Game

WALES WIN GOLD IN THE FLY FISHING INTERNATIONAL IN SCOTLAND
Gwent members of the Welsh team played an important part in the success of the Gold Medal.
In the days when some of our major sporting national teams are not winning
the international and world honors. we as supporters, had hoped they would,
it is important to realise that in other sports Welsh teams are doing very
well. This accolade certainly applies to participants in the 2007angling
competitions.
Moc Morgan O.B.E and team manager of the Welsh team, was delighted with the result of the autumn International, he filed me this report. Last week the
U.K. International Fly Fishing Championship was held on the Lake of Menteith
in Scotland. It saw teams from the four home nations locked in the most
prestigious and keenly contested competition in the U.K. angling scene.

Wales went into the match with just one victory in the last thirteen matches
under its belt. In fact Wales had had more than its fair share of the
'wooden spoon' - so much so there were fears that the spoon could take root
here in Wales! Ever the optimists, the Welsh Team went into the fray with a
very positive attitude.
They traveled to the venue early and put in a lot of practice - more so
than the other teams. This paid dividends and under the guidance of coach
George Barron, Talybont and captain Paul Davies, Corwen the team shared
their expertise. There was a lot of experience sitting around the team
meeting table as the team consisted of five previous captains, others who
had represented Wales on more than one occasion and a fair percentage of new
caps - all very able and brimming with enthusiasm.

During the practice sessions the squad had learnt a lot about the wonderful
Lake of Menteith. They managed fairly quickly to get to grips with the
depth, the colours and combinations of the flies to be used and the speed of
retrieve. All information and knowledge was always readily shared.
When match day arrived it was good fishing weather with the gentle breeze
creating that favoured corduroy water which is such a boon for anglers. The
sun, generally a spoil-sport for anglers, was present but not too hot and
glaring.
The star of the Welsh team was Russell Owen from Llanidloes who took ten
fish in all - which was two better than the best from among the other
fifty-six anglers in the competition. Russell's contribution was invaluable
and how wonderful that he - a previous world champion - did so exceptionally
well.
All Welsh team members caught fish including Anthony Hoffrock and Anthony
Cartwright, both from Llandegfedd Angling Club (A.C.).; Neil Ashman,
Mountain Ash, A.C, Michael Roberts, Wentwood A.C. and the ever reliable Dean
Kibble, Islwyn A.C.
So often in U.K. championships and in world competition the luck and results
do not favour Wales but this was a great and a wholly deserved victory.
England picked up the silver medal. Theirs was a very experienced team that
brought in two fish less than Wales. Scotland on home territory was the odds
on favourites and they were in a rampant mood hoping to emulate their
footballers' feat of the previous night when they the match in France. It
was not to be, despite their star man Willie Leech being on the ball.
The Irish are slowly getting to grips with the rainbow trout as we must not
forget that their loughs are predominantly wild brown trout fisheries.
One fly that really helped the Welsh team in winning gold was the Diawl
Bach - a great Welsh fly born in Cardiff a few decades ago.
Despite our failure to come out tops in soccer and rugby - both considered
our major sports - the Welsh fishers have done really well this year.
Team members were;
Russel Owen Caersws,Aled Dixon Machynlleth, Gareth Jones Denbigh,
Craig Gimblett Cefn Park, Kieron Thomas Dinas Powys, Gareth Dixon
Machynlleth, Dean Kibble 0akdale, Michael Roberts Caerphilly, Andy Hoffrock
Magor , Paul Davies Corwen (Cpt),Anthony Cartwright Mountain Ash ,
Neil Ashman Mountain Ash, Jeff Thomas Bridgend, Chris Jones Corwen.
Warmest Congratulations to the Welsh Fly Fishing Team.
Sales of Rod Licences are up 9%
More and more people in Wales are going fishing according to the Environment Agency Wales. Figures show an increase in people buying a rod licences.
By the end of August , there had been an increase of almost 9% in the amount of people buying a licence in Wales compared to the same period last year. The money from rod licence sales is vital to help maintain and improve the sport in Wales.
Over the last few years, through funding by the Welsh Assembly Government, the Agency has been able to encourage people to try angling for the first time. Angling participation events, run with angling clubs, fishery owners, youth organisations and schools, are proving a great way to get people involved in the sport.
Environment Agency Wales Fisheries Manager, Andy Schofield said:
"Given the poor weather this summer we were expecting a slowdown in our licence sales. But, the exceptional results we've seen this year, building on the increases in previous years, show the efforts of angling clubs and their coaches has paid off. "As well as promoting the benefits of angling, our officers are also working hard to catch those who cheat the system by fishing without a licence."
Money from rod licence sales goes directly towards protecting and improving fisheries in Wales."
Sales of Rod Licences are up 9%
More and more people in Wales are going fishing according to the Environment Agency Wales. Figures show an increase in people buying a rod licences.
By the end of August , there had been an increase of almost 9% in the amount of people buying a licence in Wales compared to the same period last year. The money from rod licence sales is vital to help maintain and improve the sport in Wales.
Over the last few years, through funding by the Welsh Assembly Government, the Agency has been able to encourage people to try angling for the first time. Angling participation events, run with angling clubs, fishery owners, youth organisations and schools, are proving a great way to get people involved in the sport.
Environment Agency Wales Fisheries Manager, Andy Schofield said:
"Given the poor weather this summer we were expecting a slowdown in our licence sales. But, the exceptional results we've seen this year, building on the increases in previous years, show the efforts of angling clubs and their coaches has paid off. "As well as promoting the benefits of angling, our officers are also working hard to catch those who cheat the system by fishing without a licence."
Money from rod licence sales goes directly towards protecting and improving fisheries in Wales."
Sales of Rod Licences are up 9%
More and more people in Wales are going fishing according to the Environment Agency Wales. Figures show an increase in people buying a rod licences.
By the end of August , there had been an increase of almost 9% in the amount of people buying a licence in Wales compared to the same period last year. The money from rod licence sales is vital to help maintain and improve the sport in Wales.
Over the last few years, through funding by the Welsh Assembly Government, the Agency has been able to encourage people to try angling for the first time. Angling participation events, run with angling clubs, fishery owners, youth organisations and schools, are proving a great way to get people involved in the sport.
Environment Agency Wales Fisheries Manager, Andy Schofield said:
"Given the poor weather this summer we were expecting a slowdown in our licence sales. But, the exceptional results we've seen this year, building on the increases in previous years, show the efforts of angling clubs and their coaches has paid off. "As well as promoting the benefits of angling, our officers are also working hard to catch those who cheat the system by fishing without a licence."
Money from rod licence sales goes directly towards protecting and improving fisheries in Wales."
Big Well Trout Fishery 01600 772904
The fishery fished well all week despite heavy rain. Nick Andyduke took a massive haul of 10 rainbows for 26 lb. Steve Farrant 3 fish 7 lb 8 oz,Dan Raymond 6 - 13 lb 11 oz FOD. Lance Vivash, Pontypool 4 - 9 lb 6 oz, Derek Brankin,Bristol 5 - 12 lb 10 oz. Released fish were; Robert Davies,Newport 8, Jimmy Devoy, Abergavenny 7, Don Cooper Abergavenny 9, Mike Morrison FOD 6 plus a rainbow of 12 lb, Keith Radmor,Monmouth 10 and Ian Rott,Newport 7.
Daddies, orange lures and site indicators with buzzers on floating lines.
Wentwood Reservoir 01291 425158
A slow start to the week but fishing did pick up and very good catches were reported. Bank fishing has certainly improved since fish are moving near the margins and well within casting distance for those fishing from the bank. Eddie Davies netted 1 fish a Blue-4lb 1oz that was the heaviest of the week. Peter Dent 5 fish-9lb 14oz, M.Williams 5 fish-10lb Tony Heming 5 fish-10lb 10oz, and Malcolm Reed ended his season with 2 fish-5lb 8oz heaviest weighed 3lb 8oz. Visitor P.A.Martin had a successful day netting 5 fish-10lb 14oz. Boat catches included visitors M.Brinkworth 2 fish-4lb 12oz, A.Brinkworth 3 fish-7lb 12oz, Matt Smith 5 fish-12lb 6oz, A. Pugh 5 fish-13lb 6oz that included 2 fish over 3lb 6oz.
The autumn competition attracted 21 entrants and fishing conditions were ideal. Fish were moving on top and just below the surface. The event was won by Alan Watkins 6 fish-13lb 14oz, runner up Derek Elson 6 fish-13lb and third was John Evans 6 fish-12lb 14oz. heaviest fish of the day were a couple of 3lb rainbows and caught by Ann Heming and Graham Tamplin. Most anglers used intermediate and floating lines with a variety of flies and nymphs fished with a slow retrieve. The occasional fish were taken on “dries” and there were 6 limit bags. Total catch was 66 fish with only three competitors recording a blank. It was a very keenly contested competition for several seasons with many anglers hoping for the last minute catch to put themselves into the winning frame.
With the much cooler weather the prospects for excellent fishing look very positive.
The autumn competition attracted 21 entrants and fishing conditions were ideal. Fish were moving on top and just below the surface. The event was won by Alan Watkins 6 fish-13lb 14oz, runner up Derek Elson 6 fish-13lb and third was John Evans 6 fish-12lb 14oz. heaviest fish of the day were a couple of 3lb rainbows and caught by Ann Heming and Graham Tamplin. Most anglers used intermediate and floating lines with a variety of flies and nymphs fished with a slow retrieve. The occasional fish were taken on “dries” and there were 6 limit bags. Total catch was 66 fish with only three competitors recording a blank. It was a very keenly contested competition for several seasons with many anglers hoping for the last minute catch to put themselves into the winning frame.
With the much cooler weather the prospects for excellent fishing look very positive.
Ravensnest 01291 689564
Steve Leho,Cardiff 2 x 6 lb 4 oz plus 6 lb brown, J. Cassidy, Bristol 6 lb 8 oz blue on a daddy. M. Jenkins, Malpas 3 - 6 lb blue, 4 lb brown and a 2 lb goldie.
Gareth Davies, Undy 7 lb 8 oz blue 2 lb 4 oz goldie and a 5 lb brown.on a klinkhammer. Brian James 6lb 8 oz blue, Paul Smith 4 - 13 lb 12 oz bf 4 lb11 oz. Catch & release; T. Wheeler 20,J. Parsons 20,L. Evans 20. Dries have done well particularly daddies fished slow.

Cwm Hedd will be re- opening on Saturday September 29 th 2007 and stocked with rainbows and blues from 2 lb 8 oz. Open at 8 am.
Bristol Waters 01275 332339,
Not an easy week at any of the main fisheries. The stronger winds have made boat fishing more difficult and the water colour hasn't helped either. The good thing about algal blooms at this time of the year is that they should soon clear as the daylight hours are less and the nights often much colder. The last of the fish were stocked last week and some fish went into all the lakes boosting numbers for the hoped for 'Autumn Bonanza'.
Remember that the Winter prices apply from 15th October at Chew, Blagdon and the Barrows and from then on all brown trout must be returned alive. The pike fishing trials start at Chew on the same date and all the boats for these sessions are already taken and the banks are now booking very fast.
Autumn arrived this week with much cooler temperatures and some rain. Most days have been cloudy with sunny spells but the wind has increased with moderate breezes from the south-west. Some nights have been very cold. The water levels remain high with very little movement up or down, but top Litton will begin to fill now the river Chew is running a little more after the rain. Chew and Blagdon both still have algae present making visibility poor in places. The water temperature is now 12°C. Most of the bank areas previously affected by weed are now fishable but the high water is preventing access to places like Rugmoor, Moreton and Stratford.
Severn Oaks trout lake. 01446 775474
The fishery will be stocking with rainbows to 15 lb for the re-opening of the lake.
Telephone for details.
Chew Lake A much more difficult week for all fishermen at Chew mainly due to the coloured water. At times there have been some moving fish in Villice Bay and these have been catchable with dries or lures fished right on the surface. There have also been some fry feeders around and a small zonker or sparkler tube can be effective when chasing these fish. Best areas for fry are Woodford by the Jetties, Nunnery Point and the Dam.

BlagdonThe improvement in the bank fishing slowed again this week although there have been some catches from Butcombe, Ash Trees, Pegs, Rainbow and Green Lawn. Boats have taken fish from most areas but few fish showing. Most have come to nymphs and lures fished on intermediate or sinking lines. A 6.02 rainbow was taken by R. Puddy from Burnham on Sea. The fish took a black nymph when he was fishing from a boat.

BarrowThe colour remains in both the Barrows and this has slowed down sport. There are a few fish moving in the evenings but daytime catches have mostly fallen to the mouse.

Litton Both lakes are now fishing well. The fresh water running into the top lake has improved sport there though it can be a little muddied where the Chew enters the lake. The lower lake is clear with some better evening rises, but with the shorter days and colder evenings rises will often be limited to just a few minutes. Floating lines with nymphs and mini lures will continue to work throughout the winter but it often pays to put a goldhead on the point to get the flies down a few feet. Terry O’Neal had two fish over five pounds in his limit bag up there this week.

This Weeks Catch:
Chew Valley: 152 fish taken by 134 rods, average 1.1 per rod.
Blagdon 255 fish taken by 177 rods, average 1.4 per rod.
Barrows: 43 fish taken by 42 rods, average 1.0 per rod.
Litton 42 fish taken by 9 rods, average 4.7 per rod.
Total fish taken from all waters: 43,261 fish to 14,790 rods, average 2.9 per rod.
Llandegfedd.
Fishing has improved dramatically over the past week with all but a few anglers now managing to pick up a limit bag. Irrespective of the chosen method or flies used, fish seem to be taking anything that is presented to them. The Welsh Ladies Team Trial held on Sunday 23rd saw 18 ladies competing; with the exception of one angler, all weighed in a six fish limit! Blobs and boobies stripped through the surface film accounted for the majority of fish, but casual anglers on bank and boat are experiencing similar levels of sport using a wide variety of lures, nymphs, emergers and dries.
There doesn't seem to be any favoured areas either, as fish are being taken almost everywhere on the reservoir. The prospects for the coming weeks also looks good, with a weekly stocking of 1,000 fish averaging 2lb to continue until the end of October. These will supplement the already large resident head of fish to hopefully provide some interesting sport until the end of the season.
As usual, up to date info on areas, methods and flies can be obtained from the duty Ranger on 01291 673722.
The Wye & Usk Foundation as at 11 th September 2007
Friday 21st September, 2007
Finally a change! Following 24hours of heavy showers in mid Wales, both rivers have risen and coloured for the first time in 6 weeks. Mid morning yesterday the
upper Wye was up 2ft 6” with 1ft visibility, while the Usk at Brecon was up 10”and “quite coloured”. Both rivers have fallen but with further heavy rain in the forecast and the leaves turning on the trees, autumn fishing is upon us.
Prior to this rise, fresh salmon were being caught below Monmouth on the Wye and as far up as Abergavenny on the Usk, despite the very low flows. We expect salmon fishing to pick up over the weekend and into next week. The last 4 weeks of the season on the Usk can be spectacular for those in the right place at the right time.
Trout fishing has at times been very good, but often frustrating. Heavy hatches of caenis, BWOs and sedges in the evenings have brought the bigger fish to the surface but they were often shunning the artificial until the last hour of daylight. This should all change with the increase in flows and cooler water with a touch of colour. We expect the fishing on the both the Roving Voucher and Booking Office beats to be good for the last 10 days of the season.
Grayling are also starting to show in catches with the middle Irfon and upper Wye beats producing some nice bags of fish to 2lbs. October is traditionally the best month of the year for them so, to avoid disappointment, please reserve your fishing on the best beats now.Yesterday’s flood may well be enough to get the salmon fishing started. Once again we must ask for your assistance in conserving fish stocks. On the Wye, the position is quite clear: every salmon taken will result in fewer returning in the next generation. At present we do not have enough fish to fill the nursery streams and rivers. We have opened up yet more of the Lugg and Arrow and this year’s electro fishing shows an encouraging recolonisation of the extreme upper Wye, Bidno and Tarennig where, before our liming programme, there was no fish life whatsoever.
To continue this recovery, every adult salmon should be allowed to spawn and we request your continued patience and understanding that restraint today will result in more fish tomorrow.
On the Usk, whilst salmon stocks are higher than those on the Wye, we have opened up a considerable amount of new spawning area and parts of the catchment are not yet fully populated. It would be sensible to return as many salmon as possible and we would suggest that, as an absolute minimum, all hens, coloured and unseasonable fish should be safely released.

Please make a note of the following dates:
12th October 7.00pm, County Hotel, Hereford: Annual Meeting All are welcome but please let Wendy know if you are coming at admin@wyeuskfoundation.org
Our Autumn River Walk will be on Sunday 25th November on the Wye and Usk catchments and, as in previous years, we aim to show you salmon migrating and spawning as well as how the work we are undertaking will improve the runs and stocks of trout and salmon. More details will be on the website shortly in the News/Foundation Events section. The number of places are limited so please book your place as early as possible, again by calling us on 01982 551 520 or by emailing to the above address.