Fly Fishing on the River Wye

The upper River Wye (pictured above) is set in wonderfully remote and rugged scenery and the top of the Wye system offers some of the most inspiring fishing available. Located in the heart of Wales this part of the river flows mostly over gravel and bed rock which along with sparsely distributed trees makes it ideal if you are looking for easy access and wading.

In addition these upper beats often remain fishable when high water is affecting the rest of the Wye system they rise and fall quickly and remain clear in all but the worst floods. The upper River Wye has good hatches of fly and the fishing for wild Brown Trout and Grayling is excellent but can sometimes be challenging in the often crystal clear water.

The Trout and Grayling in the upper Wye are usually of a larger average size than those lower down the river. The upper river Wye tributaries the Rivers Irfon, Elan, Marteg, Ithon, Duhunw and Edw all offer opportunities for Brown Trout and or Grayling fly fishing and the Rivers Irfon, Elan and Ithon are important Trout and Grayling fisheries in their own right. Go Fly Fishing UK can offer guided fly fishing or fly fishing tuition on all these rivers.

Fish species / seasons

The River Wye has good stocks of wild Brown Trout and Grayling and was once famed for its run of very large Salmon, however it's now a shadow of what it used to be for Salmon but they are still present. Some of the River Wye tributaries hold both Brown Trout and Grayling and others hold just Brown Trout.

Brown Trout fishing on the upper River Wye system starts on the 3rd March and finishes on the 30th September, Grayling fishing starts on the 16th June and continues throughout the winter until the 14th March.

Tackle

A rod of between 9 and 10 feet for a 4 or 5 weight floating line would be perfect for Trout and Grayling fishing on the Wye but a rod of between 7 and 8 feet with a 3 or 4 weight floating line would be more suitable for some of its tributaries. The difficulty of the wading varies from beat to beat and from river to river and we would always recommend the use of a wading staff and ideally chest high waders with felt soles and studs.

Tactics

The River Wye and its tributaries offer every opportunity imaginable to the fly fisher and with literally tens of miles of fishing available there is something for everyone. From small stream dry fly fishing for wild brownies to fishing Czech nymphs for big Brown Trout and Grayling it has it all.

Guides

Our guide on the River Wye is full time and is a qualified fly fishing instructor. He has fly fished for over 35 years and fly fished on the River Wye and it’s tributaries for more than 20 of those. His experience and knowledge with so much fishing available is invaluable.

If you would like to combine your fishing on the River Wye with a short break or holiday in this ruggedly beautiful area of mid Wales we would be happy to advise on the best accommodation options to suit both your budget and individual preferences.

Costs

Fly fishing in mid Wales is excellent value, with very few exceptions the prices are those listed on our costs page. Click here to go directly to our 'Prices - Tuition' page. When fishing from a boat the hire of the boat may be charged extra, if this is the case you will be advised at the time of booking.

For more detailed information about the non-fishing highlights in the River Wye area pleaseclick here.

Contact Steve at our northern office to discuss your preferred fly fishing location or to place a booking, telephone 01756 748378 / 07717 533177 or email steve@goflyfishinguk.com.