SAFETY NOTICE: Fish trapping on the Dee, Ceiriog and Usk

Natural Resources Wales is operating fish traps at two sites in the Dee catchment - as well as one on the River Usk

WARNING! Despite NRW's efforts to signpost these fish traps, we are aware that that they may cause a hazard for paddlers at certain water levels. Please be vigilant and make a note of where the traps are located before setting off on your journey. Pass with extreme care - or better still portage if at all possible.

About the fish traps

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is operating two rotary screw traps in the River Dee catchment - one on the main river at Worthenbury and the second on a tributary, the River Ceiriog at Chirk. They are also operating a further trap at Abercamlais on the River Usk.

These traps are designed to capture young salmon and sea trout on their journey to the sea - they are then tagged and released back into the river to complete their journey.

The traps are usually operated from March to June, and only from dusk till dawn, when they are manned. The trap on the Usk is being used from March, and the traps on the Dee and Ceiriog will be operational from April this year.

When not in use, the traps are moved out of the main flow and close to the left bank, looking downstream. This leaves the main channel free of obstructions - except for mooring cables, ropes and safety lines, which lie either on or below the surface or are held above head height.

Please note there are warning lights and illuminated signs 50-200m upstream and on the traps themselves. There are also shallow sections upstream where paddlers can disembark.

Improved Signage for the Worthenbury Fish Trap

After feedback from Canoe Wales members last year, NRW is setting out some new and larger signage warning of the obstruction ahead at the Worthenbury site. Hopefully this will now give a clearer warning for any paddlers using this stretch.

Trap locations

• Chirk: SJ 27673 37007
• Worthenbury: SJ 41646 47503
• Usk: SN 95994 29168 ///cubs.liver.inserting

Further info

To find out more, download these PDFs from Natural Resources Wales:

• Fish Traps in the River Dee Catchment
• Fish Trap on the River Usk - please note the trap on the Afon Ysgir is not operating