A Guide to Fishing Holidays on The River Wye

Are you planning to book a holiday cottage for a fishing holiday on the River Wye? You’re in for a treat, as the River Wye is one of the UK’s premier fishing destinations, known for its diverse fish species and picturesque surroundings. Here are some of our comprehensive guides to help you plan your fishing trip, from licences to places to stay.

The River Wye is a major river in the UK, flowing through Wales and England. It’s known for its clear waters, varied aquatic life, and stunning landscapes. The river offers a mix of coarse and game fishing opportunities.

 

Banner photo credit: Visit Dean & Wye

 

Fishing Licenses and Regulations:

The salmon and trout fishing season on the River Wye typically runs from March 3rd to October 7th for salmon and trout. Course fishing seasons usually run from June 16th to March 15th.

However, the specific dates might vary, so checking the current fishing regulations and seasons before planning your trip is essential.

To fish legally on the River Wye, you’ll need an Environment Agency rod license, which you can purchase online or at local fishing tackle shops. Different river sections may also have specific regulations and permit requirements, so research and adhere to these rules.

The River Wye has a strong conservation ethos. Practising catch-and-release is encouraged, especially for salmon and sensitive fish species. Adhering to size limits and using barbless hooks can help protect the fish population. Check with local fishing clubs and angling associations (see below) for the most up-to-date information on fishing regulations, access points, and any specific guidelines for fishing on the River Wye.

 

Fish Species

Salmon (Salmo salar): The River Wye is renowned for its salmon fishing, which is primarily popular during the salmon season, which typically runs from March to October.

Brown Trout (Salmo trutta): Brown trout are abundant in the River Wye and are a popular target for fly anglers. The river provides a variety of habitats suitable for trout, including riffles, pools, and runs.

Grayling (Thymallus thymallus): The River Wye is home to a healthy grayling population. Grayling fishing is prevalent in the colder months, as grayling thrives in colder waters. They are often caught using fly fishing methods.

Barbel (Barbus barbus): Barbel fishing is a highlight for many anglers on the River Wye. The river has a substantial barbel population, and these fish can be caught using techniques such as legering, feeder fishing, and float fishing techniques.

Chub (Squalius cephalus): Chub are another common species in the River Wye. They can be targeted using floating fishing, ledgering, and even fly fishing. Chub can grow to impressive sizes in the river.

Pike (Esox lucius): Pike fishing is possible in certain sections of the River Wye. These predatory fish are often targeted using dead bait or lure fishing techniques.

Perch (Perca fluviatilis): In the River Wye, Perch can also be found in the River Wye. They are often caught using lures or live bait and inhabit various sections of the river.

Roach (Rutilus rutilus) and Dace (Leuciscus leuciscus): Roach and dace are present in the River Wye and can be caught using float fishing or ledgering techniques.

Eel (Anguilla anguilla): Eels can be caught in the river using various methods. They are known to inhabit slower-moving sections of the river.

 

Guides and Tours:

If you’re new to fishing on the River Wye, hiring a local fishing guide or joining a fishing tour can enhance your experience. Experienced guides can provide valuable insights, fishing techniques, and knowledge about the area. Contact Adam Fisher, an experienced angler. He has over 35 years of fishing experience and, growing up on the River Wye, has an understanding of the river that few others can match.

Tel: 01989 218080

Email: guiding@anglingdreams.co.uk

You could also try Angling Quests, which offers Professional guiding services, tutorials & holidays for anglers, including the River Wye.

 

Local Wye Valley Angling Clubs

Here are a few fishing clubs that have historically offered day tickets for fishing on the River Wye:

Wye & Usk Foundation: The Wye & Usk Foundation is a well-known organization dedicated to conserving and improving rivers like the Wye and Usk. They often provide day ticket options for fishing on various stretches of the River Wye. Check their website for the most up-to-date information.

Ross-on-Wye Angling Club: This angling Club is based in Ross-on-Wye and offers day tickets for visitors interested in fishing on the River Wye in their designated areas. Their website or local tackle shops might have information about purchasing day tickets.

Hereford and District Angling Association: The Hereford and District Angling Association manages several stretches of the River Wye. They have been known to offer day tickets for non-members to fish in these areas. Contact them directly for the latest information on ticket availability.

Monmouth And District Angling Society

The Club has a variety of game and coarse fishing rights on the Wye, The Monnow and other tributary rivers and still waters.

Monnow Rivers Association: While the Monnow River is separate from the Wye, the Monnow Rivers Association might offer exciting fishing opportunities. They promote conservation and fishing on the Monnow River, which is a tributary of the Wye.

 

Local Tackle Shops

In addition to fishing clubs, many local tackle shops in the areas around the River Wye might sell day tickets for specific stretches of the river. These shops can be a good resource for discovering available day ticket options.

Forest Tackle: Located in Lydney, Forest Tackle is a well-regarded tackle shop that provides a variety of fishing gear for different types of angling, including coarse, fly, and game fishing. They have equipment suited for fishing in the River Wye and its tributaries.

Monmouth Angling Centre: This tackle shop is located in Monmouth and offers a selection of fishing tackle and equipment. It’s conveniently located for those looking to fish in the River Wye and surrounding waters.

Angling Dreams: Found in Hereford, Angling Dreams is a tackle shop that caters to various angling styles. They offer the most up-to-date information on how the river’s fishing and selling day tickets, season permits, and quality bait and tackle suitable for fishing in the Wye Valley.

Woody’s Angling Centre

 This Hereford tackle shop is managed by Paul’ Woody Woodward, a champion match angler whose knowledge of the Wy Valley has enabled him to win almost every trophy in the area. The shop even has its own float range design, particularly for local fishing conditions.

Tackle and Bates: Based in Hereford, Tackle and Bates is a well-established tackle shop that offers friendly, expert advice on all aspects of fishing, from beginners to expert match anglers. They also pride themselves on selling the best quality bait for fishing locally/All staff are experienced anglers and can offer visitors a wealth of advice.

 

 

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