Fishing at Cardiff Bay Barrage
A modern, snag-free barrage wall giving productive year-round fishing into the deep channel leading to Cardiff Docks, popular for its easy access and consistent bags.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch → Full fish guide
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | May–Oct | live prawns float-fished, caught in a drop-net baited with fish and hung down the wall |
| FlounderPlaice | Sep–Apr (flounder), spring/summer (plaice) | flapper rigs with worm, squid, crab or fish cast into the channel |
| WhitingCod (Atlantic Cod) | Nov–Feb | leger tackle fished at night around the white pole and pink hut areas |
| Conger EelGrey Mullet | Jun–Sep | fish bait after dark for conger, float-fished bread for mullet |
Tactics
Fish a two- or three-hook flapper rig baited with fresh worm, squid, crab or fish cast a short distance into the deep-water channel; night fishing is permitted and can be especially productive for winter whiting and cod.
Best tide: Any — barrage water levels are controlled, not tidal · Best time: Winter nights for cod/whiting, summer for bass
Dogs
Unofficial source: View the supporting source →Not an authority; check current signage.
Access & parking
Pay-and-display car parks at Cardiff Bay give a short walk to the barrage. Family rating: ★★☆ — Level walkway but a long drop to the water in places, so supervise children closely
FAQs
Can you fish at night at Cardiff Bay Barrage?
Yes, night fishing is currently permitted and is especially productive for winter whiting and cod.
What tackle do you need for the barrage?
A simple two- or three-hook flapper rig with worm, squid, crab or fish bait covers most of what's caught here; the seabed is generally snag-free.
Nearby marks
Penarth Pier · Nell's Point (Barry Island) · Barry Island (Whitmore Bay)
Last updated 16 July 2026 — sources & disclaimer
Compiled from angling guides, forums and the relevant council's dog byelaws, cross-checked where possible.
Rules and conditions change, so always check current signage and tides before you go. We do our best to keep this accurate but can't promise it's error-free.