Salmon Fly Fishing - River Wye - Upper Bigsweir - May 2022

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  • Опубліковано 8 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 50

  • @nigelwrighton6881
    @nigelwrighton6881 2 роки тому +4

    Hey Chris, don’t get too despondent, I think I went for two/three years before I caught my first salmon and I was travelling from Italy where I lived at the time with my family then all of a sudden Lady Luck changed, yes are we battling a real shortage of fish , you will catch your fish 🎉 I wrote earlier try Ireland but always be aware we only get our holidays , the locals go when the fish are running or the weather is right or the water is clear/ cloudy what ever !! We have to take what we get .
    Wish you well and great photography, best

    • @CornishChrisTheFish
      @CornishChrisTheFish  2 роки тому

      Hi Nigel, yeah I always hate that "you should have been here last week" reply I get all too often when I show up to fish. Living next to a prime salmon river must be an amazing opportunity and you are right we must take what we get when we go on holiday. Thanks for the support!! Chris

  • @storksailing
    @storksailing 2 роки тому +1

    Hi Chris. I’m fishing that beat in a couple of weeks. I’m really seeing it as casting practice with a slim chance of a fish. Fine by me. A nice weekend away in a lovely hotel with some good food and a few drinks. What’s not to love? It took me three years to catch my first salmon as I only get to fish a few days each year really. Get yourself to Norway on a good river in a good week. Spendy but you won’t regret it. I had an epic week there in 2019 with three springers all over 20lbs. One tore a hundred metres of backing off my reel before I could turn it around. Off there again next July. Can’t wait.

    • @CornishChrisTheFish
      @CornishChrisTheFish  2 роки тому

      I am so pleased you sent me this message. I am looking into Norway for next year but tbh i am stumped. Could you share with me where you are fishing, do they have a website etc? Many thanks Chris

  • @philippendlebury4518
    @philippendlebury4518 Рік тому +1

    Hi Steve. Yes I know exactly how you felt. At times when you spend day after day for salmon when you have nothing to show for your efforts it does make you feel a bit glum. My approach to salmon fishing these days is like yours - just enjoy your casting and the lovely environment you're in - have a good crack with your mates and if by a miracle you get a fish that's definitely a bonus. If I want to get my string pulled I'll go to my local stillwater and yoke into some nice rainbows or blue trout. Or have a crack at the sea trout at night. Cheers mate. Phil

    • @CornishChrisTheFish
      @CornishChrisTheFish  Рік тому

      Cheers Philip, my attitude and approach to fishing has changed dramatically since this video. My expectations have also changed too. Thanks for the support 👍

  • @blondie853
    @blondie853 2 роки тому +2

    Fair play to you Chris.Tight lines for your next trip.

  • @simonpeters3499
    @simonpeters3499 2 роки тому +2

    I really feel for you Chris. I really look forward to your uploads and love watching your ongoing and current futile quest for that elusive salmon, it's such a different game to Trout fishing and I admire your patience with the Paddle Boarders......I'll bet they're not paying 70 quid to use the water! Anyway, I'm sure it will all come together soon. Stay positive and remember there's always pulling out Stockie Rainbows from Stithians reservoir when you're back in Cornwall. I had 15 yesterday!

    • @CornishChrisTheFish
      @CornishChrisTheFish  2 роки тому

      Hi Simon, thanks so much for that, I really appreciate your support. Many a happy memory of Stithians! 15 eh? That's some going, leave some for the rest of us 🤣👍

  • @truthteller8567
    @truthteller8567 2 роки тому +3

    Hi Chris,,, in reply to your question on the video,,,, sometimes a canoe or paddle board or even an otter passing through a swim can "turn on" a salmon just enough to take a fly that it had previously ignored. Sometimes. Keep at it and eventually your perseverance will pay off. My daughter took 3 years before she landed her first salmon. On the other hand my 12 year old grandson caught a 13.5 pounder on his first trip just 3 weeks ago.
    With regard to getting your tube flies snagged on the river bed generally speaking at this time of year you can fish high in the water with small flies. The water isn't yet very warm and its past being icy cold. The theory is that salmon will rise to a fly but they won't swim down to a fly.

    • @CornishChrisTheFish
      @CornishChrisTheFish  2 роки тому

      Hi TT, thanks for that, although I felt like giving up at the end of that video, I am resolved to carry on with your support and all the other amazing people following and commenting on my channel - its awesome! Chris

  • @df9177
    @df9177 2 роки тому +1

    Don't let it get to you Chris, it's not always about catching the fish. It's about getting out there away from everything, watching the water and the wildlife, the peace and sometimes just sitting and listening to the water and thinking how lucky you are to be where you are. It does loads for your health, especially your mental health just being out there. Then comes the take and your heart rate goes mad and your blood pressure is probably sky high and your talking aloud, 'stay on, stay on' and then it's in the net. Quick picture and you let her slowly swim away to her home. That's when you just sit there and think, 'I love this'.

  • @FlyfishingLwyd
    @FlyfishingLwyd 2 роки тому +1

    Hi Chris you should check out the Ogmore it's a £20 day ticket Ogmore Angling. Lot's of sewin (seatrout) as well

    • @CornishChrisTheFish
      @CornishChrisTheFish  2 роки тому +1

      Thanks Nathan, i will check out Ogmore for sure on my next trip to Wales

  • @colinmcdougal6233
    @colinmcdougal6233 2 роки тому +1

    I fished for a few years before I caught my first salmon and lost a few on the way. My wife and two young daughters all caught salmon on their first trip! The difference was that they had been taken to productive Dee and Beauly beats in very good conditions whereas I fished for a few hours here and there on lesser ones where whatever fish there were tended to be stale. Stick with it. We’ve all been there apart from a very lucky few. For what it’s worth I have often saved a blank day with the Sunray which can be so effective.

    • @CornishChrisTheFish
      @CornishChrisTheFish  2 роки тому +1

      Hi Colin. Great advice, definitely looking at the Dee for my next trip. Thanks for taking the time to comment and for subscribing. Cheers, Chris

  • @andywebster111
    @andywebster111 2 роки тому +1

    Hey ho Chris,keep at it pal took me 20 years to catch my first Salmon but I was only fishing for them a few days each season,my first fish was caught spinning for Pike on the river Clyde ,couldn’t believe it but after that started to get two or three each season on the Annan and Clyde on the fly.Like you I am a died in the wool Trout man but love chasing the Silver Tourists.The Dee is doing great so far but best fishing on Spey appears to be up at Granton on Spey which is CHEAP compared to some of the lower beats.Wishing you luck wherever you go , Cheers.

    • @CornishChrisTheFish
      @CornishChrisTheFish  2 роки тому

      Thanks Andrew!! I fished the SAIA waters at the very start of the season back in February, but it is looking like I will be venturing back up to Scotland sooner that I thought. Cheers for the support, Chris

  • @Marco-mg9tv
    @Marco-mg9tv 2 роки тому +1

    Hi Chris that’s where I caught my first wye salmon on the fly last year, value for money ? Well better value than say a couple of grand for a rod day a week that you might only get to fish a few times a year at least with a day ticket you can take it or leave it. Pays your money takes your choice… any one fishing the Wye that’s not already familiar with the beat I’d recommend a gillie - Nathan Jubb is the man for you at UB for your best chance of a fish and great company

  • @koof1776
    @koof1776 2 роки тому +1

    Relaxing~

  • @tastefulnude
    @tastefulnude 2 роки тому +1

    Hey Chris. When you have finished touring the wye and usk I would love to know your favourite beat to fish so I can give it a go. I know it will never be anything like Scotland but it’s close to home so would be handy to know!

    • @CornishChrisTheFish
      @CornishChrisTheFish  2 роки тому

      Thanks Liam, I have recorded a Wye & Usk review video which will be up next week covering all the beats I have fished via the WUF. In my opinion the best beat I fished was the Wyecliff near Hay on Wye, a cheap day ticket but nice and accessible water, easy wading and friendly owners. The other would have to be Moccas Fishery which you can book via the WUF but as I discovered much better to book direct www.redlion-hotel.com/salmonfishing.html via the Red Lion. I have a video for both fisheries on the channel. Good luck and tight lines, let me know how you get on! Chris

    • @tastefulnude
      @tastefulnude 2 роки тому

      @@CornishChrisTheFish cheers Chris I’ll give them a good look!!

  • @bollob9777
    @bollob9777 2 роки тому +3

    Hi Chris, I felt bad seeing you so down and really hope your luck changes. Remember that you are fishing in the spring/early summer which is the hardest time, with the fly (again the hardest method) and in low uninspiring conditions. Everything is stacked against you - for the moment.
    My advice is to try and shorten the odds. Pick a location/beat that gets results (hopefully shown in catch returns by month), focus on that beat getting to know not just the pools but how to fish them at different heights/levels etc and it will all come good.
    That’s what I’ve done and it’s worked for me. A level of intimacy with a beat will also help you target specific times or conditions stopping you from wasting money on long shots.
    One other option is to do what a lot of my southern friends do which is book a top quality Scottish beat for a week at peak time and just suck it up when you have to pay £300 plus vat or more per day. Appreciate that’s the throwing money at it option.
    Good luck mate and hoping to see you happier soon.

    • @CornishChrisTheFish
      @CornishChrisTheFish  2 роки тому

      Hey Bollo! Nice to hear from you, thanks for the advice and support. Yep, you are right, I need to pick my dates and times on catch returns so I reckon that need to venture back up to Scotland in July or August. Any recommendations for up there?

    • @rodneykaye9399
      @rodneykaye9399 2 роки тому

      I fish the Border Esk and the Eden in Cumbria frequently. Your chances of catching salmon and sea trout will be much improved.

    • @bollob9777
      @bollob9777 2 роки тому

      @@CornishChrisTheFish If you were venturing North then why not visit the Eden, Tweed then the Tay in a nice round trip? The Eden appears to be fishing well and I see lots of catches on social media. Personally I'd aim for as late as possible in August as thats when I see larger numbers of running fish. My personal favourite is Cargill on the lower Tay but I have very specific tastes. I love deep wading, underwater structures such as rock ledges and boulders and you need to throw a long line. Cargill is full of those features and that's why it retains a head of fish. This is not for everyone though and some rods prefer to just hang out with the ghillies, fish from the boat or fish the easier parts of the beat (of which there are many). If you spend the time working out the features then Cargill has so much more to give than most people realize. If you can find a way of pm'ing me I'm happy to share more details. Cheers

  • @somersetsalmonfisherman2671
    @somersetsalmonfisherman2671 2 роки тому +1

    Hi Chris - All you can do is keep plugging away at it.
    .
    I have fished for salmon with the fly for thirty three years. I went 3 years without catching one but if I had given up, I wouldn't have caught my first fish in my fourth year of trying or the subsequent 5 fish in two days I managed in 1995. What I do, even now, if I want to catch fish is I go and catch some trout. They are a great boost to the system and allow a chance to appreciate just how rare the salmon are and how valuable the ultimate prize is of actually catching one.
    .
    I am going through a lean patch again - nothing last season and nothing yet this season. It is unfortunately the nature of salmon fishing in 2022.
    .
    You must not think of it in terms of value for money. It's a bit like playing golf and never going under par I guess. We love the sport and so we keep on going. The results are pretty immaterial. But how much more fulfilled will you feel as a salmon angler when you get that fish, as opposed to the golfer who even at 6 under par, won't have much to show for their seemingly endless financial hemorrhage?!?
    .
    I think it helps if you're addicted too. If you can stop then you aren't addicted - I can't, I am, so I won't!!.
    .
    Keep trying Chris, and keep posting. I like your videos. If you'd like to try the single spey, give me a PM.

    • @CornishChrisTheFish
      @CornishChrisTheFish  2 роки тому

      Wow! Thank you so much for telling me your story, it's great to read about your experiences and that I am not alone!! Thanks for taking the time to comment on my video, I am practising the Single Spey at the moment so will be using it more in upcoming videos. Thanks again for the support, tight lines! Chris

  • @nathanjubba7759
    @nathanjubba7759 2 роки тому +2

    Unfortunately when you fished that day there was a full algae bloom on
    Kiss of death
    May is a hit and miss time
    Generally the big tides at the end of May June bring a good stock of fish in
    The beat as I make this comment is loaded with fish and the river is gin clear
    Next time you fish here give me a shout and will get you a fish
    🎣🎣🎣🎣

  • @Dressagevids
    @Dressagevids 2 роки тому +1

    Lovely river but may as well fish in a bucket

  • @magnetchi
    @magnetchi 2 роки тому +1

    Hi . Better luck next time 👊

  • @philippendlebury4518
    @philippendlebury4518 Рік тому +1

    Sorry Chris apologies I addressed you Steve and not Chris. Brain now properly in gear. Best Phil

    • @CornishChrisTheFish
      @CornishChrisTheFish  Рік тому

      Do you know what I didn't even notice, I am shattered from 3 days on the River Earn near Crieff and my brain has most certainly switched off 🙃

  • @wye-fisher
    @wye-fisher 10 місяців тому +1

    Chris, I've just come across your videos and can only hope that you see my comment..
    Firstly, may I suggest that next time you are thinking of visiting the area, save a few quid and join the Wye Salmon Association for £10 and get free access to seven beats in 2024, including this one. Plenty of friendly advice is always available from the likes of Nathan and many more of the fishery owners, managers and ghillies that make up the core membership. As for canoes, yes they can be a nuisance in the holiday season but, as someone else has mentioned, they can 'move' a fish which will then take a fly. The biggest killer of a day is after a spell of bright sunshine which results in the pea-soup like algae bloom, fishing in the rain however more often seems to produce results though! Anyway, give the WSA a glance and, if you do join, I will be the first to know......😉😉

    • @CornishChrisTheFish
      @CornishChrisTheFish  10 місяців тому

      Wow thanks so much for the amazing advice. I will be sure to look into this. 😀👍

  • @paulbirch3666
    @paulbirch3666 2 роки тому +1

    Chin up Chris; I live near Hereford & have fished the Wye for over 15 years ,with good water & low water (as now) & I still haven't caught a Wye Salmon. I've caught many salmon on other rivers over the years, but never on the wye. I've been out twice this season on two very good beats to no avail. Most guests I have invited have caught salmon!
    I tell a lie... I was chub fishing 2 years ago trotting spam on 4lb. line & hooked a salmon first cast. Needless to say I lost it after a couple of runs.
    You are up against it at the moment on the Wye unless you can get onto the Wyesham beat. Wait for a good dump of rain in the Welsh mountains to give a couple of feet rise in the river & then book a day 2 or 3 days later on any of the beats you've been on & you will have a better chance of value for money.
    Thanks for posting.
    PS:
    ( Some people think that stealth is the key in low water; Your circle C cast is a joy to watch but is noisy & fish get nervous in low water. Practice a single spay?)

    • @CornishChrisTheFish
      @CornishChrisTheFish  2 роки тому

      Hi Paul, thanks for taking the time to comment on my video. Yeah I love my circle c cast but you are quite right I really must practice other types of casting! Not sure I will be visiting the Wye again which is a shame, I shall be heading back up North again very soon. All the best, Chris

  • @rodneykaye9399
    @rodneykaye9399 2 роки тому +1

    Having now fished some of the best beats on the wye In spring you are finding out the hard way that to catch a salmon requires 10,000 casts. The wye is way past its best and the wye foundation has spent Well In excess of £10 million on habitat restoration over many years with the result that there are fewer fish running the river than before they started. In the meantime they colluded with the EA to close down the hatchery with the obvious results.
    Regards the canoeists if you rest the pool every time one goes through you could spend all day in the hut. One day I had 250 canoeists go through the beat I.was fishing. Just remember you paid to be on the river whilst canoeists pay nothing!!!

    • @CornishChrisTheFish
      @CornishChrisTheFish  2 роки тому

      Thanks Rodney, that's what I had thought about the canoeists and sadly what I had heard about the WUF, such a shame! Cheers for the support! Chris

    • @rodneykaye9399
      @rodneykaye9399 2 роки тому

      Having fished both the wye and the Usk in my view the Usk is the better river. In 6 years fishing the wye I caught 6 fish, in 13 years fishing the usk 1 day a week I caught 48 fish and some of those years were drought years when I caught nothing. The wye fishes best in the spring and the Usk is a summer river. Unfortunately the river authority has changed the rules re types of method that it is now very difficult to catch and land fish

  • @elvislagonda4738
    @elvislagonda4738 Рік тому +1

    yes. it was good value for money. you were not doing anything wrong. good casting. you kept trying different flies to get the depth right. any kind of shrimp fly is good. the flow was too slow but you can't really do anything about that. you cannot equate salmon fishing with trout fishing, or any other kind of fishing. none of us catches many salmon. the conditions are almost never right. in fact last year it was unfishable for a long period. while you are not catching anything you are standing in a beautiful river, not being nagged, surrounded by nature. suddenly, one day, if you persist you will understand. i had my one for the year not far from where you are on the last cast of the season last year. i am still buzzing. and i am sorting through my flies and spinners ready for my first trip in march.

    • @CornishChrisTheFish
      @CornishChrisTheFish  Рік тому

      You are quite right Elvis thank you for taking the time to comment in such depth on my video. 👍