The Avoca River catchment is an extensive network of tributaries that flow east into Arklow from high up in the Wicklow Mountains. The whole area is popular with game anglers, who can enjoy the sport on the Rivers Avoca, Avonmore and Ow. You are in the heart of the Garden of Ireland here, so enjoy beautiful mountain and forest scenery all around, while you cast off from the lush riverbanks. Catch and release is encouraged, if not required in some locations, and permits are necessary in most instances.
Ow or Aughrim River: This deep, wide river flows from the picturesque village of Aughrim to join with the River Avoca, near Woodenbridge, about 7km from Arklow. This River contains good stocks of wild brown trout with many of the fish being around 1lb.
Avonmore River: This River begins at Lough Dan in the Wicklow Mountains flowing through a granite landscape, creating an acidic environment resulting is generally small, 8oz to 1lb sized wild brown trout with the occasional catch of up to 6lbs recorded.
This Avonmore River runs right down through the valley and features a mix of slow meandering stretches to fast flowing sections, which are deep in parts. The mid-section of the river around Rathdrum is a good spot to explore, and in general March to May and August to September are the best times of year to fish here.
River Avoca: When the Avonmore reaches the Meetings of the Waters, it joins with the Avonbeg to form the larger River Avoca. Unfortunately, just beyond this point, before the village of Avoca, is a highly polluted stretch of water which suffers from acidic discharges from the nearby disused Avoca Mines. The best part of the River Avoca to fish on is around Woodenbridge where the Aughrim River joins.
Anglers have a choice of permits, from hourly to daily, and casting tuition is available for newcomers to the sport. Bait can be purchased onsite and rods are available for hire, or you can bring your own equipment.
Opening Times:
Summer
March 31st to Oct 27th 9am to 5pm (last ticket sold at 4pm)
Winter
Oct 28th to March 30th – 9am to 4pm (last ticket sold 3pm)
Address: Rednagh Road, Aughrim, Co Wicklow
Phone: 0402 36552
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