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The Rocks

A proper rocky upper-Wye beat upstream of Builth Wells, with cracking pools, lively runs and some seriously deep water. It’s left-bank, fly-only fishing through the Wye & Usk Foundation Fishing Passport.

Run by Wye Salmon Association · checked 12 Oct 2026

River level

River level integration coming for this stretch.

The lowdown

  • This is a spectacularly rocky stretch of the River Wye, with the sort of rough, lively character that makes the upper river so appealing.
  • The current Fishing Passport page puts the beat at just over half a mile. An older official brochure described it as approximately one mile, so the current figure is the one to go by.
  • Fishing is from the left bank only. Bank fishing is possible in places, though the rocks and flow mean it’s not a flat, easy stroll.
  • There are numerous pools and runs to work through, with fast water, rocky channels and deeper sections giving the beat plenty of variety.
  • Wading needs care. Some of the pools are extremely deep, so don’t charge in blindly — pick your route and take it steady.
  • It’s fly fishing only, making this one for anglers who fancy working the crease, searching the runs and covering the pools properly.
  • Brown trout, grayling, chub and Atlantic salmon are named for the stretch. The Fishing Passport also lists chub and salmon in its catch information.
  • A parking spot is next to the river towards the upstream limit, which makes getting to the water a good bit less of a faff.
  • The beat is a bookable day-ticket water. All species are catch and release, so handle fish carefully and get them back smartly.
  • Dogs are allowed, but they must be kept under control. National fishing byelaws apply too — keep those in mind before setting up.

Methods: Fly fishing only. Work the faster rocky water, seams and glides, then give the deeper pools plenty of attention — especially where the flow slows and the water opens out.

Access & tickets

Fishing Passport day ticket

Bookable day-ticket water through the Wye & Usk Foundation Fishing Passport. Current page says any booking fee is included at checkout.

Older official brochure day ticket

An older official Fishing Passport brochure listed up to three trout or grayling rods per day and a two-fish limit for trout and grayling when retained.

£17.50 (as listed 12 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

The stretch is run by the Wye Salmon Association and is available as a bookable day ticket through the Wye & Usk Foundation Fishing Passport. An older official brochure listed the day ticket at £17.50, while the current page says any booking fee is included at checkout.

Fish the club names

trout, chub

Key rules

  • Fly fishing only.
  • Catch and release applies to all species.
  • National fishing byelaws must be observed.
  • Dogs are allowed but must be kept under control.
  • Wading requires care because some pools are extremely deep.
  • Fishing is from the left bank only.

Coarse fishing on English rivers is closed from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. That's the law for coarse fish on rivers — it's not a club rule, and game-fishing seasons work differently.

GOV.UK — Freshwater rod fishing rules: when and where you can fish

Where it is

Pins mark the access postcode each club gives, not the bank itself. Exact boundary map: see rights holder.

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