ANGLING INFORMATION AND FACILITIES
The River Barrow is renowned as a coarse and game angling river for bream, roach, dace, hybrids, rudd, perch and pike, brown trout, sea trout and salmon. The river has easy access points via a towpath. In 2020 a strict catch and release policy applies in respect of all salmon, while the river is closed for all eel fishing. The salmon and brown trout season on the River Barrow commenced on March 17th and finishes on September 30th.
Other fishing (with the exception of salmon and brown trout) is available year round. The rivers Greese and Lerr, tributaries of the River Barrow provide excellent brown trout fishing while the River Burrin is one of the finest trout fishing rivers in the region. The excellent stocks of quality pike are one of the main attractions for anglers on the River Barrow, with stocks of 20+lbs. Pike angling is carried out on all stretches of the river between Athy and St. Mullins with the main locations being Bahana Wood (just above St. Mullins), Graiguenamanagh and Ballytiglea Bridge near Borris. Pike, bream and hybrids are the primary species but rudd is also abundant here. It is vital to familiarise oneself with the pike regulations, prior to fishing for pike.
In 2020 there is a catch and release policy for salmon and sea trout fishing on the River Slaney in order to conserve stocks. As with brown trout fishing it is prohibited to use any lure other than artificial fly with single barbless hooks, for trout on the River Slaney, and double barbless hooks for salmon.
The trout and salmon season on the River Slaney commences on March 17th and finishes on August 31st for salmon and September 16th for trout. Fishing on the River Slaney is mainly private – day tickets on Tullow Fishing Club waters are available at the Ardattin Inn, Ardattin or by contacting Gerard Mellett, Secretary T: 089-4109798.
A state licence is required to fish for salmon and sea trout. The Slaney gets a reasonable run of spring salmon and a small number of grilse also run annually. This year saw a huge increase in the numbers of sea trout caught on the River Slaney, a welcome improvement in numbers over recent years.
LICENCES: A state licence is only required to fish for salmon and sea trout. All-Ireland salmon fishing licence – €100 per year, salmon district licence – €56 per year, 21 – day All Ireland or district salmon fishing licence – €40, Under 17 All-Ireland salmon fishing licence – €10 one day, All-Ireland salmon fishing licence – €20. These are state licences, and along with these, specific club licences are needed.
Tullow Anglers operate eight miles of bank from upstream of Tullow, towards Bunclody. Licence fees are below and can be obtained from Gerard Mellett, Secretary, T: 089-4109798, purchase online membership by visiting slaneyfishing.com or email info@slaneyfishing.
Trout membership = yearly €25
Trout day ticket = €10
Salmon membership yearly = €100
Salmon day ticket = €35
Junior trout member = €10
Junior Salmon member yearly = €35
FACILITIES
Carlow Town: Waterways Ireland has provided an 84 metre floating jetty for Carlow Town, installed on the Graiguecullen side of the river, just downstream of the steps in Carlow Town Park. Slipways have been provided in Carlow Town Park, Clogrennane, Bagenalstown, Goresbridge and Graiguenamanagh and toilets at Clashganny.
Leighlinbridge: Berthing available for up to 25 boats on the banks of the River Barrow beside the Lord Bagenal Inn. T: 059 9774000.
