A Guide to Fishing Holidays on The River Wye
Are you planning to book a holiday cottage for a fishing holiday on the River Wye? You’re in for a treat, as the River Wye is one of the UK’s premier fishing destinations, known for its diverse fish species and picturesque surroundings. Here’s some of our comprehensive guide to help you plan your fishing trip from licences to places to stay.
The River Wye is a major river in the UK, flowing through Wales and England. It’s known for its clear waters, varied aquatic life, and stunning landscapes. The river offers a mix of coarse and game fishing opportunities.
Banner photo credit: Visit Dean & Wye
Fishing Licenses and Regulations:
The fishing season on the River Wye typically runs from March 3rd to October 7th for salmon and trout. Course fishing seasons usually run from June 16th to March 15th.
However, the specific dates might vary, so checking the current fishing regulations and seasons before planning your trip is essential.
To fish legally on the River Wye, you’ll need an Environment Agency rod license, which you can purchase online or at local fishing tackle shops. Different river sections may also have specific regulations and permit requirements, so research and adhere to these rules.
The River Wye has a strong conservation ethos. Practising catch-and-release is encouraged, especially for salmon and sensitive fish species. Adhering to size limits and using barbless hooks can help protect the fish population. Check with local fishing clubs and angling associations (see below) for the most up-to-date information on fishing regulations, access points, and any specific guidelines for fishing on the River Wye.
Fish Species
Salmon (Salmo salar): The River Wye is renowned for its salmon fishing. Salmon fishing is primarily popular during the salmon season, typically from March to October.
Brown Trout (Salmo trutta): Brown trout are abundant in the River Wye and are a popular target for fly anglers. The river provides a variety of habitats suitable for trout, including riffles, pools, and runs.
Grayling (Thymallus thymallus): The River Wye is home to a healthy grayling population. Grayling fishing is especially popular in the colder months, as grayling thrive in colder waters. They are often caught using fly fishing methods.
Barbel (Barbus barbus): Barbel fishing is a highlight for many anglers on the River Wye. The river has a substantial barbel population, and these fish can be caught using techniques such as ledgering, feeder fishing, and float fishing.
Chub (Squalius cephalus): Chub are another common species in the River Wye. They can be targeted using techniques like float fishing, ledgering, and even fly fishing. Chub can grow to impressive sizes in the river.
Pike (Esox lucius): Pike fishing is possible in certain sections of the River Wye. These predatory fish are often targeted using deadbait or lure fishing techniques.
Perch (Perca fluviatilis): In the River Wye, Perch can also be found. They are often caught using lures or live bait, and they inhabit various sections of the river.
Roach (Rutilus rutilus) and Dace (Leuciscus leuciscus): Roach and dace are present in the River Wye and can be caught using float fishing or ledgering techniques.
Eel (Anguilla anguilla): Eels can be caught in the river using various methods. They are known to inhabit slower-moving sections of the river.
Guides and Tours:
If you’re new to fishing on the River Wye, hiring a local fishing guide or joining a fishing tour can enhance your experience. Experienced guides can provide valuable insights, fishing techniques, and knowledge about the area. Contact Adam Fisher, an experienced angler; he has over 35 years of fishing experience and, growing up on the river Wye, has an understanding of the river that few others can match.
Tel: 01989 218080
Email: guiding@anglingdreams.co.uk
You could also try Angling Quests, which offers Professional guiding services, tutorials & holidays for anglers, including the River Wye.
Local Wye Valley Angling Clubs
Here are a few fishing clubs that have historically offered day tickets for fishing on the River Wye:
Wye & Usk Foundation: The Wye & Usk Foundation is a well-known organization dedicated to conserving and improving rivers like the Wye and Usk. They often provide day ticket options for fishing on various stretches of the River Wye. Check their website for the most up-to-date information.
Ross-on-Wye Angling Club: This angling Club is based in Ross-on-Wye and offers day tickets for visitors interested in fishing on the River Wye in their designated areas. Their website or local tackle shops might have information about purchasing day tickets.
Hereford and District Angling Association: The Hereford and District Angling Association manages several stretches of the River Wye. They have been known to offer day tickets for non-members to fish in these areas. Contact them directly for the latest information on ticket availability.
Monmouth And District Angling Society
The Club has a variety of game and coarse fishing rights on the Wye, The Monnow and other tributary rivers and still waters.
Monnow Rivers Association: While the Monnow River is separate from the Wye, the Monnow Rivers Association might have fishing opportunities that are of interest. They promote conservation and fishing on the Monnow River, which is a tributary of the Wye.
Local Tackle Shops
In addition to fishing clubs, many local tackle shops in the areas around the River Wye might sell day tickets for specific stretches of the river. These shops can be a good resource for finding out about available day ticket options.
Forest Tackle: Located in Lydney, Forest Tackle is a well-regarded tackle shop that provides a variety of fishing gear for different types of angling, including coarse, fly, and game fishing. They have equipment suited for fishing in the River Wye and its tributaries.
Monmouth Angling Centre: Situated in Monmouth, this tackle shop offers a selection of fishing tackle and equipment. It’s conveniently located for those looking to fish in the River Wye and surrounding waters.
Angling Dreams: Found in Hereford, Angling Dreams is a tackle shop that caters to various angling styles. They offer the most up-to-date information on how the river’s fishing and selling day tickets, season permits, and quality bait and tackle suitable for fishing in the Wye Valley.
This Hereford tackle shop is managed by Paul’ Woody Woodward, a champion match angler whose knowledge of the Wy Valley has enabled him to win just about every trophy in the area. The shop even has its own float range design, particularly for local fishing conditions.
Tackle and Bates: Based in Hereford, Tackle and Bates is a well-established tackle shop that offers friendly, expert advice on all aspects of fishing from beginner to expert match anglers. They also pride themselves on selling the best quality bait for fishing locally/All staff are experienced anglers and can offer visitors a wealth of advice.
Where to Fish:
Visitors can purchase day tickets to fish in several locations along the River Wye. Remember that availability may change, so contacting these locations in advance is a good idea to confirm ticket availability, prices, and specific regulations. Here are some popular places where you can buy day tickets for fishing on the River Wye:
Hereford: The city of Hereford and its surroundings offer various fishing opportunities. Local tackle shops and fishing associations often sell day tickets for stretches of the River Wye around Hereford.
Ross-on-Wye: Ross-on-Wye is another popular area for fishing on the River Wye. Check with local tackle shops or fishing clubs in Ross-on-Wye to find out about available day tickets for different stretches of the river.
Symonds Yat: Symonds Yat is known for its scenic beauty and fishing potential. Look for local fishing clubs or businesses that offer day tickets for fishing in this area.
Monmouth: Monmouth offers access to the lower stretches of the River Wye. Check with local angling associations, fishing shops, or estate offices in Monmouth for information about purchasing day tickets.
Builth Wells: Upstream in Builth Wells, you can find fishing opportunities in the Wye’s upper reaches. Local fishing clubs or associations in Builth Wells may offer day tickets for fishing access.
Tintern and Trellech: These areas provide opportunities for fishing in picturesque settings. Look for local fishing organizations or tackle shops that offer day tickets for fishing along these stretches of the River Wye.
Hay-on-Wye: Hay-on-Wye is another spot where you might find day tickets for fishing. Contact local fishing clubs or businesses for information about available fishing options.
Fishing Associations and Clubs:
Many fishing associations and clubs manage different sections of the River Wye. They often offer day tickets to non-members, allowing visitors to enjoy the fishing while supporting local angling efforts.
When purchasing day tickets, inquire about specific rules, regulations, and guidelines for fishing in the area. These might include information about permitted fishing techniques, species, and catch limits. Additionally, make sure to respect the environment, practice ethical angling, and follow catch-and-release practices to help preserve the health of the river’s fish population.
Here are a few fishing clubs that have historically offered day tickets for fishing on the River Wye:
Wye & Usk Foundation: The Wye & Usk Foundation is a well-known organization dedicated to conserving and improving rivers like the Wye and Usk. They often provide day ticket options for fishing on various stretches of the River Wye. Check their website for the most up-to-date information.
Ross-on-Wye Angling Club: This angling Club is based in Ross-on-Wye and offers day tickets for visitors interested in fishing on the River Wye in their designated areas. Their website or local tackle shops might have information about purchasing day tickets.
Hereford and District Angling Association: The Hereford and District Angling Association manages several stretches of the River Wye. They have been known to offer day tickets for non-members to fish in these areas. Contact them directly for the latest information on ticket availability.
Monnow Rivers Association: While the Monnow River is separate from the Wye, the Monnow Rivers Association might have fishing opportunities that are of interest. They promote conservation and fishing on the Monnow River, which is a tributary of the Wye.
Local Tackle Shops: Besides fishing clubs, many local tackle shops around the River Wye might sell day tickets for specific stretches of the river. These shops can be a good resource for finding out about available day ticket options.
Online Fishing Forums and Websites: Online fishing forums and websites often discuss fishing opportunities on various rivers, including day tickets. Searching for River Wye fishing forums or websites might yield information about where to obtain day tickets.
Always ensure that you purchase tickets from legitimate sources and clearly understand the rules and regulations for fishing in the specific areas covered by the day tickets. As regulations can change, checking with local fishing clubs, associations, and relevant authorities will provide you with the most accurate and current information for planning your fishing trip on the River Wye.
Close Seasons
As a general guideline, dates are:
- Salmon 3rd March – 17th October
- Trout 3rd March – 30th September
- Coarse (rivers) 16th June – 14th March
- Coarse (still waters) no restrictions
Verifying the current close season dates with the most up-to-date information from official sources is essential, as regulations can change. You can check the Environment Agency website or contact local fishing associations, angling clubs, or tackle shops in the River Wye area to get accurate and current information about the close season dates for the specific year you plan to fish. You can also check with local fishing organizations, the Environment Agency, or other relevant authorities to ensure that you’re fishing in accordance with the most current rules and regulations on the River Wye.
What local names are given to types of fish in the Wye Valley?
While there are colloquial names for many fish that are the same throughout the UK, some local names prevail. Here’s a list to help you fish and talk like a local:
Salmon: Local Name: “Sewin”
Grayling: Local Name: “Ugly” or “Lady of the Stream”
Barbel: Local Name: “Beardies”
Chub: Local Name: "Chevin”
Pike: Local Name: “Jack”
Perch: Local Name: “Stripey
Roach: Local Name: “Redfin”
Dace: Local Name: “Dart”
Eel: Local name: That *****!
Banner photo credit: Hollytree House A large Ross-on-Wye holiday cottage sleeping up to 22 guests.
Where to Stay
View all our Holiday Cottages in the Wye Valley here. Do check that they have a suitable space for storing tackle.
Image: The Birches, a large holiday cottage near Hay-on-Wye. Sleeps 8.
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