Lismore
THE FISHING
The River Blackwater, which flows through west County Waterford before entering the sea at Youghal, is a historically famous salmon river offering Spring, Summer, and Autumn fishing. The Blackwater is a big fast-flowing river catering for all methods of angling but particularly suited to fly fishing. Both bank fishing and wading are the methods allowed.
Beats
Ireland’s river and lake waters have been privately owned and managed for centuries. In the Lismore area it is the Duke of Devonshire, Lord of Lismore Castle, who owns most of the river rights. He leases out the best fishing waters to several local entrepreneurs who in turn both manage the beats as well as collecting a fee for daily and weekly fishing rights. In the case of salmon, these are stretches of river from 100 to 500 yards long with clean gravel breeding beds. These rented stretches, called beats, can cover either one or sometimes both banks of the river.
The beauty of the system is that it keeps the river from being fished to death! The beats are well managed, well policed, and stocks are conserved. The nearest beat is directly beneath Lismore Castle, a short walk away. The farthest up-stream beat is 25 miles from the Hotel with twelve others in between. Lower beats provide flexibility when water levels fall. This combination of upstream down to tidal beats is important as conditions vary each month.
The Seasons
The salmon angling season opens on February 1st and ends on September 30th. Spring runs of Atlantic Salmon have become erratic in many rivers in recent times and the Blackwater is no exception. The main grilse run arrives around the second week of June and continues until the end of July. August and September normally sees grilse and large salmon coming in together in reasonable numbers.
APRIL / MAY
Spring run, with fish averaging 7-12lb. Depending on water conditions, fly fishing comes into its own, with 14-15’ rods and sink-tip or intermediate lines, and flies from size 10 to 3” depending on conditions.
JUNE / JULY / EARLY AUGUST
Grilse run, with fish averaging 2-5lb, and some larger summer salmon. For fly fishing, rods 12-14’ are used, with floating or sink-tip lines, and flies from size 8 to 14 depending on water conditions.
AUGUST / SEPTEMBER
Late summer salmon and grilse, and early autumn salmon, with fish from 3 to 20lb. Tackle is dependent on water conditions. In low water, fly fishing with 12-14’ rods and floating or sink-tip lines with flies from size 10-14, in higher water 14-15’ rods and sink-tip or intermediate lines with flies size 6-10.
BOATS AND EQUIPMENT
4-wheel drive vehicles take guests to the rivers. This is strictly a walk and wade destination.
GETTING THERE
Guest have the option of flying in through the Dublin International Airport or through Shannon Airport in Cork. Upon arrival and having cleared customs, guests will be met by a driver in the luggage section of the airport. He will have a sign with your name on it and he will then escort you to his car for the 2.5 hour drive down to Lismore. For groups, we have a series of vans and mini buses that will be utilized depending on the groups size.
Slipstream is a full service travel company that can handle a variety of services relating to your trip. For assistance, please contact us directly at 1 866 644-7703.
Rates FOR 2024
The Lismore Castle has to be booked out in exclsivity for this trip. Please contact our office for pricing and availability.
- DUB - Dublin
- 1st February - 30th September
- Atlantic Salmon
- 12 Rods guests
- Wifi: Yes
- Language: English
- Physicality: Low
- CC Payment at Facility : No
From our gallery
Lismore
Tour Location
LOCATION
PRIMARY SPECIES
SEASON OF OPERATION
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE LOGISTICS
ACCOMMODATIONS
Guests fishing the Blackwater have a variety of options in terms of where to base from. We a very partial to the Lismore House Hotel because of its wonderful location right in the heart of the lovely town of Lismore. When staying at Lismore House, everything is within a 5-minute walk, including numerous pubs and a variety of shopping and dining options. Staying at the Lismore also means that you don’t need a vehicle!
Built in 1797, the Lismore House Hotel, the first purpose built hotel in Ireland, re-opened its doors having been completely restored and refurbished to retain the glory of i’s Georgian old world style and charm, while still reflecting the heritage of Lismore Castle and its surroundings. Located in the heart of the beautiful heritage town of Lismore, Co. Waterford, the 29 hotel rooms come with all the modern conveniences including wifi.
The Lismore House Hotel’s original and new bedrooms have been lovingly restored and decorated to their original Georgian charm and style. With exceptional standards providing luxurious drapes, duck down bedding, deluxe carpets that your feet sink into, and many more comforts and finishing touches, modern meets old, with complimentary Wifi access and the little extras, that make a stay so comfortable.
The Lismore House has a full bar (The Malt Bar) is on the property, along with the River Bank Restaurant. For groups who would prefer a more exclusive country stay, we have a superb list of the area’s best country homes and estates, including the spectacular Lismore Castle, which are ideal for larger groups of 16-20. For availability options and pricing please email Richard directly at rich@slipstreamangling.com
DESTINATION CAPACITY
Lismore
Lismore
INCLUDED IN PRICE
- Round trip airport shuttles on arrival and departure days
- Number of nights accommodation as per package purchased
- Breakfast and lunch each day
- Number of days fishing as per package purchased
- Gear rental
- Irish Fishing License
NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE
- Alcohol
- Gratuities for guides and hotel staff
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
All visitors to Ireland require a passport valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay. American, Canadian, British and Australian citizens do not require visas and can stay in the country for up to three months.