Home Coarse angling from Bagnalstown (Muine Bheag) to Graiguenamanagh on the Barrow

    Coarse angling from Bagnalstown (Muine Bheag) to Graiguenamanagh on the Barrow

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    The Barrow flows for approximately 12km (7.5miles) from Bagnalstown through Goresbridge to Graiguenamanagh on route to the tidal stretch at St Mullins. This stretch provides anglers with good general coarse fishing with some fish to specimen size being produced annually. The best access along this stretch is available at Bagnalstown R705, Goresbridge, Clashganny and Graiguenamanagh. This section of river has a number of good competition stretches. The match length at Bahana which is just above the tidal stretch produces roach and dace and is a nice location for pole or float. The stretches at and Clashganny offers coarse anglers the opportunity to try different coarse fishing techniques in picturesque surroundings. Float, feeder and pole techniques all offer possibilities on this superb stretch of river.  Bream fishing can be very good during May and June.

    Royal Oak Bridge
    The Barrow looking downstream from Royal Oak Bridge

    The Royal Oak Bridge is located just south of Bagnalstown. The river has narrowed and is shallow at this point and has a slightly stronger flow in places.  Upstream of the bridge the water is shallow and large rocks are scattered throughout the section. The deeper water is along the towpath on the right bank looking upstream and on the left bank looking downstream. Parking is very limited here and is located approximately 50m either side of the bridge. Roach, rudd, perch and dace can be taken here. Feeder can be more effective in the faster flowing areas.

    Fenniscourt
    The Barrow and Canal at Fenniscourt Lock

    Fenniscourt lock is located approximately 4km (2.5 miles) downstream from Royal Oak Bridge.  The lock and river can be accessed from the R705 which runs alongside the Barrow at this point. There are excellent pole and waggler fishing opportunities at the tip of the island at the exit of the can cut. Shoals of roach, rudd and dace are regularly observed moving and feeding in this area. An excellent location when water levels are high. Big perch, hybrids and bream can also be taken in this area. Feeder tactics can also produce good results. Parking is available beside the lock. The river upstream of the weir at Fenniscourt is deeper and slower and pole and float tactics are recommended.

    Fenniscourt and cut
    The Barrow and cut at Fenniscourt Lock

    Moving downstream, the lock at Slyguff can produce excellent fishing for roach, rudd and dace.  Pole and waggler tactics are recommended.

    Goresbridge

    The Barrow at Goresbridge can produce excellent mixed bags consisting of roach, rudd, dace, perch, bream and hybrids. Access and parking are located close to the bridge. The fast water below the weirs at Ballyellen upper and lower is game angling water that are controlled by Goresbridge Angling Association. Coarse angling is recommended in the slower deeper water on the navigation side.

    Goresbridge
    The Barrow at Goresbridge

    At Ballytiglea Bridge there is limited access and parking. Access to the river is located on the left hand side looking downstream. Anglers can expect to fish into approximately 8ft of water in this area. Roach, rudd, dace, perch, bream and hybrids can all be caught on this stretch. Parking is very limited at this location and should be exercised with great care.

    Clashganny

    The stretch at Clashganny offers coarse anglers the opportunity to try different coarse fishing techniques in picturesque surroundings. Float, feeder and pole techniques all offer possibilities on this superb stretch of river.

    Claghganny
    The famous Clashganny Stretch on the River Barrow

    This section of river has a number of good competition stretches. The match length at Bahana which is just above the tidal stretch at St Mullins produces roach and dace and is a nice location for pole or float. Depths in the Bahana area range from 8ft to 10ft. Fishing the cut at Clashganny Lock is best in winter and spring and when the water in the Barrow is high. Fish move into the deeper water when the water is low. There is excellent car parking available beside the lock.

    Graiguenamanagh

    Recent reports give high praise indeed to the quality of perch fishing available at Graiguenamanagh upstream of the bridge on both banks. Both worm and lure have produced good bags of fish here.

    Graiguenamangh
    The Barrow at Grauiuenamanagh

    Further upstream, above the slipway and boathouse on the right bank, decent bags of bream and hybrids and silvers are possible. Late evening fishing and heavy ground-baiting will improve your chances of success.  Hotspots in this area are located around Tinnahinch lock and Carriglead lock. Bream of 5lbs to 6ls can be taken at Carriglead and catches usually consist of quality dace, roach, rudd, perch and hybrids. Pole, float and feeder techniques all produce results. Parking and access to the Barrow are located close to the bridge in Graiguenamanagh.

    Dace
    Simple tactics can produce sport for an hour or two at Graiguenamanagh

    St Mullins

    St Mullins on the River Barrow is a tidal section of water that is of interest to coarse anglers, especially during May and early June. Fishing with the feeder on this tidal stretch produces some excellent catches of bream during the spawning period in May and early June. Anglers can expect to catch quality sized bream ranging from 5lb-7lb at this time. Good roach up to 2lbs and quality hybrids and dace can also be taken. Fishing on the incoming tide and the first of the ebb usually produce the best results.  Ensure that you use a heavy enough feeder that will hold in the strong current.

    St Mullins
    Scenic setting at St Mullins on the River Barrow

    Waggler fishing for dace also produces excellent catches.  Hook bait options include a worm topped by a single red maggot, treble red maggot and cocktail baits. A size 14 hook is best on the tidal section.

    There are a number of fishing stands suitable for anglers with special needs are provided at this location and there is plenty of parking beside the river. It can be very busy location due to the picturesque scenery and accessibility.

    St Mullins
    Angling Stand on the tidal stretch at St Mullins

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