Cast into Spring: Fishing in Wales This Easter

As the days begin to stretch a little longer, spring arrives in Wales with a sense of renewed opportunities for anglers.

Lighter mornings, improving weather and the first signs of life in our rivers, lakes and coastlines make spring a perfect time for going fishing and to reconnect with the outdoors.

So with the Easter Half Term just around the corner, there’s no better time to ‘’cast into spring’’ and discover the simple joys of wetting a line in Wales.

Wellbeing by the Water

Fishing has always been more than just catching fish. Time spent by the water offers space to slow down, breathe deeply and reset.

The gentle rhythm of casting, the sounds of birds and flowing water, along with the calm of our varied landscapes can do wonders for both mental health and physical wellbeing.

A time of opportunity

Wales offers an incredible variety of angling opportunities, and spring marks the opening of so many options…

From rivers coming back into season with trout, to stillwaters offering great sport for coarse and game anglers alike, there’s something for every experience level and preference here in  Wales.

Add to that our diverse coastlines and it’s easy to see why Wales is such a special place to go fishing.

To discover places to go fishing in Wales (and lots more!) visit: www.fishingwales.net

Make Easter a Time to Share Fishing

Easter Half Term is an ideal opportunity to help to introduce someone new to the pastime, when you can take advantage of the ‘Take a Friend Fishing’ initiative (TAFF) which allows a licenced angler to claim a free rod licence so they can take an unlicenced angler fishing, for a specified day.

Find out more about TAFF here:  www.takeafriendfishing.co.uk

Don’t Forget Your Rod Licence…

Before heading out for any freshwater fishing, it’s important to make sure you have a valid rod licence. This helps protect fish stocks, maintain habitats, improve fisheries and support sustainable angling across Wales.

Good news for anglers – when you next buy or renew your rod licence there will now be a ‘subscription’ option, making it easier than ever to stay covered, year after year.

Peace of mind is then assured, so you can focus on enjoying your time fishing. If you haven’t already, take a moment to buy or renew your licence, before Easter.

Ben Wilson, NRW Principal Fisheries Advisor said:

“It is really encouraging to see sales of rod licences in Wales growing steadily in recent years. All income raised from licences sold in Wales, approximately £1million in 2025, is invested in the service NRW provides to anglers and fishery owners across Wales.

Freshwater fisheries provide powerful connections to nature, as well as social and economic benefits to the communities of Wales. NRW is committed to ensuring angling provides opportunities for more people to connect to nature, improving mental and physical health.”

Buy a rod licence – in English or Welsh here:  www.gov.uk/fishing-licences

Cast in spring!

Whether you’re chasing a personal best, teaching someone their first cast, or simply soaking up the calm of the water’s edge, fishing invites us to slow down and reconnect with nature, with others and with ourselves.

Spring in Wales is the perfect time to get outside, pick up a rod and enjoy everything fishing has to offer.