Fishing Prospects for July in Wales

July is a prime month for fishing in Wales, offering diverse opportunities for game fishing, sea fishing, and coarse fishing. The country’s rich waters, from rivers and lakes to its extensive coastline, provide an excellent range of species and fishing experiences. Happy Fishing!

Game Fishing

Trout Fishing (Stillwater): As water temperatures rise the upland reservoirs and lakes with deeper water will continue to fish well. For example, Llyn Clywedog and Brenig reservoirs, which fish well to dry flies or deep down with sinking lines. High mountain lakes remain cool, providing good action on cloudy, windy days, such as the Ogwen Valley club lakes or the Cambrian Angling Association. Small Stillwater trout fisheries slow down considerably in July, but can still produce good fishing in the evenings or on cooler days.

Sea Trout (Sewin): Sea trout fishing will improve as we head into July, especially after rain and if river temperatures remain cool. Fresh run Sea trout are now being reported on several Welsh rivers, Including the river Rheidol, Towy, Dovey, Teifi, Clwyd, Mawddach, Glaslyn and Ogmore; which are all particularly famous for their sea trout populations. Night fishing with surface lures or traditional wet fly fly patterns can be very productive, subject to regulations.

Brown Trout (Rivers): Brown trout fishing in the rivers is not usually a peak time in July. However, after a spate fishing can be excellent for a few days, and rivers that are regulated with cold water can be good all summer, for example the Dee at Bala and the Wye, for several miles below the Elan junction. Otherwise, late evening fishing will be prolific on rivers such as the Usk, Taff, Ebbw and Tawe,  with the last hour of light usually providing superb dry fly action.

Coarse Fishing

Carp: A warm water fish, carp fishing is highly popular in Wales, with many dedicated fisheries offering the chance to catch large specimens. Lakes like White Springs, Cefn Mabley and Llyn Y Gors are well-known for their carp stocks. Many carp fisheries will have been closed for a week or two in June to protect spawning fish, but post-spawn July’s warm weather will see carp feeding actively, often near the surface. July can be one of the best months for night fishing for big carp using boilies.

Bream and Tench: Commercial small stillwaters are great for bream and tench fishing in July. Early morning and late evening sessions are often the most productive, using baits such as sweetcorn or pellets fished under a float or with a feeder.

Barbel and Chub: July is a great month for targeting these species on the rivers that hold them. Fishing early or late is often more productive, using feeder fishing tactics with halibut pellets, cubes of meat, fishmeal boilies or natural baits such as worms.

Roach, Rudd and Perch: These species can be found in abundance in many Welsh coarse fishing pools, which are often close to key areas for tourists. A simple whip with a float and a maggot will work well.

Pike and grayling: July isn’t usually a good month to fish for these fish. Like trout and salmon, both of these species are sensitive to warmer water temperatures (over 18 degrees) and should not be kept out of the water for any length of time. They may be best left until water temperatures fall back in the autumn months, unless we have particularly cool and wet weather.

Sea Fishing

Bass: July is an excellent month for bass fishing along the Welsh coast. Popular locations include the Gower Peninsula, Pembrokeshire, and Anglesey. Both shore and boat fishing can yield good results using lures, bait, or fly fishing techniques. We have already seen multiple reports of good bass to spinners and bait, as we head into July.

Mackerel: Mackerel are abundant in Welsh waters during July. Anglers can catch them from piers, jetties, and boats. Simple feather rigs or small lures work well. Mackerel have been caught in huge numbers recently around Wales, even in the Bristol Channel as far as the Knap at Barry and Porthcawl. Hot spots such as Tenby and Aberystwyth are also safe bets.

Tope: Tope, a species of shark, can be targeted off the coast, especially afloat in Cardigan Bay and South Pembrokeshire from rock marks. These powerful fish provide exciting sport for sea anglers. Reports of big Welsh tope have been quite regular this summer.

Wrasse and Pollack: Rocky marks and reefs around the coastline are ideal for catching wrasse and pollack. Soft plastic lures and bait such as ragworm or crab are effective. Wrasse and Pollack hotspots include Llyn Peninsula, Anglesey and Pembrokeshire.

Tips for July Fishing in Wales

Licenses and Permissions: Ensure you have the necessary fishing licenses and permissions. For freshwater game and coarse fishing, a rod license from Natural Resources Wales or the EA is required. You will also require day tickets or club memberships from the owners of the venues. Sea fishing from the shore is free.

Tides and weather: Sea anglers should pay attention to the weather forecast and tidal information. Calm, overcast days can be ideal for sea fishing, and tide times can significantly impact sea fishing success. For example on surf beaches fishing at low water back up with the tide, can be good for bass.

Local Knowledge: Consulting with local tackle shops, guides, and fishing clubs can provide valuable insights and vastly increase your chances of a successful fishing trip.

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GAME COARSE & SEA!