Llyn Clywedog (Vale of Clwyd AC)

Water Description:

Species: Rainbow trout and brown trout.

Llyn Clywedog lies high in Clocaenog Forest, approximately 6 miles from Denbigh. The lake is generally regarded as the source of the River Clywedog which winds its way through the hills and down into the Vale of Clwyd, where it joins the River Clwyd between Ruthin and Denbigh. Stocking of rainbows happens numerous times throughout the year. The lake has a good head of wild brown trout.  There are a number of fishing platforms and a raised walkway along the northern shore.

How to get there:

From Denbigh proceed from the traffic lights at the bottom of Vale Street along Ruthin Road, a few yards after passing Denbigh High School and the sports centre turn right onto Ystrad Road, signposted Prion and Saron,. Follow this road through the village of Prion and continue to Saron. At the T junction in Saron, turn right, signposted Nantglyn and then left at the next crossroads.

Follow this road, through a gate (that’s sometimes closed but not locked) and follow up the mountain towards the wind farm. Proceed over a cattle grid and after entering the forest, take the third track on the left that leads to Clywedog Reservoir and car parking area. The track is identified by a signpost at its junction with the road stating Cilffordd / Byway. From Ruthin take the A525 towards Denbigh, just as you leave Pentre Llanrhaeadr take the left turn at the crossroads just after Pentre Motors and follow the lane past the Bryn Morfydd Hotel to Prion then continue as above.

Parking:

There is a parking area for members by the access gate to the lake.

Fly life is limited – except for the large numbers of Welsh Caenis which descend on unsuspecting anglers whenever the wind drops. Small black and brown flies are most successful when fish are top feeding. On the colder days of early and late season, small black lures can be very productive.

The lake is fly fishing only and is subject to the same rules as the river regarding bag limit. Anglers may keep no more than 3 fish per day, irrespective of species or where caught.

Extensive work was carried out on the lake in 2004 and the lake is now very deep, dropping quickly straight from the bankside, you are advised to use the many casting platforms.