Nant Moel

(As featured in 'Today's Trout Fisherman' 2004 & 2005)

Set high up above the South Wales valleys is Nant Moel. A picturesque and peaceful reservoir run by Aberdare and District Angling Association. The club was formed in the early 1940s and permission was obtained to fish the lakes. The river was too bad to fish at the time because of the coal mining at Tower Colliery. Today the club has three lakes in total and 12 miles of the River Cynon.

Stocking takes place every three weeks with rainbows which are grown on at the clubs fish farm. These range mainly from 1 lb up to 2lb although a good number of larger fish up to double figures are regularly stocked throughout the season.

Nant Mole is fed by two streams and under ground springs with a depth reaching 40 to 50 foot in the middle. It is predominantly a terrestrial venue, with fish feeding on any insects getting blown onto the water. Beetles, Daddy Long Legs and Hawthorns are high up on the trout’s menu. Top patterns include Kate McLaren, Cochybondhu, Claret Hopper and a selection of buzzers. The buzzers in the main are small black 14 and 12s being most productive. August sees the start of some great sedge activity and many an enjoyable evening can be had at this time through to September. The day ticket entitles you to 3 fish plus catch and release, but fishing must stop once 3rd fish is killed. Float tubing is allowed with prior arrangement only. The lake also holds a good head of large carp in excess of 20lb occasionally these are hooked on the fly, if you do hook one of these lookout for the fight of your life!

Is there better way than to see the sun setting (August 2005)

Free rising trout in the foreground of picture (August 2005)

Lower end of reservoir (January 2005)

Nant Moel (Arial)