Cemlyn Bay

Cemlyn Bay on the north coast of Anglesey is a scenic, tide-run mark best known to many for its seabird reserve, but it can also offer worthwhile shore fishing when conditions line up. It’s not a “plug-and-play” venue like some open beaches—success here is usually about reading the ground, avoiding the reserve sensitivities, and fishing the right stage of tide.

• Mixed ground with rock, weed and patches of sand/shingle means you can target several species if you adapt tactics.
• The area is exposed to northerlies and swell; the same conditions that create feeding opportunities can also make it unfishable.
• Expect a walking approach and a “light footprint” style of angling—keep well away from nesting areas and respect any seasonal restrictions.

Cemlyn Bay sits by the Cemlyn Nature Reserve area near Cemaes on Anglesey’s north coast, with access typically via nearby lanes and footpaths to the bay and beach. It’s a place where access is straightforward in fair weather, but you must plan around the reserve, tide and sea state.

• Approach is usually on foot from informal parking/roadside areas nearby; be considerate of residents and do not block gates.
• The final approach can involve uneven paths, soft shingle, and slippery rock/weed depending on where you choose to fish.
• In rough conditions, stick to safer, more open shoreline rather than venturing onto low rocks or around the headland.

Cemlyn Bay’s mixed ground can produce a typical north Anglesey shore list, with the best fish often coming when surf, colour or tide flow encourages fish to move in. You’ll generally do best by matching tactics to the ground—cleaner patches for rigs, rougher edges for close-range species.

• European seabass: possible around surfy edges and rougher structure, especially when there’s some colour and movement.
• Mackerel: can show within range when shoals run the coast (often best with clear water and a bit of depth nearby).
• Pollack: around rocky/kelpy sections, usually better on lures or float-fished baits close in.
• Wrasse: common over rough, weedy ground on crab or other natural baits.
• Flatfish (plaice/flounder/dab): more likely where you can find cleaner sand/shingle patches and fish smaller baits.
• Cod/whiting (seasonal): can be possible on the north coast in colder months during the right seas, though results vary year to year.

This is a mark where being adaptable pays—one session might suit light spinning, the next a baited rig into a surfy gutter, and another a wrasse hunt over kelp. Choose tackle with the ground in mind, because snaggy terrain can quickly turn into lost gear.

• Spinning: metal lures, slim jigs and small paddletails can work for mackerel, bass and pollack when fish are present; keep hooks and lure choice sensible around weed.
• Light lure/soft plastics: fish close to structure for pollack/wrasse; use abrasion-resistant leader if you’re working near rocks.
• Bait fishing (general): a simple flowing/ledger rig into cleaner patches can take bass and flatfish; keep hooklengths shorter if weed is an issue.
• Rough-ground baiting: for wrasse, present crab or other tough baits tight to kelp edges; expect powerful dives and use a strong hook and leader.
• Floats (where safe and practical): can be effective over rough ground for wrasse/pollack, keeping baits just off the kelp.
• Groundcraft: spend time finding a “lane” of cleaner ground between weed/rocks—often the difference between fishing effectively and constant snagging.

Cemlyn is very condition-dependent, with tide flow and sea state shaping both safety and fish behaviour. Aim to fish when you have manageable swell and enough water to cover the ground you’re targeting without forcing you onto dangerous, low-lying rock.

• Tide stages: mid-tide to high water is often easiest for access and for covering kelp/rock; very low tides can expose extensive weed and make fishing awkward.
• Swell: a little lift and colour can help bass fishing, but big northerly swell can make the bay hazardous and unfishable.
• Wind: northerlies and north-westerlies can be brutal here; sheltered alternatives may be wiser in strong onshore winds.
• Water clarity: clearer water can suit mackerel and lure fishing; coloured water can improve bass chances on bait or larger-profile lures.
• After seas: if safe, the period after a blow can fish well as food is stirred up—don’t confuse “fishy” seas with “safe” seas.

This is a beautiful but exposed north-coast mark with slippery rock, kelp and wave action as the main hazards. Treat it as a venue where you choose conservative positions and avoid any temptation to scramble out onto low ledges.

• Slips and falls: weeded rock and boulders are extremely slick; studded boots/cleats can help but won’t make it risk-free.
• Wave risk: even moderate swell can surge unexpectedly into gullies; keep well back, especially on a rising tide.
• Tide cut-off: if you roam to fish different features, always check your return route and avoid getting boxed in by the flood.
• Solo fishing: not recommended in rough conditions; phone signal can be variable and help may be distant.
• Accessibility: uneven ground and shingle make it difficult for those with limited mobility; choose the easiest beach access points and avoid rocky sections.

Facilities at Cemlyn itself are minimal, and you should treat it as a “take everything you need” venue. Nearby villages/towns on Anglesey provide the usual services, but plan ahead because you may not want to leave a productive tide.

• No guaranteed on-mark toilets or shelter—bring appropriate clothing and water.
• Limited nearby parking/roadside spots; be respectful and leave access clear.
• Mobile reception and emergency access can’t be assumed on all parts of the bay—tell someone your plan.

Cemlyn rewards anglers who keep things simple, fish the cleanest available water, and remain respectful of the reserve setting. If you arrive and the sea looks pushy, don’t force it—there are other north-coast options that are safer in swell.

• Start with a careful recon at low-to-mid tide to identify clean channels, kelp edges and snag-free casting lanes.
• Carry a lure rod even on bait sessions—mackerel or bass can suddenly appear, and you can make the most of short-lived activity.
• Use robust end tackle and accept you may lose gear if you insist on fishing heavy kelp; it’s often better to move a few metres to find cleaner ground.
• Keep disturbance to wildlife to an absolute minimum—avoid loud groups, flying drones, or straying into fenced/marked areas.
• Leave no trace: discard line is a serious hazard to seabirds; take all line, bait packaging and tackle remnants home.

Cemlyn Bay is closely associated with Cemlyn Nature Reserve and important seabird breeding areas, so anglers should assume there may be sensitive zones and seasonal access considerations even if shore fishing is generally practiced in the wider area. I can’t confirm from here whether specific parts are formally prohibited for fishing at all times, so you should rely on on-site signage and official sources.

• Check for reserve notices, fenced areas, and any seasonal restrictions (especially during bird nesting periods).
• Avoid entering marked protected areas, lagoons, or nesting zones—fish from the open shore in permitted areas only.
• Follow standard Welsh sea angling rules and any local bylaws; if in doubt, ask locally or consult Natural Resources Wales / the reserve information.
• If you see “no fishing” signage for any section, treat it as binding and move to an unrestricted area.