Co. Wicklow boasts some of the best river, lake, and sea fishing in the country. Thanks to a wide range of fishing spots and diverse fish species, Co. Wicklow is a haven for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you prefer river, lake, or sea fishing, this beautiful county has something to offer for everyone.
Requirements for Fishing & Angling in Co. Wicklow
For those interested in the thrilling experience of fishing and angling in Co. Wicklow, there are a number of requirements and permits necessary for different types of fishing.
Salmon and Sea Trout Fishing:
Firstly, to fish for salmon and sea trout, you must hold a state fishing license, gill tags, and a separate permit. These permits and licenses can be conveniently purchased from local tackle shops or directly from the fisheries board. In addition to restriction on the fishing of salmon and sea trout, some waterways further prohibit the use of warms as bait for angling in certain closed and catch and release rivers. Should these rules apply, anglers can only make use of single or double barbless hooks.
Brown Trout, Coarse Species, and Sea Fishing:
Secondly, there is good news for enthusiasts of brown trout, coarse species, and sea fishing! These types of fishing do not require licensing or permits. However, it should be noted that most waterways, i.e. rivers and lakes, where these fish can be found are often privately or state-owned and require a permit. Permits can be purchased in various options from tackle shops, ranging in price and validity from one day to one year.
Deep Sea Fishing
Well regarded as some of the greatest fishing waters in Ireland, angling off the coast of Wicklow is a unique experience. Fish there for tope, ray, smooth-hound, spurdog, and bull-huss. Wicklow Boat Charters, which is located in Wicklow Town offer 1- to 8-hour deep sea fishing tours that can be tailored according to each visitor’s needs.
Popular Waterways for Angling and Fishing
Co. Wicklow offers a diverse range of waterways, each with its own unique fishing experience. Here are some popular locations and the species you can expect to catch:
- Avoca River:
Consists of two primary rivers: the Avonmore and the Aughrim. The Avonmore River is known for its brown trout, while the Aughrim River offers brown trout and the occasional rainbow trout. - Avonbeg River:
Anglers seeking to find brown trout can have tremendous experiences fishing the Avonbeg. The river is largely privately controlled, however, and so a permit will be required. It is also important to note that portions of the river are overgrown. - Annamoe Trout Fishery:
Annamoe Trout Fishery offers the opportunity to catch minnow and trout. A range of permits are available subject to prior discussion with the fishery. - Blessington Lakes:
The Blessington Lakes are home to brown and rainbow trout, ensuring an exciting fishing experience. A permit will be required to fish in the Blessington Lakes. - Dargle River:
Brown trout, sea trout, and salmon are to be found in the Dargle River. As a result, remembering to secure the necessary license and permit is crucial. - Lough Dan:
Lough Dan‘s deep waters are commonly populated with wild brown trout. Vistors can best access these waters by booking with a fishing excursion at Lough Dan House. Packages include an overnight stay, boat rental for a maximum of two people, and a substantial lunch for each trip. - National Disabled Angling Facility:
Rainbow Trout is the most commonly stocked species at the National Disabled Angling Facility. This facility has been specifically constructed to accommodate for disabled anglers. Visitors can expect a permit to be required in one of various forms, from hourly to daily rates. - Rathcon Trout Fishery:
Rathcon Trout Fishery is known for its rainbow trout population. Rathcon can be booked in advance with the fishery. Additionally, all fishing is limited to fly only with barbless hooks as recommended. - Roundwood Lakes:
Roundwood Lakes provide excellent fishing for brown trout. Visiting fisherman can purchase the required permit by the day or annually from the Dublin Corporation. - Slaney River:
Anglers at the River Slaney must adhere to a catch and release system. Salmon and sea trout can be expected from April to August. Both a fishing license and permit from Mount Leinster Anglers, Solsboro Fishing Association, or Tullow Salmon and Trout Anglers Association are required.
Popular Locations for Sea Angling & Fishing
Co. Wicklow’s stunning coastline offers fantastic opportunities for sea angling and fishing. Here are some popular locations and the fish you can expect to catch:
- Greystones:
Greystones is a traditional spot for sea fishing. Anglers can expect smooth hound, tope, dogfish, bull huss, gurnard, dab, and mackerel. Fishing off the grounds of Bray Head can be particularly fruitful. - Kilcoole, Newcastle, Five Mile Point, and Killoughter:
These locations serve as access points to an 11-mile stretch of shingle bank where bass, mackerel, tope, and smaller fish can be caught. - Wicklow Town:
Wicklow Town offers two prime locations for sea fishing. From the Murrough, you can expect rockling, flatfish, and whiting. At Wicklow Head, which boasts deep waters, pollack and wrasse are commonly found.
Safe and secure boat charters with a qualified skipper can be booked with Wicklow Boat Charters. They offer a number of services to charter guests, including rod and tackle hire, active coaching and supply of bait. - Brittas Bay:
Brittas Bay’s shallow and sandy area is ideal for bass fishing, especially during the autumn months. - Ennereilly Strand:
At Strand North, anglers can expect smooth hound, dogfish, occasional rays, flounder, and small whiting during winter. Strand South, with its sandy and shallow waters, is known for its abundance of bass. - Arklow:
Both the north and south beaches of Arklow offer opportunities to catch smooth hound, dogfish, flounder, and small whiting. - Clogga Strand:
Clogga Strand is a great location for bass, flounder, dogfish, and smooth hound.
Tackle Shops in Co. Wicklow
Tackle shops are excellent resources for fishing and angling enthusiasts, offering a vast selection of equipment, permits and knowledge. Co. Wicklow is home to a number of tackle shops to provide everything a fishing enthusiast needs to maximize their angling adventures.
- Charles Camping, Blessington
- Rod & Tackle, Wicklow Town
- Wild Ireland, Arklow
- Power Sound, Arklow
