The Tāf is a small spate river with
an interesting mixture of deep pools, riffles and runs. There are numerous areas
of clear bank that allow easy casting, but there are also areas of bank lined
with trees and bushes; tese stretches provide more challenging fishing. In the
past the fishing was best three days after heavy rain; but, following the
implementation of flood prevention schemes in the Whitland area in recent years,
water levels now drop much more quickly and the river is best fished the day
after rain.
Flyfishing
The majority of anglers find that intermediate lines suit their needs best when
fly-fishing for sea trout and salmon. Floating lines are used in low water
conditions, while sinking lines tend only to be used in April or early May to
search out the deeper pools. Most situations can be catered for with leader
lengths of 3-6ft. It is recommended that a breaking strain of at least 6 lb be
used because of the possibility of hooking large fish and the need to steer
smaller fish away from tree roots; many local anglers use leaders of 8-10lb.
Size 8 is the normal hook size used for evening fishing for
sea trout with smaller sizes being used for clear water daytime visits. Sweeny
Todd, Peter Ross and Butcher are popular evening patterns but sea trout are
occasionally taken in the daytime from fast runs on size 14 Dunkeld or Mallard
and Claret by anglers fishing for trout. March Brown, Silver March Brown and
Greenwell's Glory are popular early season flies for trout, while the sea trout
flies mentioned above will, in sizes 10 to 14, also take trout. The majority of
Taf salmon are caught on worm or spinner but some success has been achieved with
Silver Stoat and Dovey Black and
Spinning
If the water is very coloured a yellow Flying C of weight 15g., or a 9 or 7 a
old Fluorescent Red Rapala or Red Clown Rapala is recommended for salmon and sea
trout. When the water colour is less intense a red Flying C or a blue Rapala
should prove more successful. In clearer water a Rainbow Rapala or a Brown Trout
Rapala is more effective. Many local anglers use the Mepps Aglia Comet Silver
with Red Spots or Silver with Blue Spots when spinning for sea trout. Lines of
between 10 and 15 lb are usually employed.
Worming
When there is a good flow of water in the river, fishing with a bunch of worms
(usually 2 or 3 brandlings or lobworms) is an effective method of catching
salmon and sea trout. The weights should be light enough to allow the worms to
trundle along the river bed. Most anglers use lines of between 10 and 15 lb
breaking strain. In lower water conditions sea trout can be taken from runs by
fishing a single worm on lighter lines of 6-8lb.
Permitted methods
All legal methods are allowed throughout the season: fly, worm and spinner.