Boughrood Bridge

River level

The lowdown

• This is a short, village-side beat a few miles upstream of Hay-on-Wye. It feels rural and peaceful, with the B4350 bridge nearby and no urban faff.
• There’s approximately 300 yards of single-bank fishing. The banks are maintained, so getting down to the river is fairly straightforward rather than a full expedition.
• The riverbed is mostly gravel and the flow is generally steady in normal levels. That gives you a decent chance to work a float through the crease and find fish holding in the pace.
• It’s primarily coarse water. Resident barbel are present, with local winter anglers reporting fish to 14 lb. Chub are there in good numbers too, plus dace, grayling and the odd trout.
• Trotting is the obvious starting point. A steady float run over the gravel can be proper productive, while standard coarse-fishing methods suit the stretch when conditions call for something more settled.
• The beat is about a 100-yard walk from the tackle drop-off point. Parking is along the road in Boughrood village, so keep the gear sensible and avoid turning the walk into a major carry.
• The available dates are split: 3 March to 14 March, then 16 June to 17 October. That gives you a spring window and a longer summer-to-autumn spell.
• Only two tickets are available per day, so it’s a quiet-water option rather than a crowded bankside knees-up. Dogs are allowed, but they must be kept under control.
• The Foundation advises against coarse fishing above 25°C water temperature because of fish welfare concerns. Keep an eye on conditions before setting off, especially during hot weather.

Methods: Trotting is the natural fit for the steady flow and gravel bed, with standard coarse-fishing methods also suitable. Look for the crease, steady glides and any slightly deeper water where chub and barbel can sit.

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

barbel, chub, roach, trout

Key rules

• Fishing is available from 3 March to 14 March.
• Fishing is available from 16 June to 17 October.
• Maximum of two tickets per day.
• Dogs are allowed but must be kept under control.
• National fishing byelaws apply.
• The Fishing Passport wash-off policy applies.
• Coarse fishing is advised against above 25°C water temperature because of fish welfare concerns.
• No salmon ticket is listed for this beat.

Where it is