Dawn sewin on River Teifi
Dawn sewin push into the tidal River Teifi near Cardigan Bridge
What is biting today
Sea trout (sewin) are moving into the Teifi on the incoming spring tide, with the most consistent action at first light. High water is ~06:43 at 4.74m, followed by a low mid-afternoon and a second high ~19:02 at 4.99m. Major solunar activity peaks 03:58–06:28, aligning the dawn flood as the prime window; a secondary window is 16:33–19:03.
Where to expect first runs
First runs form in the pools 1–2km upstream of Cardigan Bridge and along the first 3km tidal stretch from the estuary mouth to Cilgerran. Sewin hold in 2–4m deep slower glides, tailouts below riffles and slack-to-flood seams near bends. Early spring shoals of fresh brights run 1.5–3lb; local reports this week note 4–5lb hen fish staging at dawn floods while larger bull sewin tend to show on neap highs.
Rigs, flies and tactics
Recommended flies: Alawain (size 8–10, black/orange stoat tail) in low light, Teifi Nymph (size 12, hare's ear with gold rib) on a 9ft #7-8 rod, and Blue Doctor (size 10, blue hackle) for surface takes in 2m water. Cast upstream at about 45° across the current and fish the incoming tide from ~05:00 first light. Use 6–8lb, 11–12ft leader for a tidy tidal swing, floating line and a longer leader to hold flies in the zone. Water temperature around 10–12°C is aiding activity.
Local forecast and tip
Expect the first light flood to produce the earliest hookups; move quietly between pools and favour the inside seams where sewin funnel in from Cardigan Bay inflows. Reports from local anglers indicate hard takes at dawn this week—early arrival and patience at slack-to-flood transitions are rewarded.
Recommended: 9ft 7wt fly rod