River Wye — Wyastone Leys, near Monmouth

The lowdown

• This isn’t a beat to approach with one fixed plan. The society describes varied holding pools needing different approaches, so matching your fishing to the particular pool is the name of the game.
• Boys Rocks is the headline spot for fly anglers: a well-known lower-Wye fly run, specifically named on this beat. Worth keeping that name handy when sorting out your fishing with the society.
• St Johns Hole is another named fishing location at Wyastone Leys. Alongside Boys Rocks and the varied holding pools, it gives you a couple of clear reference points when discussing the beat.
• Salmon are specifically named here, but they’re not the whole story. The society also names barbel, chub, pike and grayling for Wyastone Leys, giving the beat interest beyond its fly run.
• October onwards gets a particular nod from the society for barbel, chub and pike. That’s the seasonal steer to keep in mind if you’re weighing up an autumn coarse-fishing visit.
• Fancy a guest session? It needs a current Full Member to buy your ticket and accompany you. This isn’t an unrestricted public day-ticket stretch, so get that bit sorted before heading over.
• There’s a boat option at Wyastone, but no cheeky unplanned launch. Booking is required through the society website, and only members who’ve completed boat familiarisation may control the boat and engine.
• For the journey, the estate gives NP25 3SX as its sat-nav postcode. Treat that as estate access guidance, not a fishing parking pin, and keep roads and gateways clear when you arrive.

Methods: Boys Rocks is the named fly-fishing run, while the beat’s varied holding pools call for different approaches rather than one fixed tactic. For coarse fishing, the society particularly highlights barbel, chub and pike from October onwards.

Access & tickets

Guest tickets must be purchased by a current Full Member, who must accompany the guest. The membership page lists Full Membership at £190 plus a first-year joining fee of £150, but the rules page still quotes £175 — confirm the subscription before paying.

Fish the club names

barbel, chub, pike

Key rules

• Fish only one rod at a time; lead weights are banned.
• Trout and salmon hooks must be barbless; salmon spinners must carry a single barbless hook.
• Each guest must be accompanied by a Full Member and hold the appropriate fishing licence before fishing.
• Carry your membership card or guest ticket and the appropriate rod licence while fishing.
• The accompanying member must submit the guest’s catch return within 48 hours of the booking.
• Vehicles must not obstruct roads or gateways.
• Book Wyastone boat use in advance through the society website. Only members who have completed boat familiarisation may control the boat and engine.
• The boat may carry no more than three occupants, with only two fishing. Everyone aboard must wear flotation equipment.

River level

Where it is