Adroddiad afonnydd Gymdeithas S.G. a LL.
S.G. & LL. Angling Society's River report

We certainly are experiencing some tremendous weather here in Snowdonia, it’s at times like these I certainly wonder why anyone bothers to put up with crowded airports, delays and in fact a climate that’s far too hot for real enjoyment. Is there anywhere in the world to compare with looking along the Menai Straits from Victoria Dock, Caernarfon towards Aber Menai on low water at sun set on a clear evening.

This has nothing to do with fishing I hear some say, in fact it has a whole lot to do with it, short stay break are the current vogue, however despite all we are trying to do to promote fishing as part of this type of holiday, and after all the funds that’s being allocated to improving Welsh fisheries by the Assembly for Wales, I was surprised on receiving the Draft Tourist Strategy for Gwynedd to see that no fishing had been left out of the document. Cycling was certainly referred to as already bringing in £18m. to the whole welsh economy, Angling brings in £8m to Gwynedd alone, and someone somewhere needs educating on Welsh economics.

On a very more positive tone, funding is now all but agreed for work to commence on the refurbishment of Melin y Cim, Pontllyfni as a high standard of anglers accommodation,  this can be on a self catering basis or if required a fully catered facilities can be arranged. The mill, which is in an outstanding position on the banks of the Llyfni, will be available for the 2004 season. No doubt someone will then soon claim to have landed a sewin whilst enjoying a G & T whilst seated on the patio.

On Llyn Nantlle work on the jetty is now complete, this work brings to an end our programme of creating combined mooring facilities and disabled access Nantlle, Padarn, Cwellyn and Dywarchen. The following have every ones gratitude for their financial assistance in making this dream a reality, Gwynedd Council (Cist Gwynedd Scheme) Snowdonia National Park (CAE Scheme) Sports Council for Wales and the Communities First Trust Fund.

With all that’s going on, it’s a wonder that anyone has time to go fishing, however there are some lucky enough to be able to confirm that the fishing has been remarkably good with all the lakes fishing well, charr  fishing has started with Norman Closs Parry taking the first limit on Saturday 21st. June. Rivers remain slow but due to lack of rain all are very low. To capitalise on the dry weather work has been going by a small band of dedicated members to erect stiles and bridges over the deep drainage channels at the Penllyn and Cwm y Glo areas of the Seiont. This stretch of over a mile of beautiful and productive water for both salmon and browns is now a treat to fish.

As we all know the Environment Agency has undergone another bout of re-structuring, it may very well have increased efficiency in many of its operating fields, but certainly fisheries enforcement is not one which is attracting any favourable reports at all. This needs serious re thinking. There have been times when over the last 25 years when illegal fishing has been bordering upon being an epidemic, but never have I seen so many boats openly carrying drift nets. If all these were to be used at once then the whole of Caernarfon Bay and the Menai Straits would be swept clean. We’ve been promised action by the Agency, we are still waiting!!!

Prospects – Given rain Sewin should be plentiful on the Llyfni, with the Seiont hopefully showing continued improvement. Charr fishing on Padarn should be good. Grilse should start showing towards the end of July. (nets permitting of course)