The River Slaney
The river rises in the Wicklow mountains and flows in a southeasterly direction through Baltinglass, Tullow, Bunclody, Enniscorthy to Wexford. The river holds good stocks of small wild brown trout and gets a reasonable run of spring salmon (www.fishingireland.net/wexford.wxgame.htm) .
Salmon
Salmon have been caught in all the named pools of which there are over 20. A map of the river is available in the cottage and the tea hut and shows the boundaries, hut, pools and weirs. Most pools are fished from both banks (Ballin Temple and Kilbride). The Ballin Temple private fishing comprises over 2 miles of single-bank fishing. Other beats are also available by arrangement. The best fishing is normally from March to May although salmon have been caught much later in the season.
Trout
Brown trout are plentiful throughout the season (March to August). The best summer fishing is to be found between the hut and Wilson’s Pool where access is easiest. Many of the upper pools (Sheep Wash, Lower Gatcheen, Island Flat and Payne’s Weir) also provide good trout fishing. Late evening is especially active in the summer. Experimental stocking of a small lake (between the cottage and the river) with brown trout from the river seems to be working and producing larger fish. Runs of sea trout also appear in late June and early July but can be scarce.
Reserving fishing
We have a limited number of salmon and trout rods available for guests and will do our best to accommodate them. Please get in touch as early as possible and we will provide information on rates etc.. Our contact details are here.
Where to fish
By arrangement, the fishing manager or or a ghillie will be happy to show guests the lie of the river. This guidance can be especially rewarding for those unfamiliar with the fishing beat, as an experienced ghillie can help point out where the fish may be lurking and advise on casting methods and types of fly. Rates are agreed with and paid to the ghillie. Special sessions can also be arranged for acquiring or improving skills.
Courtesy and rules
Rods may fish any of the pools but should avoid those being fished from the opposite bank and give precedence to those already on a pool. Fish caught should be recorded and the manager informed. Anglers are encouraged to operate a catch and release policy but may keep one salmon per day. Any salmon kept must be tagged and the logbook returned to the Fisheries Board (an envelope is provided upon purchase of the fishing licence). Spinning is permitted in March only and no worming or bubbling is allowed at any time! Please report any problems or unwelcome guests on the river to the fishing manager.
Clothing
All weather clothing is highly recommended - the Irish weather is especially suitable for fishing! Wading is not necessary or encouraged. In summer a hatch of flies which may be delectable to the trout may be less welcome to the angler – insect repellant is therefore a good idea particularly in the summer months!
Licences
Licences for salmon fishing (not required for trout) may be obtained online here or you can try the following:
Patrick Flynn, Blue Bell Trading, Mill Street, Tullow.
John Maher, Main Street, Bunclody
Sport and Style, Rafter street Enniscorthy
Myles Keogh, Castle Street Enniscorthy
Equipment
A 10-foot to 15-foot rod is required to cover the river for salmon. Some tackle can be bought (Carlow, Dublin, Enniscorthy, Tullow, ) or rented but it is advisable to bring your own.
Recommended reading (available in the guest library): Rivers of Ireland; Salmon Fishing by Falkus; The Brown Trout in Ireland by Fahy. Our log books going back to the 1920s is also interesting.