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Topic: River TYWI or TOWY (Read 8,533 times)

Gethyn
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River TYWI or TOWY
« Thread Started on Apr 9, 2005, 2:08pm »

DESCRIPTION OF THE CATCHMENT
The source of the River Towy rises at an altitude of 425m AOD in the Cambrian Mountains, falling steeply for the first 17 km before reaching Llyn Brianne reservoir. Down stream of the reservoir the gradient of the Towy lessens just above Llandovery, from here the river begins to meander across its flood plain, before reaching the tidal limit just upstream of Carmarthen.

Many tributaries join the Towy on its course to the sea. On the left bank, the Bran joins near Llandovery. Joining the river at Llangadog, the Sawdde flows off the Black Mountain, the wettest area in the catchment. The Cothi is the largest tributary of the Towy, and joins the main river close to the tidal limit. Another major tributary, the Gwili, joins within the tidal reaches.

From its source to the sea, the Towy is 111 km in length and drains an area of 1,376 km2. Average annual rainfall for the catchment ranges from 1200mm on the coast to 2400 mm in the Black Mountain. The average daily flow at Capel Dewi is 38 3 m ;ð/ s. The flow of the main River Towy downstream from Llyn Brianne is regulated, with releases from the reservoir timed to coincide with the major abstraction at Nantgaredig, providing water resources to much of South Wales.

The catchment is predominantly rural with intensive dairy farming concentrated in the lowlands. Mixed dairy and livestock rearing are the major uses around the middle reaches, while in the upper catchment, land use changes to sheep rearing and coniferous forestry.

Much of the urban development has centred along the flood plain of the middle and lower reaches, with the main towns of Carmarthen, Llandeilo and Llandovery being located adjacent to the Towy itself. The population of the catchment is estimated at

41,900 (1991 census). The A40 runs along the river from Llandovery to Carmarthen.

The catchment is located on Lower Paleozoic strata ranging in age from Ordovician through to Carboniferous strata. Rock types represented are for the most part Ordovician mudstones and shales, with outcrops of Devonian Sandstones and Carboniferous Limestones. Drift deposits occur within the main river valley.

Parts of the upland catchment suffer from low pH and associated elevated aluminium and zinc concentrations due to surface water acidification. This surface water acidification is brought about by a combination of air pollution, afforestation, and base poor geology in the area. Tributaries on the left bank of the Towy, such as the Sawdde, do not suffer from the effects of acidification, having pHs of around seven. Direct liming of Llyn Brianne began in 1991, as a pilot study to assess the feasibility of raising the pH of the water and alleviate the effects of acidification. Since 1996, liming has been carried out by two purpose built lime dosers, which apply frequent measured doses of lime to the two largest streams that flow into the reservoir.

Water quality in the main freshwater river is generally excellent with 100% of classified reaches being in chemical Class A or B in the 1995 General Quality Assessment survey (see Appendices). Biological quality was also high, but poorer in the uplands due to acidification. The biological quality of the Towy has increased markedly below Llyn Brianne, from biological classes D to A since the liming operations began. High quality water in the Towy must be maintained to protect important uses such as the potable water supplies and salmonid fisheries.

The River Towy supports many nationally rare and protected species. Recently (February 1998) the Main River Towy from Llandovery to the confluence with the River Taf and Pembrey coast Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Carmarthen Bay was designated a SSSI for its assemblage of flora and fauna. Significant species include the allis and twaite shad, otters, little ringed plover, freshwater pearl mussel, and other invertebrates,. The River Towy has also been put forward as a candidate Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the European Union (EU) Habitat and Species Directive because of the presence of the two shad species. The proposed SAC is down stream of the A40 Road Bridge at Llandovery to the mean low water level.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FISHERIES
The Towy catchment supports an internationally renowned sea trout (sewin) fishery which has provided the highest declared rod catches of any river in England and Wales in recent years. Sea trout are the predominant salmonid, though the numbers of recorded rod caught salmon are also high in the catchment, placing the Towy among the best salmon rivers in England and Wales. The 1996 reported salmon catch from the Towy ranked 11th out of 78 salmon rivers in England and Wales.

The estuary has both a seine net fishery and a historically important coracle fishery, both of which are licensed to catch sea trout and salmon. Since 1982, 9 seine net licenses and 12 coracle net licenses have been available on the Towy.

Rod fishery

Salmon angling occurs predominantly on the main river from the estuary to Llangadog and the River Cothi upstream to Edwinsford, Later in the season, fish are also taken on the Rivers Gwili, Sawdde and Cennen. There are 14 clubs, associations and syndicates controlling angling on the Towy as well as many privately owned beats. The list of clubs and associations can be found in the appendices. The majority of the salmon angling is controlled by: Llandeilo, Crosshands, Godre Mynddu, Carmarthen Amateur, Carmarthen District , Abergwili, Gwaun Cae Gurwen, Swansea, Llangadog, and Llandovery Angling Associations and the Golden Grove, Abercothi , Edwinsford and Brechfa House Fisheries. In total these manage over 100 km of fishing on the main river, the Gwili and the Cothi.

In the early 1970s the Carmarthen Fishermens Federation (CFF) was founded, comprising the majority of private fishery owners and angling associations with fishing rights on the rivers Towy, Taf, Teifi, Gwendraeths and Loughor. Thus, the CFF represent the main riparian owners and angling interest group within the Towy catchment.

During the review of the Net Limitation Orders and byelaws, evidence suggested that salmon stocks in West Wales were not performing to the desired standard and the general level of stocks throughout the catchments assessed had declined in recent years. In particular, there was concern over the stock level of multi-sea-winter salmon. This led the Agency to promote amendments to the byelaws to limit the exploitation of salmon, which were confirmed by the Secretary of State for Wales in February 1997.

Season for salmon, sea trout and brown trout to commence 1st April and end on the 7th of October (brown trout season ends on the 30th of September). (The season for salmon and sea trout previously commenced on 20th March and for brown trout on 3rd March. The previous end of the season was the 17th of October for migratory salmonids). Restrictions on lower reaches of rivers where the season for brown trout commences 31st May have remained unchanged. On the Towy this is defined as down stream of the confluence with the Gwili.

Bait fishing to be allowed from 1st April to 7th October (previously 15th April to 7th October).

Daily bag limit of 2 salmon and 4 sea trout and Weekly bag limit of 5 salmon.

In addition to the statutory restrictions imposed by the Agency, many of the angling associations also have their own regulations governing the number of members, restricting access to the more productive beats, bag limits, method and bait restrictions.

The Agency, and a section of the angling community have, in recent years, promoted the philosophy of "Catch and Release", although many fishermen are still adverse to the practise of returning fish to the river once landed, as they believe it lends weight to the arguments of the anti-angling lobby. However, Catch and Release can be effective as a conservation measure (J.Webb, 1998). Moreover, Catch and Release is one of the ways that economically important sport fisheries can continue to operate whilst reducing impact on subsequent levels of egg deposition.

Catch and Release on the Towy has become more widely accepted in recent years, with the realisation that the stock is not inexhaustible. The reported release rate in the Towy has varied in recent years, from 6% (50 fish) in 1994 to 14% (71 fish) in 1995, 8% (43 fish) in 1996 and 14% (39 fish) in 1997. Catch and release figures for Rivers in Wales (1997) are listed in the Appendices.

Towy Private, Club and Association contact details.
The Llandeilo Angling Association Limited has over 9 miles of single and double bank fishing on the Towy mainly upstream from Llandeilo. They also have rights on the lower Cennen and Rhosemain Dulais. There is a waiting list for membership but a strictly limited number of day and weekly permits are available from, Mrs Gwyneth Morgan [formerly of Towy Sports Llandeilo] Tel. 01558 822517.

The Abercothi Estate Fishery will have fishing available on three rotating beats of the Towy for the 2004 season. The beats are around ¾ of a mile long and accommodate five anglers each. The fishing is let in conjunction with staying at the fisheries Self Catering accommodation at Sannan Court, Llanfynydd.
Further details from the Estate Office at West Wycome Park, Tel. 01494 524411.

The Golden Grove Fishery has ten miles of largely double bank fishing on the middle reaches of the Towy. It is divided into six beats with some of these offering season rods for the 2004 season, others offer weekly and three- day tickets. Season tickets are available for beat 2 [Cilsan] and beat3 [Ro-Fawr], weekly and three-day tickets are also available on beat 5 [Dryslwyn] and beat 6 [Typicca]. Further details from the fishery manager. Mr. Ian Jenkins on 01558 668180[B] or 01558 668373[H] or Email ianjenkins@tiscali.co.uk.

Clwb Godrer Mynydd Du Angling Club has approximately 1150 yards of fishing on the lower Towy which includes the celebrated “Pipe Pool”, 8 miles of prime fishing on the middle and upper Cothi also 4 miles on the Amman near Glanamman. All enquiries to the secretary, Mr. D. J. Davies Esq. Tel. 01269 825497.

The Cross Hands and District Angling Association control approx. 15 miles of fishing which includes. The lower Towy at Capel Dewi [Pump house Flats],The celebrated “Dai Boot” and Glan Towy waters at Halfway, 2 miles of double bank fishing at Llangadog on the Towy. 3 miles of double bank fishing on the lower Marlais and also some 2 miles single bank on the Erryd and Henllys water above Llandovery.

In addition, they have prime water on the Cothi above the Cresselly Arms and some 2 miles above “Pontynyswen Bridge” and approx.1/2 mile on the Cwmcothi beat. On the Teifi, immediately below Pentrecwrt Bridge, they own the famous [Gorge] on the Brynteifi water also; they control the adjacent “Cwmisdwr” water. For details, Please contact the Membership secretary: - Mr. G. V.Davies esq, 6 Close-yr- Hendre, Capel Hendre, Ammanford. Carmarthenshire. Tel. 01269 843462. Email: GVD6CLOS@aol.com. Prompting Cross Hands Angling. Day or weekly tickets are available also at the Cresselly Arms Cothi Bridge Tel.01267 290221,or Ian Jenkins on 015580668373[B] 01558668673[H]. or Mrs Gwyneth Morgan [formerly of Towy Sports Llandeilo] Tel.01558 01558 822 517..or Tight Lines Direct, Ammanford.Tel. 01269 595858. or Red Lion ,Llangadog.Tel.01550 777357.

The Llangadog Angling Association has 2 miles of fishing near Llangadog,There may be vacancies for annual membership, day or night permits etc, Please contact the secretary, Mr Eifion Jones esq, Telephone, 01550 777296.

The Gwaun Cae Gurwen Angling Association has on the Towy 1.25 miles of single bank fishing at Manorafon above Llandeilo. 1 mile of mostly single bank fishing at White Mill, and on the Cothi above Brechfa ¾ of a mile of single bank fishing to add to 1.25 miles on the Louchor, and three beats on the Usk near Sennybridge amounting to 1.5 miles. There is a limited number of full membership and weekly tickets available up to the end of August. Please contact the secretary Mr. Keith James esq. 01269 823023. Mob. 07855615809. Email keithjames@bryn63.freeserve.co.uk.

Llandovery Angling Association has 8 miles on the main river, 6 miles on the Bran and 3 miles on the Gwydderig tributaries. Permits are available from P&D Co-op stores [Castle Park] Llandovery. Royal Oak, Rhandirmwyn and the Castle Hotel, Llandovery. All other enquiries should be made to the Secretary, Mr Mike Davies esq, Telephone, 01550 720633.

The Carmarthen Amateurs Angling Association have 15 miles of fishing on the middle and lower Towy including some exclusive tidal access rights,5 miles of premium fishing on the Cothi, and 5 miles on the lower Gwili. The club also have five car parks for the use of their members, Their “All Water” weekly tickets are £90, ”tributaries”

£70. Permits for the genuinely severely disabled are free. Apply to the secretary Mr Ron Ratti Esq. Rydal Mount, The Parade, Carmarthen.Tel.01267 237362 or Carmarthen & Pumpsaint Farmers Stores, Myrtle Hill, Pensarn, 01267 236794.

The Carmarthen & District Angling Association has 4 miles of fishing on the lower Towy near Carmarthen, including exclusive tidal access rights also 1 mile at White Mill. Prime water on the Cothi downstream from The Cothi Bridge Hotel, 3/4 of a mile on the Gwili at Bronwydd, several miles on the Gwendraith Fach near Llandyfaelog and kidwelly and shares water on the Taf with St Clears Angling Association. Enquiries to the secretary, Mr John Davies esq. 46 Ross Ave, Carmarthen, Tel. 01267 221590. Season & day permits available from, Fishfinder, King Street, Carmarthen.Tel.01267 2202026. Carmarthen & Pumpsaint Farmers Stores Myrtle Hill, Pensarn, 01267 236794.

The Edwinsford Estate owns over 4 miles of pristine double bank fishing on the Cothi just above Abergorlech.There are six beats which are fished by a maximum of 2 rods per beat. Good fly water and night fishing for Seatrout. The fishing is usually let with self-catering accommodation but day or weekly rods may be available. Bed & Breakfast by prior arrangement. Full details from Mr Jonathan Heron, Slatehill Farmhouse, Edwinsford, Talley, Llandeilo, SA19 7JA.Tel. 01558 685848. Email. herons@edwinsfordestate.co.uk.

The Abergwili Angling Association has 1mile of prime fishing on the tidal Towy around the Gwili confluence and 2 miles of the lowermost Gwili, also 2 miles on the Cothi including single bank fishing on the celebrated Rocks Pool. Enquiries for membership should be made to the secretary Mrs.E Howells, Rydal Mount, Wellfield Rd, Abergwili SA31 2JQ. Tel. 01267 235556. Or Carmarthen & Pumpsaint Farmers Stores, Myrtle Hill, Pensarn, 01267 236794.

The Brechfa House Fishery offers approx.1 mile of prime fishing on the Cothi , The fishery includes numerous named pools and runs. Please direct all enquiries for Season and Day tickets to, Mrs Conner, Brechfa House, Brechfa, Carmarthenshire.Tel. 01267 202212. G.T.

« Last Edit: Jul 30, 2005, 3:31pm by Gethyn »

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John Gray
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Re: River TYWI or TOWY
« Reply #1 on Apr 13, 2005, 12:17pm »

Excellent information, Gethyn.

You are most welcome to incorporate any of the following photographs, which you, and other members, will recognise, into the above post.

[image]

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John Gray

www.trout-salmon-fishing.com

aberchris
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Tywi Advice please
« Reply #2 on Mar 7, 2006, 9:54am »

Morning all,

My very first post here. It's a cracking forum and I'll do my best not to lower the tone round here.

It's my first season on the CHaDAA water and my first season of sewin fishing. I'd really appreciate any tips on the beats and what flies work best on the Tywi.

Diolch!

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NightOwl
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Re: River TYWI or TOWY
« Reply #3 on Mar 7, 2006, 1:09pm »

Hi aberchris.
If you contact any of the club bailiffs they will gladly show the river and advise you on patterns etc, if you are prepared to fish in the same area as any of them they will gladly introduce you to night fishing etc.

You should have had these numbers with your documents but just for info.
Gary Scott, 078116569.
Yours truly, 07801790336.
Gwernydd Davies, 07831193579. ( Mainly Teifi ).
Once you get to know some of the members, you will be fine, they are a friendly bunch.
Hope this will help you.

« Last Edit: Mar 7, 2006, 1:12pm by NightOwl »

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Our Piscatorial friends are not ours to dispose of as we please, they are held in trust for those that follow.

aberchris
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Re: River TYWI or TOWY
« Reply #4 on Mar 7, 2006, 3:11pm »

Mr. Owl,

The generosity of my fellow fishermen never ceases to impress me. My Dad fishes a bit on the river, so I'll start with him in the shallows before bothering you gents in the pools - just so you don't have to watch me ruining your water for the evening.

Thanks for your help and I'll be back with news of my first sewin. In 2009, if I'm lucky...

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