Fishing season starts with wild carp

16 June 2021

The Wild Carp Trust trustees gathered at Welsh wild carp water Pant y Llyn to celebrate the start of the traditional coarse fishing season. This water has become our spiritual home these past months and the 16th June is the most important date in the traditional coarse fisher’s calendar.

Fennel Hudson comments: “If you follow a traditional ‘Crabtree’ season, of fishing for different species at different times of year, then carp (along with tench) are the iconic summer species. With wild carp representing a living connection to medieval history, fishing for them on the 16th June – at a classic and timeless water – is possibly the most magical and timeless thing a traditional coarse fisher can experience.”

The trip was organised by Wild Carp Trust trustee Matt Tanner, with camping arranged at the nearby Noyadd Farm Campsite (located at the base of the mountain upon which Pant y Llyn sits). This enabled a relaxed and social event, with fishing during the day and long chats around the campfire each night.

Pany y Llyn wild carp lake, Powys

The sun rises over Pant y Llyn on the 16th June.

Above the clouds at Pant y Llyn

Looking down onto the clouds in the valley. A reminder that Pant y Llyn is 1400 feet up a mountain.

Pant y Llyn wild carp fishing

First cast of the season, into a very special wild carp lake.

Pant y Llyn wild carp

The carp were moving close to the bank, feeding mostly on minnows in the shallows.

Matthew Neale wild carp fishing at Pant y Llyn

Matthew Neal strikes into the first wild carp of the season.

Playing a wild carp at Pant y Llyn

The electricity of playing a wild carp at Pant y Llyn.

wild carp fishing at Pant y Llyn, Powys.

Not quite ready for the net.

Wild carp fishing at Pant y Llyn, Powys

Getting closer.

Wild carp fishing at Pant y Llyn, Powys.

The wild carp is drawn over the net.

Wild Carp fishing at Pant y Llyn, Powys Wales

Inspecting the prize.

Pant y Llyn wild carp

First wild carp of the season.

Wild carp at Pant y Llyn, Powys, Wales

Safely returned to fight another day.