We’re now at the end of June and the weather is still unseasonably cold, whilst the north wind blows here, river fishing will remain slow, and slow it is, after a spurt at the end of May when a few nice sewin were caught on the Llyfni, things have slowed down with only a few fish to be seen in the pools downstream of Pontllyfni road bridge. However as we turn into July things will liven up, as from my records it’ll be the second week when the large shoals start appearing and are easily seen in the lower reaches.

Llyn Nantlle is fishing really well and the main effort at present is directed towards brownies, this is perhaps one of the most pleasant lakes that you will ever fish for these natural fish. However as the season progresses sewin will be the target. Those wishing to be certain of a boat are advised to book early, as there is already heavy demand this season. Work on the new access road and boat mooring facilities will hopefully be underway in the next few weeks, until this is completed there will only be two boats available for use.

As on Nantlle, Llyn Cwellyn is proving to be popular with visiting anglers, this of course is a much larger lake, but the fishing is equally productive, boat bookings are taken at the Cwellyn Arms Rhyd Ddu 01766 890321. Cwellyn like Padarn holds the lovely arctic charr, if you fancy trying for charr, keep an eye on our web site Seiont Gwyrfai & Llyfni Angling Association Home page as we are preparing a section titled ‘So you want to fish for charr’ which will give you all the necessary info.

On the Seiont things remain slow to pick up, however on 24/6 the first large sewin were starting to show up, I’ve seen some nice fish in Llyn Garnage and also under Pont Rug bridge. So after the next rise in levels, it’ll be time for some serious night fishing.

Whilst on the point of levels, the River Gwyrfai has been plagued by abstraction, whilst the other rivers rise after heavy rain, the Gwyrfai remains low, for years negotiations with Dwr Cymru have been less than successful, another attempt was made recently with the Environment Agency arranging the meetings. At last things are moving in the right direction, perhaps now we are seeing the new not for profit water company now operating as Glas Cymru coming into it’s own and really listening and to be fair very willing cooperate to bring back the Gwyrfai to its rightful place as a top class sewin fishery. Readers should really try to obtain a copy of Canaway’s book A Snowdon Stream to realise what a truly wonderful river the Gwyrfai can be.

On Dywarchen the stocking continues, all fish going in from the hatchery now are now between 2 –3 lbs. And are really quality fish. However catches here are not what they should be, and not surprising, I was up there the other evening, and it was really cold. So again the message is, wait for the wind to turn to the southwest.

The charr programme is attracting quite a bit of interest, the growth rate is surprising, and if things continue to progress as at present, then we will have the basis to develop and offer a product which is sure to be in great demand by the local quality hotel/restaurants.

Prospects.

Sewin fishing will be in full swing by end of July early August, also this time will see the arrival of the first grilse into the Seiont and salmon into the Llyfni. Charr fishing will also be in full swing on Padarn. Remember to book your boats early either through Cwellyn Arms as above or North Wales Angling Centre, Caernarfon 01286 6777099

H.P. Hughes.