Fishing is woven into the fabric of Welsh life. Our beautiful country is renowned across Europe for its game fishing rivers. We’re fortunate to have such a rugged and diverse landscape that our streams and rivers run fast and cold, acting as the ideal breeding ground for all kinds of fish.
In fact, there’s literally dozens of fish species to bait up for in Wales. There’s a similar number of locations to wet a line, too. Whatever time of year you plan to take out your rod, there’s sure to be game fish like brown trout, sea trout and salmon to seek out.
Here we shine a spotlight on the treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be explored with your rod, with some of the most underrated fishing spots fully deserving of your attention.
Fishing as a popular pastime
With between 25,000-30,000 active fishing licence holders in Wales, the love of angling runs deep. And it’s not just on the banks where this beloved pastime continues to make waves. Television series like Gone Fishing with Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse have helped to rekindle the nation’s affection for angling. The show is a celebration of the tranquillity, relaxation, and friendships it nurtures.
Even online, fishing has found a niche for itself. It’s a pastime that’s captured the imagination of award-winning slot game developers like Pragmatic Play. Their long-standing Big Bass Bonanza slot game series, along with similar slots like Fishin’ Frenzy, channel the same thrill of the catch that you’ll get on the Welsh riverbanks.
River Towy: Carmarthenshire’s prime sea trout spot
Carmarthenshire’s River Towy is often overlooked by the likes of the River Usk and Wye but, in our opinion, the Towy is one of the most fruitful spots for landing sea trout. In fact, we’d go as far as to say it’s the number-one location for sea trout, also known as sewin.
The Towy winds its way through a string of quaint towns like Carmarthen and Llandeilo. Bank access is solid and there are plenty of stretches that suit fly-fishing and spinning. Sea trout also have plenty of company in the Towy, with salmon and wild brown trout offering variety across the season.
Llyn y Gors: A must-visit for coarse fishing on Anglesey
The island of Anglesey may be best known for its beaches and its ferries, but there’s a multi-lake complex that’s begging to be explored here. Llyn y Gors features a match lake, a specimen lake, as well as family-friendly pools, offering angling opportunities for people of all ages and experience levels.
It’s the sheer diversity on offer that makes this place a hidden gem. One day you can have your eyes fixed on double-figure carp and the next you can kick back with some float fishing. There’s even plenty of on-site accommodation to make a real trip of it.
Llyn Clywedog: A well-stock fly-fishing retreat in Powys
The man-made reservoir of Llyn Clywedog is a trout angler’s paradise. Bigger lakes like Llyn Tegid often get the headlines, but this place almost always catches first-timers by surprise.
Its waters are crystal-clear, stocked with an abundance of rainbow and brown trout, giving you plenty of fly-fishing opportunities. Llyn Clywedog is overseen by the Llanidloes and District Angling Association, which offers bank and boat fishing throughout the season.
It’s often the lesser-known fishing locations that offer the biggest rewards, and these Welsh hideaways won’t disappoint with their impressive scenery and ample species to keep you hooked.