River Wye Upper Wye Rectory Pool

The River Wye, originating from the slopes of Plynlimon in Mid Wales, flows for 150 miles to the Bristol Channel, dropping 1,750 feet over its first 50 miles to Hay-on-Wye. Its fast-flowing upper sections, featuring flat, cascading rock, are ideal for salmon fishing early and late in the season or after heavy rainfall. Trout and grayling thrive here too, with excellent opportunities throughout the river.

Your view from Easy on the Wye, The Rectory Pool features fishing opportunities to catch salmon, trout, grayling, and coarse fish. Recognized as one of the premier upper Wye beats, The Rectory showcases a variety of diverse features that cater to all types of anglers.

For salmon fishermen, this beat is famous and among the most productive in the region, with the ability to reel in fish across a range of water flows.

Trout and grayling anglers will find excellent dry fly flats, ample pocket water, and numerous runs ideal for wet fly fishing. The Bridge Flats and Gravel Catch can deliver outstanding dry fly fishing on summer evenings. The beat also supports a healthy grayling population and remains open throughout winter for those keen on trotting maggots for this species.

Coarse anglers will enjoy the presence of sizable chub, dace, and pike, with the occasional barbel reported in recent years.

Wading at The Rectory presents a mixed challenge, with easy sections like the Gravel Catch and Bridge Flats, while the rockier lower half of the beat requires careful navigation; studded soles are strongly recommended.

The video above gives a good idea of the coarse fishing on the Rectory Beat.

Purchase your day ticket from Wye and Usk Foundation here.

Dderw Pools

The Dderw have two coarse fishing pools in Llyswen with a good stock of bream, tench, carp and roach. Although it’s only a 5 minute walk, you can drive up to the edge of the pool.

Fishing is available on a day rate and payable to The Dderw Farm House.

Below is a short video of fishing at Dderw Pools from a few years ago;

Slightly further away, there are lots of other options for you and below are a few to start;

Llangorse Lake

Llangors Lake is a natural 400 acre lake just under a 15 minute drive away. It is best known for pike fishing but is has other coarse fishing too such as perch and tench. Fishing is from boat only, no fishing from the banks. There are boats for hire but no engines supplied or you can launch your own boat (for a launch fee). Fishing tickets and boat hire are available from their website.

River Usk at Brecon

The River Usk is under 15 minutes drive away, and has plenty of fishing opportunities including the Breconshire Fishery, a 1 1/2 mile stretch from Llanfaes Bridge in Brecon. This section is suitable for wading and has some good trout fishing and some decent salmon pools. A Fishing Permit and more information on the sections of fishing along the River Usk is available here.

Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal

The Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal has fishing for Bream, Tench, Roach, Eel, Chub, Gudgeon, Perch, Carp and Dace with Fishing permits from the Canal and River Trust.

Talybont Reservoir

Talybont Reservoir is a 318 acre wild brown trout reservoir and provides fly fishing only from the bank. They recommend floating lines with small imitative and traditional patterns such as the Coch-y-bonddu. There is a popular fishing spot by ranunculus beds near the crumbling bridge pillars. Tickets are only available through The Wye & Usk Foundation.

Llandrindod Wells Lake

The 14 acre lake is popular with fishermen and containing specimen carp, roach & bream has in the last few years been drained, cleaned out, and new fish stocks introduced. There are often fishing competitions taking place at Llandrindod Lake. For information on fishing at Llandrindod Wells Lake, see the Facebook Group for Lakeside Angling Club.

Elan Valley

The Elan Valley has long had a reputation for fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout. The Elan Valley consists of a series of dams and 4 reservoirs, all with different surroundings in a total of 850 acres. There is also the Claerwen Reservoir of 900 acres of wild brown trout fishing. And what tastes better than a fresh brown trout on the bbq after a days fishing? (I can ask this with experience as I used to fish the Elan Valley with my Dad). Information on purchasing a day or season permit is here.

Shopping

For Fishing, there are various shops around,

Sportfish in Winforton, less than 20 minutes away have most supplies you might need. They are a game fishing superstore which carries an range of products from the leading manufacturers, showcasing the very finest in fishing tackle, clothing, waders and accessories. They also have the opportunity to try before you buy with a 30m on-site casting pool and access to the River Wye by prior arrangement to try Salmon rods.

In Builth Wells, NJ Guns sell fishing supplies as well as being a gunsmith.

Closer to the Elan Valley, Hafod Hardware sell fishing permits and tackle.

There is also K&M Angling in Abergavenny.

After an exhilarating day on the water, treat yourself to a stay at our luxury Shepherds Hut at Easy on the Wye, just a minute’s walk away overlooking the Gravel Catch. This secluded dog-friendly, beautifully appointed hut combines rustic charm with modern amenities. Inside, you’ll find a cozy double bed, wood burner, kitchenette, and en-suite toilet with shower. Outside, relax in the private hot tub while soaking in the stunning views of the Wye Valley. The fire pit adds to the ambiance, making it a perfect spot to unwind.

If you’re looking to pamper yourself or your loved one, there’s even the option to arrange for a relaxing facial right on-site, making your stay even more rejuvenating. For those who prefer a day out, the nearby town of Hay-on-Wye offers fantastic shopping opportunities in its charming bookstores, boutiques, and cafes—all just a short drive away. Plus, bring your dog along for the adventure—both the Shepherds Hut and many local spots (including the local pub, only a few mins walk away) are dog-friendly, ensuring your four-legged companion is part of the experience. Would your partner like to relax in the Hot Tub watching you fish?

Book your stay at Easy on the Wye Shepherds Hut for a perfect blend of fishing, relaxation, and countryside luxury.