Fishing in wild places

Fly fishing is certainly not limited to the main rivers or commercially stocked ponds where success is judged by size and quantity. Some of the most interesting and rewarding of fly fishing experiences can be in the most surprising of places. From remote open lakes in the mountains to overgrown, almost inaccessible streams, these wild places not only provide a delightful backdrop to your day but also harbour some of the most beautiful, fittest and rewarding of trout.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Such wild environments certainly present the angler with more challenges. As you work your way around the water, you are often presented with problems to solve in your attempt to discreetly reach and outwit the fish in their natural domain. Whether battling the elements, casting amongst overhanging trees, or fishing in through shallow weeds, such untamed places provide an excellent test of your skills and patience.

 

When “I were a lad,” most of us started out brown trout fishing on small streams, usually with a worm. Today the situation has changed; most game anglers begin with rainbows in still waters and wild brown trout, particularly in a small stream, are looked on as a bit of a mystery.

 

If you haven’t yet tried the charming experience of a 7 foot rod and a box of flies in your pocket, no pressure and the whole day in front of you on a brook…well, you really should. This is fishing at its most carefree and my wife often says: “Go and fish a small stream tomorrow – you always come back in such a good mood!”

Small Streams

Finding secret pools and working tight spots

 

 

 

 

A small stream is in some ways a microcosm of a big river, but instead of just a few pools, you might have 50 or more miniature ones to negotiate in a couple of miles, each presenting you with new technical problems: where might a trout lie and how can I present a fly to it? Accurate casting at close range is at a premium. It’s generally not about fly selection and choosy fish, but about a stealthy approach to quite wary fish, some of which turn out to be bigger than you think.

 

The best news of all is that the Wye and Usk Foundation Wild Streams scheme gives access to around 60 of these small stream beats on some of the most glorious scenery of the Welsh border country – you can either buy a roving permit for the season or book online the day before fishing. 

Upland Lakes and Reservoirs

Experience wild open waters

 

Mountain Wales is dotted with natural and artificial lakes. Some are stocked with rainbow trout, but others are wild trout preserves. Each has its own unique backdrop and charm. Included in my personal favourites are:-

Llyn Bugeilyn - The remote and beautiful Llyn Bugeilyn at 1,750 feet in the so-called “Desert of Central Wales,” is famed for its rare Welsh black-finned trout. These are not big fish, but a trip to visit them is a unique experience.

Talybont Reservoir - A dramatically beautiful water overlooked by forest in the Beacons area of South Wales which can produce specimen trout on occasions.

 

Large open water fly fishing can be a case of casting from the bank or shallows with waders. In some cases its a good approach to reach the fish from a boat and on rare occasions where there is no such civilised option, a float tube can come in handy!

Fishing in upland lakes is often dominated by the weather and you will find that whatever the wind is doing down in the valley, it will be multiplied by 10 times when you get up onto the hill. Conditions can change quickly, so always take safety precautions and dress accordingly.