Yes there are a few chub and I was really pleased to catch one of 5lb 1oz out of there a few weeks ago. Only one of any size so far though. Mainly roach and chub most sessions.
Last time I was down there a couple of weeks ago, the cows were in the field right next to the bridge so there's plenty of cowpats to watch out for. They also close in behind you in an ominous semi-circle sometimes - had to ping a few small clods of dried mud at 'em in the catty to move 'em on!
I don't know if it used to belong to Newlands, but now it's the Plough Angling Club who have the rights. As I say, it's just a case of paying the farmer on the bank. The Rose Revived pub rents out bloody paddle boat things in the summer which are a real pain when they come through, but they're well finished now. The boat traffic's not too bad either. A few but not too many.
I emailed that Swan about fishing, but had no reply at all. Makes you wonder whether just to go down there on that section, fish and see whether anyone comes round or not.