Description

Pontsticill Reservoir and Dolygaer Reservoir are really one.  Dolygaer was built first but when more water was needed for the heads of the valley’s district then Ponsticill was constructed in the 1920’s.  Water from these reservoirs is now pumped all around the South Wales Valleys to provide the water we need to live.  Both reservoirs are a pleasure to fish, set as they are in the middle of the Brecon Beacons a peaceful and beautiful area.  During the summer the Brecon Mountain Railway run their steam trains which travel alongside the reservoirs and often the mournful sound of the steam whistle will echo around the reservoirs.

Both reservoirs hold a good head of fish with Dolygaer being the shallower of the two.   The main species of fish are bream, skimmers, roach, perch and pike.  There is also the occasional carp and large double figure carp have been seen.

Season

• Coarse: All year
• Pike: No closed season
• Trout: 20th March – 17th October (inclusive)

Fish Limit

4 trout per rod, per day (size limit: 10″/25.4cms from tip of snout to tip of tail)

Fishing Methods

• Fly Fishing, spinning for
• Worm
• Artificial Spinner
• Dead Sea Bait (for pike)

Note: Maggots and cereal baits are permitted. The use of ground bait, loose bait, and swim feeders are the only baits allowed.

Only artificial spinners and dead sea fish baits are to be used for pike fishing. The use of a gaff is banned. No pike or coarse fish are to be removed from these waters.

Any person pike or carp fishing must be in possession of a large minimum 30” landing net and an unhooking mat. Carp must not be kept in keep nets or carp sacks except in bona fide competitions.

Parking

From the right hand side of the dam travel down the road beware large potholes and speed bumps. Park on the left or right hand side of the road to fish the bay (keep the road clear for the farmer to access his farm. On the left hand side of the reservoir after leaving Ponsticill village you travel down a long hill at the bottom on the right is a car park. Further along the road after going around a sharp right hand bend there is parking on the verge after the house entrance for a car. There is a Grey stone building on the left with parking around it which enables fishing here. At the top end of Ponsticill Reservoir there is a turning to the left Marked Talybont go past this and there is a long car park on your left. Continue and cross the steel bridge and there is parking on the right. take the turn for Talybont and when descending the hill there is room for two cars on the right. Further towards the neck of the reservoir there are several places to park on the right hand side.

Species

• Bream
• Brown Trout
• Carp
• Catfish
• Common Carp
• Eel
• Mirror Carp
• Perch
• Pike
• Roach