OS Map 148 (1:50,000). Ref - 115 640.
A major tributary of the River Wye, the Ithon holds much more than the trout and salmon usually associated with the area. At Penybont it is an interesting mix of deep, tranquil (in low water) pools, shallow riffles and clay banks in an open rural setting. No two sections are alike; sometimes narrow, calm and deep or wooded, shallow and fast. The Severn Arms Hotel holds about six miles of fishing in several stretches. Chub is the main quarry downstream of the hotel; the river character providing the ideal opportunity to sharpen up your stalking skills. They run to over 6lb, wide-shouldered and powerful, so strong tackle is often called for to keep them away from the snags they like to snuggle up to in small shoals. Start at the bottom of the stretch below Thomas’s Bridge and work stealthily upstream towards the hotel. Sneak up on them from behind casting a small offering of cheese or luncheon meat with minimal weights (preferably none) and optional very small float fished shallow. Keep low in the river bed, off the skyline, and wear waders if you have them. The deeper pools can hold pike to over 9lbs or so, leaner and tougher pike than your average lake specimens, while representatives of the roach, perch and gudgeon tribes are found here and there. To ring the changes you might like to try for grayling up to nearly 3lbs, a shy fish present in nomadic groups, especially active during the winter months. October through to April is recommended as the best time of year. A detailed map of the waters can be found just inside the main hotel entrance. Hotel guests get their fishing free!
TO GET THERE
From Llandrindod Wells, take the A483 north to Crossgates roundabout and turn right onto the A44. About 3 miles brings you to Penybont and the hotel is on the right on the river bank.
USEFUL INFO
DISABLED ACCESS Generally difficult - not recommended for wheelchairs.
TICKETS £5 Day. Free to hotel guests.
CONTACT The Proprietor, Severn Arms Hotel, Penybont, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5UA. Tel :- 01597 851693.
NEAREST TACKLE SHOP Post Office, Grosvenor Rd, Llandrindod Wells - limited supplies so take your bait with you.
BANS All legal methods permitted.
FACILITIES At Penybont only. Toilets. Food. Drinks.
EXPECT TO CATCH Chub. Grayling. Pike.
BASIC BAITS Cheese. Luncheon or sausage meat. Deadbait. Spinner. Maggot. Worm.
TACTICAL TIP When stalking chub try to pick low water and a sunny day. Ithon chub are particularly partial to a section of lightly-boiled frankfurter about an inch long.