Now that I am retired I decided this year to take up fly fishing, something I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember, but never seemed to have the time and have joined the Bala and District Angling Association, which has a good selection of water close by.
During the past 55 years I have enjoyed coarse fishing on the River Thames and Norfolk Broads and Sea Fishing in Hampshire and the West Country.
I moved up to Wales 30 years ago and I live in a small secluded valley on the Berwyn Hills overlooking Llyn Tegid, the longest and deepest natural lake in Wales.
One of the mountain streams that flow off the Berwyns into Llyn Tegid
Near the cottage, are two mountain streams that flow into Llyn Tegid. I have often seen small trout darting across the gravel banks and bedrock in one of the streams.
Llanderfel bridge on the River Dee
Only a short car journey brings me to our water on the River Dee near the pretty village of Llanderfel and this stretch of the Dee contains Brown Trout, Sea Trout, Grayling, Grilse and Salmon.
Above Llanderfel is Maes y Clawdd, a small lake which is stocked with Rainbows by the club, so that should provide good sport when the Dee is in flood and unsafe to wade.
I feel very lucky to live where I do as it is an area of outstanding natural beauty. The fly fishing opportunities around here are so good that folk drive long distances to enjoy the beats that I am able to access easily just a few minutes from home.
I feel very lucky to live where I do as it is an area of outstanding natural beauty. The fly fishing opportunities around here are so good that folk drive long distances to enjoy the beats that I am able to access easily just a few minutes from home.
