Fishing in the Brecon Beacons

Fishing

Record-breaking grayling on the Wye, the River Usk with some of the finest brown trout fishing in the country and a sprinkling of well-stocked reservoirs and lakes make fishing one of the most popular outdoor activities in Brecon Beacons National Park.

Whether you are looking for coarse or game fishing, in river, canal, lake or reservoir you will find many fisheries to choose from and a selection of country hotels that offer a special welcome to the outdoor sportsmen.

Detailed and up to date information on the angling sites, and where to obtain licenses and permits is available from the Tourist Information Centres,

• Welsh Water/Dwr Cymru
• Environment Agency
• Fishing in Wales.

Visit Wales is a new website with huge amounts of information on fishing in Wales. It has much of interest to anglers as well as an online booking system for accommodation.

The River Wye
The Wye rises at almost 700m (2200 feet) above sea level in the remote Cambrian Mountains. From there it journeys for 260km (160 miles), touching the Park around Hay on Wye before flowing on and into the Severn Estuary at Chepstow. The coarse fisherman can expect barbel, chub, roach and dace or one of the big predatory perch and pike that lurk in the deep pools. Day tickets can be purchased for most reaches.

The River Usk
An important salmon river and also famous for its wild brown trout, the Usk winds it way along the beautiful Usk Valley from Brecon to Abergavenny, before ending its journey in the Bristol Channel. see:Swan Meadow Fishery

Talybont Reservoir
Talybont Reservoir nestles in the forested Caerfanell valley, a short distance from the village of Talybont on Usk. It has a reputation as a productive brown trout fishery. Fishing permits can be obtained on site from a machine at the water treatment works.
Contact Welsh Water/Dwr Cymru for further information.

Usk Reservoir
This is spectacularly sited at 320m (1050 feet) above sea level at the head of the Usk valley. It is in a quiet and remote area of the Park and nestles under the scarp faces of the Carmarthen Fans. An excellent trout fishery, permits are available from a machine located near the dam wall.
Contact Fishing in Kite Country and Welsh Water/Dwr Cymru for further information.

Llangors Lake
There are Pike, Perch, Roach, Bream and Eels in the lake. Except for the under 16's you will need a day permit, available from Lakeside Shop. Fishing is only from boats which can be hired from the same shop. A licence from the Environment Agency is needed for coarse and non-migratory trout. These are available from most Post Offices.

Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal
Running alongside the River Usk, this is a narrow and picturesque canal where anglers who prefer the pace of slow flowing waters can fish for trout, carp, dace and perch. The towpath at Talybont provides for wheelchair access. Fishing licenses can be obtained locally from the British Waterways office at The Wharf, Govilon, Nr Abergavenny, Monmouthshire (Tel: 01873 830328), and from Goetre Wharf Heritage Activity and Study Centre, Goetre Wharf, Llanover (Tel: 01873 881069).

Fishing on the River Tawe at Craig-y-Nos Castle
The River Tawe flows down from its source in the limestone hills overlooking Craig-y-Nos Castle and the Swansea Valley. It is a beautiful clear stream which supports both wild and migratory trout (sewin). Salmon run up from the sea, 20 miles away, to spawn in its headwaters. The river is also stocked with large rainbow trout by the Tawe Angling Association.

Craig-y-Nos Castle has fishing rights on the river as it flows past the castle and residential guests are welcome to fish in the castle grounds: Full Details: Craig-y-Nos Castle Fishing

>Frequently asked questions about coarse fishing in Wales<

Useful Links

• The Wye and Usk Foundation
• Angling Conservation Association
• Angling News
• Wye Foundation
• Fishing in Kite Country
• Fishing in Wales
• Fish in Wales
• Anglers World Holidays
• Angling Courses at Caer Beris with Bob James
• Fly Fishing in Mid Wales

If your passion is game angling, then Wales is for you.

Wales 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.

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.

The reservoirs of Wales are set in such scenery that you would be forgiven for thinking they had always existed, these, 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.

One thing is certain when you have fished in Wales; you will treasure the memories

List of good Welsh Pike day-ticket waters.

Darren Lake, Ferndale
Caerphilly Castle Moat.
Bosherton Lily Ponds near Pembroke.
Llyn Aled, Denbigh Moors.
Bala Lake.
Pontsticill Reservoir, Merthyr Tydfil.
Tennant Canal, Neath/Swansea.
River Wye.
River Dee.