Salmon Fishing Forum banner

Welsh Dee 2017

19K views 90 replies 20 participants last post by  happy days  
#1 ·
I'm sure I've posted similar on SFF but anyway here goes:

Fickle finger of weather thingy ensured that opening day was a no go - struck down anyway - so eventually got wet a line Thurs 9th with 122 @ Manley - lovely genuine spring weather and a medium peat stain gave the river a beguiling atmospheric look - or maybe it was the cabin fever.

Gold bodied WG on a V Fast 15' ST loosened the shoulders and encouraged the feel good factor - had to fish the smaller quieter spots which required more invention than classic spey but was enjoying being on the river after 8 viral weeks. Teetered onto a bank rock to cover a lie I always cover - 4th cast shook hands (4 slow headshakes) @ 12.49 - and gone. Tried the usual - went for a walk - tried the unusual - to avail. I've had 1 welsh springer in 25 years - better to have loved etc. Even the riverkeeper sympathised - off to the river - currently 91 on the gauge.
 
#2 ·
Day Two

Well tried again - river running clear and a foot lower opened up a lot more water narry a touch to my utter astonishment - sunny am and dark cloud drizzle pm - we fished every pool until fatigue led us home. Trying to get some fishing in the WTT auction as we speak..
Saw a Peregrine driving in - woodpecker, kingfisher, usual buzzard - nice for Bill Oddie but no fish.

DR
 
#4 ·
I have also had the cabin fever feeling. So ventured out on Monday 13th March.

Arrived on the beat around 11am. The wind was downstream, fairly light and the weather bright periods with cloud.

Water height about 73 Corwen gauge. Could see the river bed at about 2ft. Temp only about 47deg.

Put on a 5ft sink tip and short leader. Fitted a GB W/G 1.1/2" Copper tube. Then changed to a Tosh tube, same size.

Fished the length ( left hand bank) down twice. Then waded out to a gravel bank in the centre of the river and had a good hours casting practice, changing from right to left hand alternatively. This being my main purpose of the visit after what seemed a long winter.

A tiring though very pleasant day.

gbanjo.
 
#5 ·
I went down on Friday, casting practice with a relative newcomer to double handed salmon fishing. Tried a variety of lines and didn't seriously fish. It was lovely Friday afternoon on the river, fished one other pool properly, but it was high for the fly in any case.....

One of my best friends was determined to catch a Dee springer, if took him two seasons and he finally got one just below Llangollen. However he was going out twice a week from march both years in order to get it.
 
#6 ·
First Springer ?

[HR][/HR] Full Moon, big tides at Chester and a 12lb fresh fish caught at Sutton Green on a Monkey copper tube. Yesterday, Tuesday 28th Mar.

Water height today 66 falling, so probably the height yesterday was around the magic number.

Hope this is a sign of good things to come. Get the rods out and let's find out.
Tight lines. gbanjo.
 
#7 ·
Springers Sprung..

I understand a couple of fish were taken above Erbistock weir last weekend - I was out on the Saturday with about 90cm on the Manley gauge - collected by a friend, arrived on the beat with everything plus the kitchen sink only to discover sans rods.. Have previous.. So no mercy - offered the use of a trout rod. So in full irascible mode flicked a french nymph set up (of dark tungsten bead size 12 on the point and a size 16 pearly Invicta on the dropper) into the only quiet water - 4th cast trout rod nearly wrenched out of my hand but didn't stick - got the flies back though on 3lb fluoro - expensive these tungsten thingy's. Mood improved, not. If it had been my rod could easily have snapped it. Took myself off and photographed spring flowers, hugged trees etc.
 
#8 ·
Springer Sprung

Not a good day then, apart from the weather and spring flowers.

I don't tend to fish if the waters above 78 Corwen gauge, as I think the fish keep running through. I like to go fishing with the water between 60 and about 74. This of course depends on we're you fish the Dee.

I see the Corwen gauge is at about 87 today and Manley is about 1013. I may venture out mid week if it keeps falling. Good chance it will.

The tides at Chester have been big and so we may get a few coming through.

Must correct my mistake in the previous post. In should have said New Moon.

Tight Lines. gbanjo.
 
#9 ·
I went for my first cast of the season at Llangollen this morning - the access to the parking at Pen Dre (Upper Beat for Llangollen) was closed due to forestry work - so had to turnaround and park at Horseshoe falls parking.

Anyone know how long the parking will be out of commission for the upper beat? A nice walk from Horseshoe falls parking, but a bit of a trek to get to the upper reaches. Cheers, Patrick
 
#10 ·
Pendre

Forestry are probably getting the job done now the shooting seasons finished.

You could phone Derek the secretary he may know. They should have advised the situation on the "website", some chance.

I nearly always park by the tunnel entrance, room for three cars, opposite Duncan's Pool. Then get over the stile go down the short slope. I walk the full length up to the Fridge Pool, takes about half a n hour. Then fish back down. Fridge, bottom end of Dee Farm, Pipe Pool, which I prefer from the RH bank.

Then it's only a short uphill back to the car.

You need to be quite fit to fish the Dee above Horseshoe Falls, lots of walking. It's a good slog from the top pools back up to Pendre if you park there. As is the walk back up to Llantisilio Church if you fish Duncan's

I'm The big 80 by the way this year.

gbanjo.
 
#11 ·
Thanks gbanjo, they'd gone to the bother of extending out a rough road with coarse stone - so I was worried that it was a much more permanent situation that would block access all season. I managed to email Derek and he's come back and said it should be 3 weeks or so.

Where's the tunnel parking? There's the parking in the layby just next to the railway crossing - I walk down from that to a stile just after the pump house to get access to Duncans - I didn't see anything obvious. There again, I've been past Llantysilio Church and wasn't sure where I'd leave the car there either.

80? I'll not reveal my age, as it would put me to shame for moaning about the walk to the top (beautiful as it is).

All the best, Patrick
 
#12 ·
Pendre

Morning,

I take it you park on the left just over the railway bridge near the wall. The first stile is on your right overlooking Bishops Run, the pool below the falls.

The second stile, is the one I think you have used. It accesses the long meadow above the falls. You then come to a small woodland which overlooks Duncan's Pool and is difficult to walk through at times.

If you download the PDF map, from the website for the middle section of the river. You need to go to the parking place marked E. This is above the wood I mentioned. There is room for three cars, park tight. It only looks like a passing place. If you look up to your left, you will see the railway tunnel entrance. The stile is about 10yds down the slope on your right.

Duncan's Pool is below the wood which is now on your right. The bank on the pool is steep and has slippery rocks. The pool is not usually fished with the fly from that bank.

If you are fishing the pools I mentioned in a previous post and wanted to fish Duncan's from the Llantisilio bank (LH bank) it is possible to wade across the river when the water is at the low 60's, from where the cattle drink above Hollybush pool. There's a gravel bank mid river. You really need to assess all the pools during the summer to see the safe wading spots.

Llan church parking. Unfortunately last year double yellow lines were put on the road which has stopped the parking along the road by the fence. Parking is allowed on the church entrance. If you park nose to the steel fence pointing towards the graveyard there is room for three cars, starting parallel to the road near the farm track.

The anglers access is on the left 10yards down the farm track.

Some inconsiderate idiots park lengthways along the fence leaving room for only one more car and even block the gate to the graveyard. If the area is coned off there is a wedding or a funeral so you would have to go back to the public carpark where the toilets are, then walk back along the track in the field to the church.

If it's of interest I mainly fish the Pipe, Duncan's and Dol Isa. If you don't know the details for Dol Isa,let me know.
The details don't appear anywhere in the clubs literature.

Hope I haven't bored you with detail, you usually have to find out the hard way.

Tight lines, looks promising mid week 80 and falling.

gbanjo.
 
#13 ·
Welsh dee 2017

Morning,i am a member there was out on Duncan's last Monday lovely pool at the height 688 no luck but no less pleasure have not fished dol isa and would appreciate your info on that pool myself and happy days may giv it a shot this week ?

I take it you park on the left just over the railway bridge near the wall. The first stile is on your right overlooking Bishops Run, the pool below the falls.

The second stile, is the one I think you have used. It accesses the long meadow above the falls. You then come to a small woodland which overlooks Duncan's Pool and is difficult to walk through at times.

If you download the PDF map, from the website for the middle section of the river. You need to go to the parking place marked E. This is above the wood I mentioned. There is room for three cars, park tight. It only looks like a passing place. If you look up to your left, you will see the railway tunnel entrance. The stile is about 10yds down the slope on your right.

Duncan's Pool is below the wood which is now on your right. The bank on the pool is steep and has slippery rocks. The pool is not usually fished with the fly from that bank.

If you are fishing the pools I mentioned in a previous post and wanted to fish Duncan's from the Llantisilio bank (LH bank) it is possible to wade across the river when the water is at the low 60's, from where the cattle drink above Hollybush pool. There's a gravel bank mid river. You really need to assess all the pools during the summer to see the safe wading spots.

Llan church parking. Unfortunately last year double yellow lines were put on the road which has stopped the parking along the road by the fence. Parking is allowed on the church entrance. If you park nose to the steel fence pointing towards the graveyard there is room for three cars, starting parallel to the road near the farm track.

The anglers access is on the left 10yards down the farm track.

Some inconsiderate idiots park lengthways along the fence leaving room for only one more car and even block the gate to the graveyard. If the area is coned off there is a wedding or a funeral so you would have to go back to the public carpark where the toilets are, then walk back along the track in the field to the church.

If it's of interest I mainly fish the Pipe, Duncan's and Dol Isa. If you don't know the details for Dol Isa,let me know.
The details don't appear anywhere in the clubs literature.

Hope I haven't bored you with detail, you usually have to find out the hard way.

Tight lines, looks promising mid week 80 and falling.

gbanjo.
im also a member fished Duncan's last Monday lovely fly water 688 at Manley no fish but no less pleasure would appreciate any info onDolIsa pool ? Myself and happy days looking to get up this week some time and would giv it a shot ?
 
#15 ·
Dol Isa info.

The turning is of the A5 on your right coming from Wrexham bypass. It's about 3/4 mile after the 30mph zone at Froncysyltte (Aquaduct Pub).

When you turn in there's a wooden box on the gate post.

Inside are six hooks with numbered wooden rings hanging on them, plus a diary. Enter your name or names and arrival time in the book and take one ring.

The purpose of the system is about parking,, there are only six spaces. If there are no rings don't go down it means the car park is full.

As in the country code,if the gates open leave it open. If it's closed after passing through close it again.

I have driven down to the carpark in the past, having taken a ring from the box and signed in, to find the car park full. The reason is people on day tickets don't know because of lack of info on the permit. Plus the odd members who don't think the rule applies to them.

It's only a short walk to the river, the two main pools are Sludgy at the top of the run and Cottage Pool at the bottom end. You can also take the track through the gate at the car park and fish the Mill Pool.

gbanjo.
 
#18 ·
Hi gbanjo,

Many thanks for sharing information.

I'd never heard of Dol Isa beat! - nothing on the website. I have driven past looking down the valley thinking it looks a cracking bit of water.

Is this diagram right for my understanding? Whereabouts are you allowed to park - as I can see a house down there and wouldn't want to annoy the owners. Is it obvious?

Many thanks for your help

Patrick

 

Attachments

#19 ·
Spot on those photos Patrick.

Your photo to left is the entrance. Park just to the right while you book in etc. The road is well maintained, with a couple of passing places.

The carpark is the small light coloured area opposite large building on the left at the bottom of the road after the hairpin bend. You need to park tight. It is obviously the parking area. Think there's a sign.

There is a five barred gate up on the bank, through which is the track to Mill Pool.

To access Sludgy and Cottage pool, carry on down the road on foot towards the cottage. After about 20yds go left through the gate. This takes you across the front of the large building, down a slope, then through another gate. Cross the meadow and you will arrive at the nice bit of water you can see from the A5. Short easy walk.

Easy wading. You are also right about the info on the website

Off to get my tackle ready now, everything looks right for tomorrow. You never know a Springer might be sprung.

Hope you found the Pendre info useful.

By the way the owner at Dol Issa is a really nice chap, he has some lovely holiday cottages there. I think he starts letting them this year.

Best Wishes gbanjo.
 
#20 ·
Thanks gbanjo for sharing the information, I'll definitely be giving that water a go at some point this season.

Yes, thank you - the Pen Dre info is great as well (I sent you a PM with a few other questions).

Tight lines if you are on the river, Sat or Sun are the only days I can fish the river - and as per normal - it'll probably in perfect nick during the week whilst I'm stuck in work!!!

Regards,

Patrick
 
#23 ·
Sorry didn't reply yesterday, was away to the fishing.

I treat all the river in the same way. Look at the height at Corwen and Manley because some people use either gauge. If the waters up in the 80's or more, I wait for falling water and like to go once it gets to 70/4 and below. Then give it a try. There are no hard and fast rules.

gbanjo
 
#24 ·
Thanks I actually went this morn to dol isa, access was good as you said the river was at .7 manley gauge, I used a 12' 6 for an 8 with a rio ssvt and didn't feel overgunned on the pools, no fish but enjoyed fishing. got the trout rod out as well and had an out of season grayling on a cochy bondhu about a pound and a half. A good day :)
 
#25 ·
Patrick you seem to have the top end of the river well surveyed and I can't really add anything.

The Fridge pool incidentally starts at the big riffle above Dee Farm. Then the wood that you struggled through starts at the top of the riffle.
That length where the big rocks are and clumps off grasthroughout its length, isn't the Fridge pool. In fact I don't know what it's called, never seen or heard of anyone fishing it.

To get to the top pool go up the slope at the beginning of the wood and walk all the way along the back of it until you come to the Top pool. Takes about 10 mins. I don't fish it.

If you go on a website called Hawker- Overend. Andrew is making a great site about The Dee. Llan Maelor and Bodsa.

Superb info, descriptions and drawing of the pools,flies etc. Click on blog and share. It will be amazing when finished, which will take an age. It's a labour of love. More info than I can ever give

Don't think many people know about it yet.
I apparently can't do PMs yet.

gbanjo.
 
#27 ·
I have fished the top one they call it the long pool, yes it is a bit of a scramble down a wooded bank, I start at the riffle at the top and tuck into the right bank wading down these new shorter heads make it easier, I've only caught kelts there but have seen fresh fish in the past, some of the old welsh blokes I used to see on the bank said it was a good pool in the past, there is also some decent trout and grayling if you target them, it's definitely underfished as you need to be half fit to get to it, I like it up there, it used to be private owned by the Gardner Pearce preserve who where solicitors back in the old days. You could be in Switzerland it is that beautiful up on that top beat, just needs more fish to come back.
 
#28 ·
Your right it is steep and tricky. I would think after fishing the length, you would need to to wade back to the point of entering the water. It's seems to become steeper the further you go.

Its lovely up there, and peaceful.

I don't think it's just the Dee alone that needs more fish. I think much of Wales is the same. However the fly needs to be in the water, it's better than sitting using this iPad.

Tight lines gb.
 
#29 ·
You're right about the lack of fishing effort for salmon I haven't seen the locals out for years and I mainly fish for trout there and sea trout late summer at night. There always seems to be plenty of parr every year just very few returning as adults. I remember first fishing there in the late seventies for trout, couldn't afford a salmon licence then and I would see salmon showing all over the river no matter where you were on the beat. With regards to the long pool you can get out at the end of the wade with a bit of a scramble and onto a vague path that will lead you out of the woods and downstream. I would like to see a hatchery tried as another river I fish the Cree has done with some tangible success.
 
#30 ·
Spring Fishing???

Well, made a few hours of casting on the lower river Saturday under the baking sun - acquired the tentative beginnings of a tan.. but no salmo.

Definitely out with the wrong kit - a blizzard of sedges coming off mid morning for a good hour - the shucks were coming down in the margins all morning and into early pm. Friends were out Thursday and reported similar - unable to get out Sunday but another friend had a red letter day with the trout.. Great to see the river come so alive. Just need the odd salmon to throw hat into the ring.

DR