Towy - Tackle and flies

Tackle advice

The tackle required depends on the time of year and where you are fishing. If fishing on the lower or middle Towy stout tackle will be required in spring or autumn, or even in summer if there happens to be a flood. For flyfishing in the spring or autumn 15 rods will be suffice coupled with either fast sinking lines or floating lines with a fast sink tip, but bring the other sink tips just in case of a mild dry day. Weight forward or even shooting heads can be worth bringing, as a longer cast may make all the difference on some beats.

Many anglers opt to spin in high water. A good 10ft spinning rod will be required with a large capacity fixed spool reel or even a multiplier with 15lb line. Popular baits for bank fishing include devon minnows, especially wooden 'floating' devons fished with a lead weight, toby salmos, blair spoons and Flying C's.

In summer on the Towy a 12 or 13ft fly rod will suffice with floating line or sink tip. On some stretches even a single handed rod will suffice.

For sea trout a 10 or 11ft rod and appropriate line will suffice.

Fiies to bring

Again fly choice will depend on the time of year. In the spring and autumn weighted tube flies may be required, but if the water is low flies tied on larger doubles or trebles will be sufficient. In summer bring doubles and trebles down to a size 10 or even smaller on some tributaries. The most popular patterns nowadays tend to be variations on the shrimp fly theme. A good tactic is to work the fly when it is in the water, getting the dressing pulsing can produce many a fish when there seems little opportunity.

Waders and clothing

Most Towy beats require some degree of wading wading, so bring chest waders. Neoprene waders are suggested for early season and autumn and breathable waders for the late spring and summer. You are advised to wear an inflatable lifejacket for safety, whether fishing from the bank or wading. Please remember it is important to have these serviced regularly. A stout wading stick will also aid safe wading, but ensure it has a rubber cap on the end to minimise disturbance.

Warm waterproof clothes are also advisable as the weather in Wales can be unpredictable.

 

Flies

Fly choice will depend on the time of year. In the spring and autumn weighted tube flies may be required, but if the water is low flies tied on larger doubles or trebles will be sufficient. In summer bring doubles and trebles down to a size 10 or even smaller on some tributaries. The most popular patterns nowadays tend to be variations on the shrimp fly theme. A good tactic is to work the fly when it is in the water, getting the dressing pulsing can produce many a fish when there seems little opportunity.