Doldowlod

River level

The lowdown

• This is classic upper-Wye country — secluded, quiet and a fair way from the usual hustle. A lovely spot for a proper day out.
• The beat is split into two sections: Ystrad and The Channels. Together they give around two miles of double-bank fishing.
• The river runs roughly 20–30 yards wide, with plenty of character under your boots. Expect rocky, fast-flowing water rather than a sleepy canal.
• There’s a good mix of pocket water, deeper pools and rocky gutters. Pick apart the seams, keep moving and look for food being pushed into the creases.
• Grayling are the headline act here. The better window is late August through November, with numerous fish over 2 lb reported in recent years.
• Wild brown trout are available in the relevant season. The beat is fly-fishing only, so it’s all about reading the water and presenting neatly.
• Salmon are possible during sustained high water, with October the best reported prospect. Earlier chances can crop up when the river gets a proper lift.
• Wading can be difficult in places, so felt or studded soles are mandatory. Take care around the rocky sections and fast water — no heroics needed.
• Upper-section parking is next to the river access. Lower-section parking means roughly a 200-metre walk down to the river, so pack light and avoid a faff.
• Evening fishing is allowed from 5pm, with half-price evening tickets available from 1 May after 1pm on the fishing day. A handy cheeky session if conditions look bob on.

Methods: Fly-fishing only. Read the flow carefully, work the pocket water and rocky gutters, and target the pools and creases as conditions change. Late-summer to autumn grayling is the main draw, while sustained high water can bring salmon into play.

Access & tickets

Book through the Wye & Usk Foundation’s Fishing Passport scheme. Full-day and evening tickets are available for the listed fishing categories, with block booking also offered.

Fish the club names

The club doesn't list species for this stretch, so we haven't guessed.

Key rules

• Fly-fishing only.
• Salmon must be released at all times.
• There is a one-fish limit for trout and grayling.
• National Welsh fishing byelaws also apply; anglers must familiarise themselves with the applicable national byelaws.
• A wash-off policy operates on the beat.
• Felt or studded soles are mandatory because wading is difficult in places.
• The maximum number of tickets per day is four.

Where it is