Fishing in Wales PDF

fishing
wales
Check out page 29 for Fishtec

FREE sunglasses offer.
Game Monsters of river and lake.
Coarse Double-figure barbel, carp and pike.
Sea Scarlets go hunting bass.
www.fishing.visitwales.com
05
08
10
14
18
22
26
29
30
34
36
40
05 Sea-trout heaven Steffan Jones catches leviathans / 08 The essence of fishing Cerys Mathews on what fishing means to her /
10 Carp with a Welsh flavour 10 fisheries to try / 12 Pike with a Welsh flavour 10 fisheries to try / 14 Converted Dave Lewis
goes bass fishing with the Scarlets / 18 The lady and the river Louis Nobles love affair with the Dee / 21 Where to go grayling
fishing in Wales / 22 Nine wonders of Wales lakes with migratory fish / 26 Wonderful Wye Martin Bowler fishes for barbel /
29 Free sunglasses offer / 30 Double figure delight Hywel Morgan fishes Clywedog / 34 Tales of the riverbank river restoration
work / 36 Spine-tingling excitement Dave Lewis fishes Monknash / 40 Twin Peaks Wynn Davies has a memorable weekend /
43 How to game fish in Wales / 44 How to coarse fish in Wales / 45 How to sea fish in Wales / 46 Tackle shops / 48 Get yourself a
brochure / 49 Tourist Information Centres / 50 Fishing byelaws and bass nursery areas in Wales
Inspired?
a fishermans welcome
Visit the wild side of life.
Visit Wales.
the Wye & Usk Passport

The Passport gives you access to some of the finest waters in Wales
to fish for salmon, trout, grayling and coarse fish. Fishing on over 130
miles of rivers and streams and over 2,000 acres of still water is only
a telephone call or a few clicks of a mouse away.
Call to order a free copy of our brochure or
see our website www.wyeuskfoundation.org
The Wye & Usk Foundation
Dolgarreg, 29 North Road,
Builth Wells,
Powys LD2 3DD
Tel: 01982 551520 Email: admin@wyeuskfoundation.org
www.wyeuskfoundation.org
2009
Season
rds
onwa
FREE
Wynn Davies, Editor

Over 100 miles

e,
of salmon, coars
wild trout and
in
grayling fishing
superb, unspoilt
surroundings
Foundation
The Wye & Usk
Registered Charity
No. 1080319
520
Tel: 01982 551
undation.org
www.wyeuskfo
Every effort has been made with the detail of

the brochure. However neither the Environment
Agency Wales, Visit Wales, Sweet creative or the
editor can be held responsible for the actions of
any company mentioned or for any difficulties you
may have during your trip. Fishing is a hazardous
sport and you should be mindful of your safety
and that of others at all times.
Wales is a land of lakes, rivers and

coastline. In a country that is nearly 7
times smaller than England you have over
22,000 acres of lakes, 2,400 miles of
sea-trout rivers and 2,500 miles of wild
brown trout rivers together with 750
miles of coastline, the vast majority of
which is available to the travelling angler.
For the family,. being close to mountains
and sea is a huge advantage as the
weather no longer dictates enjoyment.
From long walks on sandy blue flag
beaches to enjoying spectacular walks
in the mountains, there is something
for all tastes.
Design: Sweet
Produced by: Environment Agency Wales
and Visit Wales
Copyright: Envrionment Agency Wales
and Visit Wales 2009
Front cover image: Crown copyright (2009)
Visit Wales
This brochure was written, designed and

produced by fishermen for fishermen and
their families. The following pages show
you what Wales can offer, from double
figure sea-trout, rainbow trout, carp,
pike and barbel to fantastic sea fishing.
With a population of only three million
you will never feel crowded or get stuck
in a queue. The only time you will pause
is to admire the breathtaking scenery.
As the noted Frank Ward once wrote
The attractions of Wales
seem inexhaustible.
Photography: Steve Thornton, Steffan Jones

Gwyneth Llywelyn, Mick Rouse of Angling Times,
Mel Russ, Lyn Davies, Wynn Davies, Keith Davies
and Crown copyright (2009) Visit Wales
04
GAME Fishing Wales
05
M6
27
M58
Formby
M
3 57
2
B5111
Anglesey
Y Rhyl
Llandudno
Benllech
Red Wharf Bay Conwy Deganwy
Rhos on Sea Towyn

A55 Pensarn
Prestatyn
Mostyn
A51
51
A547
22
M62
567
10
A56 21
3 M5
Point of Ayr
Great Ormes
Head
Moelfre
y
ar 48
tu A5
Es
Alaw Resr.
Llannerch-y-medd
Caergybi
Holyhead
4 5
2
A41
A5
02
5
Amlwch
e
De
Holyhead
Bay
Dun Laoghaire & Dublin to Holyhead
Cemaes
10
11
LIVERPOOL
JOHN LENNON
AIRPORT
12
M56
A5
33
A56
80
A4
9
87
A550
A4
nge
Ra
ian d
yd
y
Clw 525
B5106
A40
Clw
A54
A5
A5
43
1
A4
I I
0
A47
5
A5
MAES AWYR MON

ANGLESEY AIRPORT
53
Holy Island
Trearddur Bay
Biwmares Bay
9
Bae Colwyn Abergele Rhuddlan
Y Fflint
Cefni Pentraeth
10 14
Beaumaris
Conwy Colwyn Bay
Gwalehmai Resr.
Llanelwy Treffynnon FlintD
16 11
5
A55 Llangefni
Penmaenmawr
ee
A5
Betws-yn- Llannefydd St. Asaph Holywell
Menai Bridge
A556
Llanfairfechan
Rhos
Bangor
12 A5
A541
Cei
Connah
A54
Aber
4
Rhosneigr
Llanfair Dinbych
Connah's Quay Queensferry
Llanfairpwllgwyngyll
Talhaearn
Caer
Cilcain
Denbigh
Bethesda
Aberffraw
A494
SaltneyChester
Port
Brynsiencyn
8
A54
Dinorwic
Llanrhaedr
Yr Wyddgrug
Trefriw
Llanberis Lake
Dyffryn Clwyd
Llanrwst
Mold
Caernarfon A4086 I I Railway
1 Rhuthun
Caeathro I Llyn Padarn Capel
0
Llanddwyn Island
5
Swallow
B4
Welsh Highland Llanberis
Llyn Peris Curig Falls
Brenig Ruthin
Betws
I
Railway
Snowdon
Mynydd Resr.
Betws-y34
Garmon Llyn I Mountain
Llyn
A5
I I I I I Cwellyn
Dinas Dinlle
5
Hiraethog
Coed
Railway
Mymbyr
B510
5
I
Bae Caernarfon
Llandwrog
yd
Snowdon
Wrecsam
A52
Clw
Llyn
Pontllyfni
Dolwyddelan
Nantlle
4
Wrexham
Caernarfon Bay
9
Gwynant
Penmachno Pentrefoelas
Horseshoe
A4
04
A5
Cerrigydrudion
Pass
Clynnog Fawr
A51
25
Aberglaslyn Beddgelert
Llangollen
5
Pass Ffestiniog I I I Blaenau
A5
A52
Railway II Llangol
Corwen
Whitchurch
I II
len
I
I
I I
ee
Ffestiniog
Railway
Bryncir
D
Llithfaen
Llyn Celyn
Llangollen
A5
Welsh
Highland
2
I
Ffestiniog A421
laLlangybi
I
Railway
Glyn Ceiriog
I
Morfa Nefyn Nefyn nsu
Porthmadog I I I I Maentwrog PARC CENEDLAETHOL Y Bala
i
Chirk
Llandrillo
I I
en
5
Penrhyndeudraeth
ERYRI
s
A4 P
A49
in
Portmeirion
Llyn
Cricieth
97
ta
Llanarmon D.C.
Trawsfynydd Trawsfynydd
oun
Llyn
n
Talsarnau
M
y
l
Tremadog
SNOWDONIA
Tegid
L
Pwllheli
yn B43
Bay Harlech
9
NATIONAL PARK Bala Lake Berw
Oswestry
Llanrhaeadr
Llanbedrog
3
Railway
ym Mochnant
41
dach
B4
B4396
wd
Llangynog
Abersoch
Llanbedr
Aberdaron
Lake Vyrnwy
93
Dyffryn Ardudwy
B43
A496 Dolgellau
Sev
Llanfyllin
Bardsey
Talybont Bontddu
ern
Vy
Island
Amwythig
Abermaw
rnw
A458
A47
y
Shrewsbury
Barmouth
3
0
s
9
ri
Fairbourne Railway
A4
d
A5
Dinas
I
A45
r
To M54/M6
e
8
Fairbourne
Mawddwy
d
Ca Lake
Llanerfyl
Llwyngwril
Talyllyn
Y
Trallwng
Tal-y-llyn
A4
Llanfair
Abergynolwyn
5
8
Welshpool
Corris y Cemmaes
Caereinion Welshpool and
MAES AWYR
Llanfair Railway
ve
I
Llanbrynmair
Do
CANOLBARTH CYMRU
I Talyllyn
I
Railway
MID WALES AIRPORT
A4
I
Berriew
70
Pennal
I
A48
3
0
A58
Lerpwl
Liverpool
4 5 26
25
24
23
M5
Left to right:
Netting a trophy sea-trout
Rewards of night fishing
Co
nw
A47
A4
99
41
B4
A498
al
Can
I
Mon
tgo
I
88
A4
A49
A48
A49
A44
81
A4
411
A4
38
Te
if
A4
83
A47
B4
70
65
B456
0
A4
A4
06
A4
With sea-trout averaging 5lbs in May

on many rivers and still carrying an
average weight of 4lbs by the middle
of July, along with fish of over 20lbs
recorded, you would be forgiven for
thinking that we were talking about some
far flung destination where Cerveza and
Empanadas would reflect the local lingo!
Not so! Welcome to one of Wales best
kept secrets; the sea-trout.
A4061
A48
I
I
A44
9
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
M
48
Y Barri
Barry
21
19
M5
Bryste
Bristol
20
Penarth
Barry
Island
Rhoose
er
Ab vern
Se
32
M4
A4232
Caerdydd
Cardiff
A4
A3
A3
A3
9
7
06
A4
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
59
A40
76
A4
A476
A407
A4075
A48
Mr
Hafren
Bristol
Channel
40 Kilometres
Croeso Cymru - Llywodraeth Cynullaid Cymru Map sylfaenol drwy garedigrwydd CollinsBartholomew CollinsBartholomew Cartograffeg gan Cosmographics
Visit Wales - Welsh Assembly Government
Base map by kind permission of CollinsBartholomew CollinsBartholomew
Cartography by Cosmographics
Chepstow
48
35
A404
8
30
Llandegfedd
Resr.
Cas-gwent
Cwmbran
MAES AWYR
RHYNGWLADOL CAERDYDD
CARDIFF INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT
Fforestydd
Forest Areas
25
30 Miles
20
25
A466
20
42
A40
15
15
l
a na
10
10
42
5
5
A40
0
0
nC
co
Ffyrdd eraill
Other Roads
Bridgend
Llantwit
Major
A468
A4
65
Ardaloedd o Harddwch Naturiol

Eithriadol a Pharciau Cenedlaethol
Areas of Outstanding Natural
Beauty and National Parks
IIIIIII
Ffin genedlaethol
National Boundary
A4046
Rheilffyrdd cul
Narrow Gauge Railways
A44
Prif Ffyrdd
Main Roads
69
A
29
Ffyrdd Deuol
Dual Carriageways
A4
Usk
A48
Toll
2
S
25A Caerleon
Caldicot 1
S
26 25 24
23A 23
70
Caerffili
Pontypridd
27
M4 22
21
Caerphilly 28 Casnewydd Toll
From
20
29
Newport Redwick London
16
Llantrisant
8
3029A
36
17
A4
S M4 32
St. Brides
n
y
19
e
35
Pen-y-bont
r ar
f
Wentloog
33
a
u
34
St.
H Est
18
ar Ogwr
Fagans
Ogmore
Cowbridge
Southerndown
B42
Afonydd, llynnoedd a chronfeydd dwr

Rivers, Lakes & Reservoirs
Rheilffyrdd a gorsafoedd
Railways and Stations
37
A4
28
Traffyrdd
Motorways
72
Blackwood
A472
VALLEY
Tintern
Usk
9
11
27
Ynysybwl
Raglan
Pontypool
WYE
A4
Port Eynon
Porthcawl
26
Treherbert
A4048
061
A48
25
Castell-Nedd
Port Llanelli
Carmarthen Bay
A413
43
PAR
Tenby
9
Penclawdd
Cymmer
Neath
C
Lydstep
B429
A483
07
Manorbier
5
PEM CENE
Caldey Island
42
A41
r
7
D
Abertawe
Maesteg
e B 4 2 A4118
BRO LAE
Llangennith
O
w
Port
R
F
o
41
T
N
KES
E
H
G Penmaen
Swansea
HIR OL ARFORDIR SIR B RK
Bishopston Aberavon 40Talbot
E C
A
Scurlage
Parkmill
OAST NATIONAL P
Bae Abertawe 39
Rhossili B 4 2 4 7
38
S
Oxwich Mumbles Swansea Bay
8
A4
24
A4
0
A47
46 45 44
Merthyr
Tydfil
Hirwaun
54
A4O
A4240 47
II
48 M4
Vale
Blaenavon
Tredegar
Aberdr 59
Aberdare
A4
Burry
65
A4
Pontardawe
A474
A47
A484
21
8
06
49 S
Pontarddulais
A4
A483
Kidwelly
h ir
87
23
A
Laugharne
Little Haven
Skomer Walwyn's Castle
327
Llanteg
Llansteffan
B4
Island Marloes
A Landshipping
Amroth
Kilgetty
Aberdaugleddau 477
Pendine
Ro
ss
Milford Haven Neyland Burton
7
Saundersfoot
l ar
7
e t Dale
Doc Penfro Penfro A4
o
Dinbych
Skokholm Pem
Angle Pembroke Pembroke
br o ke
y Pysgod Bae Caerfyrddin
Island
St. Florence
Dock
A4
22
97
A4
A40
B4310
9
A4
A48
A47
520
A484
sea-trout heaven
Leominster
A44
ye
W
A486
78
A483
mery Canal
95
A4
I
I
I
Presteigne
Penybont
Llandrindod
Wells
A411
B4
35
10
A41
Tref-y-clawdd
Knighton
A488
A44
A483
M
Y
Pl
C A N Y
yn
D
lim
M
on
B R D O E
D D
I A
N
A5
3
M O C A M B
R
U N
T A I I A
N S
87
A4
87
A4
94
Ma
A499
A4
I I
A4
I I
IIII
90
Rhaeadr Gwy
Rhayader
A470
82
A4
B4548
A4
A4
A 4 11
83
A
Llangrannog
FRO
Llanfair-ym-Muallt
BEN K
A4
Llanbedr
Aberporth
18
Llyn
80
SIR
AR
Builth Wells
Gwbert
Pont Steffan Brianne Llanwrtyd
IR NAL P
A43
D
A465
Wye
8
R IO
Llangammarch
A475
O
Poppit
Sands
Wells
Lampeter
Blaenporth
F
T
Wells
AR NA
Aberteifi
Y
Gelli
Gandryll
Rosslare
A
L ST
St. Dogmael's
48
8
t
O
3
Erwood
Cardigan
4
n
Henffordd
Teifi
Valley
A
2
Hay-on-Wye
A
H
to Fishgu
py
Maesycrugiau Llanybydder
E T CO
ard
Cenarth Railway
Hereford
Pumsaint
A48
Ep
LA E
19
II
4
dd
Cilgerran
ED HIR Strumble Head
Llyswen
Nevern
y
Llandysul
N
Crugybar
S
A487
Newcastle
yn
CE KE
Goodwick
M
Boncath Emlyn
0
O
Pencader
e
Newport
Talgarth
Eglwyswrw
R C BR
Llanymddyfri
Wy
Abergwaun
PA EM
A40
Aberhonddu
Black
Llandovery
P
5
Llanwrda
Fishguard
Usk
Crymych
Mountains
M50 to M
A4
i
Cwm
Wysg
Brecon
l
20
Mathry
0
se
Trefin
Llangorse Llangorse
Ross-on-Wye
Resr.
St Davids
Brechfa
W. ddau M ynydd Pre
Gwili
Llangadog
02
Sennybridge A4215
3
A
e
Grosmont
l
4
Lake
Head Croes-goch
40
Railway
A40
C
B
Letterston
n
I
9
69
Tyddewi 487
Cwmyoy
ai
32
nt
B4
Brecon
St Davids A Solva Wolf's Castle Llys-y-fran
ou
Caerfyrddin
Skenfrith
Crickhowell
A40
0
Llangynidr
M
Llandeilo
PARC
CENEDLAETHOL
i
4
B
e
a
c
o
n
s
w
21
A
36
Ty
Carmarthen
Clarbeston
Monmouth
A41
BANNAU BRYCHEINIOG
Trefynwy
k
Ramsey
s
Newgale
A48
A40
B4300
Clynderwen
ac
Monmouth
Island Nolton Haven
Y Fenni
ea
Bl
Brecon
BRECON BEACONS
Hwlffordd Robeston
Whitland
nd
A40
Mountain
Abergavenny
Bre
A474
A4136
Haverfordwest Wathen
Abercraf NATIONAL PARK
St. Brides
Druidston
Railway A465
St. Clears
A40
Ebbw
Broad Haven
Bay
Cross Hands
A42
Narberth
A40
477
Ammanford
Cle E.
dda
u
Ludlow
A4
Elan
Newbridge
on Wye
Claerwen
Resr.
A4
96
28
A5
A4
Tregaron
A48
Ceinewydd
New Quay
A4
B4518
17
A485
87
Aberaeron
A48
A489
A4
Llangurig
Ela
n
Elan
Valley
Resrs.
Steffan Jones on Wales

prolific sea-trout fisheries
Montgomery
I
I
Llanidloes
A44
Devil's
Bridge
Pontrhydygroes
Llanrhystud
Llanon
B4518
A4
Llanilar
90
Rheidol
I
I I I II
Vale of
Rheidol Railway
16
Sever n Llandinam
0
Y Drenewydd
Newtown
I
15
A44
I II I I
Caersws
Llyn
Clywedog
A4
Nant-y-moch
Talybont Resr.
Machynlleth
A493
Borth
Aberystwyth
A5
Aberdyfi
Aberdovey
Bae Ceredigion
Cardigan Bay
Tywyn
14
13
12
A470
11
10
II I
A487
85
A40
But what makes sea-trout so special?

No other species captivates and drives
an angler, sometimes to despair, like
sea-trout. Sea-trout fishing is a lot more
than just about the catch it becomes
an addiction, sometimes of unhealthy
proportions! As the shadows loom and
all colour is lost under the night-sky,
the period of quiet contemplation and
solitude soon transforms to expectation
and anticipation as the once devoid pool
comes alive with sea-trout marking their
presence with an acrobatic display.
The sea-trout are primarily targeted in
the night, due to their shy and retiring
nature in the daytime during summer
low-flows and clear waters. However, a

spate of daytime action can be nothing
short of exhilarating, be that with a fly,
spinner or worm. For the fly angler it is
the night-time sport on a humid summer
evening that holds the true attraction. At
first the mere thought of flailing a length
of carbon around in the dark sounds
nothing short of idiotic. As the flies
find their way to the trees behind, then
the trees in front, demoralisation and a
feeling of attempting the insurmountable
soon sets in. However, when one pull
from a sea-trout is achieved these will
soon be forgotten, the addiction will take
hold and the drug will drive you for as
long as you fish. This really is the zenith
of the fly anglers quarry in the UK.
Why Wales? Very little light pollution,
rivers that produce the largest fish and
largest catches in the UK, easy to get to,
good accessibility on all rivers, relatively
cheap, an abundance of wildlife, beautiful
and unspoilt countryside and if this
wasnt enough; Wales is the country
that holds the longest tradition of
fishing for sea-trout, especially so at

night. So why travel thousands of miles,
spending thousands of pounds getting
to a destination like Tierra-Del-Fuego,
where the wind will drag the hair from
your scalp and the countryside is a
monotonous plane?
What about the usual Where, When
and How? The Where and When are
correlated, as the when you go where is
of particular importance to a diadromous
species such as the sea-trout, because
they enter different river systems at
different times, and different run sizes
and fish sizes enter at different stages
throughout the year. As a general rule;
nothing can beat local knowledge when
it comes to dictating an individual
rivers run, as this is something that is
monitored and cultivated not only yearly
but through many generations, which has
made timescales largely predictable.
As such, the first step is to decide
where you would like to target sea-trout,
and then a little further research can
pay dividends.
06
Main picture:
Steffan with a double-figure sea-trout
Indeed, many of the noted rivers have

tributaries that are worthy of a mention
in their own right, and many of these
tributaries make for excellent starting
points for newcomers to the sport, being
less intimidating than the main rivers.
I would personally advise a middle or

middle-tip action blank as fast rods and
tight loops can spell disaster at night
both from the fishing and the catching
perspective.
With your river system now chosen,

our Welsh sea-trout journey progresses
through to the How. Firstly, acquire
local knowledge and whenever possible
do try and source a local guide. The
benefits of a local and well-rehearsed
guide has never been as pertinent as
when night-time sea-trout fishing. Not
only will the guide be there to assist you
in overcoming well-known obstacles, to
which there will usually be well-known
remedies, but they will also mature you
into the art and get you accustomed to
things that go bump in the night.
As a general rule, and for the majority of
the larger or well known Welsh sea-trout
rivers, a rod between 9-11ft rated for
a #7-9 is ideal, with a 10ft #8 being a
perfect ally no need to splash out on a
sea-trout branded rod; any reservoir/lake
rod will suffice, and cross over admirably.
Steffans night-time setup

and tackle bag contents:
Snake
Zulu
Black and
Red Tube
Worth a go:
A floating line is paramount, and an

essential addition to your armoury.
However, chances are you will need to
search out those deeper-lying fish at
some stage, where even the heaviest of
flies on your floating line will not suffice.
As a rule I would advise you to carry at
least three lines; a floater, intermediate
and a medium/fast sinker. These should
also be accompanied with a set of
salmon/steelhead polyleaders in various
densities, to allow you to explore other
tangents and depths. The key here is
to be prepared; better to have it with
you and not use it, rather than be
found wanting.
The same advice is reiterated when flies
are in question too. Bring everything and
the kitchen sink! You never know what will
charm the bar of silver from the deeps
over the seasons I have heard of several
sea-trout in excess of 10lbs falling to
ods I usually carry 2
R
rods set up with different
tactics; one usually holding
a floater, the other a
sinking line of some
description. I currently use
the Airflo Airlite 10ft for
#7/8 rods.
Reels Dont skimp
on quality quality
doesnt always equate to
expensive! Make sure the
drag is smooth, and that it
can hold a decent amount
of backing to cover all
eventualities.
patterns such as; zulu, sparklers, and even

a dry daddy long-legs skated as a surface
lure in the dead of night! Most shops now
hold an array of sea-trout patterns, many
of which target the anglers equally as
well as the sea-trout. However, in general
these can provide inspiration as well as
supplementary stocks to your armoury.
There are several books as well as online
articles on the FishingWales website
regarding tried and tested patterns for
sea-trout, which would hold you in good
stead when compiling an arsenal.
revert to nylon strengths below 12lbs

when night fishing, with good reason
a priest, disgorger, and some late night
sustenance compiles the makings of a
sea-trout tackle bag. Carry enough
clothing, as temperatures and weather
fluctuates considerably during the night.
It is, of course, advisable to carry a
coat even though we all know it never
rains in Wales...
Always carry a life-vest as accidents can

happen in the most unsuspecting of
locations. Further to that, some safety
glasses are a wise investment at around
5 a pair, and a wading staff can be of
use when fishing unknown waters, as
can a rescue whistle and a mobile phone
in a waterproof bag. Secondly, always
carry more torches than you need, with 2
being a minimum. A good headtorch with
changeable settings that include a redlight or red-filter is advisable, as the red
light preserves your night vision. Further
to that, some heavy nylon we rarely
Steffan runs Angling-Worldwide, a

company that specialises in sea-trout
fishing packages, courses and guiding
in Wales, with a history of doing so
stemming back for over a decade.
For further information contact:
Lines I use a lot of the

Airflo 40+ extreme lines,
in densities from floating
through to di-5. These are
great lines for medium
and large river systems.
The Sewincaster range
of lines are also a firm
favourite, and are
specifically designed for
this aspect of the sport.
Waders of some
description are usually
essential, even though
wading above your knees
is rarely required. I would
advise felt and studded
(combination) soles.
ylon Terry Eustace pro

N
gold in 12lbs and 15lbs.
Alternatively, maxima
ultragreen. Also, a spool of
15-20lbs fluorocarbon for
surface lure work, and a
spool of 8lbs fluorocarbon
for dusk and daylight
fishing I have faith in
Airflo G3.
Sea-trout guiding and

courses in Wales
www.anglingworldwide.com
Steffan@anglingworldwide.com
T: 07879 898344
Angling-Worldwide,
Crosslane, Dolgran, Pencader,
Carmarthenshire, SA39 9BY
GAME Fishing Wales
07
Why travel thousands of miles,

spending thousands of pounds getting
to a destination like Tierra-Del-Fuego,
where the wind will drag the hair from
your scalp and the countryside
is a monotonous plane.
08
Clockwise from top left:
COARSE Fishing Wales
Cerys fishing with Glenys Pearl

Cerys and Glenys enjoy success
Some words of wisdom from Ian Heaps
The elusive quarry
You get that level of the

unknown and the thrill
of things being out there
that you cant see
the essence of fishing

Cerys Mathews on
what fishing means
to her
My affair with fishing began in
Pembrokeshire around 5 years ago. Just
off tour and 37 weeks pregnant, I roamed
the pier near my cottage and persuaded
the captains into letting me tag along
on the tourist boats heading out to the
shoals of mackerel just off the cliffs.
Rocking on the sea, jigging for mackerel,
was the best way to get through those
last days. It tickled me to think of my
baby and all the water in my tummy,
being surrounded by water on the boat.
I compare fishing to selling on eBay,
seeing who will take the bait. You get that
level of the unknown and the thrill of
things being out there that you cant see.
I have since been shark fishing about
30 miles from St Anns Head aboard the
White Waters II, in an area called Celtic
Depths where I hooked a massive blue
shark. It took me a good half hour to
land, it was eight feet long and weighing
in at a 130lbs. Fifteen minutes into the
fight and my arms were on fire. The shark
tried to go under and around the boat.
Without taking my eyes off the line, I
traversed an awkward, sightless obstacle
course around the boat, guided by the
captain Andrew Alsop: over and under
rods and railings, across the bow and back
to the transom all the while arms and
back aching but never wanting to let go.
Eventually landing the fish, I was awed by
its beauty and stroked its skin the rough
surface chafed the tips of my fingers.
After a couple of photos, we hoisted

him back, his sleek form punctured
the surface of the water and with a
strong kick of his tail, he disappeared.
I was elated.
Fishing has given me some fantastic
memories, including fly-fishing for
trout and grayling, but by far the best
memories are the times my children
and I have fished together. One such
occasion was when I visited Holgan
Farm with my daughter Glenys Pearl.
It is owned and managed by ex-world
match angling champion Ian Heaps
and we were privileged to have Ians
company and advice for the day.
Our day began over a cup of tea in the
fishery farmhouse kitchen with Ian and
his wife Margaret, but in no time at all we
moved to the peg Ian had arranged for
us on the complexs Tench & Crucian lake.
Ian began by giving a brief demonstration
on how to fish-the-pole, emphasising
the importance of maintaining accurate
feeding on a little and often basis.
I listened intently to Ians advice, and
settled in for a days fishing, baiting
up with kernels of sweetcorn, gently
positioning the float with the pole while
at the same time feeding a few grains
with my free hand and yes, catching
my first fish on the pole, a plump and
perfectly scaled crucian carp in absolute
mint condition. During the following
couple of hours I ended up with a

respectable net of fish consisting of
more crucians, carp, goldfish and roach.
At first Glenys Pearl was distracted from
the fishing; watching a float came a clear
second best to rides around the lake
on Ians golf cart, Margarets seemingly
endless supply of chocolate biscuits
in the kitchen, Peter the farm peacock
and a full size inflatable dancing Santa
Claus! But eventually the novelty of all
these other distractions wore off and
she returned to see how I was getting on
at the waters edge, just as I was in the
process of landing yet another fish; and
that was precisely what was needed to
focus her young and active mind onto
the fishing. Now in addition to feeding,
fishing and catching fish, I found I had
the undivided attention of my daughter,
who soon proved to be a master at loose
feeding. It was a perfect day which will
live in our memories forever.
To take my children fishing and finding
peace and solitude away from the hurly
burly of my life is wonderful. Days spent
fishing, talking without distraction and
sharing the experience in trying to catch
the unknown is wonderful. Time seems
to magnify and the minutes multiply.
It is, for me, a very special way of being
with my children.
Float-fishing the
margins for carp
The golden rule is not to have more
than two feet of line, maximum, from
the end of the rod to the float. If you
find a tow and it is going from right to
left, then sit facing the left-hand side
of the peg, so the float cant move.
If you try to fish facing the right, the
float will move and you wont be able
to present the totally still bait that is
necessary to fish this method.
...landing the fish, I was

awed by its beauty and
stroked its skin
10
carp with a Welsh flavour10 fisheries to try

Llyn Gweryd Covering 12 acres and
a natural spring fed lake, Llyn Gweryd
provides excellent carp fishing. It is now
regarded as one of the leading carp
waters in Wales and is regularly reported
in the angling press. There are 18 all
weather bivvy pegs plus a further 22
pegs and contains good size carp: mirror
carp to 27lbs, common carp to 26lbs
and ghost carp to 20lbs. A number of
the pegs are suitable for disabled anglers.
There is also Llyn Louis, a acre lake
containing carp to 10lbs; it is ideal for
those starting to fish for carp.
Contact 01824 780230
Llyn y Gors This venue is rated as one

of the top ten fisheries in the UK and
is growing all the time. After having
produced a 35lb 2oz mirror carp two
years ago, a 40lb mirror carp should soon
follow, whilst a record bag of 204lb is held
on the match lake. The Karpium is the
brand new lake built at Llyn y Gors and
has matured into a fantastic scenic lake.
In addition to the Karpium there is
another 5 lakes to choose from, which
includes a Beginners Lake and the
famous Match Lake.
Contact 01248 713410
Celtic Lakes There are 6 well stocked

lakes, each landscaped to perfection
with stunning native and tropical plants
and waterfalls. Each lake is brimming
with coarse fish including bream, perch,
roach, rudd and tench, as well as carp
to 39lb and catfish to 64lb. Celtic Lakes
Resort is one of the few fishing holiday
destinations in Wales to stock catfish so
if you can handle a huge cat, Celtic Lakes
Resort is where youll find it. With the
introduction of 40lb+ specimen carp
and 60lb+ catfish in October 2007,

Celtic Lakes Resort is set to become
one of the premier big fish waters and
fishing holiday destinations in the whole
of the UK. Elysium (Lake 6), the specimen
lake holds the biggest carp. Originally
stocked with over 350 Marc Simmonds
mirror carp between 4lb and 10lb and
350 common carp between 2lb and 20lb,
the specimen lake has already produced
carp to well over the 30lb mark.
Contact 07870 162535
Springwater Lakes has 3 lakes, one

of which is well stocked with mirror,
common, crucian carp, roach, rudd,
bream, perch, tench and golden orfe.
An excellent mix of quality coarse fish
to provide an interesting days sport.
The Specimen Lake is approximately
3 acres with depths 3 12 feet, well
stocked with mirror and common carp
weighing 10 30lbs plus. This mature
lake with its irregular shape and many
features, including 2 islands, plus stock
of large fish, will have great appeal to
the specimen angler.
Contact 01558 650788
Llyn Carfan Said to be the first fishery

to introduce carp into Pembrokeshire,
the original lake is 3 acres. Several varieties
are present and include commons,
leathers and grass carp, many to over
20lbs. Well off the beaten track, both lakes
have well-manicured open banks with
easy access. You are able to take your
car almost to the waters edge nearly all
around the main lake. This is an important
consideration for disabled anglers who
should find it a convenient and safe
venue. The whole fishery is a haven for
all sorts of wild life, particularly birds.
Contact 01994 240 819
Teglan The top lake is Teglans specimen

lake, and covers 1.75 acres. Roach, bream,
tench and carp are stocked, with carp
being the focus (there are 8 sub-species
of carp). There are carp up to 35lbs in
the top lake, with good doubles being an
everyday occurrence. There are also green
and golden tench of up to 4lbs, roach
up to 3lbs, rudd to 2lbs, bream to 2.5lbs,
and a few golden orfe.
Dyffryn Springs The Fishery is situated

in the beautiful open countryside of the
Vale of Glamorgan in the small village
of Dyffryn. There are three coarse lakes.
Wallace and Worelton lakes are 1 and 3
acres and stocked heavily with mainly
carp and ide. These lakes are aimed at
the pole/float fisherman with match
fishing being offered. The Reservoir is
an established coarse lake of about two
acres stocked with roach, bream, tench,
ide, perch and various carp including
some large grass carp in excess of 20lbs.
Contact 029 2059 5929
Bron Eifion The 6 acre Coarse Lake

has a reputation for being one of the
most densely stocked lakes in Wales.
Bron Eifions lakes are established old
Estate and are full of natural feed for
the fish. They are surrounded by mature
woodland a peaceful and relaxing
setting to spend the days fishing.
They cater for a wide variety of anglers,
from the total novice to the experienced
matchman and from the specimen
hunter to the pleasure angler.
Many species including common and
mirror carp to 20lbs, f1 hybrid carp
(champagne carp), crucian carp,
ghost carp, ghost koi carp.
Contact 01766 523512
The bottom (river-side) lake, which is

another 1.75 acres in size, is stocked
with carp, bream, tench and roach.
The river-side lake has fish up to 4lbs
and there are in excess of 12,000
fish there. Contact 01570 471115
Nine Oaks There are 3 carp lakes, one

of about 1 acre called Main Lake, a
acre House Pool and a small Novices Pool.
Whilst we have carp into the mid-20s we
dont claim to be a big fish water. What
we have is excellent carp fishing with the
average carp being about 5 6lb and a
great variety of carp is stocked. Improve
your Coarse Fishing in 2006 placed Nine
Oaks in the top six fisheries in England and
Wales for surface fishing for carp. If you
like the adrenaline buzz of hard fighting
fish where even the smaller fish think they
are bigger, then a visit is a must.
Contact 01545 580482
Eisteddfa has a lake with 7 well spaced

pegs so booking is advisable and there is
lakeside parking for the disabled angler
together with a large fishing platform.
The lake is well stocked with carp from
5lb to 25lb and the average fish is 14lb.
The lake record is 25lb. Only experienced
fishermen are allowed to fish this lake.
There is also a Family Lake ideal for
children and beginners and a Pleasure
Lake which is around 2 acres, with an
island, reed and lily beds. There are 28
well spaced out pegs, and the depth of
the lake varies from 4.6 to 6 feet.
Contact 01766 523425
12
pike with a Welsh flavour10 fisheries to try

Trawsfynydd Lake Although a 1200
acre reservoir the lake has a lot of its
natural characteristics, and is very similar
to an Irish lough, with its pins and rocky
shallows. There are a fleet of 40 boats
with outboard motors available. The lake
has no prohibited areas although care
should be taken as there are outcrops of
rocks sub-surface; most of the dangerous
rocks are marked by the pins. Pike have
started to be caught here by anglers flyfishing for trout. With very little real effort
or specialist techniques used for the pike,
fish to 17lb have already been caught.
Who knows what may come out soon?
Contact 01766 540234
Caerphilly Castle Lakes Besides its

awesome leaning tower of the historic
13th century baronial castle in Caerphilly
town centre it is notable for its 25-acre
complex of military water defences.
Almost totally free of surface weed, the
lake is fed by a tributary of the River
Rhymney. Most sections of bank are
convenient though the large section to
Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) This lake is the

largest freshwater lake in Wales and is
approximately 4 miles long and mile
wide. Pike arent the only fish you will find
here perch, roach, grayling and
the unique gwyniad are in these waters.
Boat fishing gives a more mobile
approach and easy access to most areas.
Try fishing the south west end of the lake
where there are several bays and features.
These are ideal pike holding areas with
several places where the water depth
alters quickly from shallow to deep.
Paths or permissive paths give easy
access to the lake.
Contact 01678 520626 or 01678 520370
the north and the smaller moat on

the east are perhaps the best, being
away from the road and nicely grassed.
Large pike can turn up just about
anywhere and reach 27lbs with
plenty over 14lbs, while both silver
and bronze bream up to 4lbs can
provide very heavy catches.
Contact 029 2088 5409
Llangorse Lake Probably the premier

pike water in Wales which is certain to
produce more than one Welsh record
fish in future. Its 400 acres range from
an average of 5/8ft deep at the ends to
over 25ft in the middle section. No bank
fishing is allowed (conservation area)
but a hire boat is nearly always available.
Ledgered dead-bait can be used very
successfully almost anywhere for pike
up to and well over 25lbs. Flies to try
at Llangorse are the Yellow Devil or a
Gary Glitter even. On days that the lake
resembles the North Sea fish can
be caught in water 2 to 3 feet deep.
Contact 01874 658226
River Wye The River Wye ia a real

favourite with pike anglers. The Wye
flows steadily from the Welsh Mountains,
twisting and turning until it merges
with the mouth of the River Severn.
It has always been famous for producing
mammoth pike and has recorded fish to
over 35 pounds. There are many places
along the River Wye where anglers stand
a good chance of catching numbers
of pike. One of the favoured methods
is float ledgering sardines and herrings,
this method has accounted for multiple
catches of double figure pike.
Contact www.wyeuskfoundation.org
River Severn This river is the longest

river in the United Kingdom and has
fantastic pike fishing, all the way from
Newtown down to the border. River
Severn pike are some of the hardest
fighting pike you will ever catch. They
are the most stunning looking fish with
vivid markings and when the river is
clear they are perfectly camouflaged.
Pike have been caught in the Severn up
to 30 pounds in weight. The preferred
method on the River Severn is to
roam down the river sink and drawing
dead baits.
Contact 01686 624871
Llyn Maelog is a 65 acre lake on the

island of Anglesey and is situated 200
yards from the beach with a caravan park
on site. Its a great place for all the family.
This lake is 65 acres and is available with
day tickets. Llyn Maelog is a shallow,
reed-fringed lake and another fantastic
dead bait and lure water. In the last
year pike have been up to 25lb 2oz so
its well worth a visit.
Contact 01407 810136
Pontsticill & Dolygaer Reservoirs

There are two reservoirs here, Pontsticill
is over 300 acres with depths varying to
over 100 feet and Dolygaer is about 40
acres with an average depth of 18 feet.
The reservoirs are in effect one lake linked
together by spillway and an underground
aqueduct, which allows the free passage
of fish between them. Due to the altitude
of the waters winters can be fairly
unpredictable and consequently April to
October tend to be the most productive
times of year. Only artificial spinners
and sea fish baits are to be used for pike
fishing. The use of gaff is banned. No
pike or coarse fish is to be removed from
these waters. Contact www.mtaa.co.uk
Bosherston Lily Ponds

Located on the south-eastern side of the
Castlemartin Peninsula, Bosherston has
become famous for its lily ponds. They
were formed by the Stackpole Estate in
the 18th-19th centuries and are now
protected as a nature reserve.
Llyn Brenig A 920 acre still water

and is a put and take trout reservoir
which has established an international
reputation for quality fly fishing, and is
now gaining a great reputation for its
pike fishing. The reservoir opens in
November and February for pike fishing;
it has proved very popular and the size,
quality and number being caught more
than justifies the trip.
Contact 01490 420463
As well as being noted for its otters,

waterfowl and water lilies, the Ponds have
good stocks of coarse fish, particularly
pike and tench, with roach, perch and
eels also present. Nearby is the secluded
Barafundle Bay with its wide expanse
of sand and usually few people.
Contact 01646 661359
14
Left to right:
Stephen Jones with a bass

The Scarlets line up and wait for the bass
Mines bigger than yours, Phil John tells Jon Mills
The bass we were

catching were perfectly
conditioned and
noticeably plump fish,
which were absolutely
perfect for the table.
SEA Fishing Wales
15
converted
Dave Lewis takes the
Scarlets fishing
Within minutes of starting our drift
Stephen Jones, the Wales and Scarlets fly
half and former British Lion, hooked the
first bass of the day. Stephen had already
quietly admitted to me that his previous
sea angling experience was limited, but
watching the way the one-time Welsh
captain deftly handled a fishing rod
youd never have guessed it, as in quick
succession Peter Nicholas, our skipper,
was called upon to net first this fish,
which Stephen closely followed with
a second and then a third bass. On
Stephens face was his characteristic
cheeky grin which came to epitomise
Wales previous Grand Slam successes.
Without a doubt Peter Nicholas is one
of the finest charter skippers you will
find fishing anywhere in the British Isles,
especially so when it comes to catching
bass. Like all of the very best skippers, first
and foremost Peter is an angler at heart,
and it is certain there are few anglers
who can match Peters knowledge and
experience when it comes to fishing
off the productive and spectacularly
beautiful Gower Coast and neighbouring
Carmarthen Bay.
Panther, Peters charter boat, is based
at Bury Port, and consequently she is
strategically placed to offer anglers the
very best spring, summer and autumn
fishing, notably for the bass and tope
for which the area is justifiably famous.
Thanks to a substantial investment in a

new marina development, only recently
has it become feasible to run a charter
business in the Lougher Estuary, on
whose northern coastline Burry Port
is located. This is classic bass fishing
country, and Peters clients can very
quickly be fishing the many hallowed bass
marks located around Worms Head and
the Helwick Bank, marks which certainly
rank amongst the finest youll find
anywhere in the UK.
Burry Port is located a few miles outside
of Llanelli, a town with a rich rugby
tradition, and on a recent trip with Peter I
was privileged to be part of a very special
crew, as I would be joining a group of
players from the Llanelli Scarlets that
included some of the biggest names in
the Welsh game today.
In addition to Stephen Jones, included
in the days squad was Phil John, the
current in form Scarlets prop who is also
an extremely keen angler, and it was
Phil who had invited his fellow team
mates along for a days fishing. Out on
their first ever bass trips were Reagan
King, the Scarlets New Zealand born
centre and capped All Black, outside half
Clive Stewart-Smith and wing forward
Jonathan Mills.
We met at eight on a wet and blustery
morning, when Peter greeted us with a
welcome cup of coffee and the news
that not only had the bass fishing been

superb, but that the weather was forecast
to appreciably brighten up by midday.
After slipping through Burry Ports new
lock gates and negotiating the tricky
channel leading out into the estuary,
Peter opened the throttles and soon we
were skimming past Burry Holme Island,
another noted bass hotspot, and heading
across Rhossili Bay towards Worms Head.
Being the most experienced angler Phil
John took charge, which was an easy
choice as Phil is a big bloke and no one
was going to argue with him! I watched
as he helped everyone tackle up while
briefing his team mates about the
intricacies of presenting a live sandeel
on light tackle while drifting for bass.
16
Left to right:
Stephen enjoying his fishing
Sandeels, sliperry characters
Regan King, All Black with an all silver
The boat is booked!
To book a trip with Peter Nicholas

aboard Panther, tel: 07855 342959
or 01554 759034. Check out his
website at www.boatfishingwales.com
During the spring, summer and early
autumn months Panther is berthed
at Burry Port, moving to Swansea
for the winter cod fishing.
Contact Peter Nicholas for details.
As we rounded The Worm we were

greeted with a sight that is sure to inspire
sea anglers the world over: birds
hundreds of them, hovering and diving
over the surface of the sea as sure an
indication of feeding fish beneath the
surface as youll ever see. With an ear-toear smile Peter eased back the throttle
and quietly positioned Panther on a
line set to drift right through the feeding
melee, and in no time at all we were
fishing amidst the area of greatest activity.
Ten minutes later we finished that first
drift: fishless. Visibly puzzled by our total
lack of success, once again Peter moved
us into position, and if anything by now
there were even more screeching gulls
and terns marking the hot spot, yet once
again we emerged fishless from what had
appeared to be another perfect drift. The
same thing happened on the third drift
at the end of which an obviously baffled
Peter suggested trying a totally different
approach. It was a classic situation of
when years of experience on the water
can be called upon to turn the fortunes
of a days fishing around.
This time we ran further inshore onto
much shallower and rougher ground
located right along the very edge of the
reef, and while Peter warned us that

some tackle losses would be inevitable
while fishing over such graunchy ground,
he felt confident we would find some
fish feeding amongst the submerged kelp
filled gullies; he was right and straight
away our squad started catching fish.
The bass we were catching were perfectly
conditioned and noticeably plump fish,
which were absolutely perfect for the
table. But Peter is a strict conservationist,
and all of the fish we kept were measured
and if they were not comfortably over
the minimum 37.5cm Welsh size limit
they were released.
After a couple more drifts off Worms
Head the fish went off the feed, but by
now Peter had got the measure of the
day and had formulated a game plan and
team strategy for the second half of the
match. He confidently predicted that
at this stage of the tide there would be
bass feeding on one particular section of
the Helwick Bank: and once again
he was right!
Conditions offshore, away from the
shelter afforded by Worms Head were
livelier, with a hefty ground swell rolling
in from the south-west that was actually
breaking in explosions of white water
along the shallow edges of the bank a few

hundred yards behind us. But what fishing
we experienced that day out on the
Helwick Bank! No sooner had a sandeel
been dropped down to the bottom, than
a couple of delicate taps on the rod tip
generally preceded a bent rod and smiling
angler. The fishing was truly outstanding
and at times Peter was literally running
from one end of the boat to the other
to net fish.
By the end of the afternoon we had
accounted for over 60 bass, over half
of which were released including many
that were comfortably in size. Everyone
had a thoroughly enjoyable day, and I
couldnt help noting that our crew of
highly talented sportsmen were just as
competitive while fishing on a boat as
they are on a rugby field, but thankfully
not quite as aggressive! As we steamed
back toward Burry Port I went into the
cabin and came across the somewhat
surreal spectacle of Stephen Jones and
Reagan King fast asleep, a British Lion and
an All Black snoozing side-by-side, heads
together in perfect harmonyfishing has
a habit of building bridges!
be Inspired
We hope this magazine
will inspire you to come
fishing in Wales.
Get a copy of the All Wales Freshwater
Angling Guide for just 3 to cover p&p.
Youll get details of where to go, what you
may catch and maps to plan your trip.
Call 08701 211 250 for your copy and
create some memorable stories of
your own.
If only catching fish was this easy.

GAME Fishing Wales
19
A river of outstanding
beauty, its character
changes as you move.
the lady and the river

Louis Nobles love affair
with the lady and her river
A fly fisherman of fifty years standing,

I have been privileged to fish in many
places. However, thirty years ago I fell
in love with the River Dee and that affair
still rages to this day.
What brought us together was my pursuit
of grayling and surely, there can be no
lovelier fish with those elegant lines,
silver shot with purple and gold, the huge
dorsal fin and exquisite pear shaped eyes.
What a terrific river rising in the
mountains above Bala, it runs through
Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid), quickly attaining
a fishable size below the town. This is
undoubtedly home to very large grayling.
It then meanders through the areas
of outstanding beauty and significant
fishing of Llandderfel, Corwen, Carrog,
Llangollen,Trevor, Erbistock and Bangor
on Dee where a never ending variety of
shallow, streamy water is to be found.
The Dee is noted particularly for the
quality of its grayling fishing and anglers
come from near and far to catch this
superb sporting fish. That said, there is
Top left to right:
A grayling is drawn to the net
Success on the Dee
Grayling about to be released
Llangollen Steam Railway
The area offers other attractions

which include the renovated
Llangollen steam railway with its
regular rides through stunning
scenery and the canal which has
horse drawn boat trips these,
together with other places of interest
makes the Dee valley an ideal centre
for fishing and family outings.
no danger of overcrowded banks due to

the many miles of quality available water.
Whilst there is always the chance of a
specimen approaching three pounds,
the average size is high and two pounders
are commonplace.
A river of outstanding beauty, its
character changes as you move from the
top to the middle reaches near Llangollen.
Generally of medium width, it can be
fished without difficulty and the visiting
angler can tackle it with confidence; most
stretches offer safe wading .
A significant advantage is accessibility
places such as Manchester and Liverpool
are only a mere ninety minutes away
from great fishing .
However, of paramount importance is
the fact that grayling can offer superb
sport almost all year round. Come and
take a trip with me through a typical year!
Lets begin in mid June, as the grayling
season re-opens...
The Summer period, if were lucky, will be

marked by seasonal weather and normal
water conditions. Trout will be very active
and its often difficult to stop them taking
the fly meant for grayling but the variety
and uncertainty can be great fun do we
really mind?
It does help if we can fish the areas
that are traditionally more attractive
to grayling and this is where a fast,
shallow run slows slightly and deepens
to approximately two to three feet. Its
surprising how often a good pod of
grayling are concentrated over a relatively
short distance. However, grayling will
regularly be found rising quietly on glides,
particularly in the tail of a pool.
In my experience, this time of the year
lends itself to the more delicate methods
of dry fly, upstream single nymph and
classic wet fly and the angler proficient in
all methods can expect excellent sport.
Dry fly can be productive in several ways,
either by fishing the runs with patterns
to imitate hatching flies, generally Olives,
or prospecting with the ever popular
Klinkhamer style. What can be particularly
testing and productive is the tackling
of sippers with very small aphid or
Cul-de-Canard emerger patterns,
sometimes as small as sizes 20 26.
The next method is the single, slightly
weighted nymph, fished upstream. The
predominantly shallow water lends itself
well to the induced take method and
a well presented nymph fished with a
rise and fall technique can be deadly.
Nothing beats a classic Pheasant Tail
nymph for this.
Left to right:
Fly-fishing on the Dee
A Dee grayling
21
Grayling fishing opportunities in Wales.

There is some excellent grayling
fishing to be found in Wales, from
the Dee in the north to the Taff and
Rhymney in the south.
Mid Wales has the upper reaches of
the Severn together with its many
tributaries, the most important of
which is the Vyrnwy.
Worth a go:
The true grayling fanatic can also take

advantage of a rare phenomenon
Bala Lake which has a healthy grayling
population that can be taken on fly.
Klinkhamer
Dark Olive
Shellback
Shrimp
In the mid to south area we have

the Wye and tributaries and finally,
in the south we have the Taff
and Rhymney.
Access is variable with plenty of
day ticket water but for others it
is necessary to join the local clubs
and associations.
Here is some information which will
enable you to fish for our wonderful
Welsh grayling, broken down by
catchment areas.
North Wales
River Dee
Our final method is a team of delicate

wet flies, highly effective when fished
across and down but the secret is to fish
them in such a way that maximum dead
drift is achieved. Typical Northern spiders
work extremely well and this method
is especially useful when hatching flies
are sparse. Strongly recommended are
Partridge & Orange and Waterhen Bloa,
in sizes 14 and 16.
Autumn brings what I consider to be the
finest fishing period of the year, and from
early October to late December we can
indulge ourselves in a variety of methods.
Given the right conditions, superb sport
can be experienced by the use of dry and
wet flies, the increasingly popular method
of duo fishing with a nymph under a dry,
Czech nymphing and long trotting with
natural baits.
A problem factor these days is the
fluctuation of river levels which has a
major bearing on the method we choose.
Long periods of heavy rain result in high
water so we must be able to combat this.
A good feature of the Dee is that it soon
runs clear after heavy rain and thankfully
grayling dont mind how high it is.
At lower levels, dry and wet fly are still
effective but a change of tack is needed
for high water and this is where both
Czech nymphing and long trotting score.
The use of up to three heavy bugs can
be devastatingly effective and even in the
coldest water will yield grayling from right

under the rod tip. It certainly is a method
worth learning and will keep the fly rod
working all winter. This also works very
well of course at normal heights.
The traditional method of long trotting
is popular and will appeal to the visiting
angler who is more experienced at coarse
fishing. Quite simply, it is float fishing
at fairly long range and will outscore
all other methods when conditions are
particularly difficult. Dedicated trotters
use centre pin reels and specialist rods
but a good fixed spool reel and match
rod will fit the bill.
Traditionally, a worm of approximately
1.5 inches is best but grayling love
maggots however, it is most important
that byelaws are checked because
maggots are not allowed on many
stretches of the Dee. Some anglers have
excellent sport using sweetcorn.
Winter is the final season of our year
from late December until mid March,
we can go out with optimism. Czech
nymphing and trotting will be the chief
methods but if the weather is kind in
early March, we can once again use
wet flies and even dry should there be
hatches of Large Dark Olives.
There is a contingency plan available in
the event of extremely high water and
that is to fish just below Bala Lake
(Llyn Tegid). At the northern end by the

outflow, there is a long canalised stretch
which runs to the regulating sluices and
many grayling occupy it with some really
large specimens. A favourite local method
in cold weather is to use large lures on
a fast sinking line but the flowing water
means that trotting can also be viable.
The true grayling fanatic can also take
advantage of a rare phenomenon
Bala Lake which has a healthy grayling
population that can be taken on fly. From
January to March on a calm sunny day,
following frost, a good method is the
use of normal trout wet flies, size 12 and
14 fished on an intermediate line. I have
even witnessed several being caught
in October on a team of classic spider
patterns at Llangower, on the south/east
side where Nant Rhyd-wen runs in.
And so our grayling year ends, but you
can see what opportunities exist for
catching this wonderful fish in a beautiful
river for me, it doesnt get any better
than this.
1. Bala & District AA has excellent

day ticket fishing from Bala Lake
downstream to Llandderfel. Grayling
can also be caught in the lake itself.
Membership available from
Trevor Edwards, Secretary
please refer to website.
Day tickets available from:
Derwen Stores, High St, Bala.
Tel: 01678 521084
8. Maelor AA has 3 miles of

excellent water near Trevor.
Membership available.
4. near Welshpool: tickets &

information from Sport Hafren.
Tel: 01938 552202
Day tickets only available from

Dereks Cycles, Well St, Cefn Mawr.
Tel: 01978 821841
5. Llysun Farm, Llanerfyl, 1 mile both

banks. Tel: Mr.Tudor 01938 820347
9. Prince Albert AS control stretches

at Llanderfel, Cynwyd, Newbridge,
Erbistock and Bangor on Dee but issue
no day tickets. Membership available
with 2 year waiting list. See website.
Llanidloes, Llanidloes & District AA

offer day tickets, available from
Travellers Rest Restaurant.
Tel: 01686 412329
10. Bryn-y-Pys AA have water

below Overton Bridge at Erbistock
down to Bangor on Dee. Day tickets
from Deggys Fishing Tackle,
2 Ruabon Rd, Wrexham.
Tel: 01978 351815
11. Bangor on Dee Salmon AA have
excellent grayling fishing with day
tickets available from Middle Shop,
Royal Oak or Buck Hotel in the village.
The grayling population is increasing
considerably in the area.
River Alyn
1.Warrington AA issue season tickets
for a good stretch below Rossett to
the Dee. Refer to website (Fishing on
Severn also available.)
2. Rossett & Gresford Flyfishers Club
have increasing grayling stocks
above Rossett. Membership only.
Refer to website.
Mid Wales
Post Office, High St, Bala.

Tel: 01678 520317
River Severn
Tourist Information Centre, Bala.

Tel: 01678 521021
1. Llanidloes day tickets from

Travellers Rest Restaurant, Llanidloes.
Tel: 01686 412329
2. Ty Isaf Farm, Bala has water

between Llanfor & Llandderfel.
Tel: Mr.Evans 01678 520574
3. Corwen & District AC no day
tickets but membership available.
Rivers Alwen & Ceirw included.
Refer to website
4. Capenhurst AC has water below
Carrog but membership only.
Call Mr.A.T.Howden, Secretary.
Tel: 01244 880621
5. Midland Fly Fishers Ltd has 4 miles
of excellent water from Glyndyfrdwy
downstream. Membership not
available but day tickets from
Watkins & Williams, Ironmongers,
4 Berwyn St, Llangollen.
Tel: 01978 860652. Open 7 days.
6. Wirral Game Angling Club
have beats at Carrog and Chirk.
Membership only. Refer to website.
7. Llangollen AA has several miles
of fishing in the area. Membership
available. Day tickets from Watkins &
Williams, Ironmongers, 4.Berwyn St,
Llangollen. Tel: 01978 860652.
Open 7 days.
River Clywedog
2. Hendre Farm, Builth Wells has 3

miles. Tel: 01982 551070 for tickets
and information.
3. www.vyrnwyaccomodation.co.uk
has details of six stretches near
Llanwyddyn, Oswestry.
South Wales
4. Glyndwr Fishery, Dolanog

2.5 miles of excellent fishing but only
limited season tickets available.
Tel: 01363 774926 for details.
5. Llanymynech, Montgomery AA
issue day tickets. Tel: 01686 629615
6. Bryn Vyrnwy Caravan Park,
LLansantffraid issue day tickets.
Tel: 01691 828252
River Tanat
1. Green Inn, Llangedwyn has mile
fishing. Day ticket.Tel: 01691 828234
1. Prince Albert AS control 3 stretches

membership only.
2. Cann Office Hotel, near Llangadfan.
Day tickets from hotel.
Tel: 01938 820202
3. Llanfair Caereinion, Day tickets
available from Elan Valley
Visitor Centre. Tel: 01686 629615
River Taff
Has a growing reputation for excellent
grayling fishing and several clubs
control water for which day tickets
are available :
1. Bedlinog & District AC.
Tel: 029 2088 5409
2. Birchgrove (Cardiff) AS.
Tel: 029 2046 0697 or
029 2061 9828
3. Bute AA, Tel: 029 2046 0697
or 029 2061 9828
4. Cynon Taff AC, limited day
tickets. Apply by email to
sewinfly@hotmail.com
2. Horseshoe Inn, Llanyblodwel,

1 mile approx. Day ticket.
Tel: 01691 828969
5. Glyncornel AA. Tel: 01443 432289
River Cain
7. Glamorgan AC. Tel: 029 2046 0697

or 029 2061 9828
River Camlad
River Banwy
River Irfon..in addition to Foundation
2. Crewe Pioneer Anglers have mile

near Welshpool. Tel: 01270 255999
for details & permits.
Day tickets available from the

Spar store in Caersws and Maes
Mawr Hotel. Tel: 01686 688255
5. Prince Albert AS control several

stretches membership only.
3. Glaslyn Estate near Rhayader,

superb fishing for holiday guests but
no day tickets. Tel: 01597 810258
for booking details.
1. Builth Wells, Groe Park and Irfon AC
have 3 miles. Tel: 01982 552759 for
tickets and information.
Green Hall, Llanfyllin, small but good.

Tel: Mrs.Lewis 01691 648364
4. Welshpool, mile of water.

Tickets from Sport Hafren, Welshpool.
Tel: 01938 552202
2. Hay-on-Wye, free fishing on town

water downstream of the bridge to
the Pump Station.
River Vyrnwy
1. Prince Albert AS control several
stretches membership only
2. Caersws AA control several miles

around Caersws and Llandinam.
3. Newtown there is a very good

free stretch below the new bridge.
Water in and above the town is
controlled by Severnside & Newtown
AC and day tickets are available from
Newtown Angling, Short Bridge St.
Tel: 01686 624044
There is little significant water not

available through the Foundation.
Montgomery AA issue day tickets.

Tel: 01686 629615
River Rhiw
Near Berriew, Montgomery AA issue
day tickets. Tel: 01686 629615
River Ceiriog
Ceiriog Flyfishers at Chirk have
increasing numbers in lower stretches.
Membership only.
Tel: 01691 773632
River Wye & tributaries
This catchment offers a rich and
diverse opportunity for grayling
fishing, from the upper & lower
Wye to its notable tributaries ,
the Monnow (and Honndu, Dore),
Ithon and Irfon.
1. The Wye and Usk Foundation
Passport scheme offers a superb
range of day ticket fishing on the
above and can be contacted on
01982 551520 or
6. Osprey AA. Tel: 01685 877122
River Rhymney
1. Llanbradach AC, tickets from
Terrys Tackle. Tel: 029 2088 5409
2. Caerphilly AS, tickets from
Terrys Tackle. Tel: 029 2088 5409
3. Royal Oak AC, Ystrad Mynach,
tickets from Terrys Tackle.
Tel: 029 2088 5409
River Ogmore
1. Ogmore AA, Bridgend.
Tel: 01656 721591
River Ewenny (tributary of Ogmore)
1. Ogmore AA. Tel: 01656 721591
2. Pencoed & District AC.
Tel: 01656 660683
3. Glamorgan Anglers.
Tel: 01446 711216
GAME Fishing Wales
23
nine wonders of Wales

Nine wild fisheries where
you never know what
you might catch
2
1
3
4
6
8
7
Nine wonders of Wales

1. Llyn Coron
2. Llyn Padarn
3. Llyn Cwellyn
4. Llyn Nantlle
5. Llyn Gwynant
6. Llyn Dinas
7. Llyn Cwm Bychan
8. Llyn Tegid
9. Talyllyn
Llyn Coron is an 80 acre lake well known

for its wild brown trout fishing and the
runs of sea-trout coming in from the
River Ffraw. The lake holds good stocks of
perch so watch out for fish feeding on fry
later in the year. The lake lies at the heart
of Anglesey which abounds with areas
where interesting birds, plants and other
wildlife can be seen and enjoyed. Being an
island it has over 100 miles of coastline
with varied habitats, such as sea cliffs,
dunes and beaches, salt marshes and
mud flats.
Contact: 01407 810801
Llyn Padarn is a two mile long lake lying
at the entrance of the famous Llanberis
Pass, on the northern flank of Snowdon,
and guarded on one side by Dolbadarn
Castle. Here, Llywelyn Prince of Gwynedd
imprisoned his brother Owain Goch
between 1255 and 1277. Wonder at
the vast empty galleried workings of the
disused Dinorwic Slate Quarry, once the
largest in the world, where over 3,000
quarrymen were employed. The lake
boasts excellent wild brown trout fishing
from the seasons opening on 20 March.
During the summer months, outstanding
sport can be had with arctic char, both
outstanding in appearance and taste.
Salmon and sea-trout can also be caught.
Boats are available for hire.
Contact: www.hgt.gwynedd.gov.uk/SG
Llyn Cwellyn is a relatively large lake

of around 220 acres and is designated a
Special Area of Conservation. Because
of its depth the lake supports one of the
few populations of arctic char together
with a very healthy wild brown trout
population; it also has a run of salmon
and sea-trout. A little know fact is that
Environment Agency electrofishing
data indicates the presence of a healthy
juvenile salmon population in the River
Gwyrfai, downstream of Llyn Cwellyn, and
research shows that the river contains a
largely unexploited salmon population
with a characteristically late run. The flora
of Cwellyn both submerged and floating
is one of the reasons for the conservation
area and although the water has acidified,
quality remains high and the water is clear.
Llyn Nantlle lies at the head of the
River Llyfni and extends to around 50
acres and it truly is situated between a
rock and a hard place; at the eastern end
of the lake you have one of the most
spectacular views from a boat anywhere.
Llyn Nantlle is a shallow fertile lake, with
an average depth of around ten feet and
the maximum depth of just over 20 feet
occurs in only a very small area near the
outfall of the river. Now this small area
should not be overlooked as it holds
migratory fish; it is this area they first lie
after running the river. The rod catch for
the Llyfni in 2005 was 2 salmon and 221
sea-trout, whilst the ten-year average is 19
salmon and 411 sea-trout, together with
wild brown trout a very interesting fishery.
Llyn Gwynant lies on the River Glaslyn,

in the Nant Gwynant valley, and is about 2
km north east of Llyn Dinas; Snowdon lies
3 km to the north west. The lake is natural,
having been formed by glacial action and
is 113 acres in size. The lake holds salmon,
sea-trout and wild brown trout with easy
access from the A498 road which runs
along its south bank. It was used as a
filming location in the 2003 film Lara
Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life. It is
arguably the most beautiful lake in Wales.
Contact: www.penrhyndeudraeth.cymru.org
Llyn Dinas also lies on the River Glaslyn
a few miles north of Beddgelert at an
altitude of about 55 metres above sea
level. It has an area of 60 acres and is
fairly shallow, with the maximum depth
only 10 metres. The lake offers good
fishing for salmon and sea-trout and
wild brown trout. It takes its name from
the nearby Dinas Emrys, a rocky and
wooded hill just downstream of the lake
where the remains of both medieval and
older fortifications have been found. A
rock near the lake named Carreg yr Eryr
(the stone of the eagle) was said in a
charter of 1198 to mark the spot where
the boundaries of the three cantrefs of
Aberconwy, Ardudwy and Arfon met.
According to Giraldus Cambrensis an
eagle used to perch on it once a week,
anticipating battle between the men of
the three cantrefs.
Contact: www.penrhyndeudraeth.cymru.org
nine wonders
of Wales
24
Llyn Cwm Bychan is a lowland lake,

approximately of a mile long and
of a mile wide and lies at the foot of
the Rhiniog mountains. The lake nestles
below Rhiniog Fawr and the Roman
Steps which cuts through the mountain
range. The lake lies at the head of the
River Artro; as well as wild brownies from
mid-May onwards the lake holds salmon
and sea-trout. As the River Artro is only
7 miles long, fish do not take long to
reach the lake from the sea. The lake
also holds, if you believe local legend,
a fish known locally as a red bellied
char which is entirely feasible as the
lake was formed some 1.6 million years
ago by the last glaciers and is very deep
in parts. Numerous lakes in this area do
indeed hold char but modern evidence
of the existence of these fish in this
lake however is hard to find. A public
road runs to and alongside this beautiful
lake, and although narrow it is in good
condition and access is easy. The road
ends at the car park and campsite located
at the eastern end of the lake, where
everybody must park, as to park in the
passing places would cause enormous
inconvenience.
Contact: Honesty box by the entrance
to the car park.
Llyn Tegid at 1,084 acres is Wales

largest natural lake; it is of glacial origin
and used to extend to some 8 miles
long. The lake is steeped in legend.
Llyn Tegid means Lake of Serenity and
it is easy to see why after spending a
day fishing there. The lake has been a
fishery of importance from early times.
It is said that on moonlit nights you
can see towers and buildings under
the waters, and that bells can be heard.
These buildings, according to legend,
were the palace of King Tegid, husband
of Ceridwen, the mother of Taliesin.
Llyn Tegid is also home to the rare and
protected whitefish called the Gwyniad
which roams the deeps. Here, as well as a
good head of coarse fish, there is salmon,
sea-trout, wild brown trout and grayling.
Contact: www.balaangling.co.uk
Talyllyn is a natural 220-acre, shallow

brown trout lake nestling in the
southwest corner of the Snowdonia
National Park and below the peak of
Cader Idris. It forms the headwater of
the river Dysynni that flows westwards
for 10 miles before entering Cardigan
Bay just north of Tywyn. Talyllyn provides
fishing for a good head of wild brown.
Fly-fishing only is allowed and there is no
anchoring of boats. The lake sees runs
of sea-trout and salmon as the season
progresses. There are 14 boats with
outboard engines plus 2 Wheelyboats for
hire. Bank fishing is on the south shore
only. Float tubes can be launched from
the car park. Adjacent to the lake is the
renowned Tynycornel Hotel providing
accommodation, meals and bar facilities
to anglers. There is a small tackle shop,
freezer facilities, drying and rod room.
Contact: www.tynycornel.co.uk
show & tell

Show and tell us what you caught while
fishing in Wales and well award a 100
Fishtec voucher to what we rate as the
best catch every month.
Find the fishery which you caught at,
go to the recent catches page, hit
upload your catch and away you go.
Visit the Fishing Wales

website and enter your
winning picture.
Its simple...
Just upload your picture
Tell us about it
Enter the code
Visit the new Fishing Wales website at

www.fishing.visitwales.com for Tackle
and Tactics, Reports and Recent Catches
for all the above lakes.
And hope your catch is

the best for the month
If only catching fish was this easy

WIN
26
Top left to right:
Frank relaxes before the battle

Martin with his 11lb 2oz River Wye barbel
Frank prepares the bait
27
wonderful wye
Martin Bowler introduces

a friend to the charms
of the Wye barbel
High up the to-do list on any angling

CV must be to wield a rod on the
magnificent River Wye
The world of angling is certainly a big one

with a never-ending stream of adventures
to live out. From casting a fly to a wild
brown trout or lowering a float into a
cauldron of fizzing bubbles for a tench,
its impossible for an angler to ever stop
dreaming of the next fish stripping line
from his or her reel. High up the to-do
list on any angling CV must be to wield a
rod on the magnificent River Wye. As a
professional angler I walk many banks but
few are as splendid as this venue so I can
understand the draw and if this challenge
has passed you by, all I can say is make
sure it doesnt for another year. Not
convinced? Well read this story and then
tell me how you can afford to miss out.
Of course I was only too pleased to be

of assistance as time spent with Frank is
always enjoyable and perhaps he would
become a convert to the finer things in
life! But where would we go?
Frank Warwicks pedigree in the carp

angling world is second to none and he
certainly doesnt need me to ratify this
fact. Like all the best carpers I have ever
met his first love though is for angling
and then secondly his chosen species
the carp. By respecting every fish
large or small his passion for our sport
runs deep and in turn it pays him back
handsomely with more monsters than
most of us have had hot dinners!
I therefore wasnt too surprised when he
asked me if I could help him with a long
held ambition to catch a barbel. Despite
his illustrious career one had still to grace
his net and he wanted to put that right.
Unlike their central England cousins Wye

barbel are long, lean, fighting machines
which never exhibit a beer gut fuelled by
a pellet overload. They look like barbel
should. A specimen on a national scale is
never going to be on the cards but on the
flip side nor will you find them hounded
to a point of paranoia, wedged up under
snags and only venturing out during
darkness. With this and so much more
on offer I made a phone call to my
friends at the Wye and Usk Foundation.
The River Wye and its surrounding valley

always does its utmost to captivate an
angler. The sheer beauty is unsurpassed
in Great Britain and to lavish praise on
this world is never difficult. Standing
on its banks I have yet to see a season
where a desire to fish isnt overwhelming.
Stunning scenery delightfully laced with
the awesome, untempered power of the
river if anywhere was appropriate to
catch your first barbel this was the place.
A rendezvous with Frank spelled the

beginning of our adventure together and
soon we were walking the rivers banks.
Untamed by man she weaved her way
down the valley and as we followed this

course I showed Frank what to look for.
Barbel, like all fish, enjoy change, be it a
bend, a pool or a snag and if you can find
a combination of these scenarios then
its highly probable that your target will
be found at home. Within 15 minutes
three candidates were located and it
was decided each one needed lacing
with free food to help confirm this.
For me a bait dropper isnt the best way
forward to make such introductions on
a river like the Wye. Firstly casting the
contraption any distance, which can
be required in big rivers, is a little
haphazard and then we come to the
snags! The bottom is littered with
dropper munching boulders and the
loss of two or three in a day can end up
costly. To my mind the way forward is
groundbait or to be more exact XL trout
pellet powder laced with pellets. This
concoction can then be formed into
orange sized balls and introduced with
the minimum of fuss and after receiving a
dosage of 8 in total its easy to determine
if the barbel are in residence. A series of
line bites occur as the fish demolish the
free feed, alerting you to the inevitable
take to come. Following my own advice
each spot was fed and our attention
moved onto tackle.
28
Top Left:
First ever barbel for Frank
FREE
While most of the Foundations
work concentrates on the physical
improvement of Wye and Usk
tributaries, an important part of their
effort has been to make available the
fishing on both rivers, opening up
fishing that was not previously
accessible to visiting anglers. Its
success has enabled us to add salmon,
trout, grayling and coarse fishing on
the main river Wye and tributaries,
along with the salmon and trout fishing
in the Usk catchment. The scheme
continues to expand with new waters
added each year, including some of
the areas top still water fishing.
A copper flank made up of a thousand

glistening scales stared back at me and I
knew I had tempted a very big Wye barbel
See the fish!

Get your free pair of polarized sunglasses
to help spot those fish. Just fill in the form
below and send off your payment to
cover postage and packing.
The Wye & Usk Foundation

Dolgarreg, 29 North Road,
Builth Wells, Powys LD2 3DD
T: 01982 551520
E: admin@wyeuskfoundation.org
FISHTEC SUNGLASSES OFFER

The Wye, as I explained, is a brutal river
at times that doesnt suffer fools gladly.
You can forget the advice offered on our
more sedate rivers requiring finesse and
camouflage. To use such tactics on this
venue will only see you eaten alive. I think
at this stage Frank was a little shocked
with the watch leads and 15lb mainline.
The number one mistake though for
a visiting angler is not bringing heavy
enough weights and then they are simply
washed away into snags. Placed, on the
end of this ironmongery came the bait
a single 14mm Dynamite hair riggable
pellet which removes the necessity for
fiddly drilling. All that was left to do was
nick on a PVA mesh bag of free offerings
and let Frank make his first cast.
Crunching across the lunar landscape
made up of tonnes of smooth pebbles
dumped on the inside of the bend during
last winters floods, a point at the head
of a pool was reached. Here the bottom
fell away and in its depths we hoped
a barbel would be found. By casting
across to the crease, the line was swept
down into this zone depositing its cargo
over the gravelly run below. It was now
vital to allow out a large bow of line to
compensate for the rivers force, despite
using a 5oz lead. Hoisted into the air

the tip nodded its approval about being
called into action. I explained to Frank
that what would follow if we were lucky
would leave him in no doubt that a
barbel had grabbed hold of the pellet
so he needed to be prepared for what
lay ahead.
Minutes passed and the initial surge of
suspense began to wane until suddenly
the rod butt became airborne and we
were back on red alert. Before I could
open my mouth Frank was embroiled in
a battle with a steam train. It was a time
when no quarter was given between each
opponent both desperate to keep hold of
the rod. Years of similar affairs with carp
gave Frank the edge and frantically the
barbel made its final move, fortunately
to no avail. With an outstretched net
the mesh swallowed up its final lunge
and Frank had become a barbel angler at
last! I only hoped that it had lived up to
expectations. Its size was not an issue,
just pure exuberating that a first had
been achieved
With Frank now in situ and catching, I
couldnt help myself from casting a line,
such is the draw of this marvellous river.
Wye barbel like to let you know of their
presence quickly and as the rod took on

a life of its own, leaving the rod rests,
I began my own game of tug of war.
Unfortunately the barbel began to win
and despite clamping down close as I
dared to breaking the line, it piled into the
water. Panicking I jumped into the margin
and rushed downstream. My only option
to avoid the line breaking was to follow
it and continue the battle by drawing it
away from the snags.
The plan worked and I at least got on
a level footing in the contest. Could it
really be a barbel with such power or
was it a rogue carp? Each time I pumped
the rod skywards I hoped the answer
would come and at last it did. A copper
flank made up of a thousand glistening
scales stared back at me and I knew I had
tempted a very big Wye barbel indeed.
The final skirmish held no surprises as
its energy had been spent and I too had
a barbel in the net. At 11lbs 2ozs it was
a new river best for me and combined
with Franks first ever barbel the day had
well and truly come up trumps. So if
the battery of bite alarms are no longer
floating your boat dont despair:
the Wye can save you.
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30
Left to right:
Hywels magnificent brace of rainbows

Llyn Clywedog
GAME Fishing Wales
31
double figure delight

Hywel Morgan goes in search
of Clywedogs legendary trout
This hidden gem of a lake is nestled

high in the mountains above the town
of Llanidloes and offers the angler great
sport in a beautiful part of Mid Wales.
The fishing is controlled and run by a
local club and all their hard work over the
years has proved very successful. This lake
offers the angler fantastic sport with the
chance of catching a fish of a lifetime.
On a visit a year or so ago I was
challenged to go and catch a big fish
(double figure) for the cameras and I
can tell you this is no mean feat as many
anglers have fished for decades and so
have I without catching a specimen fish
at all. To hedge my bets I called on a
friend and fellow Welsh International
angler Peter Thurnall as I thought two
heads are better than one.
Hywel Morgan started at local
country fairs, progressing to the CLA
Game Fair where for three successive
years he won every event. Having
won more than a 100 individual titles,
Hywel decided to return to fishing.
He has represented Wales on twelve
occasions (and has been captain for
his country three times). Individually
he has been one of the most
successful competitors from all the
home countries, gaining results
in silver, 4th, 7th and 10th places.
Some 10 or so minutes later

into the net came this
fin-perfect 10lb rainbow
Before I go into the tips I have to say

that both Peter and my self were a bit
nervous but not as nervous as Lyn the
photographer, as all of us were dreading
ending the day with a basket of small
fish. The day that we fished was overcast
with a corduroy ripple and offered us the
best fishing conditions, but as we set out
towards the cages where most of the big
fish have been caught, little did we know
that all our dreams would come true on
the first drift. Both of us had set up with
fast sinkers, Peter on a Di8 and myself on
a Di7. Peter was using a two inch sparkler
and I had on a blob about 3ft from the
line and a minky booby some 4ft away

from that. We fished over the front loch
style as this is the way both of us feel
more comfortable in doing. Peter was
casting over the bow as he was using
the heavier equipment.
I set the boat some 20 yards up from
the cages and we drifted slowly past.
As we came halfway along I felt some
interest in the booby and before I could
say anything all hell broke loose with this
fish fighting like a submarine. The rod
was doubled over most of the time and
I saw my backing shoot up the rings on
several occasions. All our hearts were in
our mouths and my heart was going ten
to the dozen as we all knew this is what
we were after. Some 10 or so minutes
later into the net came this fin perfect
10lb rainbow.
Well, job done I thought it cant get
better than this, but some 40 minutes
later having taken enough pictures to fill
a gallery my line shot away again with
the tell-tale heavy and powerful surge.
The fight was long and hard with a lot of
comments coming from the other end of
the boat (something about being jammy)
but some 12 minutes later in came
another big fish: 8lb. This is more than
we could have wished for, a brace for
18lb and all my luck used up for a few
years methinks!
Worth a go:
Cruncher
Sparkler
Hywels top 10 tips for

catching big fish
Pearly thorax
Pheasant tail
32
Left to right:
Loch style on Clywedog
Stunning surrounding scenery
A coulam 16 Wheelyboat
Hywel with his fin perfect 10lb rainbow
here are my top

10 tips for catching
big fish
No.1 Tackle choice (Big guns)

When fishing for the big fish make sure
that your rod is up to it, as not only will
you need the extra power to fight the
bigger fish but also you will need a rod
that will cast the bigger flies that you
need to imitate the bait fish that these
predator fish are feeding on. If you are
going to boat fish then a 10ft 8/9 wt
would be ideal but if you are going to
bank fish then a shorter rod would be
better 9ft 8/9. When using these rods
and lines remember that you should
also use stronger fluoro. On this day I
was using 12.5 and found that I had no
problem fighting and landing both fish.
No.2 Tackle choice
If the fish are feeding on pin fry then you
do not have to up your tackle as a normal
boat rod will do 10ft 7wt. This will cast
the imitations easily and allow you to fish
comfortably all day. The best pattern I
have found is a pearly thorax pheasant
tail or a cruncher with a bit of sparkle
behind the hackle. Again due to the fly
size you do not need to change breaking
strain of your leader.
No.3 Where to fish
I personally prefer boat fishing as this
allows you access to all the lake and a
change of location can be done easily.
When drifting keep your eyes open for
birds working the water as this could be
the location of large shoals of fry. Where
there are fry there are big fish. When
you have located them then fish with
the flies that are the same size as the fry.
The larger fish will firstly crash into the
shoals and then come back and mop up
the injured and stunned fish. Cast into
the middle of the shoal and leave the fly,
then just twitch it back to try and imitate
an injured fish.
No.4 Bank Fishing

Stealth is the important factor here.
If the fish are crashing into the fry in
shallow water make sure that you are
not visible. Use bank side vegetation to
camouflage yourself and if you are boat
fishing do not go too close to the bank
as this will spook the big fish. Remember
they are big because they are wiser
than the other fish and if anything looks
out of the ordinary then you can say
goodbye to your chance of bagging a
fish of a lifetime.
No.5 Bright sunny days
On some days you will not see the action
on the surface so you have to go down
in the water to find those big fish. This
is what we did at Clywedog and boy did
it work. This is why I carry so many lines
as it enables me to find the fish depth
easily and once you have found it then
make sure you keep your flies at that level
for as long as possible. I started with the
Di7 using a count down method. After
the first cast I counted to 10 seconds
before starting the retrieve and every cast
following it I added another 5 seconds
before starting the retrieve. The takes
started to come after a 35 second count
which meant that the fish were just
below 20ft. If the takes had come after
15 seconds then I would have changed
to a slower sinking line so that the flies
would have remained at the fish taking
depth for longer.
No.6 Retrieve
There is a lot of talk as to which retrieve
is best for fry feeders and I think it is trial
and error on the day as what would be
deadly one day will not work the next.
Some will say that long and steady pulls
are the best while others will say short
pulls followed by a slight pause is deadly.
On the day we fished it was a slow figure
of 8 with some long pulls put in once
in a while.
No.7 Hooks
When you are targeting those big fish
make sure that the hooks are up to the
job. Always use strong hooks and make
sure that they are sharp as you need to
set the hook well to keep hold of those
big fish. I always carry a hook sharpener
just in case the hook becomes blunt.
GAME Fishing Wales
No.8 Boat set up

Being a competitive angler, to me there
is only one way to fish and that is loch
style. I enjoy this way of fishing as it gives
both anglers an equal opportunity and
it enables you to fish your flies slower.
Make sure that there are no snags hiding
anywhere in the boat as if you do hook
one of these fish then the last thing you
want is for your line to get tangled in
something. When I caught the second
fish I did have a little tangle in my sinking
line but fortunately as the fish ran away it
pulled the tangle out much to my relief.
No.9 Northampton style
This is where the point of the boat is
pointed down wind and the anglers fish
in opposite directions. This is a fantastic
way of covering vast amounts of water
and locating fish. Firstly you cast out
square to the boat and as it drifts away
you feed the line out to allow it to sink.
Once the required depth is achieved
through the count down method
(I even know some anglers that use stop
watches) then the line is retrieved in
long steady pulls. This is a very relaxing
way of fishing as you do not cast very
often and when using very large flies
it is also far safer as both anglers are
casting outside the boat.
No.10 Persistence
It feels a bit strange writing this section
having just spent some 4 hours fishing
and producing a magnificent brace such
as this but that to me was a day in a
lifetime. Targeting the bigger fish can
test the patience of the most dedicated
angler but if your want to catch a fish of
a lifetime then you must put the hours
in and stick to your guns. This will mean
hours and hours, even days of total
boredom but when you get it right the
rewards far outweigh the effort you
have put in and as you can see from the
smile on my face, its time well spent.
For fishing and casting tuition

contact Hywel on:T: 01974 831541
M: 07812 197891
info@hywelmorgan.co.uk
www.hywelmorgan.co.uk
Llyn Clywedog is the first fishery

in Wales to acquire the brand
new, award winning Coulam 16
Wheelyboat, a purpose-built fishing
boat modified to provide roll-on
roll-off access for wheelchair users.
Disabled anglers now have the use
of a boat that not only offers them
independent access to the water
but also looks and performs like a
normal boat. The boats ingenious
modifications are very discreet which
means it is a genuinely dual-purpose
craft and can be used by anyone,
disabled or not.
33
34
Left to right:
Welsh green oak fish pass
Habitat corridor protecting a valuable spanwing tributary
New byepass fish pass on the River Monnow
Larinier fish pass baffles
Rock Ramp at Abersannan in the Tywi catchment
No fish pass is perfect, says Dr Wilson,

removing barriers, where possible,
is the best type of fish pass.
tales of the riverbank

Spotlight on important
river restoration work
Welsh rivers have benefited hugely in

recent years, as the Environment Agency
and River Trusts act together, investing
in restoring river habitats and access for
migratory fish.
Pass masters
As salmon and sea-trout swim upstream
in search of clear waters and gravels to
spawn, their progress is often impeded
by man-made obstacles. Environment
Agency Wales the body responsible for
safeguarding fisheries in Wales, is striving
to remove as many of these barriers as
possible, investing more than 4m on fish
passes and barrier removal since 2002,
opening up more than 400km of river.
Fish passes can be a massive boost
to our rivers, said Dr Ben Wilson of
Environment Agency Wales. Our aim is
to make all major man-made weirs and
barriers passable by fish for the benefit of
future stocks. More habitat, means more
fish, but it could also be critical in helping
to protect our fisheries from the effects
of climate change.
High tech solutions

One way is the state-of-the-art Larinier
fish pass. Pontymoel fish pass, near
Pontypool, is one of the latest examples.
This was part of a major engineering
project to bring salmon and sea-trout
back to the River Llwyd, a tributary of
the Usk. Big projects like this need big
money, of course, and thankfully the
Agency has benefited from the very real
financial support of the Welsh Assembly
Government, which has also enabled
them to access funding from
the European Union.
Local Talent
Not all fish passes are as big, or expensive.
Using locally sourced Welsh oak, the
Agency has started to build cost-effective
fish passes that not only benefit fish
populations, but are also better for the
environment and the local economy.
Last year, they installed the first ever
wooden Larinier fish passes at Cynghordy,
on the River Bran near Llandovery,
improving fish access to 15 kilometres
of nursery streams. Dave Charlesworth,
Agency Fisheries Project Manager and
keen sea-trout angler, said: This was a

great project. Improved access to the
Bran will mean more returning adult
fish in the main river Tywi, a fishery
of international renown and of great
importance to the local rural economy.
Rock and roll
In other rivers, the Agency has opted for
a different approach again, using what
are known as rock ramp fish passes to
create a natural-looking river cascade
for fish to swim through. Abersannan
ford near Llandeilo is one such fish
pass. A similar but bigger ramp has just
been completed on the River Monnow,
opening up one of the largest tributaries
of the River Wye. This type of fish
pass is very successful as it resembles
natural features found on the river bed,
says Pete Gough from Environment
Agency Wales.
Weir today gone tomorrow
Of course, another option is simply to
remove the weir which is precisely
whats happened on the River Dulais,
another tributary of the Tywi.
The rivers of Wales,

from the resurgent
Valleys to the majestic
Snowdonia streams,
are all special places
and its right that we
invest in them.
says Dr Ben Wilson.
Habitat fit for all fish

Good habitat is also essential for
successful spawning, and here the
River Trusts and Agency have excelled.
Working together, more than 400km
of valuable nursery streams have been
restored and protected. This is not only
of great importance to the migratory
fish, but the resident trout love it too.
Wild brownies on the Wye have thrived,
as anyone fishing the Wye and Usk
Foundations passport beats will
have noticed.
Access to all
Building fish passes, removing barriers
and protecting river habitat, are of
paramount importance in enhancing
and supporting fish stocks and the
fisheries that depend on them. Without
the support of the Welsh Assembly
Government, and the growing rivers
trust movement in Wales, this work
would never have been undertaken.
So successful has the partnership been,
that the investment is set to continue.
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
...investing more than 4m on fish passes

and barrier removal since 2002, opening
up more than 400km of river.
36
Left to right:
Monknash, Vale of Glamorgan
Mission Accomplished, a hard fighting smooth hound
SEA Fishing Wales
37
spine-tingling
excitement
Dave Lewis experiences
shore fishing that is out
of this world.
hit the horizon
If anyone were ever to publish a list of

the UKs most haunted sea angling
venues, there is little doubt that
Monknash would make it into the top 10!
Situated on the spectacular Vale of
Glamorgan Heritage Coastline in South
Wales, approximately midway between
Cardiff and Swansea Bay, anglers wishing
to fish this superb and invariably little
used beach must be prepared for a long
though not especially arduous walk but
one that over the years has sent a cold
shiver down the spine of even the
hardiest beach angler!
You see, to get to the beach at Monknash,
first you must walk down a narrow and
thickly wooded path that passes the ivy
entangled ruins of the sixteenth century
monastery from which the beach gets
its name, and there lies the problem.
At first light on a summers morning with
heavy dew still lying thickly on the grass
and the dawn chorus in full voice its a
beautiful walk, but at night, which is
when many anglers fish this beach, its
a very different story.
For anyone who is prepared to run

the gauntlet of the various ghosts
and ghouls of Monknash, the
rewards can be truly spectacular.
The encroaching trees meet overhead to

create a tunnel that very effectively
blocks out the brightest moonlight, while
even the lightest breeze will rustle
spookily through the thick undergrowth
making your imagination run wild. More
than just an occasional angler who has
fished here after dark will swear to
unexplained ghostly happenings at night
while walking along this blacker than black
path, so you had better make sure your
headlamp is fully charged to light the way!
For anyone who is prepared to run the

gauntlet of the various ghosts and ghouls
of Monknash, the rewards can be truly
spectacular. View the beach at low water
from the surrounding cliff tops and you
will see that it consists of a rich mix of
golden sand and rock, with the main
beach being effectively sandwiched
between large slabs of rock. To the east
its nearly all rock with myriad food
holding rock pools and deep dissecting
gullies, obviously classic feeding ground
for the wide range of species that return
with the flooding tide to forage across
the area.
Offshore lies the Nash Sandbank, and
here lies the final piece of the Monknash
jigsaw. The Nash, as it is known locally,
is famous amongst boat anglers for being
one of the most productive areas to fish
in the Bristol Channel. Its a venue that
invariably produces prolific catches of

rays, turbot, bass and smoothounds, and
it is these species that often overspill
from the main bank system and venture
to within casting range of shore anglers
fishing at Monknash.
In reality there are very few areas
anywhere that consistently produce good
ray fishing from the beach during daylight
hours, but at certain times of the year
Monknash is one of them. During the
main summer months, night fishing is
usually far more productive, but during
April and May plenty of rays and other
species are caught here during the
daytime, even in bright sunshine. The sea
temperature at this time of the year is still
decidedly chilly, but bright spring sunshine
serves to warm the shallow water just
offshore sufficiently enough to bring the
fish inshore to within casting range to feed.
38
Small-eyed ray are the most common

species of ray caught here, but spotted,
blonde and just occasionally a thornback
ray gets hooked too, the latter species
especially if you are fishing near the
rougher ground at either end of the beach.
Cocktail baits consisting of blast frozen
sandeels, calamari squid and either
mackerel or herring are usually the best
baits for the various species of ray, but be
sure to use very strong, very sharp hooks
tied onto 50lb BS monofilament as the
shape of even a modest size ray ensures
the fish will exert a huge amount of
pressure on each and every component of
your tackle. When targeting rays, of course
you can expect to catch plenty of
lesser-spotted dogfish, too, especially if
you fish the beach after dark.
It is possible to fish at Monknash on all
sizes of tide, and while the better casters
will likely catch fish well on small to
mid-range tides, many anglers might find
fishing on the larger tides will be more
productive for them. This is especially
the case at night, which during much of
the year is when even this beach fishes at
its absolute best. The beach itself is
pretty much snag free and one effective
technique many local anglers use to
good effect, especially those who cannot
cast a big bait a long distance, is to cast
Left to right:
Creating a stir, a smoothie comes to the hand
A cracking ray falls for a cocktail bait
Waiting for the bite
out then leave the bait in situ while

gradually paying out line as they steadily
move back with the flooding tide, a
tactic which has accounted for many
a specimen ray here.
Hard fighting, fast running, tackle-testing
smoothounds, both the common and
the starry variety, are another popular
spring and summer species at Monknash.
The optimum time to fish here for
smoothounds is during the last three
hours of the ebbing tide, ideally on a
small to mid-range tide. The rough
ground located at the eastern end of the
beach is the noted smoothound hotspot,
and when a pack of ravenous smoothounds
move inshore to feed on the rich
pickings found over the rough ground
the action can be fast and furious.
Double or even treble hook ups amongst
groups of anglers are not unheard of.
A generous portion of juicy peeler crab
is the optimum bait for this sleek
member of the shark family, and of
course this is a bait that will account for
most other species too, notably the
highly sought after bass.
If fishing here and at any of the other
many productive rough ground venues
located along this spectacular coastline,
then it is essential you use a rig that
The cliffs at Monknash

Use plenty of elastic to keep the baits
intact during distance casts
incorporates some form of rotten

bottom. This is a weak link attachment
that is used to secure the lead to the rig,
the idea being that should the lead
become snagged among the rocks, as it
surely will, then given a steady pull the
weaker line will snap resulting in just the
loss of a lead weight, which helps to
keep both tackle and fish losses to an
absolute minimum.
Consequently the pulley rig is a very
popular and effective choice with locals
who fish at Monknash, due to the rough
terrain and high average size of fish that
are caught. The design of the pulley rig
ensures that when a fish is hooked the
pulley action of the rig means the lead is
held high in the water, hopefully keeping
it well away from snags. In addition to
smoothounds, which are usually
abundant from May to September, the
rough ground areas at Monknash are
productive for bass, conger, huss and
rockling from April through to November,
with whiting and occasionally codling
making a showing throughout the
autumn and winter months.
In addition to rays, dogfish and pan-sized
turbot, the beach itself occasionally
fishes well for bass, and notably when a
decent swell and resulting surf is rolling
onto the coast. Anglers specifically
Hard fighting, fast running, tackle-testing smoothounds,

both the common and the starry variety, are another
popular spring and summer species at Monknash.
Safety
The cliffs along much of this stretch of
the coastline are constantly crumbling
and rock falls are common. DO NOT
fish or walk directly beneath the cliffs
and always guard against having your
safe retreat from the beach cut off
by a flooding tide. Always make sure
you tell someone exactly where you
plan to fish along with what time you
expect to return.
targeting bass in the surf use simple

paternoster rigs and depending on the
size of the surf either a grip lead or a
plain round bomb shaped lead, the latter
being the ideal choice when fishing a
modest surf as it ensures the bait rolls
around the bottom in a most natural way.
Either freshly dug lugworm or razorfish,
both of which are widely available at
local tackle shops, are the best baits for
bass, along with blast frozen sandeels
that are favoured by dogfish and turbot.
Historically Monknash used to be a
famous venue for producing shore
caught monkfish, but these days they are
rarely caughtbut provided you have a
decent bait in the water you never know!
Prime time to fish the beach is
considered to be just after the tide has
started flooding up the beach, and
then for the first two to three hours
of the flood.
SEA Fishing Wales
In addition to Monknash, there are a

multitude of other popular and
productive venues found along the
coastline between Cardiff Bay and
Swansea Bay, all of which offer excellent
fishing opportunities for a similar range of
species. Some such as The Knap pebble
beach at Barry offer the easiest possible
access for a couple of hours fishing and
consequently are ideal for junior, elderly
or less able anglers. Others such as
Aberthaw, Stout Point, Witches Point, the
Deeps at Ogmore and Sker Rocks do
involve a bit of a trek to reach, and are
more suited to the more active angler.
As always, for the very latest up-to-theminute local advice and catch
information contact any one of the many
excellent tackle shops, which you will find
throughout South Wales. Visiting anglers
will find a wide range of accommodation
options to cover all budgets along the
Glamorgan Coastline of South Wales.
How to get there

Exit the A 48 at Cowbridge and take
the B4270 south towards Llantwit
Major then the B4265 west towards
Marcross. Turn left when you see
Marcross signposted, then take a
right following the sign towards
Monknash. Head for the Plough
and Harrow pub and park in a field
just down the lane from the pub,
(cost around 2 which is put into
an honesty box on the gate).
Follow the lane down from the field
for a few hundred yards and then
take the haunted pathway down
to the beach. Its not a tough walk
but takes 15-20 minutes so travel
as light as possible.
39
40
Left to right:
The magnificent Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
National anthem begins
Welsh fans appreciation
GAME Fishing Wales
41
it is the best sporting

arena in the world
bar none
twin peaks
Wynn Davies memorable
weekend in Cardiff
the quality and average size
of the fish was incredible
It all started with an invitation to watch

Wales play rugby at the Millennium
Stadium. The invitation was from the
Welsh Assembly and the purpose of
the gathering was to promote Wales
and Cardiff to a group of journalists.
If you have never been to the Millennium
Stadium then believe me, it is one
stadium that you just have to visit. I think,
together with everyone I have met who
has been there, that it is the best sporting
arena in the world bar none. Add to this
the fact that Wales are possibly playing
the best rugby for a long time, made the
invitation irresistible.
The River Taff runs by the Millennium

Stadium and it has a fast-growing
reputation about the quality of its fishing,
be it game or coarse. It is a river I have
very little knowledge about so it was
time to phone a friend. Steffan Jones is
an excellent fisherman and guides on
the Taff, so who better to approach for
advice? He not only offered advice, but
the pleasure of his company on the river
for a day; now this had all the makings of
a memorable weekend. Since the game
fishing season was closed we would
target the rivers grayling. Some would say
that the Taff is rapidly becoming the best
river in the Principality for this beautiful
fish. Steffan advised that the river around
Radyr would offer good sport, and that
a train could be caught from the centre
of Cardiff to Radyr or a princely sum of
3 return, and day tickets obtained from
Gary Evans for 6, so for 9 we had the
prospect of an excellent days fishing
with the added bonus of no one having
to drive the morning after the game.
With the first passion taken care of, it

was time to accommodate the second.
Driving down accompanied by my son

Huw, we were both very excited, my son
How many times can you indulge two of

your favourite passions in one weekend?
The answer I suspect is not many. With
other commitments getting in the way,
life has a habit of not even allowing you
to indulge one. However there is one
way which has been so obvious that it
has completely passed me by and I
have only recently realised what I have
been missing.
Radyr train station
Steffans Czech nymph masterclass
Tackling up in the car park
Instant success on the Taff
Walk to the River Taff
A beautiful Taff grayling
even more than I if that was possible.

Booking into the hotel with our fishing
gear amidst a throng of rugby fans drew
some odd glances, and the occasional
wry comment, but after talking with a
few, who were fishermen, you could see
the idea was contagious.
Attending and watching a rugby game at
this stadium is one of the highlights of
any true rugby fans life; the atmosphere
and rugby fervour is unique. It really does
make the hairs on the back of your neck
stand up, and that is no exaggeration.
The company was excellent and the
food and drink were superb and, to cap a
perfect day, Wales won. After the game
another great advantage of the stadium
came to the fore. It is unique as it is
right in the centre of the city, so we just
had a short walk into the city centre to
continue our celebrations. Believe me,
even the hard-nosed journalists were
bowled over with the stadium and the
city centre which is a delightful mixture
of modern and impressive period
buildings, with the Castle at its heart.
42
Left to right:
The beautiful Edwards Bridge over the River Taff
Steffan battles a salmon
43
game fishing in Wales

a beginners guide
the fish rolled lazily on the surface and swam away,

leaving a slack line, which was greeted with some
words of wisdom directed at the fish
The next morning dawned, and it was

a revelation. Instead of the bleary anticlimax the day after the celebrations
usually brings, we were bright and full of
anticipation for the days fishing. Plans
finalised over breakfast, we changed into
our waders and with our rods, took a
short walk to the train station, which got
us even funnier looks. Buying our tickets
and travelling on the train in waders is an
experience not to be missed, and when
the train stopped at Radyr we could see
the Taff about 20 yards from the station.
On meeting Steffan in the car park he
informed us that the river was running
high and coloured due to the recent rains
but it was still fishable. As we tackled up
the talk inevitably turned to methods, so
I took unfair advantage of Steffan. Huw
had always wanted to learn the Czech
Nymph method and since this type of
fishing has never really attracted me I
asked Steffan if he would be kind enough
to teach Huw. Within ten minutes of
introducing Huw to Czech Nymphing,
he was catching fish; this is a testament
both to the Taffs grayling stocks and

Steffans teaching techniques. Believe me,
he continued to catch fish throughout
the day on Czech Nymphs and that is no
fishermans tale. The quality and average
size of the fish was incredible, and whilst
we did not encounter any large specimens
the average fish was around a pound,
which in anyones book is impressive.
As if that was not enough Steffan hooked
a fish that bent his rod double; looking
at Steffan playing the fish the question
was what was it? Since the river was
running high and powerful it may have
been a large grayling or brown trout or
it could even have been a salmon or
sea-trout. After some anxious moments
and the reel being emptied a number
of times, the fish rolled on the surface
in front of Steffan and the mystery was
unravelled, it was a salmon. This really did
up the ante, and after some more heartstopping moments the fish rolled lazily on
the surface and swam away, inexplicably
leaving the line slack, which was greeted
with some words of wisdom directed at
the fish. Even though the fish was lost,

this was turning out to be a red letter day.
As we worked down the river we kept
catching on a variety of methods and
it was a hugely enjoyable day with a
basketful of fish which we had no right
to expect due to the height and colour
of the river. The whole experience of the
journey and the fishing completely blew
the cobwebs of the previous evening out
of our heads, leaving us refreshed and
ready for our homeward journey, with
plenty to discuss.
Worth a go:
Gold Heads
Hares Ear
Cul-de-canard
Emerger
Czech Nymph
If your passion is game angling, then Wales

is for you. It has a wealth of rivers and lakes
in a variety of stunning scenarios; choosing
where to fish is often more difficult than
actually catching your fish.
Welsh rivers account for more than half
the sea-trout caught in England and Wales.
Couple this with the number of large
seatrout caught every year and the
availability of fishing, it makes for a very
special destination. The sea-trout run from
early April right through to September, with
the large sea-trout first to appear followed
by the smaller fish from mid June onwards.
The fish run in all water conditions so
throughout the season you are very likely
to encounter fresh fish. The sea-trout
range in size from lb to 20lb, although
the average size is 2lb 3lb with the
seatrout run peaking in June,
July and August. Access is available to
the holiday angler to both club and private
waters on all these rivers, and you can
organise both guiding and tuition if
required to ensure an enjoyable trip.
Wild brown trout are abundant, whether

you fish the famous rivers or intimate
brooks, the stunning lowland lakes or the
majestic highland lakes; the challenge is the
same. These trout are truly wild and the
angler must use all his skill to catch them.
When fishing for wild trout, you step back
in time; do not expect the high average
weight of stocked lakes. The average
weight of wild trout is around lb with a
good fish weighing in at 1lb. However it
must be said there are fish in the 2 4lb
range; especially in the lakes, these fish
when hooked fight with such savagery, it
takes your breath away. The pursuit of
these fish, takes you to places of such
beauty and tranquillity that just being there
is reward enough, away from the humdrum
of modern life, you can sit there in peace
and solitude, totally at one with yourself
and nature.
The stocked still waters of Wales offer an
exceptional angling opportunity amongst
what is arguably the most breathtaking
scenery in Europe. It is affordable,
accessible and can be enjoyed by all

the majority of these reservoirs and small
stillwaters have blended with their natural
surroundings so well it is hard to believe
they are man made! These large still waters,
together with small fisheries of quality;
provides the angler with plenty of choice.
Wales has always had quality grayling
fishing, but the choice of rivers is now
expanding. The rivers of South Wales are
gaining a high reputation for the quality of
their grayling. The quantity and quality of
grayling is undisputed; the Dee, Wye and
Severn all hold fish to over the 4lb mark
and the rivers of the South, such as the
Taff, Rhymney and Ewenny now have
established populations with fish being
caught to the 3lb mark. With grayling the
novice angler has an opportunity to learn.
Although not easy to catch, they are not
as easily frightened as trout or sea-trout;
and will not be put off by a couple of
clumsy casts. One thing is certain: when
you have fished in Wales; you will treasure
the memories.
44
coarse fishing in Wales

a beginners guide
sea fishing in Wales

a beginners guide
If youre already into coarse fishing, or

want to learn the ropes, Wales is the place
to try. Nowhere in the world are you likely
to find so much variety of first-class
angling packed into such a small country.
Just about all species are present, from
Gudgeon to big hard-fighting barbel to
specimen carp and pike. Even a long
holiday isnt enough to sample everything,
so unless you intend to specialise, there
could be a problem of what tackle to
bring along.
Some fisheries specialise in very large
specimens, and you dont have to be
an expert to succeed.
So what tackle will you be taking on
holiday to come to grips with Welsh
coarse fish? Probably a lot more than
youll need, for a bet! Its a matter of
expedience rather than judgement and
deciding what to leave behind. A favourite
rod is obviously essential, as is a spare
with reels to suit with good quality line
and trusted end-tackle. Welsh fish grow as
big as anywhere else and you wont like it
much if a potential record heads out for
the horizon trailing your float and most

of your line. Bait is easily purchased,
often at the fisheries themselves, so
theres no real need to bring loads with
you unless you cant do without your
own special deadly recipe. A large landing
net is essential, however, and if youre
after carp, a good unhooking mat. If you
are a beginner a general-purpose carp
rod of 10-11ft should do the trick; ideal
for distance casting and strong enough
to handle large lake carp or powerful
barbel from the Rivers Wye and Taff.
A reel with a couple of spare spools
wound with 6, 12 and 18lb nylon is
recommended with spools of thinner
nylon for traces. Floats, shot and weights
of choice together with a rod rest and a
selection of barbless hooks completes
the list of necessary tackle.
Big items like a bivouac, umbrella,
barbecue and easy chair are optional.
Travel as light as you can for freedom
of movement. Its all too easy to
overload yourself, and most of it can be
dispensed with if you think about it.
Wet-weather gear well, that depends on

how lucky you feel, but youll probably
have your umbrella anyway. Dont bother
with a keep-net unless you intend
competing in a local match. No true
angler keeps large fish in a keep-net unless
theyre going to weigh them in. One thing
you should never forget, though, is your
Rod Licence or youll have to buy another
before you go fishing. Keep non-essentials
to an absolute minimum and youll be
able to fully enjoy all the quality coarse
fishing that Wales has to offer.
If you have any specific queries call
the fishery owner and ask his advice.
Tackle shops are also a good source of
information; if you get in touch with a
shop near your chosen fishery they will
normally have some local knowledge
that can make sure your trip is a
resounding success.
Wales has a very large number of
interesting and exciting family attractions,
safe beaches, attractive towns and
scenic walks. Or you could teach them
all to fish, of course!
So you are visiting Wales and fancy

chancing your arm at sea anglinggreat
idea! Wales offers what is widely regarded
as some of the finest sea angling
opportunities that are available anywhere
in the British Isles, and regardless of
whether you decide to fish offshore,
aboard a boat or from our rich and varied
coastline, you and your family are sure to
enjoy a most memorable experience. As a
sport, sea angling is about so much more
than simply catching fish, but what could
possibly be more satisfying than catching
your own fish for the evening meal?
Almost every harbour around the beautiful
Welsh coastline plays host to a charter
boat or two, while at ports such as Penarth,
Swansea, Milford Haven, Aberystwyth,
Amlwch and Rhyl youll find several.
Booking a trip aboard a charter boat is
probably the easiest way for the visiting
angler to experience Welsh sea angling at
its very best, as all of our skippers are
passionate about their fishing and
enjoy nothing more than introducing
newcomers to the sport.
45
You can either book a charter boat for the

sole use of yourself, family and a group of
friends, or you can book individual places;
most boats fish a maximum of 10 or 12
anglers. Best of all, many skippers, and
especially those based in key holiday areas,
have all of the equipment on board, which
they either loan as part of the charter fee
or hire for the duration of the trip at
nominal cost. Most will be more than
happy to arrange any bait necessary for
the days fishing; all you have to do is step
aboard and start fishing!
However, many charter boats are booked
months in advance, especially during the
peak holiday periods, so if you do intend
fishing afloat during your holiday it is
advisable to contact a skipper and confirm
a place on your preferred days as soon as
possible. If you are a novice or have any
preferences regarding the type of fishing
or species you would like to catch do
tell the skipper, as they will be in a position
to advise on the best dates to suit
your requirements.
Certainly if you intend fishing from the

beach, pier, harbour wall, estuary or remote
rock marks, then a visit to the tackle shop
for the very latest up-to-the-minute local
advice is an absolute must. Some shops will
even be able to put you in contact with a
local sea angling guide or even an angling
instructor; all will be able to advise on the
tides and the optimum times to fish at
different locations, while pointing out any
specific safety issues. Obviously such
invaluable advice will be hugely worthwhile
regardless of how much previous angling
experience you might have.
Angling is one of lifes great experiences
and of course there is a long and rich
tradition of combining sea angling with a
family holiday at the coast, regardless of
your age, ability, agility or gender. So go
on, give sea angling a go. You never know,
it might well be that its you and your
children that end up getting hooked,
and not just the fish!
46
47
tackle shops in Wales

Aber Discount Tackle
3 Terrace Road, Aberystwyth,
Dyfed SY23 1NY
Tel: 01970 611200
Aeron Sports &
Fishing Tackle
Aeron Hall, 2 Bridge Street,
Aberaeron, Dyfed SA46 0AP
Tel: 01545 571209
Anglers Corner
80 Station Road,
Llanelli SA15 1AN
Tel: 01554 773981
Anglers Corner
1 Pill Road, Milford Haven,
Pembrokeshire SA73 2NS
Tel: 01646 698899
Anglers Den
21 High Street, Haverfordwest,
Pembrokeshire SA61 2BW
Tel: 01437 760045
Bay Fishing Tackle
High Street, Saundersfoot,
Pembrokeshire SA69 9EJ
Tel: 01834 813115
Castaway
1 College Row,
Cardigan,
Dyfed SA43 1LL
Tel: 01239 621856
Celtic Flycraft
54 Abernant Road,
Cwmgors, Ammanford,
West Glamorgan
SA18 1RB
Tel: 01269 825591
Country Stores
3a Church Street,
Gowerton, Swansea,
West Glamorgan
SA4 3EA
Tel: 01792 875050
Crafty Catchers
31 King Street,
Carmarthen SA31 1BS
Tel: 01267 234710
Ewenny Angling Supplies Ltd
11b Ewenny Road,
Bridgend
CF31 3HN
Tel: 01656 662691
Fly Shack
38 Swansea Road, Llanelli,
Carmarthenshire SA15 3YT
Tel: 01554 776001
Fishfinder
51 King Street,
Carmarthen SA31 1BH
Tel: 01267 220226
Keens Tackle
119 Bridgend Road,
Aberkenfig,
Bridgend CF32 9AP
Tel: 01656 722448
Mainwarings Angling Centre

44 Vivian Road,
Sketty, Swansea,
West Glamorgan
SA2 0UH
Tel: 01792 202245
Nine Oaks
Craigfryn,
Oakford, Llanarth,
Dyfed SA47 0RW
Tel: 01545 580482
Pembroke Angling
31 Meyrick Street,
Pembroke Dock,
Pembrokeshire
SA72 6AL
Tel: 01646 622712
Rods & Wheels
Margaret Street,
New Quay,
Dyfed SA45 9QJ
Tel: 01545 560931
Rogers Tackle
Pilot House Wharf,
Swansea,
West Glamorgan
SA1 1UN
Tel: 01792 469999
S & K Fishing Supplies
45 Wyndham Street
Bridgend CF31 1EB
Tel: 01656 655651
Sea Stores
4 Brunel Quay
Neyland, Milford Haven,
Pembrokeshire SA73 1PY
Tel: 01646 601946
Sportfishing International
19 Charles Street,
Milford Haven,
Pembrokeshire SA73 2AA
Tel: 01646 690518
Tackle & Bait
149 Windsor Road, Neath
West Glamorgan SA11 1NU
Tel: 01639 634148
Tenby Angling
The Market, High Street,
Tenby, Pembrokeshire
SA70 7EU
Tel: 01834 844430
The Salmons Leap
Cenarth, Newcastle Emlyn,
Dyfed SA38 9JP
Tel: 01239 711242
Tight Lines Direct
72-74 Wind Street,
Ammanford,
Carmarthenshire
SA18 3DR
Tel: 01874 612825
West Wales Tackle
8 Lammas Street,
Carmarthen SA31 3AD
Tel: 01267 243900
Anglers Supplies
172 Penarth Road,
Grangetown, Cardiff,
South Glamorgan CF11 6NL
Tel: 029 2022 0723
Arthur Bale & Son
166 Richmond Road,
Cardiff,
South Glamorgan
CF24 3BX
Tel: 029 2049 9889
Garry Evans Newport Ltd

29 Redland Street, Newport
Gwent NP20 5LZ
Tel: 01633 855086
Garry Evans
Fishing Tackle
109 Whitchurch Road,
Cardiff, South Glamorgan
CF14 3JQ
Tel: 029 2061 9828
Aspinalls Angling Supplies

36 Cross Street, Barry,
Vale of Glamorgan CF63 4LU
Tel: 01446 742645
Greens Fishing Tackle

Bryn Road
Pontllanfraith, Blackwood,
Mid Glamorgan NP12 2BU
Tel: 01495 221881
Barry Angling Centre

14 Park Crescent, Barry,
Vale of Glamorgan
CF62 6HD
Tel: 01446 747638
Merthyr Angling Centre

185 High Street, Cefn Coed,
Merthyr Tydfil,
Mid Glamorgan CF48 2PG
Tel: 01685 379809
Bobs
Hillside, Mwyndy, Pontyclun
Rhondda CF72 8PN
Tel: 01443 227267
Newtown Angling
Unit 3 Severnside Centre,
26-27 Short Bridge Street,
Newtown, Powys SY16 1AA
Tel: 01686 624044
Cal White
39 Merchant Street,
Pontlottyn,
Mid Glamorgan CF81 9PD
Tel: 01685 841245
Cliff Harvey Angling Supplies
10 Albion Industrial Estate
Cilfynydd Road,
Pontypridd,
Rhondda Cynon Taff
CF37 4NX
Tel: 01443 400766
Cwmbran Angling
39 Richmond Road,
Pontnewydd,
Cwmbran,
Gwent NP44 1EQ
Tel: 01633 868890
Dave Richards
73 Church Road,
Newport,
Gwent NP19 7EH
Tel: 01633 254910
Fish a Mania
91 Main Street,
Barry,
Vale of Glamorgan
CF63 2HL
Tel: 01446 737699
Fishing World
1 High Street,
Tonyrefail, Porth,
Rhondda Cynon Taff
CF39 8PG
Tel: 01443 670218
Fishtec
Unit 5 & 6,
Ffrwdgrech Industrial Estate,
Brecon,
Powys LD3 8LA
Tel: 01874 612600
Phils Tackle
2 Constitutional Buildings,
Canon Street, Aberdare,
Rhondda Cynon Taff
CF44 7AW
Tel: 01685 877670
Pill Angling Centre
160 Commercial Road,
Newport,
Gwent NP20 2PJ
Tel: 01633 267211
Rods & Reels
Kings Head Lane,
Builth Wells,
Powys LD2 3DP
Tel: 01982 551706
Sport Hafren
18 Church Street,
Welshpool SY21 7DP
Tel: 01938 552202
Svendsen Sports
Block E Capital Point,
Capital Business Park,
Cardiff CF3 2PX
Tel: 029 2079 1700
Sweets Fishing Tackle
14 Porthycarne Street,Usk
Monmouthshire NP15 1RY
Tel: 01291 672552
Tackle & Tow Bars
22 Stuart Terrace,
Talbot Green. Pontyclun,
Rhondda Cynon Taff
CF72 8AA
Tel: 01443 226611
Tredegar Angling Centre
5A Morgan Street,
Tredegar,
Gwent NP22 3NA
Tel: 01495 725570
Abersoch Angling
The Harbour,
Abersoch, Pwllheli,
Gwynedd LL53 7AW
Tel: 01758 712646
Barrys Fishing Tackle

6 College Green,
Tywyn,
Gwynedd LL36 9BS
Tel: 01654 710357
Aber Discount Tackle

3 Terrace Road,
Aberystwyth SY23 1NY
Tel: 01970 611200
Bayview Angling
12 Greenfield Road,
Colwyn Bay,
Conwy LL29 8EL
Tel: 01492 535888
Anglesey Bait Centre

Gallows Pound,
Beaumaris LL58 8YL
Tel: 01248 810009
Bangor Angling
Supply Stores
21 High Street, Bangor,
Gwynedd LL57 1NP
Tel: 01248 355518
Beachcaster
St Annes Chambers,
High Street,
Barmouth LL42 1AR
Tel: 01341 281537
Barmouth Angling
1 Ael Y Don,
Church Street, Barmouth,
Gwynedd LL42 1EW
Tel: 01341 280480
Blue Shark
Sea Fishing Trips
9 Ronaldsway, Rhyl,
Denbighshire
LL18 2LB
Tel: 01745 350267
D & E Hughes
24 Penlan Street, Pwllheli,
Gwynedd LL53 5DE
Tel: 01758 613291
Deggys Fishing Tackle
2 Ruabon Road, Wrexham,
Clwyd LL13 7PB
Tel: 01978 351815
Dereks Tackle Shop
Paris House, Well Street,
Cefn Mawr LL14 3AE
Tel: 01978 821841
Fishtails
Link House,
Bridge Street,
Dolgellau, Gwynedd,
LL40 1AU
Tel: 01341 421080
Foxons Tackle
Penrhewl,
Lower Denbigh Road,
St. Asaph,
Denbighshire
LL17 0ED
Tel: 01745 583583
Geoffs Tackle & Bait
163b Wellington Road,
Rhyl,
Denbighshire,
LL18 1LW
Tel: 01745 356236
Morrisons of Wrexham
38 Mount Street,
Wrexham, Clwyd,
LL13 8DW
Tel: 01978 364460
Paddys Bait & Tackle
North Parade,
Llandudno,
Conwy LL30 2LP
Tel: 01492 877678
Rowlands Sbaner A Hanner
9-11 Tegid Street, Bala,
Gwynedd LL23 7UR
Tel: 01678 520382
S. T. Russell
4 Parc Ffynnon,
Llysfaen, Colwyn Bay,
Conwy LL29 8SA
Tel: 01492 516101
Lionels Tackle Shop

11 Ewloe Place,
Buckley CH7 3NJ
Tel: 01244 543191
Hafod Hardware
East Street, Rhayader,
Powys LD6 5DS
Tel: 01597 810 383
Llandudno Tackle
57b Mostyn Avenue,
Llandudno,
Conwy LL30 1DZ
Tel: 01492 871550
Fishing Tackle & Bait

Rhonas Rd, Clydach,
Abergavenny,
Monmouthshire NP7 0LB
Tel: 01873 730754
48
get yourself a brochure
tourist information centres
Find out more by choosing some of the FREE guides featured

on this page. Get them from www.visitwales.co.uk/brochures.
Or call 08701 211256
Aberaeron
Tel: 01545 570602 Fax: 01545 571534
aberaerontic@ceredigion.gov.uk
Chepstow
Tel: 01291 623772 Fax: 01291 628004
chepstow.tic@monmouthshire.gov.uk
Newport
Tel: 01633 842962 Fax: 01633 222615
newport.tic@newport.gov.uk
Aberdulais Falls
Tel: 01639 636674 Fax: 01639 645069
aberdulaistic@nationaltrust.org.uk
Conwy
Tel: 01492 592248 Fax: 01492 573545
conwytic@conwy.gov.uk
Newport (pembs)
Tel: 01239 820912 Fax: 01239 821258
newportTIC@Pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk
Aberdyfi
Tel: 01654 767321 Fax: 01654 767321
tic.aberdyfi@eryri-npa.gov.uk
Dolgellau
Tel: 01341 422888 Fax: 01341 422576
tic.dolgellau@eryri-npa.gov.uk
Oswestry Mile End

Tel: 01691 662488 Fax: 01691 662883
oswestrytourism@shropshire.gov.uk
Abergavenny
Tel: 01873 853254 Fax: 01873 852796
abergavenny.ic@breconbeacons.org
Fishguard Harbour
Tel: 01348 872037 Fax: 01348 872528
fishguardharbour.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
Oswestry Town
Tel: 01691 662753 Fax: 01691 657811
ot@oswestry-welshborders.org.uk
Aberystwyth
Tel: 01970 612125 Fax: 01970 612125
aberystwythtic@ceredigion.gov.uk
Fishguard Town
Tel: 01437 776636 Fax: 01348 875582
fishguard.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
Pembroke
Tel: 01437 776499
pembroke.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
Bala
Tel: 01678 521021 Fax: 01678 521021
bala.tic@gwynedd.gov.uk
Harlech
Tel: 01766 780658 Fax: 01766 780658
tic.harlech@eryri-npa.gov.uk
Penarth
Tel: 029 2070 8849
penarthtic@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
Barmouth
Tel: 01341 280787 Fax: 01341 280787
barmouth.tic@gwynedd.gov.uk
Haverfordwest
Tel: 01437 763110 Fax: 01437 767738
haverfordwest.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
Porthcawl
Tel: 01656 786639 Fax: 01656 782387
porthcawltic@bridgend.gov.uk
Barry Island
Tel: 01446 747171 Fax: 01446 747171
barrytic@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
Holyhead
Tel: 01407 762622 Fax: 01407 761462
holyhead@nwtic.com
Porthmadog
Tel: 01766 515312
porthmadog.tic@gwynedd.gov.uk
Beaches leaflet
Lists Wales most appealing beaches,
including Blue Flag, Green Sea and
Seaside Award.
Farm Stay Wales
The genuine countryside experience in
self-catering or B&B accommodation.
www.farmstaywales.co.uk
Go Do Wales
a Rough Guide Special
Wales for the independent traveller.
Includes comprehensive information on
backpacker and hostel accommodation.
www.godowales.com
Golf Wales
Golf as it should be in Wales.
www.golfasitshouldbe.com
Wales Active magazine

Wales on foot, wheels and water.
Details of over 170 activity businesses.
Wales View magazine

Our annual magazine showcasing the
new, the best and the slightly alternative.
Wales Bus, Rail and

Tourist Map and Guide
An essential source of information
if youre travelling around Wales by
public transport.
Wales Where to Stay

Contains a huge choice of holiday
accommodation all graded for
quality by Visit Wales and/or AA.
Wales B&B Touring Map

Contains a choice of B&B
accommodation and attractions
all graded for quality by Visit Wales
and/or AA.
Beddgelert
Tel: 01766 890615 Fax: 01766 890615
tic.beddgelert@eryri-npa.gov.uk
Betws-y-Coed
Tel: 01690 710426 Fax: 01690 710665
tic.byc@eryri-npa.gov.uk
Blaenau Ffestiniog
Tel: 01766 830360 Fax: 01766 830360
tic.blaenau@eryri-npa.gov.uk
Blaenavon
Tel: 01495 742333 Fax: 01495 742332
blaenavon.tic@torfaen.gov.uk
49
Knighton
Tel: 01547 528753 Fax: 01547 529027
oda@offasdyke.demon.co.uk
Llanberis
Tel: 01286 870765 Fax: 01286 871924
llanberis.tic@gwynedd.gov.uk
Llandovery
Tel: 01550 720693 Fax: 01550 720693
llandovery.ic@breconbeacons.org
Llandudno
Tel: 01492 577577 Fax: 01492 575968
llandudnotic@conwy.gov.uk
Borth
Tel: 01970 871365 / borthtic@ceredigion.gov.uk
Llanelli
Tel: 01554 777744 Fax: 01554 757825
discoverycentre@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
Brecon
Tel: 01874 622485 Fax: 01874 625256
brectic@powys.gov.uk
Llanfairpwllgwyngyll
Tel: 01248 713177 Fax: 01248 715711
llanfairpwll@nwtic.com
Bridgend
Tel: 01656 654906 Fax: 01656 646523
bridgendtic@bridgend.gov.uk
Llangollen
Tel: 01978 860828 Fax: 01978 861563
llangollen@nwtic.com
Caerleon
Tel: 01633 422656 Fax: 01633 422656
caerleon.tic@newport.gov.uk
Merthyr Tydfil
Tel: 01685 379884 Fax: 01685 379884
tic@merthyr.gov.uk
Caernarfon
Tel: 01286 672232 Fax: 01286 676476
caernarfon.tic@gwynedd.gov.uk
Milford Haven
Tel: 01646 690866 Fax: 01646 690655
milford.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
Caerphilly
Tel: 029 2088 0011 Fax: 029 2086 0811
tourism@caerphilly.gov.uk
Mold
Tel: 01352 759331 Fax: 01352 759331
mold@nwtic.com
Cardiff
Tel: 08701 211 258 Fax: 029 2023 2058
visitor@cardiff.gov.uk
Monmouth
Tel: 01600 713899 Fax: 01600 772794
monmouth.tic@monmouthshire.gov.uk
Cardigan
Tel: 01239 613230 Fax: 01239 614853
cardigantic@ceredigion.gov.uk
Mumbles
Tel: 01792 361302 Fax: 01792 363392
info@mumblestic.co.uk
Carmarthen
Tel: 01267 231557 Fax: 01267 221901
carmarthentic@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
New Quay
Tel: 01545 560865 Fax: 01545 561360
newquaytic@ceredigion.gov.uk
Presteigne
Tel: 01544 260650 Fax: 01544 260652
presteignetic@powys.gov.uk
Pwllheli
Tel: 01758 613000 Fax: 01758 613000
pwllheli.tic@gwynedd.gov.uk
Rhyl
Tel: 01745 355068 Fax: 01745 342255
rhyl.tic@denbighshire.gov.uk
Saundersfoot
Tel: 01834 813672 Fax: 01834 813673
saundersfoot.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
St Davids
Tel: 01437 720392
enquiries@stdavids.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk
Swansea
Tel: 01792 468321 Fax: 01792 464602
tourism@swansea.gov.uk
Tenby
Tel: 01834 842402 Fax: 01834 845439
tenby.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
Welshpool
Tel: 01938 552043 Fax: 01938 554038
weltic@powys.gov.uk
Wrexham
Tel: 01978 292015 Fax: 01978 292467
tic@wrexham.gov.uk
50
YOUR FISHING PARTNER
rod fishing byelaws for Wales

Byelaws are statutory rules put in place by
the Environment Agency to protect fish
stocks and apply to all waters, whether
they are owned by angling clubs, local
authorities or private individuals. Whilst
owners may impose stricter rules, they
are not able to dispense with any byelaw
that may apply to their water.
Full fisheries byelaws for Wales together

with a simplified guide for anglers can
be downloaded from the Environment
Agencys website at the following
address:www.environment-agency.gov.uk
If in doubt always check with the fishery

owner or contact the Environment Agency
on 08708 506 506 (Mon-Fri 8-6) or email
enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
New byelaws for the 2009

fishing season
Ban on the sale of rod-caught
salmon and sea-trout
It is now an offence to sell rod-caught
salmon or sea-trout in England and Wales.
In addition, the carcasses of all salmon
and sea-trout caught by licensed
netsmen in England & Wales must be
individually tagged after capture.
These new laws will act to reduce the
opportunity for poachers to sell on
illegally caught fish and will also reduce
the number of fish caught and killed by
a minority of licensed anglers who
previously have offered their catch for
sale. Anglers will still be able to catch
and kill fish for their own consumption
or to give to friends.
bass nursery areas in Wales

Fishing for bass from any vessel, as well
as fishing for any species of sea-fish using
sandeel (Ammodytidae) as bait, is
prohibited in 37 separate areas for all
or part of the year. These areas, their
extent and the seasonal duration of
the prohibition are set out below.
The legislation is Statutory Instrument
1999 No 75 The Bass (Specified Areas)
(Prohibition of Fishing) (Variation)
Order 1999).
The nursery areas comprise river estuaries,
harbours and power station outfalls
where juvenile bass usually predominate
and are more easily caught, particularly
during the summer months. In certain
nursery areas, fishing may also be subject
to other restrictions implemented by the
local sea fisheries committee or the
Environment Agency [National Rivers
Authority]. Such restrictions may include
prohibitions on the setting of fixed nets
or restrictions on the use of mobile gear.
The prohibition on bass fishing in nursery
areas does not apply to fishing from
the shore. However it is expected that
shore anglers and their associations will
respect the need for this prohibition and
return to the sea any bass caught within
nursery areas.
Aberthaw Power Station. All tidal waters

enclosed by a line drawn at a radius of 1
nautical mile from Breaksea Point All year.
Burry Inlet. All tidal waters enclosed
by a line drawn 071 true from
Whiteford Lighthouse to Llanelli Docks
and a line drawn 180 true from
Whiteford Lighthouse to the shore.
Between 30 April and 1 November.
Taf, Tywi and Gwendraeth Estuary.
All tidal waters enclosed by a line drawn
119 true from Ginst Point to Pen Towyn
Point Between 30 April and 1 November.
Milford Haven. All tidal waters enclosed
by a line drawn from the shore along the
eastern side of the Texaco Terminal
approach jetty to the southern-most part
of the T jetty thence eastwards along
the southern edge of the jetty to the
extremity at No.3 berth (51).
Teifi Estuary. All tidal waters enclosed
by a line drawn from the Boathouse,
Penrhyn to the Cliff Hotel, Gwbert.
River Dyfi. All tidal waters enclosed by a
line drawn 168 true from Trefeddian
Hotel (52 32.8N, 04 03.6W) to the flag
pole at Ynys Las (52 31.4N, 04 03.8W).
River Mawddach. All tidal waters enclosed

by a line drawn 226 true from the
flagpole at Barmouth (52 43.1N, 04
03.1W) to the perch at 52 42.7N, 04
03.7W thence 155 true to the corner
of the sea wall at Fairbourne (52 42.5N,
04 03.6W).
Dwyryd/Glaslyn Estuary. All tidal waters
enclosed by a line drawn 152 true from
the White House (52 54.4N, 04 09.1W)
to Harlech Point (52 53.7N, 04 08.5W).
Conwy Estuary. All tidal waters enclosed
by a line drawn in a northerly direction
from Penmaen-bach Point 001 true to
the most westerly point of Great Ormes
Head. Between 30 April and 1 November.
Dee Estuary. All tidal waters enclosed
by a line drawn 213 true from Hilbre
Point to Mostyn Quay.
Between 31 May and 1 October.
(87N, 04 57.58W) and then 098
true through the Pennar Beacon to the
Llanreath foreshore (51 41.55N, 04
57.58W) and by a line drawn 162 true
along the seaward side of the Pembroke
to Neyland road bridge.
Call Now for your FREE copy of the

New Fishtec Fly Fishing, Carp
& Coarse Catalogues
0871 911 7001

Fishtec, Unit 6, Industrial Estate,
Brecon, Powys. LD3 8LA www.fishtec.co.uk

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fishing

Check out page 29 for Fishtec

the Wye & Usk Passport

Wynn Davies, Editor

Over 100 miles

Every effort has been made with the detail of

Wales is a land of lakes, rivers and

This brochure was written, designed and

Photography: Steve Thornton, Steffan Jones

GAME Fishing Wales

Rhos on Sea Towyn

Dun Laoghaire & Dublin to Holyhead

MAES AWYR MON

With sea-trout averaging 5lbs in May

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Ardaloedd o Harddwch Naturiol

Afonydd, llynnoedd a chronfeydd dwr

Steffan Jones on Wales

But what makes sea-trout so special?

low-flows and clear waters. However, a

fishing for sea-trout, especially so at

Indeed, many of the noted rivers have

I would personally advise a middle or

With your river system now chosen,

Steffans night-time setup

A floating line is paramount, and an

patterns such as; zulu, sparklers, and even

revert to nylon strengths below 12lbs

Always carry a life-vest as accidents can

Steffan runs Angling-Worldwide, a

Lines I use a lot of the

 ylon Terry Eustace pro

Sea-trout guiding and

GAME Fishing Wales

Why travel thousands of miles,

Clockwise from top left:

COARSE Fishing Wales

Cerys fishing with Glenys Pearl

You get that level of the

the essence of fishing

After a couple of photos, we hoisted

couple of hours I ended up with a

...landing the fish, I was

COARSE Fishing Wales

carp with a Welsh flavour10 fisheries to try

Llyn y Gors This venue is rated as one

Celtic Lakes There are 6 well stocked

and 60lb+ catfish in October 2007,

Springwater Lakes has 3 lakes, one

Llyn Carfan Said to be the first fishery

Teglan The top lake is Teglans specimen

Dyffryn Springs The Fishery is situated

Bron Eifion The 6 acre Coarse Lake

The bottom (river-side) lake, which is

Nine Oaks There are 3 carp lakes, one

Eisteddfa has a lake with 7 well spaced

COARSE Fishing Wales

pike with a Welsh flavour10 fisheries to try

Caerphilly Castle Lakes Besides its

Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) This lake is the

the north and the smaller moat on

Llangorse Lake Probably the premier

River Wye The River Wye ia a real

ylon Terry Eustace pro

You get that level of the

The true grayling fanatic can also take