Dolerw, Pontdolgoch — River Severn

River level

The lowdown

• This sits within the association’s roughly seven miles of double-bank fishing on the Upper Severn. The water is predominantly geared towards game angling, so expect a natural, flowing river rather than a commercial-style peg.
• The Severn here is rain-fed, with summer flows topped up by compensation releases from Clywedog Reservoir. That can keep the river moving when smaller rivers are struggling, though always keep an eye on the colour and level.
• When it clears, the stretch can offer challenging dry-fly fishing. There are notable Grannom, Stone/Needle and other upwinged fly hatches, giving the trout plenty to look up for at the right time.
• Upstream of the sign below the Carno Brook confluence, it’s strictly fly only. Downstream from that sign to opposite the old Llys Maldwyn Hospital, fly fishing, bait fishing and spinning are allowed, subject to the restrictions.
• Trout fishing runs from 18 March to 7 October. The bag limit is two fish a day, with a stated minimum size of nine inches, so check the rules properly before setting up.
• Grayling fishing runs from 16 June to 14 March. Barbless hooks are required and all grayling must go back alive — no grayling may be killed.
• Salmon fishing runs from 1 February to 7 October and is fly only, with artificial lures permitted. All salmon must be returned up to 15 June.
• There are no keep nets, maggots or ground baiting of any kind. A flotation aid is advised when wading, and overhead power cables are specifically flagged up, so keep the rod down near them.
• At Dolerw/Pontdolgoch, use the lay-by on the main road. Don’t park in the farm driveway or at the farm, close every gate and take all litter home. Bob on, and no faff for the local farmer.

Methods: Fly fishing is the main game approach, with dry flies worth a proper look when the river is clear and the upwing hatch is ticking. Downstream of the Carno Brook sign, bait fishing and spinning are also permitted, subject to the rules.

Access & tickets

Day tickets are available from Premier Store, Caersws, and CostCutter’s Garage, Caersws. Season tickets run from 1 April to 31 March.

Fish the club names

trout, carp

Named by Caersws Angling Association across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• Upstream of the sign below the Carno Brook confluence is strictly fly only.
• From that sign downstream to opposite the old Llys Maldwyn Hospital, fly fishing, bait fishing and spinning are permitted subject to restrictions.
• No keep nets, maggots or ground baiting of any kind.
• Trout season: 18 March to 7 October. Bag limit two per day, minimum size nine inches.
• Grayling season: 16 June to 14 March. Barbless hooks only and all grayling must be returned alive.
• Salmon season: 1 February to 7 October. Fly fishing only, with artificial lures permitted. All salmon must be returned up to 15 June.
• A national bylaw restricts non-fly baits and lures upstream of Penstrowed railway bridge from 8 October to 31 December.
• Close gates, leave no litter and take care around overhead power cables. A flotation aid is advised when wading.

Where it is