in the W & U Passport you'll see that brown trout fishing starts March 3rd - it'll be raw - good luck!

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[I]"I still don't know why I fish or why other men fish, except that we like it and it makes us think and feel."[/I] Roderick L Haig-Brown

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I'm equally happy to try for trout
Thanks for pointing out the dates.

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Brian

I think that the grayling season actually ends on the 14th March in Wales. The trout season starts on the 3rd so you could potentially have a chance of both. For just trout, I'd recommend the Usk although don't expect a bumper day that early in the season. You can try with nymphs in the morning and then all being well, you should get a hatch of Large Dark Olives typically anywhere between 12.30 and 1.30 so you can switch to dries. It probably won't last long (20-30 minutes if you're lucky) so don't stop for lunch or head off to the pub at lunchtime. If fish are taking the duns, you've a good chance of picking one or two up.

For a chance of trout and grayling, I'd suggest the Wye - perhaps the Ty Newydd beat at Erwood would be worth ago - it's a nice long beat with a variety of water and has some easier wading that some of the other Wye beats. As has been mentioned, the grayling are unlikely to be ravenous at this point but they will still take.

The Wye & Usk Foundation is a good place to find your beat.

Hi Brian
Some great advice already posted. I know you have some nice main Monnow fishing lined up for the season proper, but there are a few nice streams which can provide challenging but rewarding fishing eary doors.

Certainly worth a go would be the Lower Stanton and Lancaster Arms beats of the Honddu, the Monnow at Longtown, or possibly one of the new Dore beats. Not much is known about the Dore but on the evidence of a day I spent with Teifi Terrorist and Job67 back end of 08, there is no shortage of good trout there!

When you know when you are going for definite, drop me a pm and I will try and give you a steer.
Best
Dave

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"A homeward tramp thro' mist wrapped night,
With heart and creel in common light,
Complete content, the day has brought it,
They fished for pleasure - and they caught it"

P F Morgan
taken from the catch record book at Llanthony Hotel, Honddu Valley, Aug 1942

www.monnowlogue.com
www.monnow.org.uk

Get to the Marches.... In the midst of tranqulity you will be sure to to befriend some of our jewels that lie beneath if one is ofay with a well presented and favourably dressed offering....

With the wind on yer back , bring a shortish rod for the streams. A decent taper for a #4 or #5 is ideal at these times, roughly 7 or so ft is prime length for tribs.. 9ft #4-5 for the open rivers...Fish a #six if thats what ya got.... Pack your sarnies...

You will have a job beating the early LDO hatches on The Redriver (Usk), consistant swirls, predictable hatch times..

for Flies & Advice, pm me..

Fleaflicker

Cumbrian.............good advice from Tigermoth and Fleaflicker there!!!

I would have to agree on the Usk too, especially with it being prime LDO time, hatches are happening now and the trout are looking up flies easy, baetis nymph pattern, pheasant tail with a black thorax cover, parachute emerger olive or Adams, and perhaps a Dun imitation.

If i was fishing the main stem i would go with the 9ft 5#, if only to cope with the wind we sometimes get around these parts!!

Regards
G

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" Life isnt about waiting for the storm to pass, Its all about learning to dance in the rain"

Cumbrian,

One place that hasn't been mentioned yet is the River Ithon that runs through Llandrindod Wells, its a cracking little river that holds some big Grayling. Wading & casting is easy along most of it with an 8' 6" rod ample.

I would head for Penybont which is just up the road from Llandrindod Wells, its a long stretch and day tickets are available from the Seven Arms pub (maps available) or via the Wye & Usk Foudation passport scheme.

It sounds like you may be pushed for time which makes this an ideal choice, you can go and have a look at the river over the roadbridge before you fish and i would suggest it fishes best with a little water on it.

Early season flies should score well but as mentioned before the grayling will have other things on their minds for the next couple of months.

If the river doesn't look right or you fancy the challenge of a larger river then you can drive a few miles down the road to Builth Wells and fish the Wye, again lots of water available either through the W & UF of day ticket.

Good luck.

Sabsman.

Thanks to everyone for their replies.

I have decided to try a beat on the USK near BreconI have nothing else planned for the 3rd and so should be able to get there for 10 and fish until 4 if necessary. I've never fished the Usk and so I thought I would take this opportunity, given the recommendations I have received

Thanks once again.

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Brian

If the Gods smile, your in for a treat!!!

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" Life isnt about waiting for the storm to pass, Its all about learning to dance in the rain"