The River Usk's reputation for wild Brown Trout was unrivalled for many years in Britain. During the past 40 odd years it had taken a decline but the trout fishing has improved dramatically in the past decade following excellent work by local conservation bodies. Stealth for daytime fishing and perseverance for late-evening and night-time can bring the best rewards. 1½lb fish are not uncommon and fish of 3½lb plus exist in nearly all stretches though not easily extracted.
The valley has seen a culture of catch and release emerge for these specimen fish which bodes well for the future. Although not a mayfly river some do appear in early June but rarely tempt significant rises. Trout start to show in March to March Browns, followed rapidly by huge swarms of Grannom, then large Olives and May Duns until July. From then on Caddis/Sedge and Olives play an important role. Summer success often comes with size - 18/20 gnats or kinkhammers late into the evening - before things normalise as the September autumnal rains arrive.
The Usk is not a renowned sea trout river along the reputation of the Towy, Cothi and Tiefi. That said, some fish do run from June onwards, though rarely seriously fished for, trout fishermen are busy casting size 18 flies at dimpling trout.
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