Small Stillwater trout fisheries in Wales

Come the end of autumn most reservoirs close their doors until the spring, and rivers that don’t have grayling present are left to rest. At these times the winter can seem drawn out, but our stillwater trout venues come to the rescue, to help beat the winter blues.

Small stillwater fisheries are an important part of the game angler’s season, especially in the deep winter months where avenues are limited. With there being one always fairly close to home, they offer a convenient haven for some winter fly fishing.

One day you could be fishing dries on a glorious, sunny winter morning, then scratching the bottom with a sinking fly line on the next, as a bitter wind takes hold. Remain flexible in your approach and take everything from your floater through to your fast sinker, as you may need all in one day.

Read the conditions and even pick your days accordingly. Watch other anglers, especially the successful ones; what are they doing right? Watch the unsuccessful ones; what are they doing wrong? If they’re not catching on one method then try something completely different, as it often becomes a robotic process. The most successful anglers keep ringing the changes and importantly fish with confidence.

Trout fisheries to try in Wales….

In no particular order, here are a few fisheries that are well worth a cast during the winter months, when very often the trout fishing on such venues is at its best.

Dare Valley Fishery
Bwllfa Road, Cwmdare, Aberdare CF44 8UH
07488 339063

Since opening its doors in 2023, the fishery, situated in Dare Valley Country Park, has gone from strength to strength. The venue is becoming highly regraded at the no.1 specimen trout lake in Wales, with many double figure fish present and lots of good fish from 5lb to 9lb. These include rainbows, blues, spartics and tiger trout. The banks are easy access, with secure parking on the waters edge. For 2024 onwards, a boat is available for hire. Follow the fishery Facebook page for the latest updates.

Foxhill Trout Fishery
Camrose, Haverfordwest
07920 056761

In just over a year Foxhill has gained a reputation as one of the best run trout fisheries in Wales, with easy bank access, a strong stocking policy and a warm welcome from the owner, Steve, guaranteed. In a relatively short space of time, the lake is now hosting regular competitions, as well as local events for the angling and outdoors community. Hywel Morgans ‘Masterclass’ is also coming to the venue. There is a nice new heated lodge, with tackle and flies for sale. Bookings are essential.

Tan-y-Mynydd Trout Fishery
Moelfre, Abergele LL22 9RF
01745 826722

Tan-y-Mynydd (meaning “under the mountain”) is a trout fishing haven. The immaculately cared for grounds are set in the easily accessible, beautiful and tranquil North Wales countryside. Each of the three ‘fly fishing only’ pools has it’s own unique features and challenges. They are fully stocked with a variety of trout (rainbow, brown, blue and tiger).

Garnffrwd Trout Fishery
Llanelli SA15 5BB
07974 410308

At Garnffrwd Park near Llanelli and Cross Hands you will find a superbly designed and landscaped 5 acre lake set in beautiful woodland surroundings. The lake holds good sized rainbow and blue trout (many in double figures) and also brown and tiger trout. There is a comfortable lakeside lodge with ‘Christine’s Cafe’ and a small tackle shop to stock up on flies and other essentials. Highly recommended for short stays too.

Papermill Fishery
Fforestfach, Swansea SA5 4NL
07814 741252

Paper Mill Fishery is stocked with specimen rainbow and brown trout. The Lake was created in 1994 by owners Mark and Debbie Vickery. It is an ideal lake for all levels of anglers from beginners to experts, with free tuition sometimes available on the weekends. The lake is trickled stocked on a daily basis with a base stock of 1lb1/2, 2lb and 3lb rainbow trout and various sizes of larger fish. The fishery record currently stands at 23lb 11oz for rainbow and 17lb 11oz for brown, double figure fish are often captured. Booking on this catch and kill venue is usually required, get in touch via the Facebook page.

Abernant Fishing Lake
Aberdrychwallt Farm, Pontrhydyfen SA12 9SN
07968401551

Abernant is an established trout fishery where anyone can come and fly fish on the daily stocked 4 acre lake. Located near Cimla, Neath. Open 8am to 4pm in winter. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Nine Oaks Angling Centre
Craigfryn, Oakford SA47 0RW
01545 580482

Nine Oaks Fishery lies on the edge of Oakford hamlet (“Derwen Gam” in Welsh) about 2 miles inland from the Cardigan Bay coast in Ceredigion, West Wales. Nine Oaks has 3 trout fly fishing lakes, which are small but intimate, with a wide variety of features. Now under new management, the trout lakes are well stocked in the colder months, with rainbows, blues, tigers and browns being caught to double figures. Catch and release and catch and kill options are available. This under-rated fly fishery is well a visit.

Eisteddfa Fishery
Pentrefelin, Criccieth LL52 0PT
07759 871327

Eisteddfa Fisheries has 3 fishing lakes. The trout lake is well stocked with Rainbow Trout from 1lb to 3lb with double figure fish always a possibility, especially brown trout. It extends to an acre in size, with 20 well spaced pegs. Both fly and bait fishing are permissible on this lake. This lake has an average depth of eight feet and at its deepest goes down to fifteen. A lovely venue to enjoy with all of the family.

Chirk Fishery
Chirk, Wrexham LL14 5EW
07956 450411

Chirk Fishery consists of two lakes for fly fishing. The fly fishing lakes and bait pool are regularly stocked with rainbow, brown, brook, golden, blue and tiger trout. The fishery rears its own stock and also supplies nation wide. Running through the fishery is the River Ceiriog, a tributary of the Dee, which is stocked with brown trout and can be fished on a day ticket, fly only. This scenic fishery is well worth a visit in the cooler months and is incredibly scenic for a relaxing day out. Closed Sundays and bank holiday Mondays.

Wal Goch Fishery
Nannerch, Mold CH7 5RP
01352 741378

Wal Goch Fishing is a trout fishery that offers a great day out to fly fishers whether you are an experienced angler or just starting out. The crystal clear spring fed lakes are located in a quiet, picturesque little valley, providing our visitors with a truly wonderful setting. The lakes are stocked regularly with hard fighting, full-finned Rainbow Trout; these range in size from 1.5lb right up to double figures and offer anglers the prospect of excellent sport.

Crynant Fishery
Tyn y Graig Farm, Crynant, Neath SA10 8TB
01639 750894

A winter favourite situated above the Neath Valley, Crynant fishery is well known for its high average size of fish ( 5lb to 6lb) which can go well into double figures. The fish are reared onsite and are known for their fighting qualities. Catch and kill only.

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