4 fabulous trout fishing spots you have to try
If fishing for trout is your thing then here are a few of our picks for some spots where the scenery is glorious and the fishing is even better.
Fish for 15 pounders at Grafham Water, Cambridgeshire
Grafham Water hosts national and international fly-fishing competitions and attracts anglers of all abilities. Previously overshadowed by nearby Rutland Water, Grafham is said to be emerging as the premier Midlands reservoir.
The main trout fishing season here usually runs from March to the end of January, and you won’t be disappointed by what you could be bagging. 65% of the trout here apparently weigh in at 2lbs and some even tip the scales at 15lbs.
There are a huge number of spots on the bank to choose from if that’s your preference but - depending on the weather conditions and time of year – you’ll get excellent results fly fishing from boat and bank alike. The best times tend to be early mornings or evenings when the fish move into shallow water to feed. Once the sun gets up, the fish leave the shallows and drop back into the deeper water to feed on daphnia. The wind conditions also affect where the fish are found, so pick your spot accordingly. Westerly or southerly winds are usually best, as they often bring warmer weather.
Make sure you stop off at the tackle shop to get your day ticket or permit. There are a wide range of permit options available for both trout and predator anglers. Plus, call in at the conveniently placed café to grab some refreshments to fortify you for the day ahead.
Land rainbow and brown trout at Brantry Lough, County Tyrone
Northern Ireland is undoubtedly one of the finest angling destinations in Europe. Whether you’re into coarse, game or sea fishing, this region has it all. But, if you’re looking for [high-class trout fishing, try Brantry Lough](/attractions/county-tyrone-brantry-lough-fishing, a 20-acre lake edged by tall trees, which has over 5,000 takeable trout stocked throughout the season. You can fly fish for both brown and rainbow trout here and the minimum takeable size is 25.4cm.
A good, surfaced path loops all the way round the water and angling stands have been built so access is straightforward. There’s a soft, boggy pocket in the bay at the south-east corner near the car park so take care if you decide to wade in here.
Fly fish from a boat at Carsington Water, Derbyshire
Carsington Water is a 748-acre trout fishery in the heart of the Derbyshire peak district that’s definitely worth your time. Its natural beauty, tranquillity, clear waters and excellent stock of rainbow and brown trout combine to make it an appealing spot to try your luck.
Fishing from a boat is the best way to hunt out the trout here, and there are 20 well-maintained boats (2 are wheelchair-friendly boats) available for hire. However, you will need to bring your own fishing kit.
On-site facilities include a fishery office where you can buy tackle and refreshments, a water sports centre, a restaurant and an adventure playground. You can also book lessons if you’re looking to brush up on the basics of casting, knots and entomology under the guidance of a qualified instructor.
Land some wild brown trout at Talybont reservoir, Brecon Beacons, Wales
Just a 40-minute drive from Cardiff and the M4 corridor, the Brecon Beacons really are an incredible place to spend your time outdoors and, better yet, there’s superb fishing for brown and rainbow trout in many of the lakes. Numerous small rivers flow throughout the Beacons, which are the headwaters of Welsh river systems such as the Taff, Tawe, Usk and Neath. In the Victorian era, many of these streams were dammed to form large water supply reservoirs and lakes, which has created some fantastic opportunities for still water trout angling.
The magnificent, two-mile-long windswept expanse of Talybont reservoir is home to a large head of indigenous brown trout that thrive in the fertile water. These wild trout average around a pound in weight, with many reaching 2lb or more and the lake recently introduced a catch and release policy so the fishing just keeps getting better every year.
Talybont’s 622 feet elevation means spring arrives here just a little earlier than other upland lakes and reservoirs in the area. Talybont also has large areas of shallow water, which heat up quickly, so it fishes well right from the start of open season in March and is a great place to enjoy some early season sport. In summer, the evenings are the best time, when hatches of buzzer and terrestrial insects bring hundreds of rising trout to the surface.
Fly fishing is permitted from the bank only and day tickets can be booked online.
Have we piqued your interest in these fabulous fishing spots?
