Greenbank Beat, River Usk

River level

The lowdown

• The beat sits in one large pasture field, so getting between swims is nice and easy. No epic hike or faff between pools.
• At the top, there’s a deep, steady glide. It’s a lovely bit of water to settle into, especially when the river’s carrying a bit of colour.
• That glide feeds into the large Tail Pool. The run in is a named salmon lie, and so is the run out — both worth proper attention.
• There are deeper holes dotted through the beat too. Salmon can hold in these, particularly when the flow gives them a reason to tuck in.
• When the trout are active, the fishing can be bob on. Some very large trout are present, so it’s not just a numbers game.
• For trout, it’s fly fishing only. If they’re not rising, switch your head to salmon and fish it as a classic Usk day.
• The whole fishery is on the right bank. The pasture gives easy access to all the pools, making it simple to keep moving and cover water.
• There’s a parking enclosure on the beat. In very wet conditions it may need a 4x4, and anglers are advised not to park in the field.
• Livestock may be present and could damage vehicles, so park carefully and keep dogs under control. The beat also operates a wash-off policy.

Methods: A proper salmon day is the main game when trout aren’t rising, working the deep glide, Tail Pool and the deeper holes. Trout fishing is fly only, with national byelaws applying to all methods.

Access & tickets

Tickets are booked through The Fishing Passport, operated by the Wye & Usk Foundation. A maximum of 2 day tickets is available.

Fish the club names

trout

Key rules

• Fly fishing only is permitted for trout.
• Fly fishing and all other methods must comply with national fishing byelaws.
• Salmon fishing is catch-and-release at all times.
• A maximum of 2 trout may be retained per rod.
• Trout over 2 pounds must be returned.
• Dogs must be kept under control.
• The beat operates a wash-off policy.

Where it is