North Wales is a haven for coarse and carp fishing, with a range of well-stocked lakes and fisheries. All levels of anglers can enjoy a rewarding fishing experience, set against the backdrop of breathtaking scenery.

Lakes and reservoirs

North Wales is home to some of the best lakes and reservoirs for coarse fishing.

Llyn Brenig reservoir is a beautiful spot, with walking trails and picnic spots high up on the moors near Cerrigydrudion. While it's mainly known for fly-fishing and trout, you can fish for pike from the bank (October to March). Hire boats, including accessible wheelyboats, are also available. The on-site visitor centre includes a café, and a fishing shop stocking everything you need to get you out on the water, including fishing tackle and permit.

Llyn Trawsfynydd, a man-made lake surrounded by lovely walking and cycling trails, provides a tranquil setting. A variety of fish, mostly trout, but some large pike, have been caught there. On site there's a fishing tackle shop and permit office. You can hire boats as well - booking in advance is advised.

Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) is probably the best lake in the region for coarse fishing. Wales' largest natural lake holds a variety of fish including pike, grayling, roach and perch. Buy permits from the pay and display machines in the main car park. Bala and District Angling Association's website has more information about access points and rules. It's a great choice for a family day out, with watersports and outdoor activities, and the steam-hauled Rheilffordd Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake Railway) nearby.

Lake with pontoon in foreground and boats and countryside in background.

Llyn Tegid, Bala, North Wales

Llyn Brenig Lake & Visitor Centre

Llyn Brenig

Attraction
Corwen
Castell Dolbadarn,

Managed fisheries for coarse and carp fishing

North Wales is home to several managed fisheries offering excellent coarse and carp fishing opportunities.

Anglesey coarse fishing opportunities are all over the island. Tyddyn Sargent Coarse Fishery near Benllech offers two lakes full of carp, bream, roach, tench, perch and rudd. With hard paths, onsite parking, toilets, tackle hire and accommodation with Lake House Holidays, it's a great place for a fishing holiday.

As well as a decent coarse fishing location, Conwy Water Gardens is a lovely place for the whole family to visit. With a Dutch Pancake House, wildlife walks, waterfalls, a reptile house and aquarium, there's plenty to do here. The onsite tackle shop sells bait and permits. Stocked fish include carp, bream, perch, tench, roach, rudd, barbel and chub. Accessible pegs are available.

Lake House Holidays

Accommodation
Benllech
Castell Dolbadarn,

Conwy Water Gardens

Attraction
Conwy
Castell Dolbadarn,

Nestled in the Clywdian Mountains, Gweryd Lakes Fishing is another popular destination, with several lakes each offering a unique fishing experience. The well-managed waters are home to a variety of fish species, including over 400 large carp, bream, roach and tench. You can hire pegs with a shelter and log burner or a yurt, or pitch your own bivvy for the day. Toilets are available, there is good wheelchair accessibility and pegs are close to parking. Permits need to be purchased in advance and fishing is for over 14s only.

Llandegla Trout Fishery, while primarily known for trout fishing, also provides fantastic coarse and carp fishing opportunities. Set in rural Llandegla, a short distance from the city of Wrexham, this fishery provides a serene environment for anglers. The well-stocked waters (mirror and common carp, barbel, tench, bream, roach, rudd, chub) are over two lakes. Facilities include a lakeside café, on-site tackle shop and tackle hire, an accessible peg and nearby walking and cycling trails.

Also near Wrexham, Commonwood Fishery offers a range of nine well-stocked lakes catering to both novice and experienced anglers. Known for its large carp, some weighing over 30 pounds, as well as a variety of other coarse fish species, the fishery provides a peaceful family-friendly setting. Facilities include a campsite, watersports lake and café.

Llandegla Trout Fishery

Activity
Wrexham
Castell Dolbadarn,
Birds Eye View

Commonwood Fishery

Activity
Wrexham
Castell Dolbadarn,
Declan Swans, Commonwood Festival

Commonwood Leisure

Accommodation
Wrexham
Castell Dolbadarn,

When to go

Whether you're fishing in the spring, summer, autumn or winter, North Wales provides ample opportunities for a successful and enjoyable fishing trip. The best times to go coarse and carp fishing in North Wales vary depending on the species you're targeting and the specific location. However, there are some general guidelines to help you plan your trip.

Spring (March to May) is excellent, as rising water temperatures make fish more active and likely to feed. This season is ideal for targeting species like carp, bream, and tench, with the mild weather and re-awakening flora making it a lovely time to be outside.

Summer (June to August) provides warm weather and long daylight hours, perfect for fishing. Fish are often found in shallower waters, making them easier to catch, though popular fisheries can be busier.

Autumn (September to November) is another prime time, with cooling temperatures prompting fish to feed aggressively in preparation for winter. The stunning autumn foliage adds to the appeal.

Winter (December to February might be challenging due to colder temperatures, but can still be rewarding for dedicated anglers. Fish are less active, but can be caught with the right techniques and bait. Winter fishing also offers a quieter, more peaceful experience, with fewer anglers on the lakes.

Find out more about coarse fishing in Wales on the Fishing in Wales website.

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