The Wye and Usk Foundation

 

Protecting and managing our rivers is fundamental to the future success of the sport. Our game fish can only thrive in a clean and preserved environment. The Wye and Usk foundation is a charitable organisation formed in 1995 with the specific aim to protect and restore the habitat, water quality, and fisheries of the rivers Wye and Usk.

Considerable work and success has been achieved to date and to see more information about the foundation's work, please visit their website www.wyeuskfoundation.org. This includes essential information for all anglers regarding up-to-date issues and current projects being undertaken to improve the fisheries.

In addition you can also browse the The Fishing Passport system which shows all fishing beats available on the Wye, Usk and further afield which also allows you to book day tickets and season tickets on-line and read regular up-to-date fishing reports including my own Oliver Burch’s monthly Trout and Grayling Newsletter.

 

Environment Agencies

 

We now have two government bodies responsible for protecting and maintaining rivers and waters. For England see the Environment Agency website and for Wales, see Natural Resources Wales.

Rod Licences

It is mandatory for anyone aged 13 and above to buy a fish licence through the government's website in order to cover your right to fish. Fishing without a licence can result in substantial fines. Rod Licence sales generate vital income for the EA and NRW to fund fisheries improvement projects, facilities for anglers and work to tackle illegal fishing. Both agencies work in partnership with numerous national bodies and organisations including the Angling Trust, Wild Trout Trust and local partners such as the Wye & Usk Foundation.

Incident Reporting

In order to protect the future of our waters it essential that we report incidents including any damage or danger to the natural environment, illegal fishing, and pollution to land or water to the Environment Agency 24 hour Incident Hotline : 0800 807060 or in Wales to the Natural Resources Wales 24 hour Incident Hotline : 0300 0653000. Ongoing poaching (theft of fishing rights) is uaually best dealt with by the police.

The Seasons

 

Salmon

3rd March – 17th October, some upper Wye reaches to 25th October

 

Brown trout

3rd March – 30th September

 

Grayling (Wye system only)

16th June – 14th March

 

Sea trout (SW Wales)

20th March – 17th October    

Other Contacts

 

Sweet’s Tackle Shop, Porthycarne St, Usk Town: 01291 672552. A unique institution, lovingly preserved down the years and much more than just a tackle shop. Jean Williams presides over a sort of club and information centre for all fishing the Usk.

Lyn Davies, fellow guide, photographer and sea trout specialist: www.capturedonline.co.uk | 07931 966444.

Cammarch Hotel, Llangammarch Wells, www.cammarch.com | 01591 620545. Mecca for Irfon grayling fishers.

For other places to stay, please see the Wye and Usk Foundation's www.fishingpassport.co.uk/accomodation page for recommendations.