4 Great Places To Go Fishing In Powys
For those planning an angling holiday in Wales, there are lots of great places to go fishing in Powys. In the south, you can fish for salmon and wild brown trout on the River Usk, while the upper stretches of the River Severn around Llanidloes to the north throw in the possibility of catching some grayling as well. Both are among the best fly fishing rivers in the UK and have numerous areas where you can try your luck with your rod.
The Wye and Usk Foundation runs a fishing passport scheme that includes a searchable database for both rivers, along with an online booking system to help you secure your spot. For coarse fishermen, there’s also a great choice, from canals to specimen carp lakes.
To help you find the top spots, in this article we’ve listed some of the best places to go fishing in Powys. Many of these places are administered by local angling clubs, fisheries or visitor centres, and most have day permits. It’s best to check details in advance before you go to find out where to pick one up.
To keep costs down and make the most of your time in the fresh air, you can’t beat an outdoor stay. Pitchup has a great collection of Powys campsites, caravan sites and glampsites to choose from – and some even have fishing right there on site.
Find Powys campsites with fishing on site
Montgomery Canal
We’re not all sport fishing types of course, so if you prefer sitting quietly with your eye on a float, try the peaceful Montgomery Canal, affectionately known as ‘The Monty’. It runs from Llangollen to Newtown via Welshpool and is home to tench, roach, bream and pike, and even some carp. Only a short stretch is currently navigable, so you’re unlikely to be bothered by boats, and both day and weekly permits are available.
Elan Valley
You can find both lake and river fishing in one place at the Elan Valley, near Rhayader. The Rhayader & Elan Valley Angling Association administers four reservoirs where you can fly fish for trout, and also has access to two miles of the River Elan. This stretch allows spinning and worming as well, and you can fish for grayling, pike and some coarse fish.
Springrock Fishery
Looking for a challenge? The carp lake at Springrock Fishery near Llandrindod Wells is technical and designed for experienced anglers. The 2.5-acre lake is stocked with mirror and common carp of up to 30lb (or possibly even bigger from time to time), plus some koi and crucian carp. Life here is very peaceful, with only a small number of anglers allowed on site, and no kids – you’ll definitely need to book ahead to secure your place.
Talybont Reservoir
You can fly fish for wild brown trout at Talybont Reservoir, a huge artificial lake set in a steep wooded valley in the Brecon Beacons. Tickets are available through the Wye & Usk Foundation, via its Fishing Passport website and with a strict catch-and-release policy in place. As a bonus, it’s not far from the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, a good spot for beginners with plenty of roach, perch, dace and chub.
Planning to make fishing part of a longer break in mid Wales? Check out our other ideas for local activities, including walks in Powys or cycling, climbing and adrenaline adventures in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.
Whatever your plans for your trip – and whatever your budget – Pitchup has a great range of campsites and other outdoor accommodation to choose from. Keep things simple with a peaceful farm site, bring your motorhome or choose a luxurious glamping site – it’s up to you.