BEAT 2 – RIVER LYDExtent of Beat: From Southern Bridge upstream to Spry Farm (both banks)Distance from Hotel: ½ mileLength of Beat: ¾ mileDIRECTIONSTurn left out of the car park and continue for approximately ½ mile before turning right, signposted “Chillaton”. After 100 yards, cross Southern Bridge and park immediately on the right-hand side, taking care not to block access to the field gateway. To begin fishing, climb over the bridge wall opposite the parking area. There is a step on the field side of the wall to assist access. From here, fish upstream.THE FISHINGBeat 2 on the Lyd is an often overlooked Beat, however it’s some of Guides favourite waters and holds some truly phenomenal fish. The Beat is best known for brown trout and more recently daytime sea trout. A few Grayling are present but are mainly localised to Custard, Mill, stable and Beech tree pool. Some of the best fishing on the beat is situated in the first 200 yard, with Bridge pool and Custard pool offering exquisite dry, dry dropper and nymph water, and the deep glides and pocket pool in between housing some very large specimens most susceptible to a well fished nymph.The waters above Custard pool are characterised by a series of pleasant pools, which lends themselves to dry fly or light dry dropper. The slow water in the tail through the main belly of Mill pool can produce phenomenal dry fly and nymph sport, however anglers are advised to move very slowly through this section as the fish can be spooked easily. The head of Mill Pool is without doubt holds some of the highest number of trout, many falling in the 3-8” range, with a few much larger specimens lurking, a single dry or dry dropper approach is advisable. The straight section between Mill pool and Ditch pool is characterised by shallow average depth, with small pockets of deeper water which hold eager trout, a dry fly or very light dry dropper fished upstream is most effective here. Ditch pool often fishes well with dry dropper or nymphing, but its awkward shape means casting is kept very short and most of the takes coming almost under the rod tip. Just above Ditch pool, anglers will stumble into Stable pool, which often produces trout in numbers and Grayling to a very large size, with 2lber not uncommon. Much like Stable pool, the pool above, Birtch Tree has gained notoriety for specimen grayling, with several 1.5-2.5lb specimens residing here.