Fishing Prospects for September in Wales

September is often regarded as one of the best all-round months for fishing in Wales. The transition from summer to autumn often leads to increased fish activity across various species. Whether you’re into game fishing, sea fishing, or coarse fishing, September in Wales offers abundant opportunities for anglers!

Game Fishing

Salmon: September can be one of the prime months for Atlantic salmon in Wales, given enough water. Although salmon numbers are declining in Wales, as they are across all of Northern Europe, several Welsh rivers, including the River Wye, Teifi, Conwy, Dee, Dovey and Towy, still see a run of salmon. As water temperatures generally decline in September, anglers can fish with confidence that released salmon will survive to spawn. The back end of the season, up until mid-October, offers a chance to catch larger, more aggressive fish as the season ends. Remember, in order to fish for salmon in Wales, a migratory rod licence is required, and all salmon must be released, using single barbless hooks. We ask anglers to keep fish wet if taking photographs and to be especially careful to revive fish. More information and bylaws here.

Wild Brown Trout: Most Welsh rivers close for trout fishing on 30th September in Wales, however the last month of the season is one of the best. With cooler water temperatures making trout more active, September sees trout feeding heavily in readiness for spawning. Rivers such as the Usk, Wye, Ebbw, Taff, Tawe and Teifi offer quality trout fishing in September. Wild brown trout reservoirs and natural lakes also pick up significantly, with venues such as Teifi Pools, Talybont Angling Club, Ogwen Valley and Seiont Gwyrfai and Llyfni Fishing Society waters providing excellent ‘back end’ sport on the llyns.

Stocked stillwater trout fishing: After the doldrums of summer, our stocked stillwaters, both large and small, begin to fish well again as we head into the autumn. Cooler water temperatures see renewed activity and many smaller fisheries will begin to stock trout again, in more favorable conditions. Additionally, large sheets of water like Llyn Trawsfynydd, Brenig and Llyn Clywedog will provide opportunities for catching large, grown on trout, with good falls of terrestrial insects such as daddy long legs producing superb dry fly action.

Sea Fishing

Bass: September is one of the best months for bass fishing in Wales. The sea temperatures are at their peak, and an abundance of baitfish draws bass closer to the shores once more. Popular spots include the Gower Peninsula, Pembrokeshire, Cardigan Bay and Anglesey. Both shore and boat anglers can enjoy productive bass fishing using lures, bait, or even fly fishing.

Mullet: Mullet are plentiful in Welsh waters during September, with three species to target. They can be caught from piers, beaches, lagoons and estuaries using small spinners tipped with ragworm, float fished bread, or even fly fishing. Mullet fishing is particularly challenging, but ultimately very rewarding, with the fish being highly regarded for its fighting prowess.

Shark Fishing: Shark fishing will be at its absolute peak in September, particularly in the Celtic Deeps off Pemrokeshire. Various shark species offer exciting sport, but the blue shark is perhaps the most abundant. Targeting them with live or dead bait from a charter boat can be particularly rewarding in September.

Pollack and Wrasse: The rocky coastlines and reefs of Wales continue to produce good catches of pollack and wrasse. Both species can be caught using soft plastic lures and bait, often by fishing rock marks, with the Pembrokeshire Coast and Llyn Peninsula notable wrasse and pollack locations.

Coarse Fishing

Carp: September can be one of the best months for carp fishing in Wales. The shifting season encourages carp to feed more actively before the winter. Well-known carp complexes such as White Springs, Cefn Mabley, and the New Celtic Lakes provide excellent opportunities for landing large specimens. Our dozens of small pools and fisheries also offer superb action; venues such as Hazel Court Ponds, Dyffryn Springs, Riverside, Ian Heaps Holgan Farm and Llyn-y-gors to name but a few. Surface baits, boilies, and pellets can all be effective for autumn carping.

Bream: Large bream and tench can still be targeted in September. The cooler weather often triggers a final feeding spree before a slow down for the winter. Dolygaer, Llandegfedd and Llangorse Lake are good venues for bream fishing. Early morning and evening sessions tend to be the most productive.

Barbel and chub: Both species are very active in September, and the rivers holding these species in Wales offering excellent fishing for these fish. The Wye system perhaps being the most popular destination. Simple float fishing with maggots, casters, or bread can yield good results, particularly in the early morning or late evening.

Enjoy your fishing!

September is arguably the best all-round month for fishing in Wales, offering diverse opportunities across game, sea, and coarse fishing. The blend of cooler temperatures, increased fish activity, and a variety of species available makes it a standout time for anglers. Tightlines / Llinellau tynn!

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.