Ogwen Valley Angling Association, River Ogwen

The upper section starts at Llyn Ogwen and drops rapidly down the Ogwen Falls, full of small pools. This is the only part of the river with wild brown trout alone; below it salmon and sea trout share the water. Once the river reaches the valley floor it slows through the Marddwr, with many deep pools and little cover, so a stealthy approach is needed. This first part of the Association’s water ends at Ty’n y Maes Bridge, and no fishing is allowed there after 30 September.

The lower section begins at the bridge below Ogwen Bank Caravan Park (Pont y Twr) and runs past the football field and through Bethesda, with a good mixture of small and large pools and fast runs. Below the village the river slows past Dol Ddafydd and Dol Goch to Coetmor Bridge, and from Coetmor Bridge to Halfway Bridge are what the club calls arguably some of the best and most popular pools on the river. The Association’s water ends at Halfway Bridge.

Fly fishing is favoured for brown trout and sea trout, with evenings, dusk and darkness the most productive, and spinning for salmon. The all species ticket covers a 24 hour period from 00.01am to 00.01am the next day, so you can fish for salmon and trout by day and for sewin at night; night fishing is permitted on this beat. All salmon must be returned. Dogs are not allowed. The same ticket covers all of the Association’s waters, each with its own opening and closing dates: Ffynnon Lloer and Llyn Bochlwyd and Llyn Idwal from 20 March to 30 September, Llyn Ogwen from 20 March to 30 November and the River Ogwen from 3 March to 31 October. The club asks anglers to read its full rules before buying. It is booked through the Fishing Passport.