River Wye – Bartonsham

Brief description of fishery:

The River Wye – Bartonsham has a mixture of slow deep water, steady runs, and riffles with a mixture of gravel and silt/clay bottom.

In the summer months, Large Chub and Barbel are the main target species but Roach, Perch, Bleak, Chub, and Dace are all present. In Autumn smaller fish migrate to the sanctuary of the City leaving pockets of big Chub and Barbel.

Trout and Grayling can be targeted in the ripple/boily water using Nymphs with some sizable specimens present.

All the usual modern methods and baits work well on their day but don’t forget Maggots, Caster, Hemp, Worm, Meat & Bread which are all regular producers. A static approach is the best way to build a weight of fish, however setting is less rural now, and parking is much further from the river so you may wish to travel light to explore the whole stretch with roving tactics. Speaking to the local tackle shop can put you on the fish based on recent catch reports or check out the recent match reports.

Swims do not have platforms and are naturally uneven however the banks are less steep than the more rural beats. We recommend using a rope with a dog spike, particularly in damp conditions where the clay-based soil becomes very slippery. Always check the levels using the EA website and keep an eye on it during the day as they can rise high very quickly.

It’s worth noting that during the summer months the gravel areas near Outfall Works Road are frequented by swimmers/families/groups of teens and the area is best avoided during the warmer parts of the day, early morning and evening are generally the more productive fishing times during bright days so it is best to plan around this.

River Wye – Gauge Levels