Powys
Elan Valley Reservoirs
From March · £20 · 4 fish, then C&R Season 20 Mar to 17 Oct
Day tickets
Buy a ticket for a single day, with rates and dates further down.
Stillwater
850 acres, 4 lakes, bank fishing only.
About Elan Valley Reservoirs
The Elan Valley reservoirs are a chain of four lakes, Caban Coch, Garreg Ddu, Pen y Garreg and Craig Goch, in the Cambrian Mountains about three miles west of Rhayader. Together they cover 850 acres and the association says each one holds an abundance of wild brown trout. It describes the fishery as a Troutmaster water, and the permit is fly only.
Welsh Water, which owns the reservoirs, says the permit covers 35 km of shoreline, except a small fish and wildlife conservation area between Penbont Bridge and the Pen y Garreg dam. The fishing season runs from 20 March to 17 October. No boats or float tubes are allowed.
In 2026 the association’s day permit is £20 and its season permit £85. The limit is 4 fish, then catch and release, and catch and release is allowed with barbless hooks. The Elan Valley Visitor Centre, which has a café and shop, sits at the entrance to the valley.
How you can fish here
- Methods
- Fly Only
Pricing and season
Indicative prices. They don't show whether a day is still free and other rates may apply, so confirm availability and the final price with whoever you book through before you travel.
Tickets
Day tickets
- Elan Valley day permit, 4 fish 4 fish, then C&R · 20 Mar to 17 Oct Fish limit 4, then catch and release; catch and release is also allowed with barbless hooks. Fly only. Season 20 March to 17 October. OAP and disabled anglers pay £20 a day and £75 a season; juniors pay £4 a day or £25 for a season, which covers all the association’s waters. Updated 28 February 2026.
- £20 per day
Season and syndicate rods
- Elan Valley season permit, 4 fish 4 fish, then C&R · 20 Mar to 17 Oct Fish limit 4, then catch and release; catch and release is also allowed with barbless hooks. Fly only. Season 20 March to 17 October. OAP and disabled anglers pay £20 a day and £75 a season; juniors pay £4 a day or £25 for a season, which covers all the association’s waters. Updated 28 February 2026.
- £85 per season
Day tickets and booking
- RE Rhayader and Elan Valley Angling Association Day tickets
Day tickets
Permits are sold at Hafod Hardware in East Street, D. Powell Newsagents in West Street and the Elan Valley Visitor Centre. The Visitor Centre sells the same permits.
View club details
Prices by date
Fishing details
- Water type
- Stillwater
- Size
- 850 acres
- Lakes
- 4
- Boat fishing
- Bank only
Stocking and fish species
Rules and policies
Fishing rules for Elan Valley Reservoirs
Fly fishing only. A Natural Resources Wales rod licence and an association permit are both needed. Fish limit 4, then catch and release; catch and release is allowed with barbless hooks. Season 20 March to 17 October. The conservation area between Penbont Bridge and the Pen y Garreg dam is closed to fishing. No boats or float tubes, no camping and no fires. Buying a permit means accepting the association’s risk statement.
Where you'll fish
Location
Approximate locationExact location is hidden at the owner's request..
FishingBeats is an independent guide with no affiliation to the fisheries we list. Listings are editorial and unpaid, and are not supplied or approved by the fishery. See our listings policy. Listing details are compiled by FishingBeats and may change or contain mistakes. Some services, such as tuition, ghillies, or accommodation, may only apply to certain packages and not to standard day tickets. Always confirm pricing, fishing details, and what is included directly with the beat before you book. Spotted something wrong? Email hello@fishingbeats.com and we will correct it.
FAQ
Elan Valley Reservoirs FAQs
Practical questions anglers ask before fishing Elan Valley Reservoirs, from tickets to tactics.
01How many rods are allowed on Elan Valley Reservoirs at any one time?
02What species can I expect to catch on Elan Valley Reservoirs?
03Do I need to wade, or can I fish from the bank?
04Is a ghillie available, and do I need one?
05Where do I park, and how do I access the beat?
06What tackle should I bring?
07What happens if conditions are poor on the day I've booked?
08Are dogs allowed on the beat?
Worth a read
£20 for 4 fish, then C&R
Out of season, from March
