Guidance

River Wye: conditions, closures and restrictions

River conditions and restrictions and safety information for boaters on the Rivers Wye and Lugg.

From:
Environment Agency
Published
12 May 2014
Last updated
26 September 2024 — See all updates

River restrictions

River Wye

No major blockages have been reported. However, canoeists should be aware of obstructions and over hanging trees at:

  • Turners Boat
  • Kerne Bridge
  • Backney Bridge

Further obstructions may exist following recent high river levels.

River Lugg

A number of blockages and fallen trees on the River Lugg have been reported to the Environment Agency. These exist in the vicinity of:

  • Hope under Dinmore
  • Hampton Court
  • Bodenham

Canoeists should navigate the Lugg with caution due to the rural nature of the catchment. Blockages can quickly form in remote locations as the river levels and flows fluctuate.

Safety on the River Wye

The Wye is a fast flooding river, which can rise quickly after heavy rain. When in flood it is best to keep off the river.

We monitor water levels at all times. The latest information for the River Wye can be accessed on Check for flooding service.

The River Wye is most dangerous when there are:

  • strong currents
  • high water levels
  • cold weather

Do not take risks and never underestimate the power of the river.

River Wye Paddlers code

Guidance for all river users:

Of particular importance on the River Wye:

  • look after the environment - do not damage the banks and bankside vegetation and take special care not to disturb waterweed and gravel beds
  • it is an offence to wilfully disturb breeding fish or spawning beds - do not disturb birds or wildlife, keep clear of nesting birds, areas important for breeding fish, and sensitive otter sites (especially in the Clifford and Whitney areas of the river)
  • from October to April inclusive, trampling and launching on gravels used by salmon and trout may damage unhatched eggs and young fry - this is of particular concern upstream of Glasbury and when the water level is low
  • protect native species and habitats - use dry or disinfected equipment if you have used it in other freshwater bodies
  • do not trespass on private banks or moorings
  • hail to draw attention to a situation which might result in inconvenience, damage or collision; treat a hail as a friendly warning and not an insult
  • competitors and event organisers should take into account the effects on other river users
  • event organisers should display warning notices at each end of a stretch of river being used for competitions
  • follow the Countryside Code and have regard for other people’s property

Guidance for boaters:

  • except in an emergency, launch or land only at recognised access points
  • do not land on gravel shoals and islands between 1 April and 31 July when birds may be nesting
  • give way to people taking part in competitions
  • groups of young and inexperienced boaters should be led by an experienced leader, preferably a qualified instructor
  • when boating in a group try to keep together, especially when passing anglers
  • do not get in the way of other boats by suddenly changing course
  • remember that large boats are less manoeuvrable and can not escape to shallow water like canoes, rafts and rowing boats can
  • follow the River Wye Paddlers Code

Guidance for boating near anglers:

  • look out for anglers - keep a good distance from them and avoid their lines
  • pass anglers quickly and quietly, creating as little disturbance as possible and do not loiter in fishing pools
  • keep well clear of wading anglers or anglers in boats - leave enough room in front and behind for them to cast
  • comply with any signals anglers make to indicate whether they wish you to pass by or wait a moment, hail if you think your approach has not been noticed
  • leave the water if an Environment Agency Officer asks you to - such a request will only be made where there is a real risk of disturbance
  • fishing from a boat is not allowed unless you have a valid rod licence and permission from the owner or tenant of the fishery rights, if you are boating upstream of Hay-on-Wye you also need permission from the riparian owner

Updates to this page

Published 12 May 2014
Last updated 26 September 2024 + show all updates

  1. Updated 'safety on the River Wye' section

  2. The River Wye Paddle Guide and the Paddlers Code have been added.

  3. River restriction for Rivers Wye and Lugg updated.

  4. First published.

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