Wild trout fly fishing in county Meath Ireland

The River Boyne and it's tributaries hold extensive stocks of wild brown trout.
There is also well managed trout fishing available on the lakes near Collinstown and Fore at the western end of the fishery.
A majority of this game angling in the Boyne is controlled by Angling Associations, with some being maintained by private fishery owners. Anglers wishing to fish for brown trout on an Angling Associations water must obtain a permit from that association and fishing methods must be in accordance with the current rules and regulations of the association. Most associations support a policy of catch and release. The River Boyne also has a run of Atlantic salmon and sea trout. The best salmon and sea trout fishing is during the summer months with July August and September being particularly good.

The trout rivers:

• The Boyne River (Oldbridge to Navan)
• The Boyne River (Navan to Longwood)
• The Kells Blackwater
• The Stoneyford River
• Athboy - Tremblestown River
• The River Deel
• The Riverstown River
• Enfield Blackwater River
• Mongagh and Yellow Rivers
• The River Nanny, The Delvin River

The trout lakes:

• The upper Boyne lakes

The Boyne River (Oldbridge to Navan)

The River Boyne rises near Newberry Hall in Co. Kildare and meanders its way in a north easterly direction for seventy miles through counties Offaly, Meath and Louth before entering the Irish Sea below the historic town of Drogheda, between the townlands of Mornington and Baltray. The Boyne has extensive stocks of wild brown trout and also has a good run of salmon and sea trout in summer and autumn. The majority of salmon fishing in this are is controlled by Angling Associations with some being maintained by private fishery owners.
The main salmon and sea trout fisheries are located on the lower reaches of the river between Navan and Drogheda.
Salmon fishing early in the season ( March to May ) is concentrated around the Navan area. The Ramparts and Sophies Island are popular locations but the run of fish is small and only a very small number of salmon are taken annually. The average weight of fish at this time of the year is around 10lbs. Fish can also be taken in this area later in the year when water conditions are suitable, generally with a flood or rise in water level. Spinning and shrimp fishing produce many of the fish in this area although the fly has produced a number of fish over the last number of seasons.
In summer the best of the salmon fishing is located downstream of Navan, between Slane and Oldbridge. Good numbers of salmon are taken annually during the months of July, August and September on the fisheries downstream of Slane Village with the most popular locations being, the Scabby Arch, Johnstons, Crewbawn, Staleen and Oldbridge. The average weight of salmon in summer is 7lbs. to 8lbs. but numbers of larger fish to 17lbs can also be taken.
Sea trout fishing is mainly concentrated around the Oldbridge area but they can be caught on occasion as far upstream as Slane and Navan. The Boyne gets a small run of large sea trout at the end of May and into June but the best of the fishing is from the end of June to the end of September. The average weight of sea trout is 1.5lbs with larger sea trout to 5lbs being caught on occasion.
When fishing for salmon and sea trout anglers must have a State licence and the necessary permission before fishing. Fishing must be consistent with the current rules and regulations of the local Angling Association. Anglers must also note that the law now requires all captured salmon and sea trout over 40cms in length to be tagged.
There is excellent wild brown trout fishing on the river Boyne and the average weight of trout is three quarters of a pound however a number of fish to 5lbs or 6lbs are taken annually. The Boyne has all the fly hatches associated with a limestone river. The most prolific hatches include olives and sedges and there can also be good hatches of the mayfly Ephemera danica. There are a number of popular fishing locations in the Navan area and these are located at Kilcairn, Blackcastle and Dunmoe. There is also good trout fishing in the Stackallen area and downstream of Slane at the Scabby Arch, Crewbawn, Johnsons, Rossnaree and Staleen. Fishing can be good all year round depending on weather and water conditions but the best of the fishing is from mid May to mid September. Some of these areas can weed up in summer but there is still a lot of accessible water. Anglers wishing to fish for wild brown trout on the river Boyne must have the necessary permission and permit from the local Angling Association.

Angling Clubs: The following angling clubs hold waters on the River Boyne:

• Drogheda & District Anglers Club: Secretary, John Murphy 39 Anville Cresent, Drogheda Co. Louth. Tel: (Europe) 00 353 41 9834078 (U.S.A.) 011 353 41 9834078
• Rossin, Slane & District Anglers Club: Secretary, Michael Mullen, 39 Maple Drive. Drogheda, Co. Louth. Tel: (Europe) 00 353 41 9841329 (U.S.A.) 011 353 41 9841329
• Broadbridge Angling Club: Permits are available from Hayes Post Office, Navan, Co. Meath. Tel: (Europe) 00 353 46 9024187 (U.S.A.) 011 353 46 9024187
• Hayestown Angling Club: Secretary, Sean Monaghan, Kentstown, Navan, Co. Meath.
  Tel: (Europe) 00 353 46 9025179 (U.S.A.) 011 353 46 9925179
• Navan & District Anglers Association: Secretary, Mrs. Betty Tracey, 168 Woodlands, Navan, Co. Meath, Tel: (Europe) 00 353 46 9022103 (U.S.A.) 011 353 46 9022103

Fishing Tip: Use a small nymph under the dry fly when brown trout fishing, if the trout are rising short.

Permits: Permits for the above angling association waters are available from:
The Secretaries of the above named Angling Associations and local tackle dealers.

The Boyne River (Navan to Longwood)

THE RIVER BOYNE and its tributaries comprise nearly 330 miles of river channel which drain an area of approximately 1,000 sq. miles. This river is one of the countries premium wild brown trout angling waters offering superb fishing to the visiting angler. The River Boyne rises near Newberry Hall in Co. Kildare and meanders its way in a north easterly direction for seventy miles through counties Offaly, Meath and Louth before entering the Irish Sea below the historic town of Drogheda, between the townlands of Mornington and Baltray.
The Boyne from Longwood to Navan is generally deep and slow flowing but holds extensive stocks of wild brown trout. The majority of fishing in this area is controlled by Angling Associations with some being maintained by private fishery owners. There is excellent wild brown trout fishing on the river Boyne and the average weight of trout is three quarters of a pound, however a number of fish to 5lbs and 6lbs are taken annually. The Boyne has all the fly hatches associated with a limestone river. The hawthorn fly is important early in the year however the most prolific hatches include olives and sedges. There can also be good hatches of the mayfly Ephemera danica. There are a number of popular fishing locations downstream from Longwood and these are located at Donore, Inchamore Bridge, Muchwood and Scarriff Bridge. There is also good trout fishing in the Trim area at Newtown and Tribley. Fishing can be good early in the season depending on weather and water conditions but the best of the fishing is from mid May to mid September. Fishing generally takes place from March to September but most Angling Associations have different opening and closing dates. Anglers should enquire locally before fishing. Anglers wishing to fish for wild brown trout on the river Boyne must have the necessary permission and permit from the local Angling Association before fishing.
Location: Counties, Kildare, Offaly, Meath and Louth. The main towns and villages along this river are Drogheda, Donore, Slane, Navan, Trim, Longwood and Edenderry.
Season: The season on the Boyne generally runs from March to September but exact dates and local variations can be checked with the Association Secretaries listed below.

Fish Species: The River Boyne is a brown trout fishery.

Methods: Fly fishing, dry fly, wet fly and nymph fishing are all successful.

Best Flies: Dry Flies: Grey Flag, Black Gnat, Spent Gnat, Grey Duster Klinkhammer.

Wet Flies: Wickhams Fancy, Black Pennell, Mallard and Claret.

Nymphs: Assorted Nymphs.

Angling Clubs: The following angling clubs hold waters on the River Boyne:

• Trim, Athboy & District Angling Association: Secretary, Gerry Lee, Loman Street, Trim, Co. Meath.
  Tel: (Europe) 00 353 46 9431487 (U.S.A.) 011 353 46 9431487
• Deel & Boyne Angling Association: Secretary, Paddy Connaughton
  Tel: (Europe) 00 353 44 74595 (U.S.A.) 011 353 44 74595
• Longwood Anglers Association: Secretary, Richard Kelly, Carronstown, Ballivor, Co. Meath.
  Tel: (Europe) 00 353 46 9546119. (U.S.A.) 011 353 46 9546119.
• Edenderry and Castlejordan Anglers Association: Secretary, Mr. Joe Enright, 37 Fr. Paul Murphy Street, Edenderry, Co. Offaly.

Fishing Tip: Fish the faster water and glides by day and leave the deep flats until dusk.

Permits: Permits for the above angling association waters are available from:
The Secretaries of the above named Angling Associations and local tackle dealers.

The Kells Blackwater

THE KELLS BLACKWATER is the largest tributary of the River Boyne and it is fed by Lough Ramor in County Cavan. It flows in a south-easterly direction passing north of Kells, Co. Meath to its confluence with the Boyne at Navan. This river has all the usual fly hatches associated with a limestone river with sedges and olives being important. Presently the best of the brown trout angling on this river is on the waters controlled by Kells Angling Club. This includes the stretches from the Nine-Eyed Bridge at its source to Mabes Bridge, which is located just north of Kells. This river holds good stocks of wild brown trout up to two pounds and over and most of the stretches provide good angling. In 1997 the Blackwater produced a new record brown trout for the river which weighed in at over 8lbs. In 2002 the Kells Blackwater produced several wild brown trout that weighed over 5lbs. This river can fish well from March to September.
In 2004 a new record was once again established by Pat Mc Loughlin, local angler and fishing guide with a brown trout of 9.75 Lb

Location: Co. Cavan and Co. Meath. The main towns and villages in the area are Kells and Carnaross.

Season: Fishing takes place from March 1st to September 15th.

Fish Species: The Kells Blackwater is a wild brown trout fishery.

Methods: Fly-fishing, dry fly, wet fly, and nymph fishing are all successful.

Best Flies: Dry Flies: Grey Flag, Grey Duster, Hares Ear, Olive patterns including the Sherry Spinner.

Wet Flies: March Browns, Wickhams Fancy, Greenwells Glory, and Hares Ear

Nymphs: Assorted nymph patterns, including Goldheads, Hares Ear and Sawyers Nymph.

Angling Club: The Kells Angling Club which supports a policy of catch and release controls the fishing from The Nine Eyed Bridge to Mabes Bridge.

Fishing Tip: Evening time produces the best results but daytime fishing can also be productive if the angler uses the correct methods.

Entomoligical Information: The Kells Blackwater contains an abundance of fish food in the form of bugs, insects and flies. The most abundant and prolific of these include the following orders.

Order:
Ephemeroptera (upwing flies), Baetidae (olives), Ecdyonuridae, Trichoptera (sedges), Hydropychidae, Limnephilidae, Diptera (flatwing flies), Chironomidae (midges), Coleoptera (beetles), Elminthidae (small brown beetle), Lympets (crustation), Ancylidae (tiny snail).

Permits: Permits for this river are available from:

• The Flying Sportsman, CC Unlimited, Carrick Rd., Kells, Co. Meath.
• The Sports Gallery, Castle Street, Kells, Co. Meath.

The Stoneyford River

The Stoneyford River rises south of Oldcastle, at the base of Slieve na Caillaigh Co. Meath. It then flows in a south-easterly direction through counties Meath and Westmeath for (24 kms) 15 miles before entering the River Boyne half a mile downstream of Scarriff bridge. This river is spring fed in summer and has excellent hatches of fly life.
The Stoneyford has high banks post drainage but there is good access to the river in most areas. Some rehabilitation was carried in 1984 thus enabling trout stocks to recover and become re-established. This river is controlled by the Stoneyford Angling Association and holds extensive stocks of wild brown trout. The majority of these are small fish but these are complimented by a stock of larger fish, which all regularly oblige the waiting angler The largest trout recorded in 1997 was 3lbs l0ozs. In general it is possible to wade the river but chest waders are essential. Some areas are too deep even for chest waders. There is excellent fishing from South Hill Bridge to the confluence with the River Boyne, with the exception of the stretch at Woodtown West, which is located approximately mid-way between Lisclogher Bridge and Clockbrack Bridge. Parking and access are normally located close to the bridges. The Stoneyford can be described as an all day fishery with trout feeding avidly throughout the day. There are however some periods of inactivity, but these are usually short lived. The best of the fishing is from May to September. Anglers should note that the stretch of water below Stoneyford Bridge to its confluence within the Boyne has been designated a fly fishing only and catch and release stretch.

Location: Co. Meath and Co. Westmeath. The main towns and villages along the river are Ballivor, Kildalkey, Athboy, Delvin and Clonmellon.

Season: Fishing takes place from March 1st September 30th.

Fish Species: The Stoneyford River is a wild brown trout fishery.

Methods: Fly fishing, dry fly, wet fly, and nymph fishing are all successful.

Best Flies:

• Dry Flies: Grey Duster, Sedges, Olives, Black Gnat, Black Midge and Pheasant Tail.
• Wet Flies: Wickhams Fancy, Black Pennell.
• Nymphs: Assorted Nymphs.

Angling Club: This water is controlled by the Stoneyford Angling Association, which supports a policy of catch and release.

Fishing Tip: Take along a short rod and a good supply of small dry sedge patterns.

Order: Ephemeroptera (upwing flies), Baetidae, Ephemerellidae, Ecdyonuridae,
Plecoptera (stoneflies), Leuctridae, Trichoptera (sedges), Hydropsychidae, Limnephilidae, Rhyacophilidae,
Diptera (flatwing flies), Chironomidae, Simuliidae, Tipulidae, Amphipoda (crustations), Gammaridae, Asselidae.

Permits: Permits for this river are available from:

• Davis's Shop in Ballivor, Co. Meath.
• The Marketing Angling Co-ordinator E.R.F.B, 21 Ludlow Street, Navan, Co. Meath.
  Tel & Fax: Europe: 00 353 46 9073375 U.S.A. 011 353 46 9073375.

Athboy - Tremblestown River

THE ATHBOY-TREMBLESTOWN RIVER flows in a south easterly direction across Co. Meath for 22 miles passing through Athboy before entering the River Boyne approximately 2 miles upstream of Trim. The high banks on this river can be overcome by wading but it is essential to wear chest waders to fish it effectively. The fishing on this river from Athboy downstream, is controlled by Trim-Athboy and District Angling Association. This river holds a good stock of wild brown trout up to ¾ lbs. in weight with reasonable stocks of larger trout to over 1 lb. The fishing is good from Athboy to the Boyne confluence.

Location: Co. Meath. The main towns and villages along this river are Crossakeel, Kilskeel, Clonmellon, Athboy, and Kildalkey.

Season: Fishing on this river takes place from April 1st to September 15th.

Fish Species: The Athboy-Tremblestown is a wild brown trout fishery.

Methods: Dry fly, wet fly, and nymph fishing are all successful.

Best Flies:

• Dry Flies: Grey Duster, Sedges, Black Gnat and Midges.
• Wet Flies: Wickhams Fancy, Black Pennell and Greenwells Glory.
• Nymphs: Assorted Nymphs

Angling Club: The Trim, Athboy and District Angling Association controls the fishing downstream from Athboy. This association supports a policy of catch and release.

Fishing tip: Try fishing a nymph upstream in the riffles when no trout are showing.

Order: Ephemeroptera (upwing flies), Baetidae, Ecdyonuridae, Caenidae, Ephemerellidae,
Plecoptera (stoneflies), Leuctridae, Trichoptera (sedges), Hydropsychidae, Limnephilidae, Rhyacophilidae,
Diptera (flatwing flies), Chironomidae, Simuliidae, Tipulidae, Coleoptera (beetles), Elminthidae, Hygrobidae,
Amphipoda (crustations), Gammaridae, Asselidae.

Permits: Permits for this river are available from:

• Gerry Lee, Loman St., Trim, Co., Meath. Tel: (Europe) 00 353 46 9431487.
  (U.S.A.) 011 353 46 9431487
• The Marketing Angling Co-ordinator E.R.F.B., 21 Ludlow Street, Navan, Co. Meath.
  Tel & Fax: (Europe) 00 353 46 9073375. (U.S.A.) 011 353 46 9073375

The River Deel

THE RIVER DEEL derives its source from Lough Lene, Lough Bane and the Ben Loughs and then flows for 22 miles in a south easterly direction through Raharney Co. Westmeath before joining with the River Boyne 1 mile upstream of Inchamore Bridge. The River Deel is a limestone river and it is characterised by the clarity of its water. There are excellent hatches of fly life on this river including various upwing species, sedges and diptera.
Many areas of this river have recovered post drainage and now hold good stocks of wild brown trout to over 2lbs. weight. This river which is controlled by the Deel and Boyne Angling Association fishes best in the early part of the season before its luxuriant growth of weed gets firmly established.
This river is deep and is best fished by wading, so chest waders are essential. There is good fishing at Cummer Bridge upstream of Raharney and at Clondalee and Killyon Bridges below Raharney. There is also a good stretch immediately below Raharney village. Parking is generally off road and the best access is from the bridges.
There are prolific hatches of sedge on this river and the evening rise can produce the best results. Daytime fishing can also produce excellent results if the angler uses the correct techniques.

Location: Co. Westmeath and Co. Meath. The main towns and villages in the area are Delvin and Raharney.

Season: Fishing takes place from March 1st September 30th.

Fish Species: The River Deel is a brown trout fishery.

Methods: Fly fishing, dry fly, wet fly, and nymph fishing are all successful. Dry fly only from Raharney to Inan Bridge.

Best Flies:

• Dry Flies: Grey Duster, CDC Black Gnat, CDC Sedge, CDC Caenis.
• Wet Flies: Black Pennell, Peter Ross, Greenwells Glory & Wickhams Fancy.
• Nymphs: Assorted Nymphs.

Angling Club: This water is controlled by the Deel and Boyne Angling Association, which supports a policy of catch and release.

Fishing Tip: Leave the slower flowing areas until evening.

Permits: Permits for this river are available from:

• Paddy Connaughton, Secretary, Deel & Boyne Angling Association. Tel: (Europe) 00 353 44 74595. (U.S.A.) 011 353 44 74595.
• The Marketing Angling Co-ordinator E.R.F.B., 21 Ludlow Street, Navan, Co. Meath.
  Tel & Fax: Europe: 00 353 46 9073375 U.S.A. 011 353 46 9073375.

The Riverstown River

THE RIVERSTOWN RIVER rises near the village of Cloghan Co. Westmeath and flows in an easterly direction for ten miles before joining with the River Deel 1 mile downstream from the village of Raharney. Since the completion of the drainage scheme this river has re-established its stocks of wild brown trout. It is a difficult river to fish, with high overgrown banks and poor access but the rewards can be justified for the angler who is willing to brave these obstacles. The Riverstown River holds stocks of fish up to 1¾1bs and fishing is controlled by the Deel and Boyne Angling Association. The best fishing is to be had by wading and chest waders are essential. There are good stretches from Thomastown Bridge to Stonestown Bridge. The stretch from Ballyhaw Bridge to the Deel confluence has now been turned into a sanctuary area and this will hopefully ensure better stocks in future years. Parking and access are located close to the road bridges. The best of the fishing on this river is from May to September.

Location: Co. Westmeath. The main towns and villages along this river are Rathwire, Killucan, and Raharney.

Season: Fishing on the Riverstown is from March 1st to September 30th.

Fish Species: The Riverstown River is a brown trout fishery.

Methods: Dry fly only. Ballyhaw Bridge to the confluence with the Deel is now a sanctuary area.

Best Flies: Hares Ear, Pheasant Tail, Grey Flag, Assorted Olives and Sedges.

Angling Club: This water is controlled by the Deel and Boyne Angling Association, which supports a policy of catch and release.

Fishing Tip: Use a short rod to avoid overgrowth on this river.

Permits: Permits for this river are available from:

• Paddy Connaughton, Secretary, Deel and Boyne Anglers Association. Tel: 00 353 44 74595.
• The Marketing Angling Co-ordinator E.R.F.B., 21 Ludlow Street, Navan, Co. Meath.
  Tel & Fax: 00 353 46 9073375.

Enfield Blackwater River

THE ENFIELD BLACKWATER rises north of Prosperous village in Co. Kildare and flows in a north westerly direction for (24.5 km) 16 miles past Johnstown Bridge and Longwood, before entering the River Boyne immediately below Inchamore Bridge. As with many of the tributaries of the Boyne this river has high banks in places but it has many fishable areas. This river has a good stock of wild brown trout ranging from ½lb to 1½lbs in weight. Longwood Angling Association controls fishing from Johnstown Bridge downstream and there is good fishing to its confluence with the Boyne.

Location: Co. Kildare and Co. Meath. The main towns and villages in the area are Johnstown Bridge, Enfield and Longwood.

Season: Fishing on this river takes place from March 1st to September 30th.

Methods: Fly fishing, dry fly, wet fly, and nymph fishing are all successful.

Fish Species: The Enfield Blackwater is a brown trout fishery.

Best Flies:

• Dry Flies: Grey Duster, Hares Ear, Grey Flag, Pheasant Tail, Assorted Sedges.
• Wet Flies: Greenwells Glory, Wichams Fancy and Olive Quill.
• Nymphs: Assorted Nymphs.

Angling Club: The Longwood Angling Association which supports a policy of catch and release controls the fishing from Johnstown Bridge downstream to the confluence with the Boyne.

Fishing Tip: Use a tapered leader for better dry fly presentation.

Permits: Permits for this river are available from:

• Mr. Richard Kelly, Secretary, Longwood Angling Association, Carronstown, Ballivor, Co. Meath.
  Tel: 00 353 405 46119 .
• The Post Office, Longwood, Enfield, Co. Meath.
  Tel: 00 353 405 55012
• The Marketing Angling Co-ordinator E.R.F.B, 21 Ludlow Street, Navan, Co. Meath.
  Tel & Fax: 00 353 46 73375.

Mongagh and Yellow Rivers
THE MONGAGH RIVER rises near Tyrrellspass and Rochforthbridge and it flows for 12 miles through Co. Westmeath in an easterly direction before joining with the Yellow River just upstream of Clongall Bridge, near Castlejordan. This river holds a good stock of small wild brown trout and a small number of fish up to 2lbs in weight. The Edenderry and Castlejordan Angling Association control fishing. Sanctuary areas are now in operation please contact the secretary for details.

THE YELLOW RIVER rises north of Daingean Co. Offaly and flows in an easterly direction for approximately 13 miles before entering the Boyne 3 miles above Ballyboggan Bridge. This river has a good stock of small trout but the stretch below Clongall Bridge holds trout up to 2 lbs in weight. The Edenderry and Castlejordan Angling Association control fishing. Sanctuary areas are now in operation please contact the secretary for details.

Location: Counties, Meath, Westmeath, Offaly and Kildare. The main towns and villages along these rivers are Edenderry, Castlejordan, Miltownpass and Kinnegad.

Season: Fishing on these rivers takes place from March 1st to September 30th.

Fish Species: These rivers are brown trout fisheries.

Methods: Dry fly, wet fly, and nymph fishing are all successful.

Best Flies:

• Dry Flies: Grey Duster, Grey Flag, Black Gnat, Beacon Beige, Kites Imperial.
• Wet Flies: Black & Silver Spider, Partridge & Orange, Partridge & Yellow.
• Nymphs: Assorted Nymphs.

Angling Club: The Edenderry Angling Association which supports a policy of catch and release controls the fishing from Johnstown Bridge downstream to the confluence with the Boyne.

Fishing Tip: These rivers can fish well after a flood.

Permits: Permits for this river are available from :
Joe Enright, Secretary, Edenderry and Castlejordan Angling Association, 37 Fr. Paul Murphy Street, Edenderry, Co. Offaly.

The River Nanny, The Delvin River

The Delvin River rises close to the Meath-Dublin border south west of the village Naul and flows in a north easterly direction for approximately 10 miles before entering the Irish Sea south of Ben Head close to the town of Balbriggan Co. Dublin. The Devlin is a small river which contains a small stock of wild brown trout and this is supplemented by stocking by the local Angling Association, the Gormanston and District Anglers Association. The Devlin also gets a run of sea trout which commences at the end of May and continues throughout the summer subject to water conditions. A number of trout in excess of 2lbs+ are caught annually on the stretch below tho old Dublin Road bridge. Sea trout can also be caught on the coastline either side of the estuary, with spinning providing the best results.
The Association also has the exclusive fishing rights on The Wavin Lake ( Old Knock lake) 0.5 miles Dublin side of Balrothery, North Co. Dublin and on the Delvin River up to Stamullan which is on the border of Co Dublin and Co Meath, 2 miles north of Balbriggan. The Wavin lake is approximately 26 acres set in a wild life sanctuary. Lake is stocked by us with rainbow and brownies, but does have its own wild brownies, one caught recently weighed in at a staggering 12 lb 13 oz The Gormanston Angling Association has 8 boats on the lake for members and their are facilities for disabled fishermen. Their are eight stone jetties which have been built to facilitate access to the water. The Association is trying to promote fly fishing, but limited spinning on one shore only is allowed.

Location: Counties, Meath and Dublin. The main towns and villages close to this river are Balbriggan, Gormanston, Stamullen and Naul .

Season: Fishing on these rivers takes place from February to September. Please check with the Association for details.

Fish Species: This river contains stocks of wild brown trout and a run of sea trout.

Methods: Dry fly, wet fly, and nymph fishing are all successful.

Angling Club: The Gormanston and District Angling Association which supports a policy of catch and release controls the fishing on this river.

Fishing Tip: This river can fish well after a flood.

Permits: Permits for this river are available from :
Day tickets are available for non members...

• The Balbriggan Tourist Office, The Square, Balbriggan.
• "The Sail Inn" Petrol Station, Drogheda Street, Balbriggan (North side of the town)
  Permits are also available from the Club Secretary.
• Mr.Ciaran Mc Donald. Secretary, Gormanston and District Angling Association. 14 Knightswood Park, Balrothery, Fingal, North County Dublin. Mobile Tel: 087-2311017 Home: 01 84157888
  email: rayban@indigo.ie

The upper Boyne lakes

THE UPPER BOYNE LAKES are located near Collinstown and Fore, Co Westmeath and some of them provide sport for the game angler Lough Lene, Lough Bane, and the White Lough are the main game angling waters in this area and they contain stocks of wild brown trout. These lakes are also stocked on a regular basis.
LOUGH LENE is situated north of Collinstown and covers an area of 430 hectares with depths to 20m. The Lough Lene Angling Association controls fishing on this lake, which is noted for the purity and clarity of its water Lough Lene has regularly been awarded the blue flag for water quality by the E.E.C. This lake holds a good head of wild trout and this is complimented by regular stocking. Trout to 5lbs weight are not uncommon and in 1997 the largest recorded trout was a 6lbs. fish taken in March. Sedge fishing can produce results all year round and the Green Peter and Murrough are important in July and August. Boats for hire and day permits are available locally.
LOUGH BANE is located 4 miles east of Collinstown and covers an area of 150 hectares with depths to 20m. This deep clear lake has a stock of wild brown trout and is stocked regularly by the Lough Bane Angling Association, which controls the fishing. Trout in this lake have a good average size and fish of 4-5lbs. are not uncommon. Small sedges can produce good results on summer evenings. Boats are available locally for hire but they must be booked in advance.

WHITE LOUGH is located 4 miles east of the town of Castlepollard and covers an area of 26 hectares with depths to 30 meters. This fishery has been stocked with both brown and rainbow trout and fishing is controlled by the White Lake Angling Club.
This lough holds some big trout and fishes well all year round. Fish are sometimes taken on small brown sedges and the Green Peter and Murrough are successful in July and August. Boats for hire and permits are available locally.

Location: Counties, Meath and Westmeath. The main towns and villages in the vicinity of these lakes are Collinstown, Fore, Drumeree and Castlepollard.

Season: Fishing takes place on Lough Lene from 1st March to September 30th, on Lough Bane from 1st March to September 30th, on White Lough from 1st March to September 30th.

Fish Species: These lakes are primarily brown trout fisheries but a small number of rainbow trout have been stocked into Lough Bane and White Lough.

Methods: All fly fishing methods are allowed.

Best Flies: March Brown., Sooty Olive, Duckfly, Golden Olive, Bibio, Peter Ross, Black Pennell, Buzzers, Mallard and Claret, Green Peter, Murrough and Cock Robin.

Angling Club: Fishing on the above lakes is controlled by their respective Angling Association and all support a policy of catch and release.

Fishing Tip: Boat fishing produces the best results. Get advice locally.

Permits:

• Fishing permits and boat hire information for Lough Lene are available from
  Tommy Fagan, lnisfree, Collinstown, Co. Westmeath. Tel: 00 353 44 61359
• Fishing permits and boat hire information for Lough Bane are available from
  Mary Nolan, Lough Bane, Oldcastle, Co. Meath. Tel: 00 353 44 66409
  John Cooke, Glenidan, Collinstown, Co. Westmeath. Tel: 00 353 44 66178
• Fishing permits and boat hire information for the White Lough are available from,
  Ita Halpin, The Seven Wonders, Fore, Co. Westmeath. Tel: 00 353 44 61114.

Further Information: For further information please contact:
The Marketing Angling Co-ordinator E.R.F.B., 21 Ludlow Street, Navan Co. Meath.
Tel & Fax: Europe: 00 353 46 9073375 U.S.A. 011 353 46 9073375.

Access to Fisheries: Access does not imply a right of way and anglers should ensure that, they have the necessary permission to enter or cross private lands. Where possible anglers should walk along the river bank or lake shore.

Country Code: Anglers should ensure that gates are closed and that fences are not broken or damaged. Care should be taken with crops and livestock. Litter must not be discarded and no fires are allowed. Vehicles should be parked in designated areas and in such a manner that they do not cause obstruction.

Errors and Inaccuracies: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this webpage is accurate, no responsibility will be accepted by the Fisheries Boards or the Boyne Fisheries Manager for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein.

Further Information: For further information please contact:
The Marketing Angling Co-ordinator E.R.F.B., 21 Ludlow Street, Navan Co. Meath.
Tel & Fax: Europe: 00 353 46 9073374 U.S.A. 011 353 46 9073375.

Information provided courtesy of the Eastern regional fisheries board