River Slaney

River Slaney Guide

The River Slaney rises on the Western slopes of the Lugnaquilla Mountain in Wicklow, and flows in a Southerly direction through Baltinglass (Wicklow), Rathvilly (Carlow), Tullow (Carlow), and Bunclody (Wexford) before discharging into a narrow 12 mile long estuary just South of Enniscorthy, and finally into Wexford harbour.

The River Slaney at Enniscorthy (Photo by Jonatahn Billinger).

The estuary from Enniscorthy Bridge to Ferrycarrig Bridge is heavily netted, which is a cause for concern, but not in the spring as plenty of fish get a clear run on the Slaney, which makes it one of the best spring fisheries in the country. The river also gets a decent run of Grilse and Sea Trout.

The upper river Slaney above Bunclody is very narrow and relatively shallow with lots of streams and glides. As you move downstream the valley widens and the water becomes deeper. Generally the river would be characterized as medium sized, relatively fast flowing river.

Nice fly water on the Slaney.

In the springtime with lots of water the river is perfect for Salmon fishing, right up as far as Tullow. The average fish is 10lbs but there have been plenty taken at double that weight. The river is sometimes referred to as the Queen of Irish Rivers, due to the prolific nature of its spring fishing.

The best of the spring fishing is from the opening day until the end of March, but you can still take springers through April, and even into the beginning of May. There is a big run of fish in May but the nets claim most of these. If the water is cold the fish tend to stay below Bunclody but in milder weather they venture on up as far as Tullow. Spinning is the most popular method in the spring, with the majority of the fisheries not permitting worm or shrimp.

From the 1st of April it is fly fishing only above Ballycarney Bridge, which is about half way between Enniscorthy and Bunclody on the R745. Wading is generally not allowed unless in places where the fishery has double bank fishing. You'll also find that Spey casting will be useful because of the overhanging bushes in many parts of the river. A 13 or 14 foot rod with a sink tip line will be perfect for most of the water.

One of the Slaney weirs.

As the summer arrives in June, the water tends to run off very quickly due to the speed of the flow and the extensive drainage that has taken place along course of the River Slaney. The Grilse run is just average because of the low water and the nets (which start on the 12th of May). Fishing is also more difficult because of the weed growth. Still if you get a flood in conjunction with the spring tide then it can be worth a throw.

The Slaney also gets a decent run of Sea Trout, which starts in mid June, peaks about mid July and runs through until the end of August. The best of the Sea Trout fishing is from Bunclody down to the estuary, including the free stretch from Enniscorthy Bridge down to the confluence with the River Urrin.

Other notable stretches here are: from Scarawalsh Old Bridge (on the Old Dublin Road just upstream of the N11) down to the confluence of the River Bann; from Clohamon Weir (2 miles downstream of Bunclody) down to Moyeady (near the N80), and the water opposite the cemetery at Bunclody. Fishing is fly only from Ballycarney Bridge up to Aghade Bridge after the 7th of April, and below Ballycarney from the 1st of May.

A view from Scarawalsh Bridge (Photo by Liam Murphy).

The Slaney also has a great Brown Trout stretch from Tullow upstream to Baltinglass. The fish are relatively small but there are vast numbers of them and the evening rise is a sight to behold. The river does get some Mayflies but olives and sedges are the mainstay of the Slaney trout. There are some clear banks but if you have to wade then note that it is pretty easy above Rathvilly but difficult around Tullow. You'll need chest waders on most parts of the River Slaney.

The fishing on the river is controlled by a mixture of angling clubs and riparian owners, except downstream of Enniscorthy Bridge, which is free. Many of the clubs offer day tickets. There is also a 2 ½ mile private beat at Ballintemple, which takes 6 rods and there are discounts available to those staying at the lodge or self catering cottages.

One of the pools on the private fishery at Ballintemple.

River Slaney Tributaries

River Bann
River Boro
River Clody
River Derreen
River Urrin

River Slaney Neighbouring Rivers

River Barrow
River Burren
River Owenavorragh
River Sow

Fishing the River Slaney

River Slaney Season

Salmon - Below Enniscorthy Bridge: 10th March - 15th September : Above Enniscorthy Bridge: 10th March - 31st August)
Sea Trout - Below Enniscorthy Bridge: 10th March - 15th September : Above Enniscorthy Bridge: 10th March - 31st August)
Brown Trout - Below Enniscorthy Bridge: 10th March - 15th September : Above Enniscorthy Bridge: 10th March - 30th September)

River Slaney Methods

Fly Fishing
Spinning
Worming

River Slaney Fishing Authority

To fish in Ireland you need a rod license from the appropriate fishing authority. You can find the details for the River Slaney at:

Eastern Fisheries Management

River Slaney Permits

As well as a rod license, you'll need a permit to fish the River Slaney. You can get permits from any of the following distributors:

Arthur Kavanagh
Tel: +353 (0)54 77801
MOUNT LEINSTER ANGLERS

John Duffy
Old Chapel Lane
Tullow
Tel: +353 (0)50 352740
TULLOW SALMON & TROUT ANGLERS ASSOCIATION

Mr Chris Strong
Mill House, Kilcarrig Bridge
Clonegal
Tel: +353 (0)54 77339
KILCARRIG BRIDGE – KINGSMILL MOORE'S OLD HOME

Mr Ivan Shiel
Corah
Ferns
Tel: +353 (0)54 88528
SLANEY ROD FISHER'S ASSOCIATION

Mr Joe Cash
Torrinalossett
Enniscorthy
Tel: +353 (0)54 33490
ENNISCORTHY ANGLERS

Mr William Cash
6 Belfield Terrace
Enniscorthy
Tel: +353 (0)54 35213
ISLAND ANGLERS

Patrick Lacey
Mile House Road
Enniscorthy
Tel: +353 (0)54 35822
SOLSBORO FISHING ASSOCIATION

Robin Eustace Harvey
Ardattin
Tel: +353 (0)59 915 5612
BALLINTEMPLE FISHERY

River Slaney Clubs

Enniscorthy Anglers - River Slaney
Mr Joe Cash
Torrinalossett
Enniscorthy
Tel: +353 (0)54 33490

The clubs water includes the first field looking downstream on the left bank 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 another 1/2 mile section upstream of Scarrawalsh Bridge.

Island Anglers - River Slaney
Mr William Cash
6 Belfield Terrace
Enniscorthy
Tel: +353 (0)54 35213

This club has a stretch of water between Scarrawalsh and Enniscorthy Bridges. Check with the club for the extact location.

Mount Leinster Anglers - River Slaney
Arthur Kavanagh
Tel: +353 (0)54 77801

The clubs water is 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.

Solsboro Fishing Association - River Slaney
Patrick Lacey
Mile House Road
Enniscorthy
Tel: +353 (0)54 35822

This club has a stretch of water between Scarrawalsh and Enniscorthy Bridges. Check with the club for the extact location.

Tullow Salmon and Trout Anglers Association - River Slaney
John O'Brien
Ballybritt Big
Rathvilly

The club has about 6 miles of fishing on the River Slaney around the Tullow area

River Slaney Ratings

River Slaney Fishing Conditions

River Slaney Status

Catch And Release

The Catch And Release rules state that you must:

- Not use worms.
- Use single barbless hooks.
- Handle the fish carefully and should not remove them from the water prior to release.

Generally you should be able to retain Sea Trout of 40cm or less, but check locally (when buying your permit) if that is the case.

Local Restrictions

Some rivers impose their own local restrictions so when you are going to buy your permit for the River Slaney, please check with the distributor.