estling in the mountains of Central Wales, at the very southern end of Snowdonia, is one of Wales' most beautiful lakes - Tal-y-Llyn. Some 220 acres in size, it lies at the foot of Cader Idris, the second highest mountain in Wales.

It is also at the head of the Afon Dysynni, a river only 8 miles long and entering the sea at Tywyn. Primarily a river for migrating sea trout and salmon, it is famed for its particularly large sea trout. Just this autumn it has won a biggest sea trout award from "Trout and Salmon" magazine for two sea trout of exactly 15lb each taken within days of each other in September. Tal-y-Llyn offers superb brown trout fishing and if you are looking for somewhere very different for a fishing holiday, or are just after an alternative to the somewhat sterile surroundings of many of our rainbow fisheries, Tal-y-Llyn is the answer. It has a good head of wild brown trout which is added to by a small stocking each year, but these fish quickly adapt to their new home. The glacial lake is fed by clear mountain water from the nearby heights. The brown trout season starts in April, and fishing from boat or bank is available. High water will be present at this time of year, but in a lake which has an average depth of only 8ft floating lines can be used from the outset. Favourite flies which will work throughout the whole season include Welsh traditional patterns such as Bibio, Haul a Gwynt and Harry Tom. May is one of the most productive months. Olives will be hatching and patterns such as Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear, Black Pennell or Diawl Bach will work. Warm weather in June will mean the addition of largely dry fly patterns, Bob's Bits and Hoppers working well. July will see olives predominantly the top hatching fly, but also the Coch-y-Bonddu will be hatching off the mountain slopes and provide an extra food source for the fish. During these warm weather months one of my favourite methods comes to the fore -fishing sedge patterns in the evening, which is truly exciting sport. September will see the main run of sea trout and salmon into the river and as these runs have improved in numbers in recent years, good sport can be anticipated. The lake will have Daddies, Sedges and Heather flies about to keep the sea angler very busy. If you visit at the end of the lake's fishing season - mid October - you will find that many sea trout and salmon are inhabiting the lake making flyfishing very interesting indeed. These migratory fish lie at the mouths of the streams which run into the lake on the Northern shore and can add excitement if you hook a salmon or sea trout on brown trout tackle. The fishing is controlled at the Tynycornel Hotel at the lake side, and not only will you be able to fish Tal-y-Llyn itself but you will also have a wide variety of flyfishing on your doorstep. The hotel has all the facilities an angler could wish for such as drying room, rod rooms and freezer plus excellent rooms and great menus. If you like the wilds of the moors, the hotel also manages the fishing on Llyn Bugeilyn, about ten miles away above Machynlleth, and high up at 1800ft where it offers truly wild brown trout flyfishing where small black and Peacock spiders often work well. It can be fished from a drifting boat or from sections of the bank. Alternatively, if you like river fishing, a beat on the Dysynni can be booked. At the right time of year sea trout and salmon run right up the river to Tal-y-Llyn. Finally, go to the estuary where you may encounter bass which, taken on a fly, are tremendous fighters. This variety of fishing is what makes the area so special. Mullet are encountered in the Broadwater Lagoon very close to the estuary, and in the right conditions can be taken on a fly, again something small and black such as a Williams' Favourite. So if you feel the need for freedom in a wild setting, or fancy new flyfishing challenges, Tal-y-Llyn is an excellent bet.