Location: South of Ireland, Counties Laois, Kilkenny and Tipperary. The nearest towns and villages are Mountrath, Castletown, Kilbricken, Abbeyleix, Durrow, Kilkenny, Thomastown, Inistioge and New Ross.
Fish species: Wild Brown Trout (details of salmon and sea trout fishing are available on the Nore Salmon fishing page)
Season: The trout fishing season on the River Nore starts from 17th March but this varies from one water to another. Clubs may have different opening and closing dates so please check this out locally before fishing. Clubs and permit outlets can provide this information. The closing date for trout fishing on the Nore is 30th September.
Fishing methods: Many of the fisheries are fly fishing only but spinning may be accommodated on some of the fisheries subject to club rules and the salmon and sea trout regulations.
The River Nore is one of the most beautiful trout rivers in Ireland. In its upper parts it meanders its way through some stunning scenery passing close to Mountrath at Castletown and Kilbricken, then on to Abbeyleix and Durrow in Co. Laois. It then flows through Kilkenny and on to Thomastown passing through Mount Juliet and Inistioge before joining its common estuary on its way to Waterford Harbour and the Celtic Sea. The River Nore originates north of Templemore in Co. Tipperary and flows initially in a north easterly direction before turning south east at Castletown on its journey to the sea. It flows for over 80 miles through counties Tipperary, Laois and Kilkenny before joining with its sister river the Barrow just upstream of New Ross. It is later joined by the River Suir and all three rivers which are collectively known as the “Three Sisters” share a common estuary.
Fly fishing enthusiasts will be delighted to discover that the Nore holds excellent stocks of wild brown trout. The river coatains a very high density of small brown trout and these are complemented by good stocks of medium sized fish as well as an occasional very large trout. The average size of trout is from 12 to 25 cm but larger trout of 30 to 35 cm are caught regularly. Much larger trout are also possible and a number of large wild brown trout are caught on the numerous stretches each season. The Nore is everything that a trout fly angler could wish for with lots of wadeable runs and riffles, interspersed with deeper slower flowing flats some of which are difficult or impossible to wade. The runs are generally shallow and fast flowing due to the steep gradient of the river but these offer great opportunities to fly anglers. Wading is generally easy on good ground however large boulders are a feature on a number of stretches and this can make wading more difficult. Access along the banks is generally good, however there are some stretches have dense vegetation and can become overgrown, especially in summer. Banks can also be high in places, so anglers should check out entry and exit points before fishing.
At the start of the season wet fly, nymph fishing and streamer fishing can produce results. Popular patterns would include olive nymphs, partridge and orange and other spider patterns and a selection of hares ear patterns tied on size fourteen hooks. These would be the most popular patterns used by fly anglers on the Nore. As the weather starts to warm up from June onwards, the dry fly would come into its own. Early in the year there can be a hatch of light olives and iron blues. From May onwards the Nore has a very small and sporadic hatch of mayfly (Ephemera danica) in some areas which generally does not warrant a lot of attention. However, there can be localised hatches and if there are mayfly on the water, the spent gnat tends to work best. As the temperature rises anglers can change over to pale watery’s, blue winged olives (Ephemerella ignita), ginger quills, the greenwell’s glory and hares ear going down to the smaller sizes of sixteen and eighteen. As the season progresses, sedge fishing in the late evening produces good results and often this is when the best of the fishing can be had. Sedge patterns including brown sedges, cinnamon sedges, silver sedges and sedge emergers’ all work well on the River Nore and its tributaries. Flies are best tied on size twelve and ten with the size dropping to 12’s and 14’s as the season progresses. Anglers are also advised to ensure that they have a good supply small black gnats and similium for fishing during the day. Terrestrials such as the hawthorn fly can produce fish in the early part of the season and daddy long legs, beetles and other terrestrials can produce fish in the late season.
Trout fishing on the River Nore is available through Angling Associations, riparian owners and the State although some fishing is also maintained by private fisheries. Some sections are totally private. The trout fishing season varies from one water to another so be sure to check this out before fishing. Trout fishing on the Nore must also be undertaken in accordance with the salmon and sea trout angling regulations which are reviewed annually and only the use of single barbless hooks is permitted when fly fishing for trout. Fishing is mainly with the fly but spinning may also be accommodated on some waters. The Kings, River, Erkina, Dinan and the Goul are limestone based tributaries of the Nore and all provide good trout fishing early in the season. Some of the best fly fishing around can also be had from June right through to the end of the season, especially to the dry fly on a summers evening. Weed growth on some of the smaller rivers can limit fishing opportunities during these months. Catch and release is practiced and encouraged by many of the clubs and fisheries on the River Nore and its tributaries.
Wild Brown Trout Fishing on the River Nore (Inistioge to Kilkenny)
Inistioge Anglers Association
Inistioge Angler’s Association controls approximately 2km of trout fishing on the River Nore around Inistioge in County Kilkenny. Further clarification on the extent of the waters controlled by Inistioge Angler’s Association be obtained O’Donnell’s Pubic House in Inistioge. These sections of river are effected by the tide and are regarded as good salmon and sea trout fisheries.
Upstream of Inistioge the river holds very good stocks of wild brown trout. The river is wide in this area and has all of the fast flowing runs, riffles and pools interspersed with slower glides which are a feature of the River Nore. The average size of trout is from 12 to 25 cm but larger trout 25 to 35 cm are caught fairly regularly.
The river here gets good hatches of fly with march browns being amongst the earliest to appear. There are occasional olives and the mayfly hatch can be described as small and sporadic. However, the BWO can appear on the river as early as June but the best hatches of BWO appear in July and August and some very good trout can be had at this time. The sherry spinner in particular can produce excellent results. Some of the best fishing can also be to the sedge during the late evening and at night, right into dark.
The trout fishing season runs from 1st April to 30th September on these waters. Please check locally for most up to date information. Day permits are available locally.
Permits: O’Donnell’s Pubic House, Inistioge, Co Kilkenny. Club details and up to date information on waters controlled may also be obtained from O’Donnell’s in Inistioge village.
Thomastown Angler’s Association
There is some top quality wild brown trout fishing to be found on the waters controlled by the Thomastown Angler’s Association and the extent of the waters controlled can be obtained from the club and permit retail outlets. These stretches cover approximately 9-11km of both bank fishing and are bordered upstream by Mount Juliet Fishing Club waters and downstream by Kilkenny Angling Club waters. Excellent wild brown trout fishing is to be found upstream and downstream of Thomastown. The various stretches are made up of areas of run, riffle, pool as well as deeper slow flowing glides. All of these stretches produce great wild brown trout fishing. The club hosts a number of competitions annually including the Thomastown Anglers Association Competition. In the 2019 event, 1,026 trout were recorded by fly anglers. The river holds large stocks of small trout and the average size of trout is 15cm to 25cm. with some fish between 30 and 35cm being caught regularly on the fly.
Larger trout are also present and there is always the possibility hooking into one of these magnificent fish. Trout of 1.13kg are not uncommon and occasional fish to 1.8kg are also caught. One of the largest trout recorded on the river some years ago weighed around 3.6kg. The river gets good hatches of fly with march browns being amongst the earliest to appear. There are occasional olives and the mayfly hatch can be described as small and sporadic.
However, the river gets very good hatches of BWO (Ephemerella ignita) from the end of June and into July and August. Nymph fishing techniques including euro nymphing can produce fish all year round and wet flies are best early in the season or when water levels are higher than normal. Dry fly is best from April to early September and sedges and small olives can be abundant depending on the prevailing weather and water conditions. Some of the best dry fly fishing can be had during the BWO hatches and to the sedge during the late evening and at night. The club provides a map covering the extent of the fisheries controlled by the Association as well as the access points. There are some private fisheries in the area and signs indicating the clubs fishery limits are provided by the club on its waters.
Further details on the fishing and extent of the fisheries can be obtained from the club and from the permit retail outlets below. Guiding services and tuition are also available locally.
Club contacts: Tom Moylan and Tess Moylan, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny. Website: https://thomastownfishing.wordpress.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thomastown-Anglers-Association-113472832039998/?ref=page_internal
Permits:
Thomastown Anglers Club (see above)
Simon Tracey Hardware, Market Street, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny.
Bridge Brook Arms, Mill Street, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny.
A PLUS, Marshes Street, Mill Street, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny.
Mount Juliet Estate Fishery and Fishing Club
The Mount Juliet Estate Fishery is one of utmost beauty located in a picturesque setting with fabulous scenery thats acts as a magnificent backdrop for anglers fishing on the fast flowing runs, riffles and pools of the renowned River Nore. Mount Juliet fishery is set on a large estate, which offers private fishing on 4km of the middle to lower reaches of the River Nore. Fishing is available through the Mount Juliet Fishing Club and memberships and day permits are available. The river is unspoiled and a unique approach has been taken to the bank maintenance maximising and allowing easy access for anglers to the best of the wild brown trout fishing on its countless trout runs. Wild brown trout fishing on the estate is quite spectacular and has to be experienced to understand its true quality. The clear waters of the Nore add something special and magical to the fishing experience, watching your dry fly and line glide across and through the riffling waters and then all of a sudden the golden flank of a beautiful brown trout acrobatically taking the fly is an image that will be set in your mind forever. According to the fishery, the wild brown trout total recorded catch for the 2018 season was a little over 3,000, ranging from .11kg up to 1.13kg. Catches for the 2019 season are approaching the 4,000 mark. Fishing is available at the fishery by way of club membership or day permit and both casting tuition and guiding services are available at the fishery for trout anglers of all levels. Fishing must in accordance with the salmon and sea trout angling regulations which are reviewed annually and only the use of single barbless hooks is permitted. Catch and release is practiced at this fishery. There is a dedicated fishing room on site in the Manor House for the anglers convenience i.e. for storage and drying of fishing equipment. Mount Juliet Estate can also provide all of the necessary fishing equipment on site. For further information or to make a booking please contact.
Dan O’Neill, Fishery Manager, Mount Juliet Estate, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, Ireland. Telephone: +353 85 7652751
Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.mountjuliet.ie/fishing-on-the-estate.html
Bennettsbridge Angling Club
Approximately 6.5km of good quality wild brown trout angling is controlled by the Bennettsbridge Angling Club on the stretches of the River Nore which are located approximately mid-way between Thomastown and Kilkenny. The Club has fishing upstream of Bennettsbridge from near Ballyredan weir to Bennettsbridge and downstream for approximately 5km. Details as to the extent of the fishing controlled are available from the club and from permit retail outlets. There is some very good wild brown trout fishing on these stretches but some parts of the banks are overgrown especially in summer and access to the fishing can be difficult. Whereas fishing can be easily when in the river getting in and out can be somewhat of a challenge. It is a good idea to check out entry and exit points before starting to fish. There are good hatches of olives including the blue winged olive during the season and sedges and midges are also important to the fly angler. As on other parts of the river, hatches of mayfly and be sparse and sporadic. Permits and information are available locally. Please see below.
Permits and Contacts
Club Contacts: John Brady, Bennettsbridge Co. Kilkenny. Telephone: 00 353 86 1636936 Email: [email protected]
P.J. Cullens, Centra Shop, Chapel Street, Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny, R95 YC81 Telephone: 00 353 56 7727533
Kilkenny Angler’s Association
The Kilkenny Angler’s Association controls a lot of fishing on the River Nore with up to 7 stretches of water above and below Kilkenny covering approximately 24km. Two of the fisheries are reported to be located around Brownsbarn Bridge below Thomastown, an additional two beats are located below Kilkenny in the Maddockstown area and three sections are located upstream of Kilkenny and border with Durrow and Cullohill Parish Angler’s Association. Details as to the extent of the fisheries controlled by the association are available from the club and retails outlets. The stretches controlled by Kilkenny Angler’s Association comprise of run, riffle and pool areas interspersed with slower flowing glides. The banks are tree lined and the scenery is simply stunning. There is some fantastic wild brown trout fishing to be had on these stretches which is reputed to be among some of the best on the river. There is good trout fishing around Maddockstown with trout averaging .75lbs with fish of 1lb to 1.25 being caught regularly. Big flies coming into and in the dark can produce good results. The fly hatches at Maddockstown include olives (including bwo), some mayfly and sedges. The black gnat is also very important in this area. In 2019, trout to 3lbs have been taken on this stretch. Day permits and memberships are available. Important fly patterns include march browns, olives, tupps indispensible, orange woodcocks, nymphs, hawthorn fly, bwo, mayfly, medium large dark, yellow sally and the daddy longlegs.
Permits
Club House Hotel, Patricks St., Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny. Telephone: + 353 56 7721944
John Carrigan, Kilkenny Sports Shop, 82 High Street, Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny. Telephone: + 353 56 7721517 Mobile + 353 86 8116517
Christy Young, Kilkenny Anglers, Committee Member, +353 87 1328775
Patrick Dunne, Secretary, Kilkenny Anglers Association, Co. Kilkenny. +353 87 9822911 Email: [email protected]
Tom Hoynes, Chairman, Kilkenny Anglers Association, Kilkenny, Co Kilkenny. + 353 86 2510181
Luke Boyle, Kilkenny, + 353 86 3477331
Wild Brown Trout Fishing on the River Nore (Kilkenny to Durrow)
The Rock Fishing Club, Threecastles
The Rock Fishing Club waters are located on the River Nore just approximately 8km from Kilkenny on the R693 Freshford Road. The club controls approximately 3km of single bank fishing and the water is made up some deep stretches as well as run and riffle areas. Wading is possible but should be undertaken with care and some areas are only suitable for wading in low water conditions. There is very good trout fishing in these waters and day permits are available from the Rock Bar. There are all the usual fly hatches on this stretch of river with the BWO being the most prolific and sedge fishing is good in the late evenings.
Contacts: We are in the process of compiling information on this section. Details will be posted as soon as they are available. In the meantime information may be available from “The Rock Bar”, Threecastles, Co. Kilkenny.
Ballyragget and District Angler’s Association
Ballyragget and District Angler’s Association is based in south Laois and controls fishing on some prime wild brown trout waters on the middle stretches of the River Nore. It is bordered to the north by the Durrow and Cullohill Parish Angler’s and the Rock Fishing Club at Threecastles to the south. Some of the stretches controlled cover the waters from Ouveg River confluence close to Tallyho Bridge to Ballyraggert and from Ballyraggert to Lismaine Bridge. Details as to the exact extent of the fisheries controlled by the club can be obtained from retails outlets. The stretches consist of run, riffle, glide and pool areas all of which are suitable for the fly and here, the river gets good hatches of fly with olives, sedges and gnat being the most prolific. The blue winged olive is just as important here as on other stretches of the river and gets good hatches of BWO (Ephemerella ignita) in late June and into July and August. Some very good trout fishing can be had at this time especially to the sherry spinner in the evenings. There can also be good fishing to the sedge during the late evening and at night. Gnats and midges are also important and black gnat patterns can produce good results. Terrestrials can also produce good fishing at certain times during the season. Permits and information are available locally in Ballyraggert.
Club Contacts: Information on the club and fishing are available at the following link https://www.facebook.com/ballyraggetdistrictanglers/
Day Permits and Membership Cards are available from the following outlets:
Mc Graths News and Chews, the Square Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny. Telephone: 00 353 56 8833355
Durrow and Cullohill Parish Anglers, River Nore and Tributaries
Durrow and Cullohill Parish Anglers controls approximately 4km of prime trout fishing on the middle stretches of the River Nore. It is bordered on its upstream side by private and club waters and downstream by Ballyragget and District Anglers Association waters. Its fisheries extend from approximately from Watercastle Bridge upstream of Durrow downstream to the confluence of the Nore and the Ouveg river. Details as to the full extent of the fishing controlled can be obtained from the club and retails outlets. Stretch’s on this section of the river have the same sequence of run, riffle and pool as other stretches running through areas of stunning scenic beauty bordered with woodland and open pastureland. The fishing is excellent and deep slow flowing areas are punctuated with shallow fast flowing runs and riffles, ideal trout habitat. Bigger trout can reside in the deeper slow flowing areas and a stealthy approach is required. There are plenty of small trout from 15 cm to 25 cm and above and trout from 0.9kg to 2.25kg are a distinct possibility. Although the river can be fished from the bank in many places, wading is a distinct advantage. Access to the river is generally good but some stretches can be bordered by heavy bankside vegetation and high banks making access and egress to the river difficult in places. Olives, sedges and gnats are important to the fly angler and wet-fly, dry-fly and nymphing techniques can all produce excellent results. The club also controls angling on some sections of the Nore’s tributaries including the Erkina, Goul and Gully Rivers. There is a strict catch and release policy on the clubs waters from 1st June to 30th September. The Erkina is a beautiful river flows through Rathdowny and on into Durrow where it meets the river Nore. The River Goul has some truly fantastic fly fishing can be had and is often described as the hidden jewel where there are some very nice fish to be caught. Wild brown trout of two pound and over can be had to the dry fly on this little river. It runs through miles of beautiful pastureland and is very similar to the chalk streams in the UK .
Day Permits and Membership Cards are available from the following outlets:
Club Information: All information relating to the fishing and club can be found at http://www.durrowcullohillanglers.com/home
Lawlor’s Gala Shop, The Square, Durrow, Co. Laois. Telephone: 00 353 57 8736234. (Maps of the clubs waters available)
Lawlor’s Florist, Mill Road, Durrow, Co. Laois. Telephone: 00 353 57 8736101.
Bob’s Bar, The Bridge, Durrow, Co. Laois. Telephone: 00 353 57 8736630.
Jimmy Tyrell, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois. Telephone: 00 353 86 8451257. www.irishflycraft.com
Durrow to Mountrath
Abbeyleix Angling Association:
Details of fishing in the Abbeyleix area can be obtained from
Jimmy Tyrell, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois. Telephone: 00 353 86 8451257. Email: [email protected] Website: www.irishflycraft.com
Information on fishing locally can be obtained from Dunnes Hardware, Mountrath Road, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois : Telephone: 00 353 57 8731440. Email: [email protected]
Mountrath Angling Association:
Details of fishing in the Mountrath area can be obtained from
Fran Kelly, Mountrath Tackle Shop, Main Street, Mountrath, Co. Laois. Telephone: 00 353 86 8366524 Email: [email protected]
Useful information
Recommended Flies: Please see club and fishery details above.
Permits: Please see club, retail outlet and fishery details above.
Fishing Guides: https://www.fishinginireland.info/guides/laois.htm
https://www.fishinginireland.info/guides/kilkenny.htm
Tackle shops: https://www.fishinginireland.info/tackleshops/laois.htm
https://www.fishinginireland.info/tackleshops/kilkenny.htm
Clubs and Associations: Please see the angling club and association details above.
Access to Fisheries: Access does not imply a right of way and anglers should ensure that they have the necessary permission to enter or cross private lands. Where possible, anglers should walk along the river bank.
Country Code: Anglers should ensure that gates are closed and that fences are not broken or damaged. Care should be taken with crops and livestock. Litter must not be discarded and no fires are allowed. Vehicles should be parked in designated areas and in such a manner that they do not cause obstruction. Leave no Trace.
Errors and Inaccuracies: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained on this webpage is accurate, no responsibility will be accepted by Inland Fisheries Ireland for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein.
Biosecurity: Please follow all of the necessary biosecurity measures to stop the spread of invasive species.