Fishing in Mid Wales
The rivers of Mid Wales rise in the Cambrian Mountains and flow outwards to every point of the compass. The Wye, Severn, Teifi, Ithon, Irfon, Tywi and Dyfi all have their headwaters here, and between them they offer some of the best game fishing in Wales.
The upper Wye around Rhayader and Builth Wells is known for wild brown trout and grayling. Salmon run the lower sections from autumn, and sea trout arrive in summer. The Teifi, running through Tregaron and Lampeter, is one of the finest sea trout rivers in Britain, with fishing best from June through September on warm, overcast nights.
Reservoir fishing is available at several sites. Llyn Clywedog above Llanidloes, Lake Vyrnwy in north Powys, and the Elan Valley reservoirs all hold good stocks of brown and rainbow trout. Day permits are available at most, and some offer boat hire for those who prefer to fish from the water.
Coarse fishing is less widespread but growing. Several still waters and stretches of the Montgomery Canal hold carp, tench, perch and pike. The Severn around Newtown and Welshpool has mixed coarse fishing with good roach and chub.
Most rivers require a rod licence from Natural Resources Wales plus a permit from the local angling club or riparian owner. Tackle shops in Rhayader, Builth Wells and Machynlleth sell permits and can point you to the best beats for the time of year. If you are new to fly fishing, several guides and instructors across Powys offer casting lessons and guided days on the river.
Check individual listings below for fishing providers, guided experiences and day permit information.
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