The River Elwy (Afon Elwy) is a classic Welsh spate river flowing through the Vale of Clwyd in North Wales, and one of the most exciting game fishing destinations in the region. The river originates to the west of the Denbigh Moors above Gwytherin, with its headwaters formed at the village of Llangernyw where three tributaries — the Afon Cledwwen, the Afon Collen, and the Afon Gallen — converge to create the Elwy. As the main tributary of the River Clwyd, the Elwy is characterized as an extremely flashy river with high run-off during periods of heavy rainfall, giving it the classic spate river personality that defines its fishing character. The river flows through a predominantly rocky landscape, featuring the kind of varied water — pools, runs, and riffles over rocky substrate — that wild brown trout and migratory fish thrive in. The Elwy is well-regarded throughout North Wales and beyond for its wild brown trout fishing and its annual runs of sea trout (sewin) and salmon, making it a destination of genuine quality for game anglers.