Wales

Discover some of Wales’ finest fishing destinations with Float & Fly.

From wild mountain lakes and beautiful rivers to specimen carp waters and rugged coastal marks, Wales offers something for almost every type of angler.

Whether you’re chasing wild brown trout in a Welsh river, hunting specimen carp, targeting pike on a reservoir or heading to the coast, Float & Fly is here to help you find your next adventure.

Explore Wales. Find the water. Make the cast.

River Usk — Brecon & Monmouthshire

Location: Brecon, Crickhowell, Abergavenny and the surrounding Usk Valley

Target species: Wild brown trout, Atlantic salmon and sea trout (sewin). The river is also home to a range of other species and is recognised for its important aquatic environment.  

Popular methods: Fly fishing is particularly associated with the Usk, with dry-fly and nymph fishing for brown trout. Salmon and sea-trout fishing is also available on permitted beats, subject to specific regulations.  

About the River Usk

The Usk rises on the northern slopes of the Black Mountain and flows through the dramatic landscapes of the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains before continuing towards Newport.

At around 120 km long, it offers a variety of fishing environments, from faster upper stretches to deeper pools and glides further downstream. The river is particularly famous for its wild brown trout and salmon fishing.  

🎯 Float & Fly Tip

Keep your eyes on the water before you cast.

The Usk has plenty of natural insect life, including caddis, mayfly and stonefly. Watch for rising trout and try to match what the fish are feeding on rather than automatically reaching for the biggest or brightest fly.  

🎫 Permits & Licence

You’ll need permission from the relevant fishery, club or landowner for the stretch you’re fishing.

Anglers aged 12 or over fishing in Wales generally need the appropriate Environment Agency rod licence, in addition to permission to fish the particular water.  

There are also specific Welsh regulations covering salmon, sea trout and brown trout, so anglers should check the current rules before fishing. For example, all salmon caught in Welsh rivers must be returned.  

SpringRock Fishery — Mid Wales

Location: Llandegley, Powys

Target species: Specimen common and mirror carp, with fish reported into the 30lb range.  

Popular methods: Modern carp tactics including boilies, particle baits, margin fishing and other approaches depending on conditions.

About SpringRock Fishery

SpringRock is a 2.5-acre specimen carp lake surrounded by the Mid Wales countryside. The lake is deliberately limited to a maximum of six anglers, giving anglers plenty of space and a quieter fishing experience.  

The water contains mirrors and commons from around 14lb to 30lb, along with koi and crucian carp. The fishery also offers lakeside log pods, while anglers can choose to fish from their own bivvy.  

For anglers looking for a dedicated carp session rather than a general coarse lake, it’s an interesting Welsh destination to have on the radar.

🎯 Float & Fly Tip

Don’t ignore the margins.

On a smaller specimen lake, carp can spend plenty of time moving around the margins, particularly when conditions are right.

Before launching a big baiting campaign, spend some time watching the water. Look for cruising fish, bubbling, cloudy patches or signs of carp feeding.

🎫 Permits & Rules

SpringRock does not offer traditional day tickets. Fishing is booked in advance, with fishing available alongside the site’s pod accommodation. The fishery states that all anglers must have the appropriate rod licence and a carp-care medical kit.  

More broadly, anglers fishing freshwater in Wales need a rod licence as well as permission from the fishery or water owner.

Llyn Brenig — Conwy, North Wales

Location: Denbighshire/Conwy, North Wales

Target species: Brown trout and rainbow trout, with fishing opportunities varying by season and fishery rules.

Popular methods: Fly fishing from the bank and boat, with the large reservoir offering plenty of water to explore.

About Llyn Brenig

Llyn Brenig is a large upland reservoir surrounded by the dramatic scenery of North Wales. Its remote setting makes it an excellent destination for anglers looking for a proper day on the water.

The size of the reservoir means finding the fish can be just as important as choosing the right fly. Wind direction, water temperature and depth can all influence where trout are holding.

🎯 Float & Fly Tip

Use the wind to your advantage.

On a large reservoir, wind can push food and insects towards particular areas. Pay attention to wind direction and look for signs of feeding fish before deciding where to concentrate your efforts.

🎫 Permits & Licence

You’ll need the appropriate Llyn Brenig fishing permit and the relevant Welsh rod licence. Always check the fishery’s current seasons, permitted methods and rules before travelling.

River Wye — Mid Wales

Location: Mid Wales, including the Builth Wells and Hay-on-Wye areas

Target species: Barbel, chub, pike, perch and grayling.

Popular methods: Feeder fishing, float fishing and specialist river tactics depending on the stretch and target species.

About the River Wye

The River Wye is one of the UK’s best-known coarse-fishing rivers, flowing through some spectacular Welsh countryside.

The river offers a fantastic variety of fishing, with barbel and chub among the main attractions for coarse anglers. Pike, perch and grayling also provide additional opportunities.  

One of the great things about the Wye is the variety of water. Anglers can encounter faster runs, deeper pools, gravel stretches and quieter areas where fish can hold depending on river conditions.

🎯 Float & Fly Tip

Pay attention to the river level.

River conditions can completely change how fish behave. After rain, look for areas where the flow slows down or where food is likely to collect.

For barbel, concentrate on deeper runs and areas offering fish some shelter from the strongest current.

🎫 Permits & Licence

You’ll need permission or a permit for the particular stretch you’re fishing, as access and fishing rights vary.

You’ll also need the appropriate Environment Agency rod licence. Welsh freshwater fishing is subject to Natural Resources Wales regulations, including rules covering seasons and fish that may be retained.