A gin clear spate/freestone river flowing from the Comeragh Mountains through the Nire Valley until its confluence with the river Suir. The river Nire is a joy to fish. Its tree lined banks and deep pools give fish excellent cover – especially on sunny days. It is a relatively narrow stream averaging between 30 to 40 feet wide.
Access is easy/moderate but wading is over moderate sized rocks. The river has a good stock of fish from 12in to 16in as well as some much larger fish. The fishing is mainly on dry fly and nymph with some streamer fishing during high water. Main hatches include BWO, Spur- wings, Sedges, Stoneflies and a good deal of terrestrials. Best flies are Comparaduns, Klinkhammers, Elk hair cad- dis, Black gnat, small bead heads.Â
The fish average size is from 20 to 40 cm
(8 to 16) inches, larger fish are also caught. With many slow glides and pools the fish are very selective, so long fine leaders are the
norm with flies ranging from size 12 to 22. The River Nire produces some very large trout also which are mainly caught during the summer evenings or during the day on streamers. It is a pleasure to fish and Clonanav has access to several miles along its length offering a good variety of fishing. All of our beats are guided only.
A PINT OF GUINNESS AT JAMES LONERGANS PUB ON THE BANKS OF THE NIRE IS A MUST!
The river also has a famous association with the scientist Robert Boyle – but that is
a story to be told by one of your guides!
Clonanav Fly Fishiing
Fly Fishing in Ireland is a joy and rich in history and culture. You will be walk and wade fishing on the rivers, there are no drift boats due to fishing rights. All the rivers are pri- vate and either owned by private owners or fishing clubs.
On the Rivers Suir and Nire the rivers have only native brown trout and salmon. There are very few other species except for an occasional pike.
The flies we use are a mix of dries, nymphs and streamers. During the year the flies do not vary hugely and there are always some essentials to have in your box. For other patterns we sell all the local delicacies in our store
Dries – Klinkhammers, Comparaduns, Stacked Hackle BWO, CDC Duns, Elk Hair Caddis Nymphs – PTN Flashback, Hares Ear, tungsten beaded nymphs, riffle nymph, perdigons Streamers – Woolly buggers in var colours, Zonker and skulpin patterns
Dry Fly Fishing – 8.5 to 9ft 3 wt rods
Dry & Dropper Fishing – 9ft 4wt rods
Euro Nymphing – 10ft 2/3 wt rods are ideal. Tippet sizes are fine, in the early part of the year we use 5X but as we go through the season we move to 6X and 7X as the water is clear and the fish are very selective.
The flies we use are a mix of dries, nymphs and streamers. During the year the flies do not vary hugely and there are always some essentials to have in your box. For other patterns we sell all the local delicacies in our store
Dries – Klinkhammers, Comparaduns, Stacked Hackle BWO, CDC Duns, Elk Hair Caddis Nymphs – PTN Flashback, Hares Ear, tungsten beaded nymphs, riffle nymph, perdigons Streamers – Woolly buggers in var colours, Zonker and skulpin patterns
- Clonanav Fly Fishing