Discover the Best Fishing Spots in Wales for National Fishing Month

Summer has arrived - and what better way to spend these longer, brighter days than enjoying the outdoors?

Ahead of National Fishing Month, from July 26 to August 31, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is highlighting the joys of packing a rod and line and trying your hand at fishing right here in Wales.

Whether youre an experienced angler or new to the activity, theres really no better time or place to get stuck in.

Fishing at your fingertips

Wales boasts an incredible range of freshwater fishing spots for people of all ages and abilities, with countless individuals already experiencing the joy and excitement gained from time spent at the waters edge.

Those looking to enjoy the thrill of landing a fish and the benefits fishing can offer can apply for a rod licence online via the gov.uk website*.

Ben Wilson of NRW said: Welsh rivers, fisheries and reservoirs offer a fantastic range of recreational activities for both young and old to enjoy, and the variety of fishing available in Wales makes it a truly inclusive sport.

We want as many people as possible to experience the sheer joy of fishing, so throughout the summer, we will be encouraging everybody to get back to their happy place by either going back to fishing or trying it for the first time.

The benefits of going fishing are extensive and can make a difference to mental and physical wellbeing by connecting people to the natural world.

How to get started

If fishing is new to you, theres no need to be scared as theres lots of great advice and support out there to help, from the types of equipment youll need and fantastic local fishing spots, to tips on getting the most out of your fishing exploits.

Ben said: If youre new to the sport or just havent been fishing for a while, there is plenty of support and guidance available.

Joining an angling club, for example, is a great way to meet new people, whether it be sharing a boat for a day on a reservoir, or entering one of the many angling competitions held around Wales throughout the year.

Or if youve got a friend or relative whod like to try angling for the first time, take advantage of the Take a Friend Fishing initiative, which runs throughout National Fishing Month from July 26 to August 31.

The programme aims to give more people the chance to try fishing by allowing a licensed angler to take an unlicensed angler fishing for the day.

You can also visit the dedicated Fishing in Wales website, where youll find information for everything you need to go fishing in Wales, whether youre a beginner or an experienced angler.

Part-funded using rod licence income, the website is a go-to for both local and visiting anglers looking to learn more about fishing opportunities in Wales.

Ben added: We really are spoilt for choice when it comes to fishing in Wales and theres plenty on offer, including rivers, mountain lakes, trout reservoirs and coarse fishing stillwaters, so theres no better time to get out there and go fishing.

To find out more and get fishing, visit www.fishingwales.net

*If you are aged 13 or over, a rod licence is needed for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel in Wales or England. Concessions are available for senior and disabled anglers, while junior licences for 13 to 16-year-olds are free, but young anglers need to register.

Income generated by rod licences helps to protect and improve fisheries and facilities for anglers. Fishing without a valid rod licence is illegal and could result in a criminal conviction and a fine.