We offer approximately eight miles of excellent fishing on the River Wye at The Moccas Fishery, located in Bredwardine, between Hay-on-Wye and Hereford.

In recent years, this stretch of the river has gained a reputation as one of the UK’s top barbel fisheries. Most barbel weigh between 4 and 9 pounds, with many reaching double digits and a recorded maximum of 14 pounds. The fast-flowing Wye produces strong, healthy fish, so we recommend using at least 8-pound line.

However, the river is home to much more than just barbel. Anglers regularly catch chub weighing over 50 pounds, bream over 9 pounds, and carp up to 27 pounds. You'll also find dace, bleak, roach, and a strong population of pike, making it a diverse and rewarding fishery throughout the season.

John Bailey

John is one of many well‑known anglers who have fished our stretch of the River Wye, and he’s enjoyed a close connection with The Red Lion Hotel and our fishery for almost 40 years. Widely regarded as one of Europe’s best‑known fishermen, he writes for titles including Coarse Fisherman, Trout Fisherman, Improve Your Coarse Fishing, The Fly Fishers Journal, Waterlog, Blinker and Carp Hunters Magazine. He also contributes to The Field, The Independent and The Daily Mail, and most recently worked alongside Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer on Gone Fishing.

​​Johnny Jensen

Johnny Jensen has travelled the world more than 150 times over the past 25 years, combining his passion for photography and fishing in some of the planet’s most remote and spectacular locations — from mountains and jungles to rainforests and untouched wilderness. He spent time with us on the banks of the Wye throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, and we’ve stayed in touch ever since. You can explore his adventures through his online photographic library.

More Info

All anglers fishing on our stretch of the River Wye will need a valid fishing licence and a day permit, available from the hotel bar or reception for £20. A limited number of season tickets are issued each year, with priority given to existing holders, so please get in touch if you’d like to enquire.

The fishery welcomes individuals, small parties, and larger groups. We can organise breakfasts, packed lunches, and evening meals, and the bar is open to all. Guests staying at the hotel enjoy special group rates and have access to four miles of the river.

All EA-permitted baits are allowed, and barbless or micro-barbed hooks must be used at all times. Visitor dogs are not permitted on the fishery. Barbel and carp must not be kept in keepnets, and all anglers must hold a current EA licence, available online.

Day‑ticket anglers have access to approximately one mile of pegs, and we request that all gates are left exactly as you find them.​

Woody's Angling Centre

 WOODYS ANGLING CENTRE in Hereford stocks all leading brand names of fishing equipment.