Five men caught fishing without a licence at Llyn Clywedog reservoir have been found guilty and fined
Llyn Clywedog is a favourite trout fishing venue in Powys, Wales.
Five men, who were caught fishing without a rod-licence at Llyn Clywedog Reservoir near Llanidloes in Powys earlier in the season, on May 21, 2022 have been found guilty and been fined at Cardiff Magistrates Court.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) detected and prosecuted the men for fishing without a rod-licence.
David Manns, Gareth Parks, Stuart Reed, Macauley Simpson and Richard Ward were each ordered to pay fines of £220, £192, £164, £133 and £192 respectively.
Additionally, all five were each ordered to pay NRW’s costs of £98, and a victim surcharge of £34
Jeremy Goddard, NRW’s Team Leader, Mid Wales Waste and Enforcement Team said: “You must have a rod fishing licence for England and Wales if you’re fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel with a rod and line. You could be fined up to £2,500 and your fishing equipment could be seized if you’re fishing and cannot show a valid rod fishing licence.
“Children under 13 do not need a licence and licences for children between 13 and 16 are free. However, you still need to get a junior licence.”
A year’s trout fishing rod-licence currently costs £30 per annum, or there is also a single day-rate of £6.00.
Last month, the EA and NRW announced rod-licence fees would be rising incrementally over the next three years.
Rod licences for Welsh waters can be purchased online here