Angling in the heart of Pumlumon-Five Peaks
The area provides a wonderful variety of angling experiences, set amongst some of the most secluded, sparsely populated and scenic landscapes that Wales has to offer. And yet this mountain heartland of Wales is not very far away. It is perhap’s Britain’s best kept secret. Clear water, clear air, unspoilt, stunning scenery of mountain, moorland and river valley, peace and tranquility, home to the red kite, buzzard, raven, otter and other species, a wonderful place to relax, enjoy the simple pleasures of the countryside and to get away from it all.
Fish for sewin and salmon on the rivers; brown and rainbow trout in lakes and reservoirs; or if you prefer, some small coarse fisheries.
The rivers of Wales are famed for their sewin or seatrout fishing. Both Rheidol and Ystwyth which rise in the area and meet the sea at Aberystwyth, are less well known, but have good runs of these extraordinary fish and provide the visiting angler with the opportunity to catch a sewin of a size that compares with anything in the British Isles. Fish up to 10 lb are common and every year a number of double figured fish are caught. Catch conditions right and the sewin fishing can be excellent. Angle at night in low water with the fly and if the rivers are up try fly, spinner or worm in the day-time.
The Ystwyth is very much a spate river, on which levels can fluctuate wildly, so water flow is critical: on the Rheidol there is a hydro electric power scheme so that controlled spates are the order of the day and good levels can occur even during dry summer periods. Both rivers provide small late summer runs of salmon but it is the exciting sewin or seatrout that is very much the jewel in the crown on these rivers.
Aberystwyth AA controls sixteen miles, both banks, of the Afon Rheidol and part of the lower Ystwyth. The Llanilar AA has extensive rights on the Ystwyth. Both Associations welcome visiting anglers.
Combine river with still water fishing if you still have the energy. There are numerous small upland lakes in the area (see below) which provide some wild brown trout angling but also fisheries which are stocked with both rainbows and brownies. These can be fished with fly, worm or spinner, from bank or boat, although regualtions naturally vary between fisheries.
Not only is angling in the region affordable, but it is accessible to the general public, being largely in the hands of local associations or public bodies.
And then on those days you may not wish to fish, just enjoy the beautiful scenery, visit the coast, bird watch, cycle or ramble on the numerous footpaths and bridleways, investigate the area’s unique history and culture. There is plenty to do for the angler and family in Pumlummon – Five peaks at the heart of the Cambrian Mountains of mid Wales.
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