Guide to Trout Fishing in North Wales
If you are planning on going trout fishing in North Wales, then you will find yourself spoilt for choice with there being plenty of excellent angling hotspots to choose from across the region.
Made up of serene lakes and fast flowing rivers, all set against stunning natural landscapes, you’ll have all the right ingredients for a relaxing day of fishing in an area that is all about peace and relaxation.
With many of our holiday home owners at Bryn Defaid being angling enthusiasts, we thought we’d put together a detailed guide to trout fishing in North Wales so that you know what time of year is best and locations where trout are most likely to be found in the area.
Best Time of Year for Trout Fishing in North Wales
When it comes to the time of year that is best for trout fishing in North Wales, you’ll find that rainbow trout are available in the waters here all year round.
However, if you are specifically targeting brown trout, then the months between March - September would be the optimum time of year to go angling in the North Wales region.
Sea Trout are a little less common, but tend to make an appearance in the region during the late summer months.
Best Destinations for Trout Fishing in North Wales
River Dee (Llangollen)
Filled with brown trout, sea trout and grayling, the River Dee is a great location for trout fishing in North Wales. There are countless vantage points that we would recommend including the Llangollen Maelor Angling centre which covers over 10 miles of the river.
The waters here are fed by headland lakes such as Brenig and Bala, creating one of the purest rivers in the country. It is also a haven for anglers with the waters here renowned for its brown trout and grayling fish, in addition to having seasonal spikes in salmon and sea trout.
If you are specifically targeting sea trout, then you would be best to use a rod in the 9’6” – 10’6” range during the late summer months.
River Conwy
Another North Wales river that is teeming with trout is the River Conwy. More specifically it is brown and sea trout which are most likely to be caught here with the best destination to head to being the Llanrwst Anglers Club which covers roughly 2 miles of the River Conwy.
The Club specifically recommends night fishing if you are fishing for sea trout, with the deeper pools along the way being the best areas to focus on. In terms of equipment, these deeper pools are better suited to small wet flies or spinner fishing.
You do have to become a member in order to access the river. Holiday home owners who will be returning to the area regularly throughout the year may want to consider an annual membership which is available from £130 per year. There is also a day pass available to purchase if you are holidaying in the area which costs £30 in order to gain access to all the waters within the club's remit.
Lake Brenig
Lake Brenig is a large reservoir which was constructed during the 1970s and is located in the Denbigh Moors. It has a surface area of 920 acres and a perimeter of roughly 9 miles, which together with the beautiful landscape creates an idyllic walking route.
However, it is also well stocked in rainbow & brown trout and is generally considered one of the best top of the water trout fisheries in the country. You can fish a boat with hire options available on-site. However, prior booking is advised and you should be aware that fishing at the lake is by fly only. However, you can also fly fish from the bank if you have been unable to hire a boat.
Fishing permits can be purchased online or from the on-site fishing shop which stocks everything you will need for a good day of angling on the reservoir. This is located close to the on-site cafe which is open daily and serves a wide selection of light bites and hot meals which are perfect if you are fishing during the colder seasons.
Afon Glaslyn
Afon Glaslyn is a river in Gwynedd which is located roughly a 1 hour 15 minute drive away from Bryn Defaid Holiday Park. It is therefore a much bigger drive than that which is required to reach either of the three aforementioned locations for trout fishing in North Wales.
The Afon Glaslyn Angling Association holds the rights to the majority of the banks along this 14 mile long river. Day tickets can be purchased from the Emrys House Village shop in Beddgelert which is close to one of the best vantage points for trout fishing along the river.
You are likely to find plenty of wild brown trout and sea trout here, which combined with the beautiful scenery makes it well worth the journey. If you would prefer respite before making the return journey, then you may want to consider booking a short break in Pwllheli at our sister resort Gimblet Rock Holiday Park.
Necessary Fishing Equipment
If you are planning to go trout fishing in North Wales, then we would recommend making sure that you take the following equipment:
