- River Barrow (Portarlington to Monasterevin): A major river flowing through eastern Laois, known for excellent coarse fishing and pike, with key stretches near Portarlington and Monasterevin. Anglers can target bream, roach, hybrids, tench, perch, and pike (up to 20 lbs.). Feeder fishing (30-50m with groundbait, maggots, or worms) or pole fishing is effective in deeper pools. No coarse fishing license is required, but pike may need a permit from Inland Fisheries Ireland. Expect wide, slow-flowing waters with good bank access, a peaceful rural setting, and consistent catches. Local tackle shops in Portarlington provide bait and advice.
- River Nore (Mountrath to Borris-in-Ossory): A scenic river in western Laois, renowned for brown trout and some coarse fishing, with productive beats near Mountrath and Durrow. Brown trout (0.5-2 lbs.) are caught with fly fishing or spinning, best in spring and summer. Roach, dace, and small pike are also present in slower sections. A Fáilte Ireland rod license (€20 for 21 days, available online or at tackle shops) is required for trout. Expect fast-flowing, clear waters with accessible banks and a tranquil environment. Local clubs like the Laois Angling Club offer permits and guidance.
- Grand Canal (Portarlington to Vicarstown): A historic canal running through northern Laois, offering coarse fishing and pike in well-maintained stretches near Portarlington and Vicarstown. Roach, bream, tench, perch, and pike (up to 15 lbs.) are common, caught with feeder or float fishing using maggots, corn, or groundbait. No coarse fishing license is needed, but pike may require a Waterways Ireland permit. Expect calm towpaths, ideal for beginners and families, with a quiet, rural atmosphere. Tackle shops in Portarlington or nearby Tullamore supply gear, and the canal’s accessibility makes it convenient.
- Ballyfin Lakes: A series of small, private lakes near Ballyfin, managed by local estates or angling clubs, known for trout and coarse fishing. Stocked rainbow and brown trout (1-4 lbs.) are targeted with fly fishing, while roach, perch, and occasional pike are caught with float or feeder methods. A rod license is required for trout, and permits are needed from local clubs or estates like Ballyfin Demesne. Expect a serene, private setting with limited access, ideal for focused anglers. Contact local angling groups for permits and conditions.
- River Triogue: A smaller river near Portlaoise, offering brown trout and some coarse fishing in a quiet, rural setting. 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 pools. A rod license is required for trout, available online or at tackle shops. Expect narrow, clear waters with moderate bank access, suitable for experienced anglers seeking solitude. The Portlaoise Angling Club provides permits and local knowledge.
- Licenses: A Fáilte Ireland rod license is required for trout fishing (€20 for 21 days, available online or at tackle shops like Midland Tackle in Tullamore). No license is needed for coarse fishing, but permits may apply for pike or specific waters (check with Waterways Ireland or local clubs).
- Guides and Facilities: Laois has limited guided fishing compared to larger angling regions, but local clubs like the Laois Angling Club or Portlaoise Angling Club offer permits and advice. Tackle shops in Portarlington, Portlaoise, or nearby Tullamore provide bait and gear.
- Techniques: Fly fishing (dry flies, nymphs) or spinning is used for trout, while feeder/float fishing (20-40m with groundbait, maggots, or worms) suits coarse fish. Pike fishing uses lures or dead bait.
- Conservation: Catch-and-release is encouraged for trout and pike, with size limits (e.g., 12 inches for trout). The Barrow and Nore have healthy coarse fish stocks, but sensitive rivers like the Triogue require careful fishing to preserve ecosystems.
- Accessibility: Laois’s fishing spots are easily reached by car, with Portarlington and Portlaoise accessible via train from Dublin (30-45 minutes). This makes day trips convenient for visitors.
- Events: Laois occasionally hosts coarse fishing competitions on the Barrow and Grand Canal, organized by local clubs. Check www.fishinginireland.info for schedules.
County Laois:
Ireland’s county Laois offers a serene blend of historic sites and natural landscapes, with the Rock of Dunamase providing panoramic views from its ancient castle ruins. Emo Court’s elegant Georgian mansion and gardens offer a peaceful retreat, while the Slieve Bloom Mountains provide hiking trails through rolling hills. Laois is Ireland’s ninth smallest county by size (1,719 square km) and tenth smallest by population (91,877). Population peaked at 153,930 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 44,595 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Laois is Ireland’s 27th most visited tourist county with around 52,000 international visitors per year.
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