Aberhyddnant Cottages in the Brecon Beacons, Wales.

Fishing

Aberhyddnant Pools

There are three Aberhyddnant pools that were stocked with brown trout in 1987. The fish are now naturally regenerating and weigh up to 4lb or 5lb. The pools are pleasantly situated in tranquil surroundings where wild life abounds including, wild duck, many attractive insects and a wide variety of wild flowers. There is a summerhouse that may be used for shelter.

Aberhyddnant pools provide an ideal location for quiet meditation, contemplation and relaxation whilst enjoying the age-old art of fly fishing. Ł10 per day - maximum 2 fish, limited to 2 rods or parties up to 4.

The Usk

Fishing may be arranged on various stretches of the Usk River. This is a good salmon river although salmon only come to the upper reaches much later in the year. The Usk is renowned as a first rate trout river with good wild brown trout being found throughout the river. In its upper reaches the river flows fact across rocks and through heavily wooded land. Although these are the most beautiful places to fish, it is often necessary to wade to avoid overhanging branches. This can be dangerous if practised alone or without care and suitable precautions. Most of the best fishing is private - please ask Liz or Paul for details of fishing available. Cheap fishing is available in Brecon with permits available from Llanfaes Post Office, Telephone 01874 622739.

The River Tawe

This is very interesting little river that rises in Llyn y Fan Fawr under Fan Brycheiniog on the Black Mountain. It has been transformed from a heavily polluted river into a sparkling little river with healthy runs of migratory fish and a good population of wild brown trout. The whole river is open to visitors through permits issued by two angling clubs. The Tawe and Tributaries Angling Association has some 25 miles of fishing in all and day tickets are available from the Chocolate Box Shop, Capitol Buildings, Ystalyfera. Salmon and sea trout may be caught from mid-March to mid-October. The season for brown trout runs from 3rd March to 30th September. Fly fishing and spinning are permitted although only centrepin reels are allowed for spinning. Fishing in the upper reaches can be very satisfying although the rocky stretches can be dangerous waders with felt soles are a must. Parking is fairly good as most parts of the river are near the road.

The Usk Reservoir (280 acres)

Situated some 1000 feet above sea level this is, apparently, one of the best trout fisheries in Wales being well stocked with rainbow and brown trout to supplement natural production. The reservoir is reached by a narrow road which joins the main A40 in Trecastle. The reservoir is just a few miles down stream of the source of the Usk River on the Black Mountain. A very peaceful place to fish with splendid views of the mountains and surrounding forests. There is a road around the whole of the water, so you need never by far from your car. The banks are firm and quite rocky in places. Fly fishermen beware - in some places casting can be difficult due to lack of space and this water seems susceptible to strong winds.

Fly fishing, spinning and worming with a catch limit of 6 fish, size limit 9 inches. Anglers are permitted to use their own boats, by prior arrangement (contact Hamdden Ltd 01495 769281) and there are facilities for the disabled. Fishing from the dam is not permitted and there is an area preserved from wildlife.

Season - mid-March to mid-October between 07.00 to 18.30 - 21.00 depending on time of year. Permits are available from a machine on site - Ł1 coins required!

The Crai Reservoir (100 acres)

This is a small upland reservoir situated adjacent to the main A4067 heading south from Sennybridge towards Swansea. The reservoir is an unspoilt brown trout fishery with unhindered access to the stony banks where fishing is by fly only. There is little shelter from trees so it can get quite wild and windy. On a calm day imitative patterns will give the best sport. Season - 1st April to 30th September. The fishing is owned by Cnewr Estate Ltd., 01874 636 207 with day tickets available from the reservoir keeper.

Beacons Reservoir (52 acres)

The highest in a series of three reservoirs in the Taff valley, this is managed as a wilderness fishery and contains only wild brown trout and some rainbows that have survived from the time when stocking took place. Only fly-fishing is permitted and imitative patterns work best. No boats are allowed and the banks are easily accessible. As the water is quite exposed strong winds can make fishing difficult. Season - mid-March to mid-October between 07.00 and 18.30 - 21.00, depending on the time of year. There is a limit of six fish Tickets from machine at Garwnant Forest Centre - plenty of Ł1 coins are required.

Cantref Reservoir (42 acres)

This is the second in the series and holds a population of wild brown trout and stocked rainbows. This reservoir is more sheltered being surrounded by coniferous forest however, this can also make casting difficult in some areas and you will need to wade in places. Fly-fishing only is permitted and boats are not allowed. A maximum of six fish a day is permitted. Season is similar to Beacons Reservoir however you may fish for rainbows only until January. Tickets are available as above although they are more expensive to account for the extra stocking. It is possible to purchase evening tickets after 16.00 when only four fish may be taken. There is plenty of off-road parking and toilet facilities.

Llwyn On Reservoir (150 acres)

At 800 feet this is the lowest and largest in this series of reservoirs. It is also very popular as spinning and worming are permitted. No boats are allowed nor fishing from the dam face, overflow or feeder streams. This reservoir is regularly restocked and generally holds large fish than the other two. Season, limits and ticket availability are generally the same as Cantref. There is a path and roadway around the perimeter and refreshments and toilets near by.

Sources

Most of the information for this sheet was taken from either, fishing-in-kite-country.co.uk or where-to-fish.com, other items were gleaned from my husband and general local knowledge.