River Lugg reopens to anglers but Wye still shut over low levels

All sections of the River Lugg managed by the Hereford and District Angling Association reopened from 12.01am on July 21 after water temperatures dropped to safe levels.

Earlier this month, the association introduced an “unprecedented” mid-summer closure to protect fish during a period of hot, dry weather - something it said was a "difficult decision".

But a spokesperson confirmed the River Wye and the Association pools remain closed "for the time being", due to "continuing high water temperature remaining above acceptable levels and the low level of the river".

Latest data from Environment Agency gauges show extremely low levels on the Wye, and Natural Resources Wales said earlier this month it had not been releasing extra water into the river from the Elan Valley reservoirs.

The river measures just 23cm at Hay-on-Wye, 11cm at Bredwardine, 12cm at Belmont, and 33cm at Mordiford.

With the West Midlands now in drought, levels at Ross-on-Wye have dipped to only 1cm, while the gauge at Hereford’s Old Bridge has read 0.00m for several days.

Readings from the Lugg are slightly better, with 33cm at Leominster Upper Marsh and 27cm at Lugwardine, although levels remain critically low at Ford Bridge, where the latest reading is just 5cm.

Hereford and District Angling Association pools at Pencoyd and Belmont remain closed, alongside all stretches on the Wye.

The ongoing closure aligns with similar action taken by Ross-on-Wye Angling Club, which has also suspended fishing on all of its stretches.

Both clubs said the restrictions are necessary to protect fish stock during sustained dry and hot weather.

The association will continue to monitor river conditions and has asked anglers to check for further updates before planning any trips.