The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is one of Wales’s most beautiful and surprisingly productive pieces of water for coarse anglers — a narrow, tree-lined ribbon running through the Usk valley that produces roach, dace, chub, perch, eels and the odd carp or pike. It’s a superb choice if you like calm, contemplative fishing with great scenery and easy towpath access. Before you go, remember that you’ll generally need a rod licence and, for some stretches, a local permit — the Canal & River Trust and local angling clubs manage most access.
Below are five stretches and pegs that consistently get good reports from locals and visiting anglers, plus practical tips for what to expect and what tackle to bring.
1. Brecon Basin / Brecon town
Why fish it: Brecon Basin is a classic canal hub – wider water, eddies and structure around wharves and bridges where fish like to feed. The basin often holds mixed shoals of roach, dace and perch, and its sheltered water means good winter fishing and comfortable summer sessions. The scenery – with the town and surrounding hills – makes it a very pleasant place to sit.
How to fish it: Short pole or ledger work well; try small baits (maggot, caster, sweetcorn) fished close to structure. In early spring and autumn, target marginal snags and the edges. If carp or bigger perch are the goal, feed small parcels of bait to hold fish in a swim.
Practicalities: Good parking and shops in town make this an easy-day venue. Check local signage for any restricted areas and remember to buy a permit where required.
2. Talybont-on-Usk / Talybont stretch
Why fish it: The Talybont area is one of the easiest-access, wheelchair-friendly stretches of the canal and is known for steady coarse fishing – roach, perch and dace are common. It’s also a lovely spot to combine a family walk with a bit of fishing, since the towpath is clean and maintained.
How to fish it: Long pole with light elastic for roach and dace, fished across to the far bank or to the marginal weedlines, pays dividends. Small float rigs and fine hooks are the go-to. For perch, keep a few lures or small spinners handy around bridge abutments and deeper holes.
Practicalities: The towpath provides firm footing, and there are picnic spots nearby. As with all stretches, check whether a special club permit applies for a particular length.
3. Crickhowell / Llangynidr (Crickhowell area)
Why fish it: The canal around Crickhowell and Llangynidr is often singled out for its peace and the good head of small coarse fish. The water here can hold larger fish in the deeper sections near bridges and remnants of old wharves. It’s a dream if you like scenic banks and quiet swims.
How to fish it: Work the margins and the deeper channels with a light ledger or pole setup. Spring and early summer see good catches of skimmers and bold roach; later in the season, deeper swims will produce perch and occasional better specimens.
Practicalities: Limited parking in some places, so plan to walk in a short distance if necessary. Respect private land and keep pathways clear for walkers and cyclists.
4. Goytre Wharf and the eastern stretches
Why fish it: Goytre Wharf is a popular stop for anglers and boaters alike – a wider basin area where fish like to gather. Wider sections such as Goytre and small basins often hold specimen perch, carp and pike as well as the usual roach/dace mix. There are also convenient canal-side pubs and facilities for a proper canal-day experience.
How to fish it: For specimen hunting, fish heavier ledger rigs with good hooklengths and natural baits (lobworms, large maggots, meat) fished to likely holding spots. Spinning with small plugs or soft plastics around the basin edges can tempt perch and pike.
Practicalities: Goytre’s popularity means you might have to share pegs with walkers and boaters – be tidy, pack litter out, and keep bank-side gear compact.
5. Pontypool / Pontymoile / Pontypool Basin stretch
Why fish it: The Pontypool area, including Pontymoile Basin, has a long association with canal angling and is fished by local clubs. These stretches can produce perch, roach and occasional carp and pike – especially around bridges, lock approaches and narrow constrictions where fish congregate. Local angling associations sometimes control certain beats, so club waters can produce better specimen fishing where stocking and management occur.
How to fish it: Short to medium pole distances for roach/dace, ledger tactics for bigger fish. If you can access club waters with permissions, you may find larger fish and better-maintained swims.
Practicalities: If you plan to fish club-controlled stretches, contact the relevant angling association in advance to arrange permits and learn any local rules.
Gear, baits and quick tips
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Essential kit: light to medium pole or a 10–12ft float rod, a strong landing net, small hooks (sizes 16–10), a few ledger rigs, and a keepnet if you plan to catch and release responsibly. For predator work, carry a short spinning rod and small lures.
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Baits that work: maggots, caster, sweetcorn, hemp and worms – adapt size based on target species. Small pellets in a feeder are useful in deeper swims.
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When to go: Early mornings and evenings in summer are productive; spring and autumn often bring steady sport. The canal is less affected by tides and fast weather than open rivers, so it’s a reliable all-season option.
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Etiquette: keep the towpath clear, respect boaters, take litter home, and avoid bank damage – canals are shared spaces used by walkers, cyclists and wildlife.
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Permits & rules: always check who manages the stretch you plan to fish – the Canal & River Trust oversees much of the waterway, but local angling clubs also control beats. A rod licence is required for most coarse fishing in England & Wales; local permits may also be needed.
Final thoughts
The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is a brilliant mix of accessible, family-friendly fishing and genuine angling opportunities for the serious coarse angler. From the calm basin at Brecon to the deeper holding swims at Pontypool and Goytre, the canal rewards patience, tidy tactics and local knowledge. Pack light, pick a stretch that matches your goals (quiet roach sessions vs. specimen perch/carp hunting), and enjoy some of South Wales’ most picturesque towpath fishing.
