Spring is a magical time to go fishing in Wales. As the weather warms and nature reawakens, fish become more active, making it an excellent season for anglers to explore new waters. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking for the perfect place to cast your line, Wales has something for everyone – from wild rivers teeming with trout to stunning coastal spots where bass patrol the surf.

Here are 7 top fishing locations in Wales to visit this spring:

1. River Usk – A Springtime Paradise for Fly Fishing

The River Usk is one of the most famous fishing rivers in the UK, offering excellent opportunities for wild brown trout. In spring, the hatches of March Browns, Large Dark Olives and Yellow May make it a prime destination for fly anglers. The river’s crystal-clear waters and stunning valley scenery create an unforgettable experience.

Best for: Wild brown trout
Fishing methods: Fly fishing
Top tip: Look on the ‘Fishing Passport‘ for beats to book, plus reports on how the river is fishing.

2. Llangorse Lake – A Hidden Gem for Pike and Perch

As the largest natural lake in South Wales Wales’ Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, Llangorse is a fantastic spot for coarse and predator fishing. Spring is an ideal time to target its impressive pike and perch before weed growth becomes too dense. The lake’s breathtaking mountain backdrop adds to the experience, making it a must-visit for any angler.

Best for: Pike, perch, bream, tench
Fishing methods: Lure fishing, dead baiting, fly fishing for pike
Top tip: A boat only fishery, concentrate in the shallows in spring, rather than in the depths.

3. River Teifi – The Queen of Welsh Rivers

The River Teifi is a true angler’s paradise, known for its legendary runs of sea trout (sewin) and a strong population of wild brown trout. Early in the season, daytime trout fishing can be productive, with good hatches, but as spring progresses into summer, night fishing for sea trout becomes increasingly popular as the fish arrive off the tide. Multiple clubs offer access, including Tregaron, Llandysul and Teifi Trout Association.

Best for: Sea trout (sewin), brown trout, salmon
Fishing methods: Fly fishing, spinning (according to beat and NRW rules)
Top tip: Fish deep pools and undercut banks at dusk for the best chance of hooking a sea trout.

4. Pembrokeshire Coast – Spectacular Sea Fishing

If you prefer saltwater fishing, the Pembrokeshire coastline offers some of the best opportunities in Wales. With rugged cliffs, sandy bays, and deepwater marks, anglers can target bass, pollock, and wrasse throughout the spring. As the water warms, bass begin to show up in good numbers and hunt closer to the shore, making for exhilarating lure or bait fishing.

Best for: Bass, pollock, wrasse
Fishing methods: Lure fishing, bait fishing
Top tip: Try fishing at dawn or dusk on a flooding tide for the best bass action.

5. Llyn Trawsfynydd – A Premier Trout and Predator Fishery

‘Traws‘ is one of North Wales’ top stocked reservoirs, offering fantastic sport for rainbow and brown trout anglers. Trout have been caught on several occasions to over 20lb. The venue also holds near record sized pike. With regular stocking and stunning, mountainous surroundings, it’s a great location for both boat and bank fishing. The insect life starts to bloom in spring, leading to some excellent dry fly action, while pike can be targeted with the fly rod, dead baits and lures up until 30th April.

Best for: Rainbow trout, brown trout, pike
Fishing methods: Fly fishing, spinning
Top tip: Try fishing in the sheltered bays early in the season, where trout often patrol the calmer water, rising to buzzer.

6. White Springs Fishery – One of Wales’ Premier Carp Lakes

Located north of Swansea, White Springs Fishery is a top destination for specimen carp anglers. The complex boasts multiple lakes, including the famous Specimen Lake, where carp reach over 40lb. Spring is a great time to visit as the fish become more active and start feeding more regularly. The complex is also well known for its huge perch, which go over 4lb.

Best for: Carp, Perch
Fishing methods: Boilie fishing for carp, worms or small dead baits for perch
Top tip: Night fishing sessions will offer the best carp action.

7. Ian Heaps Coarse Fishing Resort – A Match & Pleasure Angler’s Haven

Located in Pembrokeshire, Ian Heaps Coarse Fishing Resort is a must-visit venue for coarse fishing enthusiasts. Created by former world champion Ian Heaps, this resort offers three well-stocked lakes catering to match, pleasure, and specimen anglers. Whether you’re targeting big carp, tench, or silverfish, spring provides great sport as the fish begin to feed actively after winter.

Best for: Carp, tench, bream, roach, rudd
Fishing methods: Pole fishing, feeder fishing, waggler fishing
Top tip: Use light tackle and small baits in early spring to tempt shy-feeding fish before the water fully warms up.

Final Thoughts

Wales is home to some of the finest fishing locations in the UK, and spring offers the perfect conditions to explore them. Whether you’re casting for wild trout on a scenic river, setting traps for carp under the stars, battling a hard-fighting bass from the rocks, or seeking monster pike at a renowned reservoir, there’s something special about fishing in Wales at this time of year.

So grab your tackle, check your rod licence, and get ready for an unforgettable spring fishing adventure!

Below: Llyn Fawr Reservoir, Rhigos.