FISHING in Ireland’s county WATERFORD

River Blackwater (Lismore to Cappoquin): One of Ireland’s premier salmon rivers, flowing through western Waterford, with key beats near Lismore, Cappoquin, and Villierstown. Anglers can target Atlantic salmon (peak February to June, up to 20 lbs.) and brown trout (0.5-2 lbs.) using fly fishing or spinning. Coarse species like roach, dace, and pike are present in slower sections. A Fáilte Ireland rod license (€20 for 21 days, available online or at tackle shops like O’Donovan’s in Clonakilty) and permits from the Blackwater Salmon Fishery or local clubs are required. Expect deep pools, fast runs, and scenic surroundings, with ghillies available for guided trips. The river is busy during salmon season.
River Suir (Carrick-on-Suir to Clonmel): A top salmon and trout river, forming Waterford’s northern boundary with Tipperary, with productive stretches near Carrick-on-Suir and Clonmel (shared with Tipperary). Salmon (peak April to June, up to 15 lbs.) and brown trout (0.5-3 lbs.) are caught with fly fishing or spinning. Coarse fish like roach and pike are found downstream. A rod license and permits from the Suir Angling Club are required for salmon and trout. Expect clear, fast-flowing waters with accessible banks and a mix of rural and historic settings. Local tackle shops in Carrick-on-Suir provide gear, and guided trips enhance success.
Waterford Estuary (Dunmore East to Cheekpoint): The estuarine area where the Rivers Suir, Nore, and Barrow meet, offering sea angling and some coarse fishing, with key spots near Dunmore East and Passage East. Shore fishing yields bass, flounder, mullet, and sea trout (rod license needed for trout), best at high tide with sandeel or lugworm. Boat charters from Dunmore East target cod, pollack, wrasse, and occasional rays. No sea fishing license is required for most species. Expect tidal waters with scenic coastal views, busy in summer. Operators like Dunmore East Angling Charters provide boats and tackle, with local shops like South East Angling in Waterford city for bait.
Dungarvan Bay: A sheltered coastal bay in west Waterford, known for sea angling from beaches, piers, and boats near Dungarvan and Helvick Head. Shore fishing at Clonea Strand or Dungarvan Harbour produces bass, flounder, mackerel, and occasional cod, using surf casting with lugworm or sandeel. Boat trips target pollack, cod, and wrasse, with shark fishing (catch-and-release) possible. No sea fishing license is needed. Expect sandy beaches and rocky marks with stunning views, moderately busy in summer. Charters like Dungarvan Sea Angling offer guided trips, and tackle shops in Dungarvan provide gear.
Colligan River (near Dungarvan): A smaller river flowing into Dungarvan Bay, known for brown trout, sea trout, and some salmon, with accessible stretches near Dungarvan. Brown trout (0.5-2 lbs.) and sea trout (summer evenings) are caught with fly fishing or spinning, while salmon are less common but possible. A rod license is required, available online or at local tackle shops. Expect clear, narrow waters with good bank access in a quiet, rural setting. The Colligan Angling Club offers permits and advice, ideal for anglers seeking a peaceful experience.
Lough Coumshingaun (Comeragh Mountains): A remote corrie lake in the Comeragh Mountains, near Carrick-on-Suir, known for wild brown trout in a dramatic upland setting. Small brown trout (0.5-1 lb.) are targeted with light fly fishing, best in spring and summer with dry flies or nymphs. A rod license is required, and permits may be needed from Inland Fisheries Ireland or local clubs. Expect a challenging hike to reach the lake, rewarded by pristine waters and solitude. Limited bank access suits experienced anglers, and tackle shops in Carrick-on-Suir provide gear.
Licenses: A Fáilte Ireland rod license is required for salmon, trout, and sea trout fishing (€20 for 21 days, available online or at tackle shops like South East Angling in Waterford city or O’Donovan’s in Clonakilty). No license is needed for coarse or sea fishing, but permits may apply for pike or specific fisheries (check with Inland Fisheries Ireland or local clubs).
Guides and Charters: Operators like Dunmore East Angling Charters, Dungarvan Sea Angling, and ghillies on the Blackwater and Suir offer guided trips, boats, and tackle. Inland Fisheries Ireland (www.fishinginireland.info) (www.fishinginireland.info) lists approved providers.
Techniques: Fly fishing (wet/dry flies, nymphs) or spinning is used for trout and salmon. Feeder/float fishing (20-40m with groundbait, maggots, or worms) suits coarse fish. Pike fishing employs lures or dead bait, while sea angling uses feathers, jigs, or baits like sandeel or lugworm.
Conservation: Catch-and-release is encouraged for salmon, trout, and pike, with size limits (e.g., 12 inches for trout). Sea fishing for bass and shark follows strict regulations (e.g., minimum size). Check rules via Inland Fisheries Ireland or local clubs.
Accessibility: Waterford’s fishing spots are easily reached by car, with Waterford city, Dungarvan, and Carrick-on-Suir accessible via bus or train from Dublin (2-3 hours). Coastal areas require tide planning.
Events: Waterford hosts sea angling competitions in Dunmore East and coarse fishing events on the Blackwater, organized by local clubs. Check www.fishinginireland.info for schedules.

County Waterford:

Ireland’s county Waterford is steeped in Viking and medieval history, with Waterford City’s Reginald’s Tower and Viking Triangle showcasing ancient artefacts. The Copper Coast, a UNESCO Geopark, offers dramatic coastal walks, while the Lismore Castle gardens provide serene beauty. Other attractions include the beaches of Tramore and historic Dunmore East. Waterford is Ireland’s 21st largest county by size (1,838 square km) and 20th largest by population (127,363). Population peaked at 196,187 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 71,439 in 1961. In terms of hospitality, Waterford is Ireland’s ninth most visited tourist county with around 225,000 international visitors per year.

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