The River Dargle rises in the Wicklow mountains and flows in a north-easterly direction for 12 miles. It passes through the beautiful Dargle Glen in a series of rapids and waterfalls before entering the Irish Sea at Bray. Although it contains a stock of small wild brown trout it is one of Ireland’s prime sea trout rivers and regularly produces excellent fishing for large sea-trout. The best of the sea-trout fishing is from May to September. Details of salmon and sea trout fishing on the Dargle can be found at the following link https://fishinginireland.info/salmon/east/dargle/
Most of the fishing on the Dargle is controlled by the local Angling Club and private individuals. Please consult with the individual fisheries and clubs on conditions and availability of brown trout fishing (if available) before attempting to fsh.
Location
Co. Wicklow. The main towns and villages in the area are Bray, Enniskerry and Kilmacanogue, Co. Wicklow.
Fish species
Sea Trout, Brown Trout and Salmon.
Season
- Sea trout: 1 February – 12 October
- Brown trout: 1 March – 30 September
- Salmon: 1 February – 30 September
Salmon and sea-trout regulations
Fishing on the Dargle is subject to the salmon and sea trout regulations which are renewed annually. Please ensure that you familiarise yourself with these regulations and local bye-laws. Please see the following link https://fishinginireland.info/salmon/salmonregs/
Fishing methods
Angling Bye-law No. 982 of 2020 prohibits the use of any fish hooks, other than single or double barbless hooks, and also prohibits the use of worms as bait in angling for all species of fish.
All legal methods (subject to the salmon angling regulations and bye laws) are allowed with the exception of the strict fly fishing only rule applied from Bray Bridge to Bray Harbour. Fly fishing only at Tinnahinch.
Best flies
- Brown trout: a selections of olives and nymphs meet the general requirements on this river
- Sea-trout: Sweeney Todd, Medicines, (red, silver and gold), Connemara Black, Zulu, Black Pennell and Teal, Blue and Silver.
Angling Club
Fishing rights to the lower reaches are controlled by the Dargle Anglers Association. These are:
- The Dargle Glen from the bottom of the Tinnehinch Fishery to Kilcroney, near the junction of the N11, Dublin-Wexford and R117 Enniskerry roads.
- In Bray town from the west end of the People’s Park (Lower Dargle Road) to the sea.
Visiting anglers are welcome to join as associate members of the club. Day permits are available from Viking Tackle, Bray Sports Centre, Rory’s Tackle Shop, Dun Laoghaire Angling and Patrick Cleere & Sons. All legal methods (subject to the salmon angling regulations and bye laws) are permitted with the except of the strict fly fishing only rule applied from Bray Bridge to Bray Harbour.
For further information please contact the Secretary of the Dargle Anglers Association, Mr. Tony Grehan, 2 Whitechurch Crescent, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.
Tinnehinch Fishery
This private fishery extends from Tinnehinch Bridge on the R760 road near Powerscourt Estate downstream for one mile to the top of the ‘Gorge’ in Dargle Glen. Fishing is strictly fly only with the best sea trout fishing at night using the recommended flies. Fly casting instruction is available as are evening tickets (dusk). For further information please contact Mr. Hugh Duff, Tinnehinch House, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow. Tel: 01 286 8652.
Fishing Tip
Try fishing this river as the water level is dropping after a flood.
Fishing permits
For the Dargle Anglers Association waters contact the Secretary or the tackle dealers listed above. For the Tinnahinch fishery contact Mr. Hugh Duff. (as above)
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
Ensure that gates are closed and that fences are not broken or damaged. Take care with crops and livestock. Do not discard litter or light fires. Park vehicles in designated areas and in such a manner that they do not cause obstruction. Please follow the principles of Leave No Trace when fishing.
