Hi does anybody on here fish the Windrush? specifically beats controlled by Cotswold fly fishers. If so whats your opinion on it and how big is the river? What sort of tackle is "de rigeur". many thanks.
Al.

I have fished the Windrush alot the past few years, both on the CFF beats and the Newland Angling stretch.
It is quite a variable river, the upper CFF stretches tend to be a bit more open with a combination of slow/deep fast/shallow beats, whilst the stretches below Witney (controlled by Newland and CFF) are more overgrown and get quite reeded up late in the season. The Newland stretch above Gill Mill is true wild fishing, you need to wade and some parts are pretty much unfishable with a fly rod, but you tend to find a good head of wild fish that rise readly to a dry (particually daddy's in mid to late season). On the more open sections nymphing seems to be the best tactic mid to late season, small PTN's etc.
I have found the best approach if wading is a SHORT 4wt (I'm down to a 6") and a stealthy and observant approach. Like most river fishing it pays to spend 2/3rds of the time looking and 1/3rd fishing. If bank fishing then a 8" to 9" foot rod is advaisable to get over the vegitation.
Water clarity has been particually poor over the last 2 years and any overnight rain results in a very coloured river, but catch it in one of it's clearer moments and it's a delight.

Cheers

Andy

Thanks Andy , that was exactly the kind of informative and concise answer i was looking for.
cheers
Al.