Fly Fishing

Sewin, Salmon and trout fishing. Three quarters of a mile above Gelli, and a quarter of a mile below the road bridge on the Eastern Cleddau. The North Western bank is known as "The Bont", and has been extended recently to include the junction pool. The fishing is Fly only. All fish may be retained by rods.

There may be up to 2 day tickets available on the upper half of the beat (above Cleddau Railway Bridge).

The Eastern Cleddau is a fast flowing and natural fly-fishing river. There is a strong run of Sea Trout from Mid May (larger fish) to Mid September. Some of the Sewin as they are called in West Wales, hang around into October, but by then the main interest is in the autumn Salmon run. Brown trout are small but fight well all season.

Map reference for the Northern end of the beat is 203088 and extends to 197085. (Junction Pool with the River Syfynwy / Syfni)

There are two parts of the beat. Above the Cleddau Bridge on the North West bank, and below the Cleddau bridge on the South East bank to the junction pool and below. The beat ends at the first stream below the junction pool. Parking for those who do not wish to walk is under the railway bridge over the road to Longridge farm.

There is access along the Landsker path at Gelli Bridge Cottage (single red arrow) and next to the road bridge either way (double red arrows). This second and lower access point allows access both upstream and downstream. Upstream the angler may walk under the Cleddau Bridge to fish the Bridge pool from the East, and then cross over to the Western bank at lower depths of water. Alternatively, and possibly better, is to access at the public footpath (Landsker Path) at Gelli Bridge cottage, and walk to the top of the beat. There are two styles along this path and access can be gained to the river by direct line at either style. The top of the beat is marked by a sharp bend in the river, and at the time of writing there is a large tree lying in the water here. From the top of the beat it is possible to fish 14 lies and pools, including Llandre pool and Sarnai pool coming downstream, cross the river at the Cleddau Bridge, and then fish the opposite side with approximately 6 lies and two pools to the end of the beat. There are 22 lies and pools in all.

Equipment and technique

Sewin are very shy and it is not unusual for novices to take a few nights to master the art of keeping still and quiet enough to tempt a fish to strike.

I use an 8-9ft rod by choice, but a longer rod of up to 10ft will do. Some anglers who enjoy a good long fight may prefer a rod of 6-7 ft in low water conditions. Floating lines or slow sinkers are best for Sewin, but for Salmon, and Sewin in the early part of the season or late at night in Falkus' "second half", a sink tip is preferable. The river does not lend itself to sinking lines unless it is just after a spate or you intend to fish only one of the deeper pools. Two rods may be useful, one of which can be ready for the later fishing. Largest fish seem to strike in the early hours. Thigh waders are usually sufficient.

When the fish are running it can be useful to stay put and wait for them to find you as they run upstream. However, when the fish are resident it pays to explore the beat.

Largest fish

I have personally caught a 20 Lb. Salmon from the beat below ours. I have also landed a 6 Lb. 4 Oz. Sewin, and have netted a 10 Lb. Sewin for another angler. Most Sewin run from 1.5 - 3.0 Lb. Salmon from 5 Lb. Grilse upwards.

Flies are size 4-10 long shanks with silver somewhere. Secret weapons and Sunk Lures are used successfully especially for the larger fish later in the night.

I use an 8 Lb tip, but reduce to 6 Lb in very low water.

Please ring me if you wish to know the local conditions and recent successful flies.

Planning

I suggest you read Hugh Falkus; "Sea Trout Fishing"