Newtown – Penarth NRW Free Fishery

River level

The lowdown

• This is the separate Penarth section, downstream of Newtown and near the treatment works. Don’t mix it up with the wider Newtown free water running from Bridge Street Bridge towards Canalside.
• The fishery is mainly open stretch fishing, so expect a fairly natural Severn feel rather than a neat row of built pegs. Pick your water carefully and look for anything that breaks the flow.
• The left bank is the one to fish when looking downstream. Keep an eye on the crease, softer margins and any deeper-looking glide where fish can tuck out of the push.
• There’s a proper mixed bag here. Pike are named to around 20 lb, while chub are reported to about 6 lb. Dace, some barbel, brown trout and grayling are also present.
• Trotting should be well worth a look where the flow is steady and the depth carries a float nicely. A light feeder approach is another bob-on option when the river has a bit of colour or extra pace.
• For chub, work the crease and quieter edges with a mobile approach. Pike give you a cheeky winter target, especially around slower water and likely ambush spots.
• Barbel and the smaller river fish suit warmer months, while trout and grayling add interest when the water is clear and moving cleanly. After rain, expect the Severn to change quickly.
• Penarth Weir is the big feature and a serious one at that. Fishing is banned from 15 metres above the weir to 25 metres below it, so give the obstruction plenty of room.
• Access is referenced off the B4568 at Llanllwchaiarn, adjacent to the sewage works. No official parking arrangement or night-fishing permission is specified, so don’t assume either is available.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: Float-fish and trot the steadier runs for dace, chub, trout and grayling, or switch to feeder tactics for barbel and chub. Pike are the obvious predator option, with the slower water and creases worth a look.

Access & tickets

This is an NRW free fishery, so no separate day-ticket price is specified. Anglers need the relevant freshwater rod licence; no additional NRW ticket price is listed.

Fish the club names

pike, chub, barbel, trout

Key rules

• A valid Environment Agency freshwater rod licence is required for anglers aged 12 or over.
• Natural Resources Wales angling byelaws apply.
• Fishing is prohibited from 15 metres above Penarth Weir to 25 metres below it.
• Keep clear of Penarth Weir, which is a regulated obstruction on the Upper Severn.

Where it is