A Beginners Guide to Fishing in North Wales

Fishing is making a come back it would seem. The idyllic image of spending the afternoon with your family in nature catching a fish or two, which you would then cook on the campfire you created from the kindling and firewood you found in the nearby forest. This of course is how we imagine it. The reality can be somewhat far removed, especially when you are not experienced in this line of sport – at the best of times it requires lots of patience and the results are not guaranteed. If you want to give fishing a go, but want to avoid the traps for disappointment and tears, a beginners guide to fishing in North Wales might just be what you are looking for.

There are plenty of places in North Wales that cater for families and beginners that will ensure a great day or afternoon out in the great outdoors, learning the ropes under expert supervision and most importantly a caught fish! From sitting on the banks of the river, on a boat out at sea or the edge of a stunning lake, we have something for everyone. Most of them cover the licenses so you don’t need to worry about the legal side of fishing and they are reasonably priced making it accessible to lots of people. A beginners guide to fishing in North Wales.

Coarse Fishing | Eisteddfa | Criccieth

There are 3 lakes at the fishery, but for those new the sport will be more interested in the Family lake and the Trout lake. Starting at £20 for a family ticket (which includes you bait and tackle), the Family lake is situated near the cafe and reception so there is help on hand to make the most of your time there – here you will find mixed silver fish and carp to catch.

The trout lake is where you can catch a fish for your supper. It is ideal of beginners and you have a high chance of getting a catch due to the high stocks of trout in the lake – perfect for your evening bbq. You are covered by the fishery for your licences, just let them know on arrival whether or not you have one.

Sea Fishing | Western Flyer | Shell Island

If spending the day on a boat and travelling out to the high waters is more your thing, then the Western flyer operating from Shell Island is just the ticket. With the St Patricks Cause way just 2.5 miles off away, the fishing here is said to be one of the greatest in Cardigan Bay.

Fish you will be catching here include bass, plaice, mackerel along with a whole host of others. Rod hire and bait are included in the price which starts from £15pp for an hour of mackerel fishing or £20pp for 2 hours of more general fishing. Instructors on board will obviously be on hand to give you all the help and advice you need and beginners are all welcome aboard.

Fly Fishing | Wildlife Wales | Snowdonia Lakes

If an afternoon in the lakes is what you are looking for and learning the ropes of fly fishing, then a trip out with the wonderful Brian MacDonald at Wildlife Wales is who you should look up. There are many stunning lakes in the the area and brown trout is what you will be fishing for. Equipment hire and bait are all available to hire through Wildlife Wales. Fly fishing is slightly more complicated than coarse fishing in that instead of casting your line and waiting, this requires a continuous re-casting of the line into the water. Brian is a great teacher and will soon have you getting to grips and learning the ropes as it were.

We have a couple of riverside cottages here at Dioni that have fishing rights attached. These include:

Elegant Self-Catering Accommodation In North Wales | Crogen-Wing

Price From £57 / Night
Sleeps 4 | Near Pub | Real Fire

Crogen-Wing is part of an impressive 14th century Manor house near Bala. The westernmost wing of the Manor house has been cleverly divided into elegant self-catering accommodation for guests wanting to visit this wonderful part of North Wales. One of the nicest features of this elegant self-catering accommodation is the private access to the River Dee nearby. Fishing by request.

Farm Holiday Cottage With Mountain Views | Beudy-Penardd

Price From £50 / Night
Sleeps 4 +cot | Farm Stay | Pet Friendly

This farm holiday cottage with mountain views is a beautifully converted two bedroom stone barn that sits high above the river Wnion half way between the market towns of Dolgellau and Bala in the Snowdonia National Park. Guests to the cottage also benefit from being afforded the very exclusive Prince Albert fishing rights for the stretch of the river Wnion that runs past the cottage.