When fishing in the United Kingdom is brought up, England, Northern Ireland, and Wales tend to be eclipsed by Scotland. The Highlands boast numerous world-famous salmon and trout fisheries set against dramatic glens and mountains. Wales boasts fishing opportunities that are equally impressive, its big lakes, winding rivers, piers, and beaches luring anglers from all over the world. From Bannau Brycheiniog to Llyn Coron in Anglesey, we explore four of the best fishing locations that Wales has to offer.
1. Llangorse Lake – Brecon Beacons
Situated in the heart of Bannau Brycheiniog, or the Brecon Beacons as they are known in English, Llangorse Lake is the country’s destination pike fishing lake. Pike fishing is notoriously tough, so being somewhere pretty will distract you from any fishing-related frustrations. For those who in search of species other than pike, the lake also has robust stocks of bream, perch, tench, roach, and eel.
2. Elan Valley – Mid Wales
Surrounded by sheer emerald and brown valleys, the vast reservoirs of the Elan Valley are incredibly scenic. The region’s elegant Victorian baroque dams with fine stonework enhance the already iconic surroundings. Overhead, predator birds called red kites soar, making fishing in the Elan Valley something out of a dream. The Elan Valley’s reservoirs hold a large quantity of wild brown trout. It’s easy to get there; roads line the banks and there is plenty of parking.
Day tickets are required to fish the reservoirs, and these can be purchased from the nearby town of Rhayader. An Elan Valley reservoir permit covers 20-plus miles of shoreline, including Garreg Ddu, Caban Coch, Craig Goch, and Pen y Garreg reservoirs. The only excluded part is a small wildlife and fish conservation area located between Pen y Garreg Dam and Penbont Bridge. The permit costs £12 per day, falling to £4 for minors, with season tickets also available.
3. St. David’s Head – Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire’s rugged coast offers some of the best sea fishing opportunities in the United Kingdom. St. David’s Head is a popular rock fishing spot for people who want to try their luck with saltwater species while enjoying stunning scenery and fresh air. Mainly rough ground with some kelp, anglers do run the risk of losing some tackle. For the adventurous it’s worth it, with bull husk, pollack, and conger eels all present in the depths.
Small cuckoo wrasse and ballan will often take limpet or crab baits close to the shoreline. Mackerel will go after bait like float fishing tackle, and shark can sometimes be seen along the shore in their shadow. Dogfish are also in abundance from late summer through autumn and can be tempted using large mackerel or squid as bait.
4. Llyn Coron – The Isle of Anglesey
Wales’s northernmost point, the Isle of Anglesey is ideal for anglers who want to try some sea fishing. Dotted with fishing communities and seaside towns, Anglesey is a haven for vacationing anglers, spoiling visitors with an abundance of sea fishing opportunities.
Set in an 80-acre natural lowland, Llyn Coron Fly Fishery in Anglesey is a catch-and-release fishery stocking sea trout and wild brown trout. Against the dramatic backdrop of the Snowdonia National Park mountain range, visitors can try barbless catch-and-release fishing in this natural still water fishery.
One of the best fishing spots on the lake is in Gwna Bay, with prevailing sea breezes pushing food sources to this shore, coaxing fish to patrol its margins. Through the summer season, these banks are clear of growth, making access and casting easy.
Summary
With its dramatic mountains and coastal scenery, Wales has some unforgettable fishing locales. Before organizing a fishing vacation in Wales, check the fishing season dates and familiarize yourself with local bylaws. In Wales, all anglers need a rod license. There are different options available for purchase through the Welsh government website according to which type of rod you intend to use. Children age 13 and above also need a rod license to fish legally.
When arriving at any Welsh fishing venue, take note of drop-offs, channels, and water features that could attract or funnel fish. Savvy anglers leverage geological features to their advantage. In Wales, you generally need to buy a day permit or become a member to fish at many of the venues you see. Even piers and other coastal spots often require a permit. Anglers also need to consider how they will reach the water’s edge without trespassing on private land.