Home River Liffey & Tributaries

    River Liffey & Tributaries

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    Fishing at Clane on the River Liffey
    Fishing at Clane on the River Liffey

    The River Liffey rises in the Wicklow Mountains 12 miles south of the city of Dublin. It then flows in a long crescent for over 80 miles before entering the sea at Dublin Bay. The river’s upper reaches from Sally Gap to Pollaphuca reservoir hold good stocks of very small trout. Early season wetfly fishing can produce an occasional trout to over 0.5 lbs in weight. So, the bigger trout in this stretch might have probably moved up from the reservoir.

    Below Pollaphuca, the Liffey meanders through the limestone plains of Co. Kildare. During this journey, it transforms into a rich productive trout river. As a result, this stretch can produce some good trout to over the specimen weight of 5 lbs. The Liffey gets some very good fly hatches. For example, olives, including b.w.o. and a smattering of mayfly are important during the summer. In addition, it also gets hatches of sedge on summer evenings. Finally, anglers must be are of its prolific midge and smut hatches. As a result of these hatches there is excellent fishing at Ballymore Eustace, Kilcullen and Newbridge.

    Just outside Dublin between Celbridge and Straffan there is some excellent trout fishing. Fishing is controlled by a number of Angling Associations and riparian owners. There is free fishing at Memorial Park above Islandbridge. Further fishing is available on the left bank upstream of Leixlip bridge to the Rye Water. However, angling is prohibited from the Rye Water to Leixlip Dam.

    Islandbridge to Lucan

    Fishing on the Liffey is controlled by angling associations and private owners. The Dublin and District Salmon and Trout Anglers Association has extensive fishing stretches on the river. Firstly, at Islandbridge and at the Strawberry Beds along the Lower Lucan road. In addition, fishing is available at the Wrens nest and at CPI. The Lucan Trout and Salmon Angling Association has fishing rights on thre south bank. These extend from Lucan bridge to Hermitage Golf Course. Fishing is prohibited between Lucan weir and the bridge located downstream from the weir. Day permits and memberships are available from both clubs.

    Leixlip to Celbridge, Co. Kildare.

    Free fishing is available on the Liffey on the left bank upstream of leixlip bridge to its confluence with the Rye Water. Fishing is prohibited from the Rye water to Leixlip dam. The Celbridge-Straffan fishery on the Liffey is a very rich trout water which stretches for approximately 4.5 miles. Many trout over 1lb in weight are regularly taken. This section is leased by the Dublin Trout Anglers Association.

    The best location is on the South bank (right bank looking downstream) from Straffan Bridge to Pausdeen Bridge. The exception to this is a few hundred yards where the river flows through a wood at Mr. Leonards land. Best flies on this stretch are the Yellow Sally and May Dun. The Grey flag, Ginger Quill and Greenwells Glory are also effective patterns in this area. Detailed maps are available from the Dublin Trout Anglers Association.

    Fly fishing for wild brown trout on the River Liffey, Ireland.

    Location

    Counties Wicklow, Kildare and Dublin. The main villages, towns and cities are Kilbride, Blessington, Ballymore Eustace and Kilcullen. In addition, Newbridge, Clane, Straffan, Celbridge, Leixlip and Dublin City.

    Season
    • Brown Trout: 1 March to 30 September.
    Fishing methods

    Angling Bye-law No. 982 of 2020 prohibits the use of any fish hooks, other than single or double barbless hooks. It also prohibits the use of worms as bait in angling for all species in the Liffey. Excluding upstream of Pollaphuca dam and the River Dodder.

    Angling Clubs & Associations

    The following Associations control waters on the Liffey.

    Fishing Tip

    Try fishing with small flies. These seem to produce the best results.

    Fishing permits
    • Ballymore Eustace T.S.A.A. As above and the Nearby Store, Ballymore Eustace.
    • Kilbride Anglers Club, Secretary, Eamonn Kelly,
      Email: [email protected]  Web: Kilbride Anglers Club
    • North Kildare Trout & Salmon Anglers Association. Secretary, John Higgins,
      Website: http://nktsaa.com/  Permits online: http://nktsaa.com/membership/
    • Rory’s Templebar, Website: www.rorys.ie Telephone: 00 353 1 6772351. Email: [email protected]
    • Moorefield P.O. Newbridge, Telephone: 00 353 45 486168.  (North Kildare TSAA permits)
    • The Arch Bar, Address: Newbridge, Co Kildare.
      Telephone: 00 353
    • Wallaces Shop,Address: Main street Clane, Co. Kildare.
      Telephone: 045 868936.
    • Dublin T.A.A : Pat Clintons Angling and Shooting Centre,
      Address: Ballydowd, Lucan, Co. Dublin.
      Telephone: 01 6281112.
    • Dublin and District Salmon Anglers Association. 
    • The Kildare Hotel & Country Club. (as above).
    Access and car parking

    On the southern bank of the Liffey there is a public walkway at Memorial Park. There is free car parking available at the main entrance. On the eastern end check with the angling clubs for details. From Chapelizod to the Strawberry Beds all fisheries are private. From the Strawberry beds to Lucan bridge there are various access points. For example, from the lower Lucan road (north bank) and from the N4 (south bank). Check with Angling clubs for details. Parking is mostly off road with some available at nearby pubs.

    Access to fisheries

    Access points are generally located close to the road bridges on the river. It is provided through the goodwill and assistance of the farming community. However, access does not imply a right of way. Anglers should ensure that they have the necessary permission to enter or cross private lands. So, where possible, anglers should walk along the riverbank.

    Country Code

    We ask anglers to follow all the principles of Leave no Trace when angling. Firstly, anglers should ensure that gates are closed and that fences are not damaged or broken. Secondly, care should be taken with crops and livestock. Thirdly, litter must not be discarded and no fires are allowed. Finally, anglers vehicles should be parked in designated areas. They should not cause obstruction. For detailed information on the principles of Leave No Trace please visit the following link https://fishinginireland.info/enjoy-irelands-fisheries-leave-no-trace/


    Trout fishing waters around Dublin


    The Camac River

    The Camac flows in a north easterly direction from Brittas Co. Wicklow, through to Dublin City. It flows via west Tallaght, Clondalkin, and Drimnagh, and joins the Liffey at Kilmainham. The river has a limestone base on its lower reaches. It holds a good stock of small to medium sized wild brown trout with fish to 1.5 lb and over being a distinct possibility. The banks are heavily overgrown in parts. However, there is good access around and above Corkagh Park.

    Fishing is controlled by riparian owners and overseen by the Friends of the Camac and local communities. This highlights the uniqueness of this river and habitat which exists in an urban and suburban setting. All conservation measures are encouraged on this river. Consequently, catch and release is recommended as is the application of the principles of leave no trace.

    Location

    The Camac is located in Co. Wicklow and the Greater Dublin and Dublin City areas.

    Fish species

    The Camac contains good stocks of small to medium sized wild brown trout.

    Season
    • Wild brown trout: March 1st to September 30th
    Fishing methods

    All legitimate methods are allowed however fly fishing and catch and release are encouraged. Therefore, traditional wet fly patterns and nymph patterns can produce excellent results.

    Permission

    Please enquire locally.

    Fly hatches

    The Camac gets hatches of olives, gnats and sedge.

    Fishing guides

    https://fishinginireland.info/guides/dublin

    Fishing Tackle Shops

    https://fishinginireland.info/tackleshops/

    Important note

    Anglers fishing the Camac must note the salmon and sea trout regulations. Therefore, you should check the following link for details of the salmon and sea trout regulations

    Access to fisheries

    Access points are generally located close to the road bridges on the river. It is provided through the goodwill and assistance of the farming community. However, access does not imply a right of way. Anglers should ensure that they have the necessary permission to enter or cross private lands. Where possible, anglers should walk along the riverbank or lakeshore.

    Country Code

    We ask anglers to follow all the principles of Leave no Trace when angling. Firstly, anglers should ensure that gates are closed and that fences are not damaged or broken. Secondly, care should be taken with crops and livestock. Thirdly, litter must not be discarded and no fires are allowed. Finally anglers vehicles should be parked in designated areas. They should not cause obstruction. For detailed information on the principles of Leave No Trace please visit the following link https://fishinginireland.info/enjoy-irelands-fisheries-leave-no-trace/


    Trout fishing waters around Dublin