DURING a visit to see how the Wye and Usk Foundation's drain blocking in the upper Irfon had fared over the summer, they were pleased to find that despite the dry summer, the water holding capacity of the bogs had significantly increased.

Water vole populations have declined in the UK by more than 90 per cent largely because of mink predation but also loss of habitat.

They prefer ungrazed wetland sites with few or no trees which is what is being achieved with the wetland restoration work.

Water vole colonisation is an unexpected bonus of the work, as was last Spring's find of spawning amphibians.

The latest edition of the Lugg and Arrow Fisheries Association (LAFA) newsletter is now on the WUF website.

It includes details of all the electrofishing carried out during 2014 in that catchment as well as more details of the recent fish pass on the Lugg.

Anyone looking for fishing in the area next year, see what Isca Angling Club on the lower Usk has to offer in addition to the regular Wye and Usk season rods.

Grayling fishing has taken a back seat with a series of spates bringing leaves and colour everywhere.

Sometimes there are breaks in the weather and if so, head for Irfon and the upper Wye above Newbridge. If the weather is settled for a few days the Ithon, Lugg and Monnow will start to yield a few grayling and eventually lower downstream will fish if it hasn't started to rain again. 

Despite all the rain, the Elan dams are not yet full but must be nearing over-topping. This and the recharged Lugg will keep the main river up for some time to come.

This year's rainfall is already 1" more than in 2012. Coarse anglers, though less affected by high water, have struggled in the wet conditions. Water temperatures remain relatively warm, though, so find a slack water area and you still stand a good chance of a barbel or chub.