Tal-y-Llyn Lake

Fishing In Wales: Tal-y-Llyn Lake, Gwynedd

Tal-y-Llyn Lake Description:

Tal-y-Llyn Lake is at the head of Afon Dysynni, a river only 8 miles long and entering the sea at Tywyn. Primarily a river for migrating sea trout and salmon, it is famed for its particularly large sea trout.

The lake offers superb brown trout fishing and if you’re looking for somewhere very different for a fishing holiday, or are just after an alternative to the somewhat sterile surroundings of many of our rainbow fisheries, Tal-y-Llyn is the answer. It has a good head of wild brown trout which is added to by a small stocking each year, but these fish quickly adapt to their new home. The glacial lake is fed by clear mountain water from the nearby heights.

The brown trout season starts in April, and fly fishing from boat or bank is available. High water will be present early in the season, but in a lake which has an average depth of only 8ft floating lines can be used from the outset. Favourite flies which will work throughout the whole season include traditional Welsh patterns such as Bibio, Haul a Gwynt and Harry Tom.

The fishing is controlled from Ty’n y Cornel Hotel at the lake side, and not only will you be able to fish Tal-y-Llyn itself but the hotel can also arrange a wide variety of fly fishing near by. If you like the wilds of the moors, then try Llyn Bugeilyn – located about ten miles away and set at some 1800ft above Machynlleth. This lake offers truly wild brown trout fly fishing where Small Black and Peacock Spiders often work well. It can be fished from a drifting boat or from sections of the bank.

Alternatively, if you prefer river fishing, a beat on the Dysynni can be booked. At the right time of year sea trout and salmon run right up the river to Tal-y-Llyn. Finally, go to the estuary where you are likely to encounter bass which, taken on a fly, are tremendous fighters. Mullet are often to be fished in the Broadwater Lagoon very close to the estuary, and in the right conditions can be taken on a fly, again something small and black such as a Williams’ Favourite meets with success.

It’s this variety of fishing is what makes the area so special!

 
Tuition & Ghillie Services
Helpful ghillie services are available by prior arrangement as well as private or group tuition.

 
What works and when…
May is one of the most productive months. Olives are likely to be hatching and patterns such as Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear, Black Pennell or Diawl Bach will work well.

Warm weather in June will mean the addition of largely dry fly patterns, such as Bob’s Bits and Hoppers.

July sees olives – predominantly the top hatching fly, but also the Coch-y-Bonddu will be hatching off the mountain slopes and provide an extra food source for the fish. During these warm weather months favourite methods comes to the fore -fishing sedge patterns in the evening, which is truly exciting sport.

September hosts the main run of sea trout and salmon into the river and as these runs have improved in numbers in recent years, good sport can be anticipated. The lake will have Daddies, Sedges and Heather flies about.

If you visit at the end of the lake’s fishing season – mid October – you will find that many sea trout and salmon inhabit the lake making fly fishing very interesting indeed. These migratory fish lie at the mouths of the streams which run into the lake on the northern shore and can add excitement if you hook a salmon or sea trout on brown trout tackle!

The fishing is controlled from Ty’n y Cornel Hotel at the lake side, and not only will you be able to fish Tal-y-Llyn itself but the hotel can also arrange a wide variety of fly fishing near by. If you like the wilds of the moors, then try Llyn Bugeilyn- located about ten miles away and set at some 1800ft above Machynlleth. This lake offers truly wild brown trout fly fishing where Small Black and Peacock Spiders often work well. It can be fished from a drifting boat or from sections of the bank.

Alternatively, if you prefer river fishing, a beat on the Dysynni can be booked. At the right time of year sea trout and salmon run right up the river to Tal-y-Llyn. Finally, go to the estuary where you are likely to encounter bass which, taken on a fly, are tremendous fighters. Mullet are often to be fished in the Broadwater Lagoon very close to the estuary, and in the right conditions can be taken on a fly, again something small and black such as a Williams’ Favourite meets with success.

Ty’n y Cornel Hotel has all the facilities an angler could wish for such as drying room, rod rooms and freezer plus excellent guest accommodation and contemporary lunch and dinner menus. Should you require a packed lunch or a nibble at the end of a night’s fishing then this can also be arranged with pleasure.

So if you feel the need for freedom in a wild setting, or fancy new fly fishing challenges, Tal-y-Llyn is an excellent bet.

Tal-y-Llyn Lake Enquiries:

01654 782 282
manager@tynycornel.co.uk
www.tynycornel.co.uk
Ty’n y Cornel Hotel, Tal-y-Llyn, Tywyn, Gwynedd, Wales LL36 9AJ.