Nigel,
The stretch above the new weir is Beat 1. You are right in saying not many people fish it. I do and it is a very nice stretch. There are a few huge chub there but the quantity and the average size do not match up to those on the main part, Beat 2. When most people talk about Throop they are talking about Beat 2 and it is, without doubt, the best chub fishery in the country. This is where I sometimes go for a confidence booster if things have not been going well. The quantity and quality of the fish is amazing. I couldn't stay there for too long though as I do not like catching known fish. The lower part is beat 3, some of which is tidal. This is much harder than Beat 2 but, again, holds some very big fish but is nowhere near as productive as Beat 2. As I mentioned I intend to fish the Avon for the rest of the season but if it floods, as it could easily do if we have more rain,it will stay up until the end of season so I may finish up somewhere quiet on the Stour if this happens, as the Stour falls far more quickly.