Our Fishing

River Tawe. We own or control most of the fishing in the River Tawe from Ynysmeudwy downstream to Morriston. The Tawe runs down the Swansea Valley and enters the sea at Swansea (Abertawe).

The uppermost boundary is the Cwmdu Brook, Ynysmeudwy. Thence downstream both banks, to the upper limit of the Inco Recreation Ground.

From the lower boundary of the Inco Works downstream both banks to the Beaufort Weir, Morriston, EXCEPT FOR:

water on the left bank between Clydach and Ynystawe owned by Ynystanglws Farm; and
water on left and right banks above Tir Canol bridge owned by Ynysforgan Farm.

Upper Clydach River (tributary of River Tawe). From the confluence with the Tawe upstream through Cwmdu Glen.

Lower Clydach River (tributary of River Tawe). From the confluence with the Tawe up to the Lon Bridge.

River Gwili (tributary of River Loughor). The right bank at Geubren Farm, above and below the old Pont-y-Geubren bridge.

River Cilieni (tributary of River Usk). Upstream from the confluence with the Usk for 1,300 yds, some single bank, some double - see map.

Printed maps can be obtained from the Secretary. They can also be viewed and downloaded here...

Club and Environment Agency Byelaws...

Naturals and artificials. Great pictures by Ray Lockyer... More...

An article by Ray Lockyer...

13 Feb 2012

Permit holders are reminded that rivers can be dangerous places and given the wide variation in the hazards that can be encountered it is essential you take due care when attempting to use club waters. It is therefore central to your personal safety that before starting to fish you assess:

The local terrain, inc the river bank and river bed composition / configuration
The water depth, height, velocity & turbidity,
The weather conditions
Overhead power lines and keep at least 30 metres away from them.

When assessing these issues you should consider whether your personal experience, your equipment and physical abilities are such that you can safely deal with them.

Personal safety on rivers:

Every year many strong swimmers lose their lives in spate rivers. The force and the turbulent nature of the current make it difficult to scramble out, especially where the banks are high. Areas where the river flows over bedrock or through narrow gorges are particularly hazardous, and should be approached with great caution - preferably with suitable felt and/or studded footwear. On flat bedrock care is needed with studs alone, they offer little grip in such conditions.
If you should fall in, use your arms to protect your head. Roll onto your back and kick with your legs towards quiet water. Chest or thigh waders will not pull you under (as is often suggested); indeed, they tend to trap air and add to your natural buoyancy. However, they can increase the weight you have to drag up the bank; so crawl out and empty out as much water as possible before trying to stand.
Beware of undercut banks. Especially after rain they can fall in on you as you wade beneath them. More often they can collapse under you as you approach the edge of a high bank. Deep undercuts are especially likely on the outside of bends in the watercourse. Keep well back from the edge when passing these hazards.
If you can't swim then don't wade. If you must wade then a wading stick can improve your stability.
Look out for submerged tree roots or boulders which produce depressions upstream and alongside.
Beware of rapid rises in water level. It may be fine where you are fishing, but raining heavily in the hills. Your path to safety may quickly be cut off.
Never wade in coloured water where you cannot see the bottom.
Only wade in a pool at night if you have surveyed it by day. (Never assume that last year's knowledge is still valid as rivers can change dramatically over a winter).
Carbon fishing rods conduct electricity, so keep at least 30 metres away from all overhead electricity lines.
It is also wise to put away your fishing rod whenever there is lightning about.
Keep a safe distance from other river or river bank users when casting, especially with fly fishing tackle. Let other anglers know if you intend passing behind them. Some anglers are hard of hearing, so having called out make sure you get a reply.
Use scissors, not your hands, to cut nylon. If your fly, spinner or bait gets snagged and you cannot work it free, break away safely. One way is to wrap the line around a sleeve of your coat to obtain a safe grip.
Protect your eyes with sun-glasses, especially in windy conditions. If your terminal tackle gets caught up in a tree, turn your back when pulling free, as a breaking line can spring back with great force.
Use a high factor sun cream to prevent sunburn.

How you can help

• If you find a safety hazard such as a damaged foot-bridge, style etc. please let someone from the Management Committee know about it.