Huw P. Hughes
October 2008
DISAPPOINTING THE season may have been up to mid September, but then the salmon arrived in the Menai Straits. With low river levels they had nowhere to go, but what a magnificent sight it was, with literally hundreds showing from the Britannia Bridge down past Caernarfon towards Aber Menai What was also pleasing to note was that the large majority showing were big fish.
Rain came in the last week of September and it hasn’t stopped since — and the fish have not stopped running. What had been seen in the Straits manifested itself in the river, with bigger than average fish in splendid condition being landed. The best to date is one of 15 lb 4 oz caught by Dr Robin Parry, Llanberis, which came from Llyn Engan early one morning to a small tube-fly, and the same tube has continued to catch fishl Malcolm Owen, Caernarf on, also had a fine specimen at 13 Ib, again from Llyn Engan. Others who have been successful are Richard and John Butterfield with salmon to 13 lb.
Gwynfor Jones, Bethel, had a cracker at 12 lb 4 oz from Crawia, Stephen Lloyd, Groeslon, another at 12 Ib, Jason Parry, Caernarfon, BIb, and Mark Hughes, Wrexham, 7 lb—all from Glan Gwna. Islwyn Humphreys and Tony Roberts, Llanrug, had fish of 6 lb and 9 lb respectively from the Pontrhythallt area. Dafydd Davies and Wyn Parry, Caernarfon, had fish of 6 lb and 7 lb respectively from Glanrafon Bach area.
On Sept23 a meeting took place with the Environment Agency to discuss future stocking policies for the Seiont. It looks as though we will now be able to plan on a much more secure footing. Let’s hope that this is not another false dawn, as there have been far too many of those over the years. But confidence is high that we will be able to continue down the road to achieve a solid foundation to our waters for future generations.
The season extension has been granted again this year until Nov 15; this will apply to the stretch from Pontrhythallt Bridge to the sea. It is fly only and catch-and-release only. Those wishing to participate need to register with the Environment Agency — season permit holders only need apply. If you leave your name and address at the fishing hut in the grounds of Crawia hatchery I’ll do the registration on your behalf.
HUW P HUGHES.
September 2008
With the high river levels since the beginning of August one would have expected some good catches, however salmon runs thus far seems to have missed our rivers, this seems also to be the situation with our neighbouring rivers. On the Seiont up to the time of writing only three salmon have ben landed, two to Richard Butterfield, Llanddeiniolen on fly, both I’m told were returned, one at about 13lbs from Stablau and the other at some 10lbs. From Glan Gwna. One consolation is that if there were a significant run, they would have made all haste for the flats at Cwm y Glo and then into Padarn.
So far none of the salmon from our smolt release project have been seen but on this we are still waiting, because if we take into consideration the last ten years or so significant catches only start to materialise from the second week in September and from thereon the rive is full of fresh run salmon. The season has been extended to take advantage of these late running fish until 10th. November.
Sewin on the other hand are slowly improving, but again these enter the Seiont at least six weeks late, some nice fish have been landed, with the heaviest reported at 5lbs from Glan Gwna by Stephen Lloyd, Groeslon, Kevin Morgan, Waunfawr also had some good nights with several around the 2lb. mark. Malcolm Owen, Caernarfon has also had nice fish to 3lbs, all from the Llyn Engan to Llyn Du area. Other who have bothered to let me know what’s going are Ron Miers, Capel Coch fish to 2lbs.
Whilst on the river if had tight lines, please make the effort to visit the hatchery at Crawia where the catch record book is located.
The Llyfni is also very slow on salmon, but the sewin fishing has been excellent, with the good work that’s been going on with bank clearing, fishing the lower river is now a real pleasure. Successful anglers here have been Gordon Hampson, Benllech, Dr Robin Parry, Llanberis. Stephen Lloyd, Groeslon, Ken Hughes, Bethesda Bach to name but a few, if you don’t let me know then I can’t mention your name.
With such a head of sewin in the river one little problem that’s manifested itself during the season is that some want all the fishing but do not want to pay for the privilege, one answer given when challenged at the bottom of the Llyfni is ‘it’s tidal, so we don’t need a permit’ to these greedy few I would advise them to check where the high water mark is, they do know because the other night the police were called, and they soon disappeared.
As I write all three rivers have all burst their banks, so the salmon should respond and hopefully I’ll have some better news next month.
All lakes have fished extremely well this year, with Dywarchen well worth a visit for rainbow fanatics, the quality of fish here this year has been exceptional.
August 2008
Despite good river levels things have been very slow on the Seiont, only a hand full of sewin, heaviest 3lbs, and one salmon landed, however grilse have been seen travelling through, but with a shortish river and a large lake at it’s headwaters these fish waste no time in heading for Padarn's deep waters, despite the lack of catches thus far we must not be despondent as the Seiont is a late summer and autumn river, come the end of August salmon will start to move in serious numbers and will continue to do so until mid January. To reflect this late trend the season has now been adjusted to close on 10th. November, last year was the first time for this to be implemented; silver fish were being caught until the last day. All fishing at this time is by fly only on a catch and release basis. It’s good sport and very refreshing to see the numbers now sticking with their fly rod all season.
Keep a look out for fin clipped salmon, in order that we can validate our smolt release programme, which I’m glad to say will be continuing this year. As salmon numbers increase sewin runs continue to decline, It’s difficult to fathom out why, but could it be perhaps, now that the traditional salmon spawning grounds leading up the Pen y Pass are now once again accessible to spawning fish, after the installation of the Dennel Fish Pass at the mouth of the Peris Diversion Tunnel. The sea trout spawning areas on Afon y Bala the upper end of Peris and the Afon Dudodun have been completely lost. Although the Afon y Bala is now a good charr spawning area, but both species don’t mix. Society representatives are to meet with Environment Agency Officers at the end of August to try and draw up a recovery programme.
On the Llyfni the news is excellent, with large shoals of sewin taking the river, there has been good numbers of anglers about, and catches of 6 fish per outing on the lower beat are the norm, It’s refreshing to see catch and release catching on here, with only one or two being retained for the pot. Best time is from an hour before high water to about half hour into the ebb.
Daytime can be surprisingly productive, with size 14 – 16 nymphs, and during the afternoon you’ll get the place to yourself.
I’ve not had any reports of sewin from Llyn Nantlle, but when anglers persist with small trout flies, you’ll catch trout, as the sewin and salmon don’t get a chance, their little brethren are so much quicker to react.
All lakes have proved to be extremely popular this year, with our first run of day permits being sold out, some relief for the bank manager. Booking is strongly advised for Nantlle boats, these done only through Cwellyn Arms, Rhyd Ddu – SNOWDONINN@aol.com
The stocking police for Dywarchen is also proving to be popular, from day permit returns the average is 2 fish per visit, a Dywarchen permit also allows fishing on all other club waters, so it’s a few hours at Dywarchen during the morning or afternoon, then a few hours at dusk for sewin on the lower Llyfni, very good value, especially if one is holidaying in the area.
After considerable delays, the club self catering accommodation Melin y Cim on the banks of the Llyfni will now be open by mid September – just in time for the salmon. See our web site for booking details. www.sgll.co.uk
Prospects are very good for until the end of season, charr should be worth having a go for until 17th October on Padarn.
Huw P. Hughes.
July 2008
All lakes continue to fish well, with Nantlle, Cwellyn and Padarn being wild lakes receiving a lot of attention, Nantlle this year so far has been particularly prolific on the brown trout front. I’ve not had any reports of sewin being caught as yet. Padarn as well has been doing especially well; again with the brown trout however charr are very reluctant to feature in catches. Hopefully this will improve as we move later into July and early August.
Current stocking policy at llyn Dywarchen is proving very successful, some class fish are being caught, day permit limits remain a 4 fish per session, with season permit holders limited to 2 per day, some are not happy with this policy, cost has to be borne in mind and two fish a day seven days a week for 7 – 8 months works out to be a very good deal. I’m standing by for the flack.
At last during the last week of June we had heavy periods of rain which resulted in all river bursting their banks, despite this catches have bee practically non-existent, my only report so far is of one salmon each from the Seiont and Llyfni, however some sewin up to 3lbs have been landed on the Llyfni from between Pont y Cim and the sea.
Large-scale works on the sea pool mouth of the Llyfni has resulted in a long deep pool with a narrow sea entrance being formed; this should prove to be a productive location as July progresses into August.
As the result of recent meetings with the Environment Agency, considerable survey work is being undertaken both by the Agency and Bangor University to try and ascertain the reason for the sharp decline in sewin numbers, however these have been replaced by an ever improving run of salmon, although these runs are take place mainly during Sept, Oct, Nov and December, the river as last winter could be described as full of salmon, hope this continues this year.
June 2008
All three rivers are suffering from severe lack of water, no rain has fallen here for a month, beautiful weather and lovely suntans- but no fish. Even the rains of whit weekend gave us a miss. Cold –yes but no rain. One positive note is that we have been able to get bank clearing out the way. I’m still receiving reports of both salmon and sea trout showing in the Menai Straits, this does not necessarily mean that the Seiont and Gwyrfai are in for an earlier than usual run, as this waterway is used as passage migratory fish destined for the Ogwen, Conwy, Clwyd and too a lesser extent the Welsh Dee.
One this is certain however fish there are as the netters are out in force. E.A. bailiffs I hear have already busy and some headway is being made. Incidentally a net has already been removed from below Peblig Mills on the Seiont.
Although the rivers are at a complete stop, all lakes are fishing really well, my efforts for charr on Padarn have to date resulted in a total blank, but instead I’ve had some really nice brownies, however I’m confident that the seasons duck will soon be broken.
Llyn Dywarchen continues to be the most popular location, for the time being at least, the quality of the stocked rainbows this year has been excellent, stocking will continue here up to and including September.
The Melin y Cim project is at an end, we hope to have to building handed over to the club within the next few weeks, this has been a long and arduous project, which is nearly four years late. Income lost to the society has been indeed substantial. Putting all this aside, it’s a wonderful old building, with retained oak beams within showing carved dates going as far back as 1742. We are confident that lettings start, it will prove to be very popular, not only with anglers but to all who are looking for rare commodity of peaceful quality riverside location.
Certain things in this country never ceases to amaze me, As a club in conjunction with the E.A. we hold various free introduction to angling days, these are usually held at Llyn Dywarchen, however this year it was decided the river fishing would be the first on the agenda. All the facilities for a successful event are present at our Crawia centre, plenty of safe parking and shelter, with good river fishing as well. Surprise of surprises came our way from our coaches, new criteria this season. If training is held on running water, each participant has to have a personal coach and each coach has to have a Police Check all clear certificate. These certificates costs about £70 each, and to consider that at times 42 young people have turned up on our training days. Does this mean that there has to be 42 coaches available, if you can find 42 coaches in North Wales that is, if one could it would cost the club £2,900 or so for the Police check. So you’ve guessed, the training days have been cancelled. The health and safety brigade are now happy – job done. Madness reigns.
Prospects. Given rain sewin should enter all rivers, Llyn Nantlle then should be well worth a go. Salmon from our smolt release project, hopefully should start to show during late June.
May 2008
As the season turns into May, things remain quiet, positive notes are that there has been good numbers of smolts about, this coupled with large number of very well mended kelt augers very well for future seasons.
There are very few anglers out on the rivers and this will remain so until 16th. June when the catch and release bylaw restrictions ends. Anglers on the Seiont are reminded that returnees from the salmon smolt release programme of 2007 are expected; look out for the clipped adipose fin. Confirmation has been received that the EA. Are willing to rear additional fry over and above the compensation stocking scheme, but this will have to be paid for as per their hatchery charges.
Padarn lake has been fishing very well, I’ve been out a few times looking for charr, but so far only brown trout, in excellent condition have been caught. There has been good number of bank anglers out, but fishing without society permits and EA licences remain a problem. I can’t for the life of me fathom out why anglers travel from Merseyside and North West, quite a distance for a day’s fishing and then comment that they didn’t realise that day permits have to be bought, misunderstanding the situation, I think not, but trying it on yes, certainly.
Over the years we have been very fortunate to have been able to capitalise on grant aid funding which has been available here in Wales, various funding has been obtained from Gwynedd Council, Snowdonia National Park (CAE fund) Sports Council Wales, Welsh Assembly Government through various schemes like European Objective 1 and Aggregate Levy Fund. Through this assistance it has been possible to embark on purchasing fishing rights and developing the angling infrastructure to a very high standard. The sad part now is that all this is likely to come to an end, with the EA apparently managing future Assembly Government and European Funds, and that payments will only be made to river which have formed Rivers Trusts, if we receive confirmation as to this suggestion from the Welsh Assembly then there will be fierce criticism as the majority of Welsh waters will be excluded from funding. This will prove to be very popular indeed – we wait and see what transpires.
Good news is that good numbers of sewin and a sprinkling of salmon have entered the Menai Straits but seem reluctant to move from the Belan and Traeth Gwyn area. Some rain should move then on.
Weather continues to be very cold, good snow cover on Snowdonia Mountains, it’s been many a year since snow cover has remained for so long, the only downside is that with the winter having been so mild the white stuff appeared as the season was about to start in early March and it’s still there.
The cold weather has ensured that very few have ventured on the rivers, although when 20th march arrived some hardy souls chanced Llyn Padarn, where there have been some good catches, there has been some problems here with local youths who consider the fishing to be free and are causing a general nuisance at various locations around the lake. We hope that by the time this column appears the problem will have been sorted out.
After a few years delay due to unforeseen problems the renovation of Melin y Cim on the banks of the Llyfni is now complete, we hope that furnishing will be over and done with by early May, and the first guests will be settled in before Whit. Most of the original woodwork within the Mill has been retained, and some dating as far back as 1742.
The location of Melin y Cim means that it’s only a few minutes walk from some of the most productive sea trout fishing in Wales – of course this comes with the accommodation.
First stocking of llyn Dywarchen took place on 1st April with monthly stocking thereafter until late October, the latter months rainbows will come direct from our own hatchery.
On the Llyfni the snowy mountains has meant good river levels for quite some time, and as this river has a true early run of large sewin and salmon, Llyn Nantlle is the place to be, but if you fish with small trout flies, it’s trout you’ll catch, so move up a scale and be surprised. The proof you may ask, well some five years ago when the Environment Agency trailed a fish counter below Pont y Cim there were significant upstream movement of fish which were all in excess of a metre in length, can anyone estimate the weight of such fish?
This season should see a return from our smolt release programme of 2007, all the smolts involve had their adipose fins clipped, so it’s of utmost importance that if you catch one of these , please let me know, with photo if possible and a few scales.
March 2008
As promised in last months report that feedback would be given of our meeting with Environment Agency Officials at Bangor. We met on 11th. February and it’s pleasing to report that things moved ahead on a very positive note, there is I believe will to work together for the benefit of our fisheries, matters discussed were future salmon stocking programme, I think this is a point which is foremost in members minds, and if the returnees from the 2006- 07 smolt release programme make an impact this year then perhaps members will focus their minds in assisting with rod caught fish for the hatchery. Once we have agreed on details then this will go ahead this coming December.
The decline in sewin on the Seiont is another major concern, but can one expect when during the construction of the Dinorwic Pump Storage Scheme during the 1970’s and early 80’s one major spawning tributary namely the Afon Dudodun at Nant Peris was completely lost, having had it’s first 400 meters culverted. Another 800 meters of Afon Peris was completely dried up, Afon y Bala was also totally destroyed as a spawning river. This is not to mention the whole of Llyn Paris being isolated and totally lost to the system. One can see that it’s not only Scottish rivers, which are plagued by the ravages of electricity generating. We shall see what transpires here.
We will be meeting again in a few weeks to hopefully put more meat on the bones, but thankfully we are all on track once again.
Another piece of good news is that the Melin y Cim conversion is now complete, cleaning up will have begun during the Easter break, letting will begin by late May, it’s been a l0ong time, with the completion being nearly four years over the contractual date, however it’ll be a wonderful place to stay on the banks of the River Llyfni, one can actually wet a line from the balcony if one desires, no doubt someone will try a Spey Cast or two after a few gin’s! Another attraction here is that a short walk from the mill can reach some of the most prolific sewin fishing in Wales.
On the Gwyrfai the Environment Agency have started discussions with Welsh water on fish pass issues affecting the river, the main problem being the one, which allows migratory fish into Cwellyn Lake. There is little doubt that this has not been the most effective of structures, we’ll see what transpires.
Llyn Dywarchen opens on 1st April, with the initial stocking having taken place during the last week in March, this is a popular lake with the heaviest rainbow during 07 weighing in at 4lb8oz. Day permits as usual are available from Cwellyn Arms, Rhyd Ddu. Tel. 01766 890321.
Boats on Llyn Nantlle will also be in demand during late April early May, again reservation can be made through the Cwellyn Arms, a night at the pub will guarantee you a boat, if you can drag yourself out that is.
February 2008
Following on from last months report, on 24th. January Gwynedd Angling Clubs met with the two Gwynedd Welsh Assembly Government members to discuss the canoe access issue, which is a source of great concern in the area. It was heartening to hear confirmation that there will be no legislation to force canoe access on welsh waters, the ideal situation would be for negotiated local access agreements.
It was quite a surprise to learn the fact that this has been the Assembly Governments policy since May 2007, it’s oblivious then that both the Environment Agency and Sports Council for Wales has been following their own agenda, in deliberately refusing to cooperate with riparian owners in arranging such agreements, their belief which is obvious to all is that there should be open access, we shall see what transpires now. We’ll give it a few weeks then we will again approach our representatives to see if there is change afoot.
On 11th. February representatives of our society will again meet with managers and officers of the Environment Agency to see whether a more cordial working relationship can be achieved, as it is things are pretty bad but I’m pretty confident that we can move on for the benefit of all.
One encouraging fact gleaned from the recent FERAC meeting papers, where the possibility of byelaws being introduced bringing in catch and release rules on rivers which are failing to meet their salmon spawning targets, four categories of rivers are being put forward. Group 1 rivers where salmon stocks are not at risk there is only one Welsh river in this category namely the Conwy. Group 2 rivers where the salmon stocks are increasing these are Seiont, Usk, Tywi, Nevern, Teifi and Dwyryd.
For Groups 1&2 there are no proposals for compulsory catch and release.
All other Welsh rivers fall into category 3 & 4 where a mix of compulsory catch and release, season and method restrictions is proposed in order to increase spawning escapement.
I will leave you all to ponder why the Conwy is the only group 1 river hereabouts – One thing I can comment on is the fact that if the Seiont had the same level of stocking as the Conwy, then there would be two rivers in group1.
March 3 sees the opening of the river trout season, and it’s about this time that we get a taste of real winter here, usually there is some snow about, but there will be one or two out and about. There will be a lot of kelts about, so do treat them with respect. 20th. March sees the our wild lakes opening, Padarn will be the place e to be early on, brownies are in wonderful condition here early on, for those keen on ledgering there is the real possibility of some lovely char – at this time of year they are a really wonderful sight.
January 2008
Within a few short weeks the 2008 season will be underway, there is much to look forward to certainly on the fishing front, with returning grilse from the 2006 smolt release project expected to make an appearance, this was only a one off as the Environment Agency has taken the ball home with them and cancelled the game, because of a minor hick up at our hatchery this highly successful programme was brought to a standstill, in fact in our area I’ve never experienced such an attitude displayed by certain employees of a statutory body toward the angling public which it’s supposed to serve and represent.
This resulted in a deputation of our club meeting with senior E.A. officers at their Bangor office in an attempt to restore good working relations – the result well a further meeting has been arranged in early February to try and move things forward, I’ll keep you posted on any developments.
Since the setting up of the Welsh Assembly Government, there have been several positive welcome decisions to improve aspects of life in the principality, but to those involved in administrating angling things are rather mixed up, on the positive side there has been the Stakeholder Report on the future of Welsh Fsheries, now in its public consultation period. The enquiry into bailiffing by the Environment Agency – this is rather confusing as the Environment Agency is to report back to the Assembly with a summary of the level of poaching activity in Wales, are we to get a true and factual report here from a body who is already tasked with enforcement – will it really report on the shambles which has allowed poaching to run amok – what do you think.
A matter which is causing grave concern is the lobbying by the Canoeing Bodies to get the Assembly Government to legislate to allow free and unrestricted access for canoeing to all water in Wales, I’ve listened to the minister Jane Davidson and her officers commenting on this situation on what they see as the ideal situation, being negotiated access, well so would we, we have been trying to negotiate access in this corner of Wales since 1986 – who is standing in the way, of course it’s the canoeing bodies, Sports Council and of course the Environment Agency. Such is our frustration with the authorities preaching one thing and on the other hand allowing their agents to act in contradiction. This is one field in which the Assembly Government is failing badly. Such is the frustration here that Genweirwyr Gwynedd, Gwynedd’s angling representative body has arranged a meeting with Gwynedd, Anglesey and Conwy Assembly members so that they be made aware of what is being carried out in their names. We shall see what transpires.
On reading the interesting article in T&S January 08 – ‘Wild trout and the Wind of Change’ measures have to be taken to reverse the decline in these wonderful fisheries – from reading a popular North Wales/ Merseyside newspaper in late December a Environment Agency report sets out that the chances for public fishing on reservoirs are limited without joining fishing club’s and of the 16 reservoirs within the Snowdonia National Park there are no public angling opportunities, is it therefore suggested that a free for all is allowed on our wonderful fisheries, one thing is for certain if this is allowed then there won’t be wonderful fishing for long. Who’ will bailiff this madcap scenario – the EA I suppose, when it cannot effectively bailiff things as they are.
And it’s only the start of 2008 – things certainly are becoming more complicated when all we are trying to do is provided good fishing opportunities, or is the state trying to make a play and run everything centrally, time alone will tell.
The last two weeks of the season extension - to Nov15 - passed with very little action because of low water, though some salmon in very good condition were caught, mainly on the Crawia and Glan Gwna areas.
One point worth noting is the fact that the Environment Agency as part of the authorisation permits fishing with either fly or spinner, but as it’s strictly catch-and-release our society specifies fly only and the members do really enjoy the experience of leaving the spinning rods at home - or at least so they tell me!
Hefin Hughes, Caernarfon, toock his salmon on fly (about 8lbs) from Crawia He was delighted, and that’s probably another spinning rod which will gather dust from now on. Others who reported fish in the extension period are Dr Robin Parry Llanberis, Gordon Hampson, BenlIech, Malcolm Owen, Wyn Parry and Gwyn Jones Caemarfon, and Dave Spencer Llandudno.
There is still a tremendous number of salmon about — and large fish, too. One problem is the escalating level of poaching, which the Environment Agency seem powerless to tackle. Although incidents are reported, the perpetrators carry on regardless.
Such is the problem that the Agency in Wales was required by the Welsh Assembly Government to provide them with a review of their Welsh fishery enforcement organisation and activities. This review was conducted by Brighton University The report is being considered by the Minister for Rural Affairs, who has instructed the Agency to complete an assessment to identify the scale of illegal activities. I do hope that the information they give reflects the true position.
The Gwyrfai has been long been neglected by the authorities. Abstraction, restricted flow regime, drainage and overgrazing have led to the practical wipe-out of migratory fish stocks during the summer However, late last October I received reports of good numbers of salmon taking the falls at Pandy on the lower river, but the interesting thing was that there were shoals of fish weighing about 1 lb also taking the river They were not sewin as they had forked tails neariy identical to mackerel. A search through fish identification books suggests they are shad.
There is no history of shad in any of our rivers. The Conwy I believe, had good runs years ago, but certainly not here. In any case, all records of shad on other UK rivers show runs occur in May and early June - or does anyone know better? I would certainly welcome any information.
Rivers Report October/November 2007
From my last report until last weekend in October the weather remained fine – no rain and low river levels, a tremendous amount of salmon had taken the river during late September and settled in all pools and runs, I can’t say that I’ve seen so many fish since the bumper year of 1988. Needless to say they formed an attraction to many individuals who were not anglers. It’s difficult really to understand the workings of the Environment Agency these days, I’ve contacted them and get replies that matters will be looked at, but as far as we are concerned here that’s all we get, feedback seems to be a thing of the past, yet we hear of their messages – report incidents but isn’t the giving of information a two way thing - or is it that I’m old fashioned. One thing I do know is that the same suspicious characters are still out on the river so I leave to you to draw your own conclusions whether something is being done or not.
Heavy rain fell during the last days of October and some good catches of heavy fish were made, some salmon estimated to be in the 15lb class were taken and all on fly, some, names give to me so far have been Dr R. Parry, Llanberis with a total of seven, some bearing long tailed sea lice. Clifford Thomas, Felinheli, Gwyn Jones, Caernarfon, Dave Spencer, Llandudno, D. Davies, Caernarfon. Day permits were also available during the extension period for the first time this season, some have taken the advantage of extremely inexpensive days fly fishing for salmon, although catch and release only, and one angles so I’m told has got his first ever salmon. This has to be the best value salmon fishing in the country.
At long last work to renovate Melin y Cim Pontllyfni, will be completed in the next few weeks, this will provide first class self catering accommodation on the banks of the river Llyfni, see our site Seiont Home Guide for shots of the accommodation.
Both Llyfni and Gwyrfai closed on a quiet note, because of low water, although a good number salmon and sewin were seen with each tide below Pontllyfni, these took the river during late October, sadly the season had ended on 17th. There should be exceptional spawning once the frosts set in.
Society AGM will be held at the Institute Buildings, Caernarfon at 7.00pm Thursday 13th. December, please make every effort to attend.
Rivers report – September/October 2007
From the beginning of September we expected a goad run of salmon. This was not wishful thinking: it was all to do with the free show we were experiencing twice a day, every day, from about four hours after high water until the turn of the tide. The stars of the show were, of course, the salmon and sewin showing themselves from Traeth Bach along the Aber foreshore as far as Traeth Gwyn, which is at the mouth of the Seiont. There were literally hundreds of fish showing, and all could be viewed free of charge, which makes a change these days. Maybe there’s some mileage here in arranging salmon-viewing tours!
When the rain came at the weekend of Sept16 there was a surge of fish into the Seiont, but anglers for the first few days would have been better off at home as all the fish were interested only in making straight to Stablau Flats and Uyn Padarn. It usually takes three days for levels to start dropping and it’s then when the fish begin to oblige, and oblige they did. What’s pleasing to note is that more and more anglers are appreciating what a good fly river the Seiont really is: I even managed one at 6 lb on a Cascade — my own tying as well. Most of the fish were 6 lb-8 lb and in a period of four days 25 were caught and a goad number lost. Successful angiers whose catches have been reported were:
GwynJones, Caernarfon, with three David Davies, Caernarfon, two Ifan Humphreys, Caernarfon, two Dr Robin Parry, Llanberis, two Hefin Williams, Caernarfon, one James Carr, Llanrug, one; Malcolm Owen, Caernarfon, one.
The season continues on the Seiont on a fly only catch-and-release basis, until Nov15. It’s during this period that the heavy autumn fish will make an appearance — this is a sure indication of the season being some six weeks later than usual.
The Llyfni has experienced a great season. From what rI’ve seen, the shoals of sewin in the pools below Pontllyfni road bridge were fantastic — they reminded me of 20 years ago. There have been really good catches, too, and even though there is a six-fish daily limit, some angiers have been relating that they have dozens in the freezer already. I do sometimes wonder what’s going on: all the hard work carried out to restore habitat, and when the fish respond — well, need say more?
After a slow start, Llyn Padarn fished really well in September; I can honestly say that this is probably the best season I’ve ever experienced on the brown-trout front. I even managed one over 3 lb while trolling for charr, but unfortunately the Mepps spinner had caused bleeding and very reluctantiy I despatched the fish. rm making arrangements for it to be mounted, as it’s the heaviest brown rye ever heard of from the lake. Unfortunately the charr I’ve been after are proving very elusive, but there are three weeks left and they might eventually prove more obliging.
Both Cwellyn and Nantile lakes again fished really well for browns, but, considering the number of sewin in the river. catches on Nantlie have been disappointing — either that or they are not being reported to mel
Rivers report – September 2007
From the beginning of September we expected a good run of salmon, this was not indeed wishful thinking, it was all to do with the free show that we were experiencing twice a day every day from about four hours after high water until the turn of the tide.
The stars of the show of course were the salmon and sewin who were sporting themselves from Traeth Bach along the Aber foreshore as far as Traeth Gwyn, which is at the mouth of the Seiont. There were latterly hundreds of fish showing, and all could be viewed for free, a change these days, could there be some mileage here in arranging salmon viewing tours!
When the rains came during the weekend of 16th September there was a surge of fish into the Seiont, anglers for the first few days would have been better off at home as all the fish were interested in were making straight for Stablau Flats and Llyn Padarn. It usually takes three days for levels to start dropping and it’s then when the fish begin to oblige, and oblige they did, and what’s pleasing to note is that more and more anglers are appreciating what a good fly river the Seiont really is, I even managed one at 6lbs on a Cascade, my own tying as well. Most of the fish were in this weight range 6 to 8 lbs and in a period of four days 25 were caught with a good number also being lost, successful angles whose catches have been reported ar Gwyn Jones Caernarfon with three, David Davies, Caernarfon, two. Ifan Humphreys, Caernarfon, two. Dr. Robin Parry, Llanberis, two. Hefin Williams, Caernarfon, one. James Carr, Llanrug, one. Malcolm Owen, Caernarfon, one.
The season will continue on the Seiont, on a fly only – catch and release baisis until 15th. November, it’s during this period that the heavy autumn fish will make an appearance – this is a sure indication of the season being some six weeks later than usual.
The Llyfni has experienced a great season, from what I’ve seen the shoals of sewin in the pools below Pontllyfni Road Bridge were fantastic – reminds ma of some twenty years ago, there have been really good catches, and considering that there is a six fish daily limit, some have been relating that they have dozens in the freezer already – I do sometimes wonder what’s going on – all the hard work to restore habitat, and when the fish respond – well need I say any more.
Llyn Padarn after a slow start has fished really well during September, I can honestly say that this I probably the best season I’ve ever experienced on the brown trout front – I even managed one at over 3lbs whilst trolling for charr, unfortunately the mepp had caused bleeding and very reluctantly it had to be dispatched. I’m making arrangement for it to be mounted – as it’s the heaviest brown I’ve ever heard of from the lake. Unfortunately the charr I’ve been after are proving to be very elusive, however there are three weeks left and they might eventually prove to be more obliging.
Both Cwellyn and Nantlle lakes have again fished really well for browns, however on reflecting of the amount of sewin in the river catches of migratory fish on Nantlle have been disappointing – or they are not being reported to me!
Prospects – from my visit this morning (4/10) to Traeth Bach, Caernarfon, the number of big fish showing in the tide is really encouraging - if we get some rain in the next few days then good runs are guaranteed.
Although rivers have been at a excellent fishing levels the fishing so far on the Seiont has been very disappointing, to date only a dozen or so sewin and one 4lb grilse to Clifford Thomas, Felinheli, there have been report of large salmon showing themselves on Llyn Padarn, no doubt having made good use of the high levels to pass right through the system. However one must not be too despondent as the Seiont is a late river, and getting later, salmon were still spawning in early February this year.
The Environment Agency have again agreed to a trial extension until 15 November, but the way things are going we should be looking at the end on November as the number of salmon in the system at this time is unbelievable. As day permits will be available this back end I must correct the entry in Sept T&S on late salmon fishing. The current season is to 17th October – fly and spinner, bait ends 7th October. From 17 – 31st. October River Seiont only fly catch and release from Pont Rhythallt Bridge to the sea, extension applies to same area from 1st – 15th. November inclusive, again fly only catch and release.
On a very positive note there will be plenty of late salmon about, however of great worry are the disappearing sewin, what’s happening, I can suggest a few reason which I’ve previously outline, but the Environment Agency don’t seem to be making this a priority, a really sad state of affairs.
On the Llyfni, things are quite good with numbers of nice fish being taken on fly downstream of Pontllyfni road bridge, the problem here is that all and sundry want too fish here but don’t want to pay club subs. This is unique fishing considering It’s society owned, if this was in private hands there would be no way whatsoever that anyone would be able to walk by the river let alone wet a line there, some irresponsible individuals do not appreciate what they have, funny old world.
Llyn Nantlle has been fishing really well, as T&S article Sept 07 – Between a Rock and a Hard Place points out
No reports of catches have been received from the Gwyrfai, here is another piece of environmental vandalism – and the river is listed under the European Habitats Directive, why be so critical, well for years there has been abstraction, fiver does not flood due to water being held back, ineffective fish passes equates to loss of migratory fish population, who’s job is it I wonder to protect and develop fishing! Certainly on body accepts any responsibility as far as this beautiful river is concerned.