OS Map 170 (1:50,000). Ref - 996 968.
Darren Lake is on the site of a vanished coal mine. The two very deep lift shafts left overflowed to create 4 acres of cold spring water rarely less than 4ft deep around the edge and plunging rapidly to 20-30ft. Carp (into curried boilies at present) have been observed to an estimated 40lb, while bream and tench reach about 7-8lb with perch close on 5lb. These leading characters are supported by roach and rudd to 1.5lb, big eels, a few chub and some rather large pike. Sensible policies pursued by the Glyncornel AA have turned this prolific lake into one of the primary Welsh venues for specimen fish. Situated within a municipal park, fishing is only permitted during opening hours. Summer and Autumn are the favoured seasons for heavy hauls of mixed species. The lake is oval and fringed by a low wall supporting a wide, flat and hard path (take an unhooking mat, please) with plenty of seats - ideal for anglers confined to a wheelchair. An adequate landing net is essential - just in case!
GETTING THERE
From the A465 Heads of Valleys Road at Hirwaun (west of Merthyr Tydfil) take the A4059 to Aberdare. Go right onto the A4233 through Maerdy to Ferndale and turn right alongside the Rhondda Hotel. Darren Park is on the right just past the school.
USEFUL INFO
DISABLED ACCESS Excellent.
TICKETS Day £5. Season £20.
CONTACT AND NEAREST TACKLE SHOP. Paul’s Army & Navy Stores, Tonypandy. Tel: 01443 432856.
BANS No night fishing. All legal methods permitted but barbless hooks preferred.
FACILITIES Wheelchair access. Public toilets at lakeside. Everything else in adjacent village.
EXPECT TO CATCH Carp, Tench, Bream, Perch, Roach, Rudd, Pike.
BASIC BAITS Boilies, lobworms, maggots, bread flake, dead-bait, corn, hemp.
TACTICAL TIP No need for long casting here unless you’re after pike. North end usually best for carp and south end for the rest.