5 top freshwater fishing spots in Wales

Nestled in the mountains near Rhyd Ddu, Llyn Dywarchen has to be one of the most picturesque lakes in the UK. It boasts the best view of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in the whole of Eryri (Snowdonia) as well as having excellent trout fishing.

• Why Julian loves it: The lake’s beauty and the quality of the fishing make it a favourite.
• What you’ll catch: Rainbow trout and brown trout.
• Nearby: If you have an interest in local history, you must stop at the picturesque village of Beddgelert - famous for the legend of Gelert, Llywelyn the Great’s beloved dog.
• Top tip: The lake is very close to the town of Caernarfon, which has plenty of hotels and restaurants. Head to Ouzo and Olive for a taste of the Med – the meze is well-known for being delicious.
• Permits: Managed by Seiont, Gwyrfai and Llyfni Angling Association, a very friendly and hugely experienced bunch of passionate anglers.

Located on the Isle of Anglesey, Llyn Y Gors is a well-established coarse fishery. It's an extremely popular destination, and a particularly good angling complex for junior anglers as out of the seven stunning lakes, there are three ‘beginner’ lakes. The other four are ideal for more experienced anglers.

• Why Julian loves it: It’s where he caught his first carp at age 14.
• What you’ll catch: Carp, tench, rudd, roach, bream, and perch.
• Perfect for: Beginners and families, with lakes tailored to different skill levels.
• Nearby: If it’s your first time in the area, you’ll no doubt want to take a 15 minute detour to the famous village of Llanfair¬pwllgwyngyll¬gogery¬chwyrn¬drobwll¬llan¬tysilio¬gogo¬goch, which has the longest place name in Wales and one of the longest in Europe. A photo by the train station sign is a must!
• Facilities: On-site shop, tackle hire, and accommodation options.

The River Taf may not be as famous as the Teifi, but it offers excellent trout fishing in peaceful surroundings. The Taff begins its journey high up in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) as two rivers, the Taff Fechan and the Taff Fawr, before it becomes the one river just above the town of Merthyr Tydfil in the South Wales Valleys. It then meanders its way through the town of Pontypridd, before coming to its mouth in Cardiff Bay.

• Why Julian loves it: It’s a quiet, lesser-known river with great character.
• What you’ll catch: Wild brown trout. It has a very good head of grayling from Abercynon downstream and recently the lower stretches of the Taff have been yielding specimen barbel and chub.
• Top tip: Explore the upper reaches for solitude and natural beauty.
• Nearby: What makes the Taff such an attractive river to fish is that you are so close to the Welsh capital. Cardiff is home to some of the best food and drink in Wales, and there’s an abundance to choose from. I like heading to the Riverside Market on Sundays, where you can get anything from coffee to curry. Pull up a chair, sit alongside the river, and take in the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Permits: Check with local angling clubs for access and regulations.

The River Teifi is one of Wales’ most iconic angling rivers, renowned for its wild brown trout and legendary sewin runs. The river flows through Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, and forms a natural border between these two counties.

• Why Julian loves it: The stretch of river close to the Carmarthenshire town of Llandysul is where he caught his first sewin, and he still fishes here regularly.
• What you’ll catch: Wild brown trout, sewin, and salmon.
• Top tip: You can fly fish, spin, worm and floatfish here, depending on the stretch and which permit you have.
• Permits: Available from Llandysul Angling Association at The Porth Hotel (Gwesty’r Porth Hotel).

Situated just four miles outside the beautiful market town of Lampeter in Ceredigion, Celtic Lakes Resort is an outstanding fishing complex. For a more controlled and accessible experience, in Lampeter is a top choice.

• Why Julian loves it: It’s ideal for relaxed, well-stocked fishing days. The huge number of quality fish that swim in the Celtic Lakes make it a must for passionate anglers.
• What you’ll catch: A wide range of coarse fish including carp, tench, roach, rudd, perch and bream, and it is one of the very few fishing destinations to offer the chance of catching a Wells catfish.
• Facilities: Lodges, tackle shop, and six well stocked lakes to choose from.
• Nearby: Head to Tafarn Jem for a pint afterwards for a relaxed atmosphere and gorgeous views.
• Perfect for: Families, beginners, and group trips.

For more inspiration for your next fishing trip to Wales search for fishing lakes, sea fishing trips and fishing holidays in Wales.

Or visit Fishing In Wales - the website for Welsh angling. Featuring over 1000 fishing locations for sea, game and coarse fishers, the Fishing In Wales website uses intuitive interactive maps, allowing you to find fishing spots and angling facilities in Wales quickly and easily.