The Association waters

Ogwen River

The Association's waters on the river are in two parts, both have unique properties.

The river begins at Llyn Ogwen and decends rapidly down the Ogwen Falls which is full of small pools, this is the only part of the river populated solely by the wild brown trout, in the rest of the river it has the salmon and sea trout for company.

After reaching the floor of the valley the river slows dramatically as it winds it's way down this part of the valley, locally this area is known as 'the Marddwr'. Here there are many deep pools where the salmon and sea trout hide awaiting their time to spawn in the clean gravel of the main river or to venture up the many small streams that fllow into the main river. A stealthy approach is required here as there is little cover.

The first part of the association's waters on the river come to an end where the river flows under Ty'n y Mase Bridge. No fishing is allowed on this part of the river after September 30. The fish that are in this part of the river by this time have had quite a journey and have been in the river for many months.

The second half of the Association's waters on the river begin from the bridge below Ogwen Bank caravan park (Pont y Twr), from here the river makes it's way past the football field and the village of Bethesda where there is a good mixture of small and large pools and fast runs.

As the river leaves Bethesda it once again slows as it passes Dol Ddafydd and Dol Goch where there are long slow pools that come into their own as the season progresses before reaching Coetmor Bridge.

From Coetmor Bridge to Halfway Bridge are arguably some of the best and most popular pools on the river, but this is also where the going gets tougher for the angler but the effort could be well rewarded on ther right day and conditions. The Association's waters on the river end as it flows under Halfway Bridge

Fly fishing is the favoured method for brown trout and sea trout with evenings, dusk and darkness being most productive depending on your quarry. Spinning is the favoured approach for salmon.

The Lakes

 

Llyn Ogwen

This is the most popular of the four lakes, about three miles from Bethesda with the A5 passing right by it's side and there is convenient parking along it's length. The lake is about a mile long, it covers 78 acres and has a maximum depth of about 10 feet.
In addition to it's resident population of wild brown trout the lake is stocked regularly during the season with rainbow trout. This variety of wild wily fish and powerfull stockies can provide an interesting day's fishing

Worm, spinning and fly are allowed here, a bubble float may be used with fly or worm. For the fly angler small dark imitative paterns are the order of the day especially if targeting the browns.

 

Llyn Idwal

Idwal is a lake of 28 acres shadowed by the Glyders. It is a popular destination with walkers and climbers as well as the angler.This was the first place in Wales to be made a national nature reserve. A convenient path leads up to the lake from Ogwen Falls Caffe
As the lake reaches a depth of 38 feet care must be taken when wading here. The fish in this lake are of a qood quality, not always easy to catch but they certainly give a good account of themselves
Wild browm trout ar the residents here although many years ago some Loch Leven trout were introduced by Lord Penrhyn. Worm, spinning and fly are allowed here, a bubble float may be used with fly or worm.

 

Ffynnon Lloer

Ffynnon Lloer nestles in a small valley above Llyn Ogwen with Carnedd Dafydd above it. A path leads to it from the furthest end of Llyn Ogwen care needs to be taken as it is steep in places. As with all things in life the endeavour can be well worth it.
Fly fishing is the only method allowed here, No spinning tackle. The fishing here is at it's best in the warm months of summer when at times hundreds of fish can be seen rising. Small traditional patterns are required here with a light leader.

Your quarry here will be the wild brown trout. Wading is possible in parts of the lake with care. But being only 6 acres most of it can be covered from the bank.

 

Llyn Bochlwyd

Hidden in a small valley overloked by Tryfan the view of Nnat Ffrancon from here can be breathtaking an d well worth the effort on it's own. A path leads up from the A5 at Llyn Ogwen but should be approached with care as the further you go the steeper it gets.
Here you will find wild brown trout small in size but big of heart. As it is the smallest of the four lakes fly fishing from the margins is the prefered methods with small dark traditionals on a light leader.
The many visiting climbers and walkers to the area refer to this lake as 'Lake Australia'.Worm, spinning and fly are allowed here, a bubble float may be used with fly or worm.

Safety

As with all forms of recreational activity there is an element of risk involved. Care should be exercised especially if contemplating a trip to Lloer or Bochlwyd, a good pair of walking boots is recommended as well as plenty to drink. Check the weather before going, and on arrival keep an eye on the weather as it can change quite quickly in the mountains. Allow sufficient time for your return journey.

Care should also be exercised in the vicinity of the river which can swell up quickly in heavy rain and the rocks can become very slippery.