The shallow stretch of the River Barrow between Monasterevin and Athy is not navigable and extends for some 24kms (15miles). Depths range from 3ft to 7ft on this stretch of river which contains good stocks of bream, roach, rudd, hybrids and dace. Perch to specimen size are caught occasionally in the Monasterevin area. Feeder, pole and waggler fishing methods can all produce results on this section of the river. However, float and pole techniques are more effective when water conditions are moderate to low, feeder can work better when the flow rate increases. This section has a luxuriant growth of weed in summer which can make fishing difficult but those willing to explore the river may be rewarded with some excellent catches. Ground bait mix can be important depending on the prevailing water conditions. Best hook baits include maggot, caster, pinkies, sweet-corn, hemp and worm. The best of the coarse angling on this section generally takes place from end of April until October but fishing is dependent on water conditions.
The Barrow at Monasterevin offers some great angling opportunities
Coarse anglers wishing to fish this section should look to travel as light as possible. Access to this section of the River Barrow is difficult and limited. The best access and parking is located close to the bridges at Monasterevin and Dunrally and at the Belin Angling Club car park at the ‘Pullocks’.
Monasterevin to Dunrally Bridge
The stretch of river from Monasterevin to Dunrally Bridge is approximately 12km (7.5miles) in length. The best access to this stretch of river is located at the bridge in Monasterevin and at Dunrally Bridge. Fishing on this stretch is controlled by Monasterevin and District Anglers Association on the left bank downstream from Monasterevin to Dunrally. The club also controls fishing upstream of the town on both banks of the Black River and on the Slate River to the bridge on the Bracknagh Road.
There is very good coarse fishing to be had on the section of the Barrow immediately upstream of the town to where it meets with the Black River. In recent years lots of roach, including some to specimen size, have been caught on the lower reaches of the Black River. The best access to this section is at the bridge in Monasterevin.
The downstream section between Monasterevin and Dunrally can only be accessed from the bridge in Monasterevin and at Dunrally Bridge. Species that can be targeted by coarse anglers include bream, roach, rudd, hybrids, perch and dace. Good sized roach weighing from 8ozs o 12ozs and some larger can be taken in the pools downstream of Monasterevin. The river in this area is bordered by tall flags and other bankside vegetation in some places and in-stream rushes can make fishing challenging. There is no vehicular access to the Monasterevin and District Angling Club waters on this section of the river. Club rules state that all fish must be returned alive to the water. The Monasterevin and District Anglers Association are a game angling club but are happy to accommodate coarse anglers free of charge on their waters. No permit is required by coarse anglers to fish these waters but the Monasterevin and District Anglers Association requests that coarse anglers intending to fish these waters notify the club in advance. Membership of the club is recommended and is available from just €30 per annum from Finlay’s Angling Centre in Monasterevin. Club membership provides additional benefits including access to club events and competitions, expert advice and insurance cover.
The Monasterevin and District Anglers Association waters extend from Footstick Bridge downstream on both banks to the Motorway Bridge and from there on the left bank to Dunrally Bridge which is located on the Vicarstown Road R427. The club also controls fishing on the Barrow upstream of the town in Monasterevin and on the Black River.
Local Club Contact
- Jonathan Finlay, Monasterevin and District Angling Club, Tel: 086 4040809 Website: www.monasterevinanglers.com
- Finlay’s Angling Centre, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare:
Tel: 045 525331
Web: www.finlaysangling centre.com
Dunrally Bridge and the Sally Islands
Fishing upstream of Dunrally Bridge on the left bank is controlled by the Belin Angling Club. The clubs waters extend from Dunrally Bridge up to the Sally Islands which are located just below the motorway bridge.
This stretch of the Barrow can be accessed with difficulty from Dunrally Bridge and parking at the bridge is very limited. In summer and low water conditions large islands of rushes can separate the pools where fish may have shoaled up. The hardest job for the angler at this point can be to locate the fish. The bankside vegetation is heavy immediately upstream of the bridge and available parking is limited. The best access and fishing on this stretch in the Courtwood area. Take the first turn right after crossing Dunrally Bridge and having crossed two small stream bridges on this road take the next right turn. This unpaved roadway will take you to a spacious car park at the ‘Pullocks’ which is within feet of the river. There is access all along the river bank upstream to the ‘Fort at Dunrally’ which is located just off the river bank. The roadway located here leads to the Fisherstown Inn where up to minute fishing information is available.
Belin Angling Club Waters on the Barrow upstream of the ‘Pullocks’
There is quality coarse angling all along this stretch from the ‘Pullocks’ to the ‘Sally Islands’ for rudd, roach, perch, bream, skimmers and hybrids. Fishing is generally into 5-8ft of water but some deeper pools can be located here. This section fish’s best from April until October and float and feeder techniques can produce some nice, bream, perch, roach, rudd and hybrids depending on the prevailing water conditions. The Belin Angling Club are a game angling club and are happy to accommodate coarse anglers free of charge on their waters. No permit is required by coarse anglers to fish these waters but the Belin Angling Club requests that coarse anglers intending to fish these waters notify the club in advance. Membership of the club is recommended and is available for just €30 per annum. Club membership provides additional benefits including access to club events and competitions, expert advice and insurance cover.
Local Club Contact:
- Mr John Corcoran, Secretary, Belin Angling Club,
Tel: 086 2230120 - The Fisherman’s Inn, Fisherstown, Co. Carlow.
Tel: 00 353 57 8626488 - The Vicarstown Inn, Vicarstown, Co. Carlow.
Tel: 00 353 57 8625189
Dunrally Bridge to Bert Bridge
Athy and District Coarse Angling Clubs waters extend from Dunrally Bridge to Bert Bridge and from Bert Bridge to Athy. Their waters also extend from Athy to Maganey Bridge (3 Counties Bridge) and downstream to Maganey Lock.
The stretch of river from Dunrally Bridge to Bert Bridge extends downstream for approximately 8kms (5 miles). It is shallow and can get very weedy during the summer months especially when the water is low and clear. The Stradbally River joins with the Barrow approximately 1.5 miles downstream of Dunrally Bridge. Anglers can expect to locate bream, roach, rudd, hybrids, perch and dace on this stretch. Access to this stretch is at Dunrally and Bert Bridges where parking is available but limited.
Bert Bridge to Athy
The final section on this stretch is from Bert Bridge to Athy and this is approximately 4km (2.5 miles) in length. Again the character of the river is similar to the two previous stretches shallow with heavy weed growth during the summer. Anglers can expect to locate bream, roach, rudd, hybrids, perch and dace on this stretch. Access to this stretch is best on the right bank heading downstream from Bert Bridge. Float and feeder techniques all produce results. Upstream of Athy the River Barrow offers excellent opportunities for perch and hybrid specimen hunters. Perch and hybrids to specimen size are taken regularly at this location. The best access to this section can be found at Bert Bridge and in the town of Athy where car parking is also located.
Local Club Contact
Mr John Shaughnessy, Chairman, Athy and District Coarse Angling Club,
Tel: 086 3824043
