As the autumn season concludes, many reservoirs and rivers without grayling take a break until spring. During this seemingly prolonged winter, small stillwaters play a crucial role in keeping the spirits of anglers high. These fishing spots may not suit everyone’s preferences, but they remain an essential part of the game angler’s seasonal routine, providing a convenient option for indulging in some winter recreation.
When it comes to fly fishing in Wales, adapting to varying daily conditions allows for a more rewarding experience. Anglers are encouraged to remain flexible, prepared with a range of equipment to cater to different scenarios. Observing other fellow fly fishers can also be insightful; learning from both successful and unsuccessful attempts allows one to refine their angling strategies. By embracing these approaches and understanding various fish species, both experienced and novice anglers can enjoy excellent sport at small stillwaters across Wales.
10 Trout Fisheries to Try in Wales
- Tan-y-Mynydd Trout Fishery in Moelfre, Abergele, Conwy, features three fly-fishing-only pools, each with distinct characteristics and difficulties. Anglers can expect rainbows, brown, blue, and tiger trout in this picturesque North Wales location.
- Graiglwyd Springs Trout Fishery, near Conwy, boasts a scenic location within the Snowdonia National Park. This renowned fishery stocks a variety of trout, with sizes ranging from 2lb to 22lb. The on-site rearing contributes to the fish’s hard-fighting nature.
- Garnffrwd Trout Fishery, Llanelli, is a 5-acre lake in West Wales offering beautiful woodland surroundings. The lake is home to a variety of trout, including rainbows, browns, blues, and tiger trout.
- Papermill Fishery in Fforestfach, Swansea, caters to all levels of angling skill. The lake is stocked daily with rainbow and brown trout, providing the opportunity to catch fish of varying sizes, including the lake records of 23lb 11oz for rainbow trout and 17lb 11oz for brown trout.
- Abernant Fishing Lake in Pontrhydyfen, Port Talbot, is a 4-acre daily-stocked trout fishery catering to fly-fishing enthusiasts. The fishery is open from 8 am to 5 pm and is closed on Mondays.
- Nine Oaks Angling Centre near Llanarth, Ceredigion, offers three intimate trout fly-fishing lakes containing a mix of rainbow, blue, and brown trout. The fishery provides both catch-and-release and catch-and-kill options, making it a versatile venue.
- Pantybedw Fishery in Nantgaredig, Carmarthen, features a 7-acre Challenger lake stocked with rainbows and blue trout amidst wooded surroundings. After a hiatus due to hot weather, the fishery has reopened and introduced hard-fighting Exmoor rainbows.
- Eisteddfa Fishery in Pentrefelin, Criccieth, contains three fishing lakes, including a well-stocked trout lake filled with rainbow and brown trout. The fishery caters to both fly and bait fishing, with a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Chirk Fishery in Chirk, Wrexham, includes two fly-fishing lakes and a bait pool that are frequently stocked with a range of trout. The River Ceiriog, stocked with brown trout, runs through the fishery and can be fly fished on a day ticket basis.
- Wal Goch Fishery in Nannerch, Mold, offers a relaxing experience in a picturesque valley with crystal clear spring-fed lakes. The lakes are regularly stocked with full-finned rainbow trout ranging from 1.5lb to double figures, providing excellent sporting opportunities for anglers.
These are just a few of the many trout fisheries available throughout Wales; for more recommendations, visit Fishing In Wales.