25th and 26th October river Wye

Well here we go again on the beautiful Wye. Chris was desperate to catch a barbel, he had been with other guides on the more difficult southern waters and had failed. So he contacted me and I suggested we try for the them on the river Wye. Arrangements were made and we meet early on the Thursday 25th. I had just been baiting the swim and managed to catch a small one of 5lbs or so just before he arrived. I had it in the net recovering and it was his first look at a barbel.

Chris was a very able angler and had been fishing for many years. His skill level was very high. We talked about him fishing for tench and other fish.

It’s good when you find an angler who is so enthusiastic as Chris.

The fishing was going to be difficult as the river was low and clear so the barbel would be reluctant to feed.

The normal pellet and feeder was used together with boilie. It proved that the boilie was scoring better than the pellet. This was what enticed the first fish.

The next bite came from a feisty barbel that gave Chris a good run around.

Chris and his 7lbs 14oz barbel

So with a 7lbs 14oz barbel as your first fish then things were good for Chris.

Then later in the day he caught another barbel of 5lbs 10oz which gave him a good fight.

Chris playing a barbel

5lbs 10oz

Disappointingly that was it for the day even fishing into dusk failed to provide any sign of barbel.

Next morning we were on the beat again, this time time Chris had the sausages in the pan which started the day off wonderfully. However even with the river and conditions looking good nothing came alive. With time drifting away we ventured down into the woods to see whether the chub would feed. The flow contained many leaves which made fishing difficult.

However in 45 minutes Chris caught 2 chub with the largest going 4lbs 14oz and a beautiful fish too.

Chris and his 4lbs 14oz chub

Soon it was time for Chris to leave. Mission one was accomplished where he had caught a barbel. Also a second, but it was late in the season and he would be the last guiding session on the river this year.

I’m sure Chris will be back again on the banks of this beautiful river.

Lovely autumnal colours