The River Boyne is among Irelands top wild brown trout fisheries. It contains a very good stock of wild brown trout. These range in size from 5ozs to 5lbs. The average size of trout is however around three quarters of a pound. However, fish from 1lb to 1.5lb are not uncommon. Larger fish fro 2 to 5 lbs can be taken but it requires a lot of time and patience. In addition, a very stealthy approach is needed to catch on of these wily fish.
Fly hatches and locations
The Boyne has all the fly hatches associated with a limestone river. The most prolific hatches include olives and sedges and there can also be good hatches of the mayfly Ephemera danica. There are a number of popular fishing locations in the Navan area. These are located at Kilcarn, Blackcastle and Dunmoe.
There is also good trout fishing in the Stackallen area and downstream of Slane. hese locations include the Scabby Arch, Crewbawn, Johnsons, Rossnaree and Staleen in Donore. Fishing can be good all year round. However, this depends on weather and water conditions. The best of the fishing is from mid May to mid September. Some areas can weed up in summer but there is still a lot of accessible water.
Permits, rules and regulations
Anglers wishing to fish for wild brown trout on the River Boyne must have permission. Permits are available from the local Angling Association. Please note that trout fishing is also subject to the salmon and sea trout fishing regulations. These are renewed annually. Rules and regulations of the angling associations must also be followed. On the Boyne
- It is prohibited to use any fish hooks, other than single or double barbless hooks
- It is prohibited to use worms as bait in angling for all species of fish
Location
Counties Louth, Meath. The main towns and villages on this section of the river are Navan, Slane and Drogheda
Angling Clubs
The following Angling Clubs control waters on the River Boyne.
Drogheda & District Anglers Club:
Contact: Secretary, John Murphy
Address: 39 Anville Cresent, Drogheda Co. Louth.
Telephone: +353 86 3413350
Rossin, Slane & District Anglers Club:
Contact: Secretary Mr. Brian Lowth,
Telephone: +353 87 3152236
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.rossinslaneangling.com
Hayestown Angling Club:
Contact: Secretary,
Address: Kentstown, Navan, Co. Meath.
Telephone: +353 46 9025179
Navan & District Anglers Association:
Contact: Secretary,
Phone: +353 87 7028385
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.navananglers.com
Fishing Tip:
Use a small nymph under the dry fly when brown trout fishing, if the trout are rising short.
Fishing permits
Permits and day memberships are available from the Secretaries of the above named Angling Associations. They may also be available from the following local tackle dealers.
Rossin, Slane & District Anglers Club and Drogheda & Distict Anglers Club
Contact: Duo Hook,
Address: The Granary, Constitution Hill, Drogheda, Co Louth
Telephone: +353 86 8443870
Email: info@duohook
Website: http://duohook.ie/
Top Gun Sports
Address: 50 Magdalene Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth.
Telephone: +353 41 9842225.
Email: [email protected]
Navan & District Anglers Association
Contact: Clarks Sports Den,
Address: Trimgate Street, Navan, Co.Meath.
Telephone: +353 46 9021130
Website: www.sportsden.ie
Contact: Anglers World
Address: Balmoral Industrial Est, Navan.
Telephone: +353 46 9071866
Website: www.anglersworld.ie
Guide Services
Louth: https://fishinginireland.info/guides/louth/
Meath: https://fishinginireland.info/guides/meath/
Tackle Shops
https://fishinginireland.info/tackleshops/
Access to fisheries
Access points are generally located close to the road bridges on the river. It is provided through the goodwill and assistance of the farming community. However, access does not imply a right of way. Anglers should ensure that they have the necessary permission to enter or cross private lands. So, where possible, anglers should walk along the riverbank.
Country Code
Please follow all the principles of Leave no Trace when angling. Ensure that gates are closed and that fences are not damaged or broken. Take care with crops and livestock. Do not discard and fires are not allowed. Park vehicles in designated areas. They should not cause obstruction. For detailed information on the principles of Leave No Trace please visit the following link https://fishinginireland.info/enjoy-irelands-fisheries-leave-no-trace/
Map of River Boyne (Oldbridge to Navan)