ANGLING IN RIVERS & LAKES IN COUNTY WICKLOW

The granite massif of the Wicklow Mountains, are a watershed for a number of significant rivers to include the Slaney, Liffey, and the Avoca catchment. They are also home to a number of Loughs and mountain tarns, and two major reservoirs supplying water to the city of Dublin. Wild Brown Trout thrive in these pristine waters, along with seasonal runs of Salmon and Sea Trout. Rainbow Trout are available in three managed fisheries, Annamoe, Aughrim, and Rathcon.

The Avoca Catchment (Season 15th March – 30th September)
The Avoca catchment flows into the sea at Arklow and includes two main rivers, the Aughrim and Avonmore, both of which offer superb Wild Brown Trout fishing, and in their lower reaches the opportunity to catch Sea Trout in season. These rivers run off moor land, and in their middle sections flow through beautiful wooded valleys. Two local clubs, the Aughrim Trout Anglers and the Rathdrum Trout Anglers control the Brown Trout fishing, and day tickets are available.

The Brown trout average 6 – 8 oz, with the odd fish reaching a pound plus. They are free rising and on light tackle give great sport. Local fly patterns are the Greenwells Spider, Partridge and Orange, and Kill Devil Spider, all in size 14. Sea Trout average a pound, and start to run from mid July onwards to the end of the season. A state licence is required for Sea Trout, and useful flies to stock are the Butcher, Kill Devil Spider, and Teal Blue and Silver, all in size ten/twelve. It has to be noted that at present the Avoca catchment is closed for Salmon, with catch and release applying to Sea Trout.

Vartry Reservoir, Roundwood Lakes (Season 1st March – 30th September)
A wild Brown Trout fishery, Dublin Corporation issues day tickets for bank fishing, and the boat fishing is let to the Wicklow Anglers Association. There are no boats for hire. Fishing is by fly only from 08.00 am until an hour after sunset.

The average size of trout on the upper reservoir is half a pound, while on the lower reservoir the average is three quarters of a pound. Traditional flies and nymph patterns work well ideally in small sizes, 14 or 16 being a good bet. Flies to not leave home with would be the Bibio, Silver Invicta, Wickham’s, and a dry Silverhorn Sedge.

Managed Fisheries
Rainbow Trout are available in three managed fisheries details of which are set out below. They are all well appointed in lovely surroundings, regularly stocked, and provide great sport. Fishing is available for twelve months of the year, with all venues being particularly suitable for corporate outings, groups, and beginners.

Annamoe Trout Fishery, Annamoe Co. Wicklow
Proprietor: Brian Nally
Tel: +353 (0)404 45470
Web: http://homepage.eircom.net/~fishery/

Angling for All Trout Fishery, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow
Tel: +353 (0)402 36552
Wheelchair accessible.
Web: http://www.aughrim.ie/index.htm

Rathcon Trout Fishery, Grangecon, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow
Proprietors: Richard and Dermot Paige
Tel: Dermot at +353 (0)86 829 2309
Web: http://www.rathcon.com/index.htm

Tinnehinch Fishery, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow
Proprietor: Hugh Duffbr /> Tel: +353 (0)1 2766089 or +353 (0)1 2868652

Lure Fishing
Lure fishing using spinners, plugs, surface poppers, and flies is becoming increasingly popular. Depending on the venue Bass, Mackerel, and Pollack are the target species, along with an occasional Sea Trout. Seek out headlands, rocky areas, harbour walls, and tide races for some cracking sport. Water clarity needs to be good, and early morning or late evening, in calm settled weather fishes best.