End of March 2025 Fishing Update – Game, Coarse and Sea

As March comes to a close, Welsh anglers are witnessing a promising upturn in fishing activity across the country. Following a subdued start to the month, thanks to icy cold nights and easterly winds, various waters are now finally coming to life, offering exciting opportunities for game, sea and coarse fishing enthusiasts.​

River Fishing for Trout

The eagerly awaited trout season commenced on March 3rd for many rivers, marking the opening of the most celebrated rivers across Wales. Some anglers have reported encouraging catches of wild brown trout, particularly during warmer spells that have stimulated insect hatches, although many have struggled in the early part of the month.

With warmer days and more light, things are finally picking up, although the ongoing dry weather is producing challenges, with lower than usual water levels.

Below left: Rhys Morgan with an Usk trout of 2.5lb, Below right, lower river Taff trout of 50cm taken on a dry March Brown fly.

Rivers such as the Usk, Tawe, Taff, Ebbw, Dee and Loughor have produced some good fish early on.

Certain West Wales rivers have a later opening date of April 1st, so anglers can look forward to fishing on rivers such as the Towy and lower Teifi very soon. The River Severn opened on March 18th, this has fished very well indeed.

Stillwater trout fishing

Stocked stillwater trout fisheries are also seeing increased activity as water temperatures become more favourable. Venues such as Llyn Clywedog, Brenig Reservoir, Eglwys Nunydd and Trawsfynydd reservoirs have been producing excellent catches of stocked rainbow, and in the Elan Valley wild brown trout are starting to show.

Below: Llyn Clywedog trout catches from March.

As spring progresses, the larger fisheries will continue to offer exciting sport, especially on dry flies, wets and lures. The smaller venues are also at their peak, with Nine Oaks, Dare Valley, Ynys-y-fo, Tan-y-Mynydd and Foxhill all producing bumper days, often to dry fly or nymph.

Below: Steffan Jones into the action at Nine Oaks. Look out for a video on the venue soon!

Sea Fishing: Bass, dogs and Rays

In coastal regions, sea fishing is now gaining momentum, after what has been a very difficult couple of months with almost no cod and easterly winds. Early reports indicate bass are beginning to appear along the Welsh coastline, with anglers in Pembrokeshire and South Wales reporting initial catches.

As water temperatures rise, bass activity is expected to increase, offering improved prospects for lure and bait fishing throughout the country.

Below: a whopping 16lb 4oz Bristol Channel bass, which was caught and returned on 23rd March (From: Black Rock lave net heritage fishery)

Ray fishing has also shown promise, particularly in the Bristol Channel area. Anglers targeting marks such as Lavernock, Witches Point, and The Knap have experienced success, with small-eyed and blonde rays now starting to appear.

Dogfish are also arriving in numbers, this fish, although regarded as some as a nuisance, does provide relief from the slow ‘blanking’ days, but for the match-man or novice, they are a very welcome catch.

In North Wales, Anglesey Fishing & Boat Trips are doing very well on their evening trips, catching conger, rays, whiting, huss, pollock, coalie and dogs.

Finally pollack are being caught by hardy shore anglers from rock marks in Pembrokeshire, guide Joe Shaw and client below, with some nice ones taken on soft lures.

Fishery and Lake Fishing: Carp and Coarse Fish

As stillwaters and lakes gradually warm, carp fishing is becoming increasingly productive, with fish coming into the margins to feed. Venues like Gweryd Lakes Fishery have reopened their pegs, attracting anglers eager for early-season action.

Additionally, reports from venues such as White Springs suggest a diverse mix of species, including bream, roach, and big perch on their pleasure and match lakes, offering varied opportunities for coarse anglers.

Multi species angler Luke Gator tried his hand at perch fishing recently, resulting in this monster specimen from a south Wales venue.

Welsh ‘big fish’ syndicates are also throwing up some really good spring carp, such as Llyn Cae Ty Nant, below. Fish on the left the ‘Cod’ at 37lb 8oz, with a big common at 36lb 12 oz. Captor Peter Rees.

Below: Charlotte Blick with a late March carp, from Trinant fishery, part of a 5 fish haul.

Looking Ahead: April and Easter Opportunities

With the Easter holidays approaching next month, April presents an excellent window for anglers to capitalize on the seasonal uptick in fish activity. River temperatures will continue to rise, enhancing trout feeding patterns and providing favorable conditions for fly fishing. Sea anglers can anticipate more consistent bass and ray catches as coastal waters warm. Furthermore, coarse fisheries are expected to yield increased activity among carp and other species, making it an opportune time for family-friendly fishing outings.​

And remember, ‘Take a friend fishing‘ is back for Easter and May Bank Holiday weekend, so you can sign up for a FREE freshwater rod licence to introduce a friend to angling!

Anglers are reminded to stay informed about local regulations, and for freshwater anglers to ensure all rod licences and permits are current before heading out. By doing so, they can fully enjoy the diverse and rewarding fishing experiences that Wales has to offer this spring.