Penarth Weir — BAA

River level

The lowdown

• You get over a mile of left-bank fishing here, so there’s plenty of bank to explore rather than being boxed into one little corner.
• The stretch runs upstream along the riverbank towards Penarth Weir, with the riverbank path leading you towards the upper water.
• It’s a mixed bit of river, with shallow runs for working a float and deeper glides where dace and chub can tuck out of the main push.
• The weir pool is a key feature, but don’t wander into the no-fishing obstruction zone: it extends 25 metres below and 15 metres above Penarth Weir.
• Access is described by BAA as good. Upstream of the BAA car park, use the canal towpath, with a gate by the derelict lock-keeper’s cottage opening up the upper section.
• There’s also a short section below Bechan Brook and the Plant Yard reached via the towpath. Handy if you fancy covering a different bit of water.
• Trotting the shallower runs looks the natural starting point, while a feeder approach suits the deeper glides. Keep an eye on the crease and any slack water around the features.
• The named fish include salmon, dace, chub and pike. Any salmon caught must be returned under the cited Natural Resources Wales emergency byelaw.
• Parking is in a field next to Aberbechan Bridge. The gate lock code comes on your BAA membership card, so don’t leave that at home.
• Proper important one: giant hogweed grows alongside the river, especially upstream near Penarth Weir. Its sap can cause skin burning, so give it a wide berth. Night fishing is prohibited.

Methods: Start with trotting the shallow runs for dace and chub, then try a feeder in the deeper glides. The weir pool and slack water around the features are worth a careful look, while pike are also among the fish named by BAA.

Access & tickets

Get BAA membership online, by telephone or by post; the 2026 membership year runs from 1 January to 31 December. Under-13 membership is free, and night permits must be bought separately in advance from BAA headquarters.

Fish the club names

carp, trout, pike, chub

Named by Birmingham Anglers Association Limited across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• BAA membership is required to fish Association waters.
• All salmon caught must be returned under the cited Natural Resources Wales emergency byelaw.
• Night fishing is prohibited on the Aberechan & Penarth stretch.
• Do not fish within the no-fishing obstruction zone extending 25 metres below and 15 metres above Penarth Weir.
• Fishing is subject to BAA byelaws and the appropriate Environment Agency licence.
• Take care around giant hogweed, especially upstream near Penarth Weir, as its sap can cause skin burning.

Where it is