Bideford Brook

Bideford Brook is a small Forest of Dean stream that joins the River Severn not far upstream from Lydney. This beat, a few miles above the confluence, is about half a mile of lowland small stream trout fishing. The brook sits below field level for much of its length under a fairly thick tree canopy, so it is well sheltered. Expect wild brown trout up to about 12 inches from the small deep pools and short straight flats.

Wading is easy over a gravel bed, and a footpath along much of the beat makes the walk back to the parking area straightforward. The Fishing Passport suggests a 6 to 7 foot rod for a 2 to 3 weight line.

It is fly only, with one trout a rod that may be kept, no dogs and at most two tickets a day. The Passport’s price list shows a day ticket at £11 to £12 and a block booking at £22 to £24. It is booked through the Fishing Passport, online or by phone.