- River Barrow (Carlow Town to Bagenalstown): A major river flowing through Carlow, renowned for coarse fishing, pike, and some brown trout, with key stretches in Carlow town, Leighlinbridge, and Bagenalstown. Anglers can target bream, roach, hybrids, tench, perch, and pike (up to 20 lbs.) using feeder or pole fishing with groundbait, maggots, or worms. Brown trout (0.5-2 lbs.) are caught in faster sections with fly fishing or spinning, requiring a Fáilte Ireland rod license (€20 for 21 days, available online or at tackle shops like Carlow Tackle). No coarse fishing license is needed, but pike may require permits from Inland Fisheries Ireland. Expect wide, slow-flowing waters with good bank access, scenic rural settings, and consistent catches. Local clubs like the Barrow Angling Club offer permits and advice.
- River Slaney (Tullow to Bunclody): A productive river in northern Carlow, known for salmon, brown trout, and some coarse fishing, with accessible beats near Tullow and the Wicklow border. Atlantic salmon (peak February to June, up to 15 lbs.) and brown trout (0.5-2 lbs.) are targeted with fly fishing or spinning, requiring a rod license and permits from the Slaney Angling Club. Roach and pike are present in slower pools, caught with feeder or float methods. Expect clear, fast-flowing waters with scenic, rural banks, ideal for game anglers. The river can be busy during salmon season, and ghillies are available for guided trips.
- Barrow Canal (Carlow Town to Athy): A section of the Barrow Line canal, linked to the Grand Canal, offering excellent coarse fishing and pike near Carlow town and Maganey. Roach, bream, tench, perch, and pike (up to 15 lbs.) are caught with feeder or float fishing using maggots, worms, or groundbait. No coarse fishing license is required, but pike may need a permit from Waterways Ireland. Expect calm, well-maintained towpaths, perfect for beginners and families, with a peaceful, rural atmosphere. Tackle shops in Carlow town provide gear, and the canal’s accessibility makes it ideal for short sessions.
- Burrin River (Carlow Town): A small tributary of the River Barrow, flowing through Carlow town, known for brown trout and some coarse fishing. Small brown trout (0.5-1 lb.) are caught with light fly fishing or spinning, best in spring. Roach and perch are present in deeper sections, using float fishing. A rod license is required for trout, available online or at local tackle shops. Expect narrow, urban-adjacent waters with moderate bank access, suitable for local anglers seeking a quick outing. The Carlow Angling Club provides permits and local knowledge.
- Licenses: A Fáilte Ireland rod license is required for trout and salmon fishing (€20 for 21 days, available online or at tackle shops like Carlow Tackle). No license is needed for coarse fishing, but permits may apply for pike or specific fisheries (check with Waterways Ireland or local clubs like the Barrow Angling Club).
- Guides and Facilities: Local clubs offer permits and advice, with limited guided trips available through Inland Fisheries Ireland contacts. Tackle shops in Carlow town and nearby Kilkenny provide bait and gear. The Barrow’s popularity supports angling festivals, particularly for coarse fishing.
- Techniques: Fly fishing (dry flies, nymphs) or spinning is used for trout and salmon. Feeder/float fishing (20-50m with groundbait, maggots, or worms) suits coarse fish. Pike fishing employs lures or dead bait.
- Conservation: Catch-and-release is encouraged for trout, salmon, and pike, with size limits (e.g., 12 inches for trout). The Barrow and canal have strong coarse fish stocks, but smaller rivers like the Burrin require careful fishing to preserve ecosystems.
- Accessibility: Carlow’s fishing spots are easily reached by car, with Carlow town and Tullow accessible via bus or train from Dublin (1-1.5 hours), making day trips convenient.
- Events: Carlow hosts coarse fishing competitions on the Barrow and Barrow Canal, organized by local clubs. Check www.fishinginireland.info for schedules.
County Carlow:
Ireland’s County Carlow combines historic landmarks with serene landscapes, with the Carlow Castle ruins and the nearby Altamont Gardens offering a mix of medieval and botanical appeal. The Barrow Way provides scenic riverside walks, while the Brownshill Dolmen, a prehistoric portal tomb, adds ancient history. Carlow is Ireland’s second smallest county by size (896 square km) and third smallest by population (61,968). Population peaked at 86,228 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 33,342 in 1961.In terms of hospitality, Carlow is Ireland’s 23rd most visited tourist county with around 68,000 international visitors per year.
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