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Fishing

Guide to Angling in County Wicklow, Ireland

County Wicklow, the Garden of Ireland, is renowned for its magnificent landscape, dramatic loughs, mountainous terrain and long sandy beaches. With a large range of rivers, lakes and sea fishing opportunities to choose from, your angling holiday in County Wicklow will certainly be an enjoyable one. County Wicklow has some of the best river, lake and sea fishing available in Ireland and visiting anglers are welcome to fish by becoming a member of the controlling club or by purchasing a day, week or season permit.

The County Wicklow rivers, lakes and species available are:

• The River Dargle for salmon, sea and brown trout.
• The River Vartry for sea and brown trout.
• The Avonmore River for brown trout.
• The Aughrim River for brown trout and occasional rainbow trout.
• The Blessington lake for brown trout, pike, perch and roach.
• The Roundwood Lakes for brown trout.
• The River Derry for salmon and brown trout.
• The River Slaney for brown trout and salmon.

A useful guide giving more detailed information on the rivers of Ireland is the "Trout and Salmon Rivers of Ireland, An angler's Guide", by Peter O'Reilly which is available at all good book shops.

The Waterside Code of Behaviour for Anglers:

• Leave no litter, plastic bags, fishing line or bait bags.
• Never cross lands that are not sign-posted and that have no fishing structures.
• When in doubt ask permission to cross lands.
• Do not drive cars into fields.
  
• Do not cross meadows. Always walk along the waterside.
• Close all gates and light no fires.
• Respect the landowner's property.
• Do not fish near overhead electricity wires.
• In the interest of disease prevention, visiting anglers are advised to disinfect their nets, waders etc. before using them on Irish waters.

Permits (Tickets)

Visiting anglers are welcome to enjoy the excellent angling facilities in County Wicklow, known as "The Garden of Ireland". However, most of the rivers in the County are controlled by local angling clubs and therefore anyone wishing to fish must first become an associate member of the club or purchase in advance a day, week or season permit. Permits are also called "tickets" and are available from local fishing tackle shops. Permits are also required for those wanting to fish on the Blessington and Roundwood Lakes. Permits are not required for sea angling.

Licenses

A state licence is required for salmon and sea trout angling only. Licences can be obtained from:

The salmon/sea trout angler needs a state licence AND a Permit (Ticket) for fishing.

Licence fees:

Tackle Shops