River Boyne

The River Boyne rises near Newberry Hall in Co. Kildare and meanders its way in a north easterly direction for seventy miles through counties Offaly, Meath and Louth before entering the Irish Sea below the historic town of Drogheda, between the townlands of Mornington and Baltray. The Boyne has a good run of salmon and sea trout in summer and early autumn. The majority of salmon fishing in this area is controlled by Angling Associations with some being maintained by private fishery owners. The main salmon and sea trout fisheries are located on the lower reaches of the river between Navan and Drogheda but some salmon fishing is available on the Boyne and lower Blackwater early in the season around the Navan area. The Ramparts, Sophie’s Island and the Mollies are popular locations. The average weight of fish at this time of the year is around 10lbs. Fish can also be taken in this area later in the year when water conditions are suitable, generally with a flood or rise in water level. In summer the best of the salmon fishing is located between Slane and Oldbridge. Good numbers of salmon are taken annually during the months of July, August and September on the fisheries downstream of Slane Village with the most popular locations being, the Scabby Arch, Johnsons, Staleen and the famous ‘curly hole’ pool at Oldbridge. The average weight of salmon in summer is 7lbs. to 8lbs. but numbers of larger fish to 17lbs can also be taken. Sea trout fishing is mainly concentrated around the Oldbridge area but they can be caught on occasion as far upstream as Slane and near Dunmoe in Navan. The Boyne gets a small run of large sea trout at the end of May and into June but the best of the fishing is from the end of June to the end of September. The average weight of sea trout is 1lbs with larger sea trout to 5lbs being caught on occasion. Estuary fishing for sea trout has grown in popularity in recent years and many anglers now fish on the estuary at mormington. One of the more popular spots in around the Maidens Tower where many sea trout are taken each year. There are still many more areas yet to be discovered on this vast estuary. Anglers should please note that the salmon ansd sea trout angling regulations apply and that a State licence is required. When fishing for salmon and sea trout anglers must have a State licence and the necessary permission before fishing. Day permits are available. All legitimate methods may be used subject to the rules and regulations of the club or fishery and the salmon angling regulations which, are reviewed annually. Salmon fishing on the River Boyne is currently available on a catch and release basis and only single barbless hooks may be used. The season runs from 1st March to 30th September. Salmon Fishing Tip: Use an intermediate line in the deeper water at Oldbridge in September. Nearest towns and villages include: Navan, Slane, Co Meath and Drogheda, Co. Louth. Drogheda & District Anglers Club Secretary, John Murphy 39 Anville Cresent, Drogheda Co. Louth. Tel: +353 41 98 45442 or +353 41 9834078 Rossin, Slane & District Anglers Club Secretary, Brian Herithy, Tel: +353 41 984247,