White Sewin of the Usk
1892 — the 8‑lb white sewin of Crickhowell
Legend on the pools
1892 — a hen sewin, eight pounds, taken at moon high near Crickhowell. The story lives in beats from Abergavenny to Usk town. Chainbridge Pool and Narrowboats run deep; anglers still speak of pale fish tailing in four- to eight‑foot runs during the sewin run from June to October. Adults commonly sit at three to five pounds, some pushing ten and up to twenty‑four inches.
Coracles and rites
Coracles ten to twelve feet long glide close to gravel redds. Men cast size 10–14 silver stoat‑tail flies with long greenheart rods — an old 18‑foot habit still told at the Abbey Fishery. Superstitions are sharp: never speak her name aloud, knot leaders from horsehair for luck, cook the first catch over willow embers to glimpse the next season. These are not guesses; they are the traditions passed along the Usk.
Moonlit cooking
When the net comes up with pale scales, the fire is ready. Sewin grilled over hot coals with butter, herbs and Usk watercress takes two to three minutes per side. Scales crisp, flesh flakes; serve with oatcakes and a dram of mead and the story goes on until dawn.
Where the stories gather
From Llanwysg to Abercrychan, from Llancayo beats to the tidal reach at Caerleon, the White Sewin keeps anglers talking. Poets and ghillies watch lanterns bob on moonlit bends. The legend sits in every pool and on every cast.
Recommended: traditional oatcakes pack