Part of the River Wye’s Middle Ballingham Fishery

The Fishery

An aerial view of part of the Middle Ballingham stretch

The Ballingham stretch of the River Wye lies in the heart of Herefordshire, seven miles equidistant between Hereford and the M50. The thriving village of Fownhope, which offers excellent facilities including a shop, places to stay and two pubs is approximately one mile away.

The top beat on the north bank ends just above the large croy. A stile below Capler Wood marks the end of the stretch on the north bank and a post and rail fence marks the boundary on the south side. There is a footpath that runs along the entire length of the fishery on both banks. Most of the fishing occurs on the north bank, although fishing from a boat has been done in the past and there are several easy mooring positions.

Historically there was a small shepherd’s hut at the base of Capler Wood, which may be able to be replaced on the small stretch of Ballingham Wood that belongs to the fishery. A footpath runs from this bank through the wood and up to Capler Lane which also provides access to the river.

An angler fishing part of the stretch

There are some 13 known named pools and catches along the stretch. Downstream from the croy are Fords Gravel and The Rapids, which are possible to wade. This was known in the past to be some of the best flyfishing on the whole of the river. Many of the pools are best fished from the north bank, especially The Pipe, casting out towards the Alders down to Fords Gravel. Fish tend to travel up from this side along Under Capler and in 1986, a 38lb salmon was caught in The Alders, where other fish of between 25 and 30lbs were often caught.

The fishing on the south bank is known as the Middle Ballingham beat. Wood Stream is a good shady spot where the fish tend to rest. Tinker’s Hole is named after a tinker who used to poach this rewarding pool during the Great War.

The Records

The salmon fishery has been used more for pleasure than serious sport. Historically in the late 80’s the annual catch records showed an average of 129 salmon.

Although numbers have declined, salmon can still be seen running through. However the rise in coarse fishing on the Wye has never been stronger. The popularity of barbel fishing especially has increased and more anglers are returning to fish these more natural  venues whilst enjoying the outstanding beauty of the Wye. There has been an increase in the number of accessible swims and there is plainly much scope to improve the fishery still further.

The fishing is also available on a daily ticket basis through the Wye & Usk Foundation ticket scheme. This has generated an income of £3,598 and £4,295 in 2023 and 2024 respectively, with obvious opportunity to enhance the income still further. The Wye and Usk Foundation have produced some wonderful drone footage of the fishery which can be watched here on YouTube

For sale by informal tender (unless previously sold)

Interested parties are invited to get in touch with the agent by completing the contact form at the top of this page. Any bids need to be submitted before noon on November 7th 2024. When submitting an offer, please provide your name, address and contact details as well as the name of your solicitor.

Proof of funding will also be required at the appropriate time. The contract papers and completed tender pack, including searches, etc. are available for inspection at any reasonable time from the vendors solicitors, whose details are as follows:-

Martin Legg, Elmhirst Parker LLP,
The Cross, Kirkgate Sherburn-in-Elmet
North Yorkshire LS25 6BH
Tel: 01977 682219 | Fax: 01977 684454
email: mpl@elmhirstparker.com

The successful purchaser will be invited to exchange contracts within 10 working days of receipt of the legal pack. The vendor does not have to accept the highest or any offer.

Viewing and Directions

Interested parties are welcome to view at any time notifying the selling agents of your intentions prior to your visit. From the M50 head towards Hereford and Fownhope on the B4224. On entering the village, turn left immediately after Fownhope church into Capler Lane and proceed for about one mile. Soon after passing Capler Cottage on the right there is a lay-by on the left where you can park. (What3Words: reseller.hype.wreck). Cross the lane and follow the footpath down the side of the hill and over the style at the bottom to the river. The south bank can be accessed through a field gate in Ballingham (What3Words: informed.crows.debating).