Guide to Fishing in North Wales

North Wales is one of the fly fishing capitals of the UK, with countless lively rivers, serene lakes and rugged coastal walkers offering something for anglers of all abilities. Whether you’re after brown trout in secluded streams or mackerel off rocky outcrops, this is a region that delivers again and again.

Ahead of your next visit to North Wales, we thought it might be helpful if we put together a guide to fishing in North Wales so that you know where to go, what to bring and what to expect. Let’s start off by looking at one of the standout coastal fishing locations in North Wales which happens to be right on the doorstep of one of our North Wales holiday parks.

Gimblet Rock Fishing

Nestled on the Llyn Peninsula, Gimblet Rock is celebrated among local anglers for its clean, productive waters and the diversity of species within it. You can expect to catch rays, bream, brass, mackerel, huss and dogfish around its rocky shoreline.

One of the benefits of booking a holiday or buying a holiday home at Gimblet Rock Holiday Park is that you’ll have Gimblet Rock right on your doorstep. You’ll be able to pack up all your equipment and take the short walk over to the rocks from your holiday home whenever you fancy having a relaxing day of fishing at Gimblet Rock. No need to drive, park or worry about the traffic.

Anglers of all abilities are sure to get rewarded here, with evening and dusk fishing sessions often proving to be amongst the most promising, particularly if you are hoping to catch species like bass or rays.

If you are in need of supplies, you’ll find plenty of fishing gear & tackle shops in the nearby town centre of Pwllheli. D & E Hughes is one of the most established, having been in business for over 40 years. You’ll find the team incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, with a wide range of equipment, fishing tackle and bait supplies available.

Other Great Destinations For Fishing in North Wales

Gimblet Rock is just one of the many fantastic places for fishing in North Wales, with there being plenty of other river and lakeside destinations to take into consideration. Here are some of our top picks:

1. River Dee (Llangollen)

A famous trout, grayling, and salmon stream, the River Dee flows through a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Llangollen’s Maelor Angling Club controls about 10 miles of fish-rich water, with permits starting around £24 per day. Here you can expect to find:

  • Brown trout: Best in spring as hatches pick up; ideal with dry flies and nymphs.
  • Sea trout: Most common in summer evenings—wet flies and streamers are effective
  • Salmon: Show up in autumn; use heavy nymphs or streamers to maximize your odds
  • Grayling: Found in winter; focus on nymphing techniques

 

2. Bala Lake

Bala Lake, which is linked to the River Dee, is North Wales’ largest natural lake, spanning an area of 3.7 miles by 0.5 miles. This makes it a scenic destination for a peaceful walk, and also a great destination for fishing in North Wales.

Known for its brown trout and pike in particular, Bala Lake is a peaceful location for fly fishing in North Wales, with Spring and early Summer tending to be the best time of year to visit for a fruitful day of fishing.

3. River Conwy

Flowing through Conwy’s lush valleys, the River Conwy is rich in brown and sea trout. The Llanrwst Anglers Club covers roughly 2 miles of water here, with day access available from about £30.
If you own a holiday home in North Wales at a Pario Holiday Park, then you may want to consider an annual membership here, which is available from £130.

Those who are particularly committed may want to consider night fishing here as this tends to be the best time of day to catch the inhabitant sea trout. Small wet flies or spinners are recommended along with a focus on deeper pools.

4. Lake Brenig

Lake Brenig is a 920 acre reservoir surrounded by scenery and stocked with rainbow and brown trout. It’s a top venue for ‘top-of-the-water’ fly fishing. Shore fishing is available but you can also hire a boat at the venue too (prior booking is recommended to avoid disappointment given the popularity of the venue).

Permits to fish in Lake Brenig can be bought online or at the on-site shop which also has its own cafe serving light meals and heartier hot food which are a Godsend on those slightly chillier days.

5. Afon Glaslyn

If you are staying with us at Gimblet Rock Holiday Park and fancy a change from the fishing opportunities which lie on your holiday home doorstep, then you may want to take the short trip to Afon Glaslyn – a scenic river in the Gwynedd region cover a distance of 14 miles and offering trout rich waters which are under the care of the Afon Glaslyn Angling Association.

Day tickets to go fishing in the river are available to purchase from Emrys House, a convenience store in the nearby village of Beddgelert. The best time to go fishing here tends to be during the summer months during the evenings or after spate.

Go Fishing in North Wales

North Wales stands out as one of the UK’s most rewarding regions for anglers, with a diverse variety of coastal, lake and river fishing opportunities. When you go fishing in North Wales, you will find that there are options for all skill levels – from kids and newbies casting from the shore to experienced anglers wading dramatic rivers.

The popularity of fishing in North Wales means that there is an excellent infrastructure already in place, with plenty of angling shops selling all the supplies you could ever ask for in addition to well managed fisheries with helpful experts on-site.

Armed with the right gear and seasonal know-how, and taking advantage of ample support available at local fisheries and from tackle shops in the region, you’re set for an unforgettable angling adventure.