By Hems du Winter

Novice Fishing in North Wales

I had always wanted to learn the art of fly fishing (note here to coarse fishermen: please don’t stop reading) and finally got the chance when I had a lesson bought for me as a birthday present. 

I spent a modest amount of money buying the basics, with great advice from a friend who was more experienced, and then started visiting several fisheries in and around Cheshire and North Wales tin an effort to get better at the fiendish art of casting.

You never forget your first trout caught on a dry fly! That probably applies to the first fish caught by any means!

It was about three pounds. A rainbow trout, Put up a great fight, it did, and I landed it!  My heart was pounding. I put it back, as you do. You’ll have to take my word for it – I was on my own and without the means to take a photo.  Trust me. It really happened and a very special occasion it was too!

The venue, Llyn Derwen Fishery in Denbighshire was undoubtedly one of the most peaceful, picturesque and serene fishing venues I’d ever come across. Definitely a hidden gem in my opinion.

Most of the time there were just three or four people spread across two lakes.  Often I was on my own, watching buzzards and kingfishers, and listening to the sounds of the countryside. Pure peace as I pitted my paltry skills against the wily trout!

There have been other successes since!

Now there is some good news and some bad news, depending on whether you preference is for fly or float.

One of the lakes has always been dedicated to coarse fishing whist the other was the sole preserve of the fly fraternity. Now, both lakes are reserved for coarse fishing although you are welcome to try a catch some giant roach and carp on the fly, according to the owners. Not for me, thanks, but if you covet the carp, it could well be worth a visit. It’s a lovely part of the world anyway.

Fawnog Rhydd
Derwen
Corwen 
Denbighshire
Wales
LL21 9RN

 Phone: 01824 750667