Specimen Pike from the Big Waters of Wales!

Wales is home to some impressive pike fishing, with vast natural lakes, deep reservoirs and expansive waters offering anglers the chance to target one of our most impressive freshwater predators. For anglers who enjoy the challenge of specimen pike, our ‘big waters ‘offer something special.

(Main Image: Brenig Reservoir pike)

Trawsfynydd Reservoir

Set against the dramatic mountain scenery of Eryri (Snowdonia), Trawsfynydd Reservoir is one of the best-known large stillwaters in Wales.

At 1200 acres, its extensive open water, bays, Islands and varying depths provide plenty of features to explore, making it an appealing destination for pike anglers looking for a big-water challenge.

Traws can fish well from the boat or bank, with deadbait permitted from the shore and lures allowed afloat.

The venue is well known for its large pike, with fish from 20lb to 30lb plus being caught on a regular basis. Fish over 40lb have been reported, showing the potential for a record sized fish.

For more information about the fishing at Traws Lake please call: 07501 080788 or contact llyntraws@gmail.com

Llyn Brenig

Another outstanding north Wales destination, Llyn Brenig is a substantial reservoir surrounded by rolling uplands and expansive countryside.

Better known to many anglers for its trout fishing, Brenig also offers an opportunity to explore the potential of a large body of water for predator fishing.

Brenig has seen a good number of double figure pike in recent times and the pike population is increasing. Fish well over 20lb have been officially recorded and pike to 40lb have been banked, but not widely publicised.

Fishing is boat or bank, with the bank having designated pegs that can be booked in advance. Nigh fishing is permitted from the shore.

For more information visit: https://llynbrenig.com/llyn-brenig-fishing/ 

Llangorse Lake

Located near Brecon in the heart of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), Llangorse Lake is the largest natural lakes in south Wales.

Its rich natural environment, reed-fringed margins and areas of aquatic vegetation provide the kind of habitat that makes natural lakes so interesting for predator anglers.

All fishing on the lake is done via boats, which can be hired, or bring your own for a launch fee. Lures and deadbaits work well and the lake contains high numbers of fish, from jacks up to upper double figures.

Fish of 20lb plus are caught on Llangorse, with the occasional pike scraping into the low 30’s.

Fishing can be booked here: https://www.llangorselake.co.uk/fishing.html

Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid)

Bala Lake, or Llyn Tegid, is Wales’s largest natural lake and a spectacular setting for a day on the water. It holds decent numbers of pike, which have been recorded to 30lb.

At 6km long, Llyn Tegid offers extensive areas of open water and a variety of depths and drop offs that make it an intriguing prospect for anglers.

The scale of the lake presents its own challenges. Exploring accessible areas methodically and adapting your approach to the conditions can make a real difference.

Bank fishing is the most popular way to fish the lake, although you can bring a kayak or your own boat. Day tickets are just £5 from a vending machine at the rangers office.

Bala is also an important habitat for wildlife, including the rare Gwyniad, a whitefish found naturally in the lake.

Pontsticill and Dolygaer Reservoirs

The twin reservoirs of Pontsticill and Dolygaer, within the dramatic landscape of the Taff Fawr valley in south Wales, offer another setting for anglers drawn to large Welsh waters.

Surrounded by hills and forest these reservoirs provide an impressive backdrop for a day exploring the possibilities of predator fishing.
Their size and changing water levels mean that access, suitable fishing areas and conditions need careful consideration. The better pike here tend to be caught deadbaiting, rather than lure fishing.

The reservoirs do produce pike in the 20lb class every winter, with fish to 28lb recorded in recent times.

The fishing is with Merthyr Tydfil Angling Alliance, with day and season tickets available.

Llandegfedd Reservoir

Situated near Pontypool in south-east Wales, Llandegfedd Reservoir is a well-known fishing destination surrounded by attractive countryside.

Famous for the former UK record pike of 46lb 13oz (21.2kg) set in 1992 by Roy Lewis, in the past the reservoir has regularly produced pike in the 30 to 40lb class.

The water still holds good sized pike, which can be a challenge to find in this exceptionally deep water. Lure fishing is usually the best way to search likely areas on Llandegfedd.

Welsh Water allow predator fishing from the boats on Mondays and Tuesdays throughout October and at other selected times of the year.

Book fishing at Llandegfedd here: https://llandegfedd.co.uk/fishing-llandegfedd/

Cardiff Bay Barrage Lake

For anglers looking to target pike in south Wales, Cardiff Bay is an interesting urban fishing destination.

Created by the construction of the Cardiff Bay Barrage, the freshwater bay has transformed the former tidal docklands into a large body of sheltered water surrounded by the city’s waterfront.
The bay’s size, depth variations and potential prey-fish shoals make it an intriguing prospect for predator anglers, with fish from double figures to 20lb plus reported.

It is bank fishing only, with limited access and designated areas for fishing. The venue is a bit of a mystery but on its day is capable of producing some excellent pike fishing.

Tickets are with Glamorgan Anglers and the Harbour Authority. Available in Garry Evans Tackle.