The River Slaney is a Catch and Release fishery from 17th March – 31st Aug 2024. Outside of those dates it is Closed for fishing.
Season
- Salmon and sea trout from 17th March to 31st August
- Bye-laws prohibit the use of;
- (a) any lure other than artificial fly using single or double barbless hooks in that part of the River Slaney upstream from the Railway Bridge Enniscorthy, or
- (b) worms as bait or any fish hooks, other than single barbless hooks, in that part of the River Slaney downstream from the Railway Bridge Enniscorthy to the
mouth of the River Slaney.
The River Slaney rises on the western slopes of Lungnaquilla Mountain and flows in a southeasterly direction through Baltinglass, Tullow and Bunclody, before entering the estuary at Enniscorthy. The river the discharges into St. Georges Channel through Wexford Harbour. The Slaney has a number of tributaries including the Derreen, the Derry, the Bann, the Urrin, the Boro and the Sow.
The river still gets a reasonable run of spring salmon but this varies from year to year. Fishing is controlled by Angling Associations and riparian owners, under the auspices of the Slaney Rod Fishers Association Ltd. There is free fishing downstream of Enniscorthy Bridge.
In the past the peak of the spring salmon fishing was from opening day to the end of March. Currently (2024) fishing opens on 17th March, with reasonable fishing expected to early May. A small number of grilse are also taken annually.
The average weight of the salmon is 10 pounds and they range in size from 7lbs to 20lbs. Spinning is the most frequently used method early in the season – when the best of the fishing is up as far as Tullow.
Standard salmon fly patterns such as the Blue Charm and Thunder and Lightening work well, but more modern tyings with heavy lines have been popular recently.
The Slaney also gets a run of sea-trout and the best of the fishing takes place from the end of June to the end of September. The Slaney and its tributaries are covered by a number of bye-laws which regulate fishing by method, location and time of year. Please check these out locally before fishing.
Location: Counties Wicklow, Carlow and Wexford. The main towns in the area are Wexford, Enniscorthy, Baltinglass, Tullow and Bunclody.
More River Slaney Angling Maps
Season: 17th March to 31st August.
Fish Species: The River Slaney contains stocks of wild brown trout, sea-trout and salmon.
Methods: Fishing must be consistent with bye laws for the time being in force as well as the current rules and regulations set out by the Associations and riparian owners.
Fishing is by FLY ONLY upstream of the Railway Bridge Enniscorthy.
Bye-laws prohibit the use of; (a) any lure other than artificial fly using single or double barbless hooks in that part of the River Slaney upstream from the Railway Bridge Enniscorthy, or (b) worms as bait or any fish hooks, other than single barbless hooks, in that part of the River Slaney downstream from the Railway Bridge Enniscorthy to the
mouth of the River Slaney.
Best Flies: Sea-trout: black pennell, teal, blue and silver, peter ross
Best Flies Salmon: Hairy Mary, Blue, Charm, Thunder and Lightening
Angling Club: This water is controlled by a number of Angling Associations, Tullow Anglers, Mount Leinster Anglers, Enniscorthy Anglers, Solsboro Anglers, Island Anglers and riparian owners.
Fishing Tip: Night time fishing and standard sea-trout patterns produce the best results for sea trout.
Permits:
Permits for this river are available from
- Mount Leinster Anglers, Secretary, Arthur Kavanagh or Derek Nally, Chairman, Tel: 054 77801.
- Solsboro Fishing Association waters contact Bernard Cash, Hon.Secetary, 0879225536 and e mail at [email protected] .
- Tullow Salmon and Trout Anglers Association.Secretary: Gerard Mellett 089-4109798
Waters controlled by Mount Leinster Anglers are as follows: From Kildavin Bridge, the left bank looking downstream from Bunclody, for approximately 1 mile with the exception of the first field, which is controlled by the Enniscorthy Anglers. Waters controlled by Enniscorthy Anglers include the first field looking downstream on the left from Kildavin Bridge as well as all of the right bank downstream for approximately 1 mile. This Association also has 1/2 mile of fishing upstream of Kildavin on the right bank as well as another1/2 mile section upstream of Scarrawalsh Bridge. Solsboro and Island Anglers control two sections of water located between Scarrawalsh and Enniscorthy Bridges. Club Secretaries can suply mor accurate details on waters controlled. For permits on the Solsboro Fishing Association waters contact Bernard Cash, Hon.Secetary, 0879225536 and e mail at [email protected] ..
Tullow Salmon and Trout Anglers Association control approximately 6 miles of fishing on the River Slaney. Brown trout fishing for trout to 1lb is best in the Tullow area. Sea trout fishing is best up to Aghade Bridge. Day permits for the Tullow Anglers Association waters can be obtained from Slaney Fishing, Ardattin, Carlow, R93FK20 Tel. 089 4109798
Accommodation
Ballintemple Cottages and Fishery: Ardattin, Co. Carlow.
Tel: 00 353 59 9155037 Fax: 00 353 59 9155038 email: [email protected]
The Cottages at Ballintemple a great base for fishing the River Slaney
Guide Services: Guide services at the Fishery are provided by Tony Sweeney.