Fishing Prospects for October in Wales

October in Wales marks the true start of autumn, bringing cooler temperatures and a shift in fishing conditions. This time of year can be particularly productive in Wales, with many species becoming more active as they prepare for the winter months.

Coarse Fishing

Pike: October is when pike fishing really gets underway in Wales. As the water temperatures drop, from a welfare perspective, it is usually safe to fish for pike once again with all methods, including dead baiting. In October pike are very active, feeding aggressively before the winter. Larger lakes like Llangorse Lake, Trawsfynydd Reservoir, Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake), and the River Wye are prime locations for pike fishing. Below: A pike from the Wye.

Carp: Carp fishing remains strong in October, particularly during the early part of the month. As the weather cools, carp continue to feed actively, making it a great time for targeting them before they slow down for winter. Popular carp fisheries include White Springs, Llyn Y Gors, and the New Celtic Lakes. Carp syndicates and club waters such as Llyn Cae Ty Nant, Caerphilly Moat, Darran Park Lake and The Wharf in Cardiff all fish well in October. Below: 30lb Autumn Mirror from Darren Park Lake, a new lake record.

Grayling: October marks the beginning of the prime season for grayling fishing, often referred to as the “lady of the stream.” Welsh rivers like the River Dee, River Wye, River Rhymney and River Irfon and Ithon are famous for their grayling populations. Grayling are particularly active in cooler waters, and they can be caught using trotting techniques with maggots or worms as bait.

Perch: Perch fishing can be great October, with the species becoming more active as temperatures drop. The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, Cardiff Bay Barrage lake, White Springs Fishery plus various lakes, pools and fisheries across Wales offer excellent perch fishing. Float fishing with worms or pawns is an effective method. Targeting perch with small spinners, soft plastics or live bait can be particularly rewarding. Below: Lower river Taff Perch, caught in Cardiff.

Sea Fishing

Bass: October is a wonderful month for bass fishing along the Welsh coast. Anglers can target bass from shorelines, estuaries, and boats, with the Gower Peninsula, Pembrokeshire, Cardigan Bay and Anglesey being top spots. Lures, live bait, and even fly fishing can be effective.

Cod & Whiting Cod fishing usually begins in October, with more substantial numbers moving closer to the shore. The deeper waters off the Welsh coast, especially in the Bristol Channel and around North Wales, are productive for cod. Bait fishing with lugworm, peeler crab, or squid is a popular method, particularly during high tides. Whiting start to appear in greater numbers during October. These can be caught from both shore, piers and boat, often in the same areas as cod. Smaller baits such as mackerel strips, lugworm, or squid work well for this fun species, which is an ideal fish for beginners to target. Below: Big Bristol Channel cod captured by guide Gareth Griffiths.

Game Fishing

Salmon: October is the final month of the season for salmon on most Welsh rivers, with October 17th marking the closing date. Rivers such as the Wye, River Teifi, and River Towy see salmon actively running the systems, these are often larger and more aggressive coloured fish. Autumn rain can trigger good salmon fishing opportunities, with anglers holding the necessary migratory rod licence making the most of the final days of the season. All salmon must be released in Wales, with compulsory use of barbless hooks and method restrictions. Full Welsh salmon fishing bylaws can be found here. Anglers are urged to keep salmon in the water for welfare purposes, if taking photos.

Natural Brown Trout: Brown trout fishing finishes on 30th September on most Welsh rivers, but a substantial number of natural lakes and reservoirs remain open until October 17th. For example, Elan Valley, Aberystwyth Angling Association and Seiont Gwyrfai and Llyfni Fishing Society. During October these lakes often offer the best action of the season, with fish being more aggressive and feeding heavily before spawning. We encourage catch and release for wild brown trout at this time of year.

Stocked Stillwater Fisheries: The cooler weather often brings on a feeding spree on our stillwater fisheries, with large reservoirs often enjoying fantastic sport in October. Venues such as Llyn Clywedog, Brenig and Trawsfynydd can be excellent. With cooler water lure fishing is again effective, as well as dry fly fishing and buzzer fishing. Many small stillwater trout venues re-open after a summer lay off, with stockings being made on a more regular basis. These offer brilliant fishing though the autumn, with lakes such as Dare Valley, Foxhill, Ynys-y-Fro, Garnffrwd, Papermill, Nine Oaks, Graiglwyd Springs, Llandgela and Wal-Goch producing good sport, to name a few.

Grayling: With trout rivers closed, grayling offer river fly anglers excellent sport in October, on the rivers that hold them. The Irfon, Ithon, Upper Wye, Monnow, Dee, Taff, upper Severn and Rhymney all offer first class grayling fishing, with nymphing often being the most productive method.

Licenses and Permissions: Remember, game and coarse fishing requires a freshwater rod license from the Environment Agency / Natural Resources Wales , in addition to permits or day tickets. You can buy your licence HERE.