Two men fined by courts for illegally fishing on the River Usk
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) took action after two men were caught illegally fishing on the River Usk - one of the country’s most protected and ecologically valuable rivers.
The pair was stopped on 7 July 2025 while fishing on the river Usk in possession of illegal equipment and a mature dead trout. It was clear the men were ignoring licensing rules and local conservation measures.
Nathan Hughes, from Mountain Ash, and Bobby Corps, from Aberdare, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, to face a series of charges relating to the incident.
They both entered guilty pleas and were sentenced by the Magistrates’ to pay a total of £830 each, which included compensation to Brecon Angling Association for loss of membership fees.
The men were approached after NRW received reports of illegal fishing near Llanfaes Bridge in Brecon. Police officers were already at the riverside when an NRW Enforcement Officer arrived, having found the two men with fishing rods, tackle and an 11-inch brown trout taken from the river.
Both admitted they did not have rod licences or permission to fish the stretch of water owned by Brecon Angling Society.
NRW and Dyfed-Powys Police worked together to secure the site and seized the equipment as evidence.
Brecon Angling Society also confirmed the men were neither members nor permitted to fish on that section of the Usk. The society operates a strict catch-and-release policy to protect fish stocks.
Rhodri Thomas, NRW Enforcement Officer, said:
“The River Usk is a Special Area of Conservation, and every illegally taken trout undermines the work being done to restore and protect this iconic river.
“Spinning for trout on the River Usk has been banned for many years, because treble‑hooked lures and artificial baits can cause deep injury to juvenile fish and breeding adults. It also helps protect vulnerable salmon stocks.
“By ignoring these byelaws (rules), the two men not only killed a trout of breeding size but also undermined the regulatory framework designed to safeguard our fish stocks.”
Licensing rules and local byelaws exist to protect vulnerable species such as brown trout, which are increasingly under pressure from environmental change and declining populations.
NRW remains committed to protecting Wales’ rivers and wildlife. This case demonstrates the value of strong partnership working with NRW officers, Dyfed‑Powys Police, and Brecon Angling Association acting swiftly to stop illegal activity and ensure those responsible were brought before the courts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected illegal fishing via our online report it form. Or contact NRW 24/7 on 0300 065 3000.