Game fish

Brown trout

These are widespread in Anglesey in both running and still waters, and are generally only absent or scarce in some smaller waters, or those developed specifically for coarse fishing. Growth rates are good on still waters, and average weights are usually around 1.25 lbs, while fish of 2-4 lbs are not uncommon, with the occasional larger fish. Fly fishing, normally wet fly, is the usual method, although warming and spinning may be used on some waters, eg Llyn Alaw .

Rainbow trout

These are regularly stocked in some lakes, and because they often have different behaviour patterns compared to brown trout, this increases the range of locations where fish may be feeding and makes fishing more interesting and rewarding on lakes with both species. Some anglers, however, prefer the challenge of brown trout-only waters. Rainbows grow faster than brown trout, and weights are therefore somewhat heavier. They are not thought to breed in Anglesey's lakes and therefore require regular stocking if numbers are to be maintained. A few extra-large rainbows are sometimes included in the stocking and can result in exceptional catches, such as the 12lb 10oz rainbow caught at Llyn Alaw in 1996.

Sea trout

These run up a number of the rivers and streams, and although the fishing is not of the quality of that of well-known rivers in Snowdonia, nevertheless some enjoyable fishing is to be had on such rivers as the Cefni, Ffraw, Braint, Crigyll, Alaw and Wigyr, most of which have sections available for the visiting angler. The usual weight is about 2 lbs, but size tends to increase with the later runs, when fish up to 10-15 lbs can be caught. The run is quite late, usually starting in August and extending into December, so that the Environment Agency has introduced a trial extension of the season on Anglesey until 17 November.

Salmon

These are less frequently caught than sea trout. There are Environment Agency bye-laws restricting the methods and bait used at the later part of the season.

Contents copyright / Cynnwyshawlfraint: Cyfrannwr/Contributor , Menter Mon , CyswlltCyf , 1998.

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