Anglers need a rod licence from the Environment Agency for freshwater fish. Non-migratory (ie trout) and Migratory (ie salmon) licences can be obtained depending on which you want for various periods of time. In addition to a rod licence you must have the permission of the landowner as there are very few free waters. In some cases the landowners are the water supply companies and they provide tickets on site. Many waters are controlled by clubs but quite a few clubs provide day and weekly tickets to visitors. There are very many clubs but a good starting point is to go into a tackle shop near to where you want to fish or a local pub or post office near a river or lake. There are also web sites that can help such as  fishing. visitwales and where-to-fish .com .

Knowing where to go is a problem so it is best to seek advice. There are many good waters in North Wales with the emphasis on game fishing to an international standard. North Wales is an upland area and its native fish is the brown trout and some char. There are internationally recognised waters such as the River Dee and Llyn Brenig (rainbow and brown) and many wild waters the further west or uphill one travels! Main quarry are brown trout, sea trout, grayling and salmon typically with fly  or spin tackle. All waters have been improving in last few years due to reduced acidification, the buy-off of commercial estuary nets and increasing river improvements such as fish passes to let fish get to spawning grounds.

Please note any rules that are on licences and tickets as there is an increased empahsis on conservation. Lakes ( this is just a small selection, there are very many) The serious angling waters for fishermen are generally not advertised and hence you may only hear of waters that are just stocking ponds who allow people (usually children) to fish for fun. I don't list these waters in this quick guide. Small stocked impounded waters - Sarn Mill, Wal Goch, Tan y Myndd, Felin y Gors - Rainbow trout, brown trout (typically stocked non-native but good fishing including learners) Semi-stocked semi natural waters - Cilcain reservoirs - Brown and rainbow trout. Close by and very scenic. Nice pub in village. Large stocked waters (usually with boats) - Llyn Brenig, Alwen reservoir, Llyn Alaw, Llyn Trawsffyndd -Rainbow and brown trout  Wild trout natural waters - Llyn Alwen, Llyn Gammallt, Llyn Eigau, Llyn Cowlyd, Talyllyn  etc (far too numerous to list) - wild brown trout.

Celtic safaris (01352 741835) specialise in guiding people on wild trout waters. Rivers (sometimes best to book in advance) River Dee is famous for most species. Lower stretches around Chester for coarse fish but mostly game fish upstream. Outstanding grayling fishing, also brown trout, sea trout and salmon. Some large stretches open to visitors. Good access from Llangollen upstream. See Llangollen TIC who will advise of day/week tickets for Llangollen Angling Association. Also Bala Anglers ( see Bala tackle shop for tickets).

River Clwyd and Elwy (and tributaries) - Good waters for sea trout, brown trout and salmon. Mostly sea trout. Some stretches have visitor access via clubs and as guests of members. See local tackle shops and clubs or contact me as I have a guest ticket on some rivers if  guests guided by me. River Conwy - Noted salmon water. Some tickets for visitors from Gwydyr Hotel in Betws-y-coed. Also tributaries such as River Machno, good for brown trout. River Seoint , River Dysinni  & numerous related tributaries and lakes in Gwynedd. Sea trout, brown trout, salmon. Local clubs and tackle shops. Sea Fishing (this is free) There is very good sea fishing in North Wales all along the coastline and from charter boats. Species numerous but bass, pollack, mackerel, flounder often sought from shore and cod, tope etc from boats. See tackle shops and ports.

Visitors who want to fish and do not have a rod licence can buy a one day up to a full season licence on the Internet at the Environment Agency site. There is also a telesales number at 0870 1662 662.