Usk Town Water

River level

The lowdown

• This is Fishing Passport water, booked through the Wye & Usk Foundation. Maximum availability is 10 tickets per day, so it’s worth getting organised rather than leaving it to a last-minute faff.
• The beat runs for approximately 2 miles on both banks, from Llanbadoc Church to the fields at Llancayo. There’s additional fishing upstream and downstream of Usk town too.
• Expect a proper mix of pools, runs and glides. That gives you plenty to look at as conditions change, from working the crease in a pool to covering a steady glide with a dry or nymph.
• The riverbed is mostly gravel, and wading is easier here than on many other parts of the Usk. Still, take care in the flow and keep an eye on changing depth around the pools.
• It’s described as consistently productive and is considered particularly suitable for trout. The permitted approach is fly fishing only, using traditional non-migratory trout fly patterns.
• The maximum permitted trout hook size is No. 10, and the bag limit is four trout. Salmon and sea-trout fishing are not permitted on this stretch, despite Atlantic salmon being named on the official page.
• The section between the bridges can be busy with walkers, dogs and other river users. Dogs aren’t allowed for anglers, so expect a bit of public riverside activity around the town.
• Evening fishing is allowed from 5pm, with half-price evening tickets available from May to September after 1pm on the day of fishing. Night fishing isn’t permitted.
• Season rods also fish the water, so exclusivity isn’t guaranteed. Access is available around Usk and Llanbadoc, with nearby parking; follow local signs and don’t block private access.

Methods: Fly fishing only for trout, using traditional non-migratory trout fly patterns. The varied pools, runs and glides suit covering water as conditions dictate, with wading made easier by the mostly gravel riverbed.

Access & tickets

Day tickets are booked through the Wye & Usk Foundation’s Fishing Passport booking page. Season rods are available separately through the Fishing Passport scheme.

Fish the club names

trout, carp

Key rules

• Fly fishing only for trout.
• Only traditional non-migratory trout fly patterns may be used.
• Maximum permitted trout hook size is No. 10.
• Trout bag limit is 4 fish.
• Salmon fishing is not permitted on this stretch.
• Sea-trout fishing is not permitted on this stretch.
• Night fishing and overnight camping are not permitted.
• Dogs are not allowed, and national fishing byelaws must be observed.

Where it is