Fishing

The following areas are renowned in Merthyr Tydfil for fishing.

River Taff

The River Taff is actually three rivers, the Taff Fechan that rises in the Beacons and is controlled by Pontsticill Reservoir. The Taff Fawr, which also rises in the Beacons and is controlled by Llwyn Onn Reservoir. Both these rivers meet at Cefn Coed just north of Merthyr Tydfil to form the River Taff.

The Taff is a spate river and can depend on rain, particularly in the summer months, to generate the best of its fishing but even in very low water a stealthy approach and fine presentation can produce some very rewarding if difficult sport.

Cyfarthfa Park Lake

Set in the grounds of Cyfarthfa Park, Cyfarthfa Lake is situated directly below Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery. During the summer months Merthyr Tydfil Angling Association run junior and senior angling competitions on the lake.

Cyfarthfa Lake


Penywern Top Pond

Situated at Dowlais Top, access to Penywern Top Pond is behind the Asda superstore on the A465 Heads of the Valleys road. Penywern Top Pond holds many species, including Mirror and Common Carp, Perch, Roach, Tench, Bream and Gudgeon. Penywern Top Pond is quite large by local standards and has in the past catered for matches where up to 60 anglers have taken part.

Penywern Middle Pond

Penywern Middle Pond is situated at Dowlais Top, on the A465 on the opposite side of the road to Top Pond. Penywern Middle Pond hold a good head of Perch, Roach, Rudd, Bream, Bream/Roach Hybrids, Tench, Common Mirror and Leather Carp. There are 3 platforms and access to the 6 pegs on the right hand bank for the disabled angler. This water is only available to full members of the Merthyr Tydfil Angling Association.

Pontsticill/ Dolygaer Reservoir

Situated approximately 5miles from Merthyr, there are two reservoir in this complex, Pontsticill the lower lake is over 300 acres with depths varying to over 100 feet and Dolygaer the upper lake is about 40 acres with an average depth of 18 feet.

During May large numbers of fish migrate into the shallower Dolygaer to spawn and tend to remain there until the onset of winter. Due to the altitude of the waters winters can be fairly unpredictable and consequently April to October tend to be the most productive times of year.

Pontsticill Lake


Upper Neuadd Reservoir

The Upper Neuadd Reservoir nestles just below the highest point in the Brecon Beacons National Park. The fishery holds a good head of brown trout and is lightly stocked at the beginning of each season by Merthyr Tydfil Angling Association. Fishing on the Upper Neuadd Reservoir is for members and day ticket holders only.

Merthyr Tydfil Angling Association has fishing rights on the above waters, for further details please contact them on:-

Tel: 01685 375526
www.mtaa.co.uk

Tickets are available from Merthyr Angling Centre, Cefn Coed, please telephone 01685 379809 for further details (closed Wednesdays and Sundays) or the paper shop opposite Merthyr Angling Centre will sell day tickets for Cyfarthfa Lake on a Wednesday and Sunday.

Parc Taf Bargoed Lakes

Parc Taf Bargoed is a community park situated between the villages of Bedlinog, Treharris and Trelewis. This beautiful park and lakes offer many facilities including fishing, with Brown and Rainbow Trout available. Fishing on the Taf Bargoed lakes is available to anyone who wants to become a member of the Taff Bargoed Angling Association.

Taff Bargoed Angling Association has fishing rights for the Parc Taf Barged Lakes, for further details please contact them on:-

Telephone: 01443 412800/ 01443 213735

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