3 BEAUTIFUL RIVERS IN CO WATERFORD IN THE SOUTH OF IRELAND
- Clonanav Fly Fishing
Clonanav Fly Fishing
Guided Packages
Clonanav Fly Fishing’s operations are ideally located to take advantage of some of the best brown trout river fishing in all of Ireland. The River Suir and her tributaries offer unrivaled fishing for native brown trout in beautiful countryside settings. The Suir is renowned as a trout fishery and offers exceptional dry fly fishing for wild browns throughout the Irish fishing season. Tributaries such as the Nire, Tar, and Anner offer exceptional fishing at certain times of the season, and these smaller rivers usually run gin clear and offer very easy wading. Overall, Clonanav Fly Fishing has private access to more than 20 miles of private waters – most of which are no more than 15 minutes away from the fly shop.
With our fully guided packages you will get access to incredible fishing and guides. We work with local accommodation providers – Glasha Farmhouse and the Hotel Minella to ensure you have a comfortable stay and make the most of your trip to Ireland.
Andrew and his team offer some of the best river brown trout and salmon fishing in the country, with accommodation options in either a 4-star hotel in Clonmel or a quaint riverside B&B.
Our Founder
What's included
- Season
- 17 March - 30 September
Fly fishing in Ireland is rich in history and in culture. While fishing in Clonanav, you will be walking and wading area rivers and streams. There are no drift boats or floating options due to area. fishing regulations. Many of the rivers in the area are private: usually owned by private landowners or fishing clubs. This means that the beat(s) you are fishing will be mainly exclusively yours for each fishing session. All your equipment will be provided.
We will provide you with all the rods you need but if you could like to bring your own gear to fish with here are some suggestions.
Trout Rods & Lines
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 pand 7X as the water is clear and the fish are very selective.
Spey Rods & Lines
Rods- 12 – 13ft Spey Rods
Lines – Scandi style Shooting heads
Tippet – 15 – 20lb tippet
Attached on to our shooting heads we use Poly leaders or Versi Leaders, these really help with presentation and getting some depth for the fly.
The Suir is renowned for large atlantic salmon and holds the Irish record for the largest salmon caught on rod and line. The Suir has the distinction of producing Ireland’s re- cord rod-caught salmon. It weighed 57 lb and was taken on a fly by Michael Maher in 1874.
The river has a long tradition of fly fishing for salmon. The main equipment used are 12-13ft Spey rods using 8-9wt lines. If you dont have these we can supply them.
Meals
• All of meals while fishing are included in most Clonanav packages (unless otherwise requested or specified). Drinks at your accommodation are not included.
• Breakfast will be served for you each morning at Glasha Farmhouse or Hotel Minella.
• An Irish Breakfast is a hearty meal with plenty of options. If you prefer, a specific time can be arranged with reception.
• Be sure to wake early with plenty of time to eat.
• Lunch is served during the day, on the river between 1:00- 2:00 PM.
• Lunch can either be a packed cooler option that is enjoyed on the river, if the weather is poor at the lunch area at the shop.
• If the weather is poor, (which is common in Ireland) a great option to seek refuge at the purpose built lunch room at Clonanav Fly Shop – and warm up, with hot food and beers. If the weather is nice, then you will likely be served lunch on the river bank. (Usually, a beer or two at lunch helps to relax your casting for the afternoon session.)
• Each evening, dinner can is served at Glasha Farmhouse or Hotel Minella, or you can enjoy a night out on your own at a local restaurant in Clonmel, followed by a session at the local pubs. The food in Ireland is excellent, and there are plenty of options to choose from.
Clonanav Fly Fishing
Typical Day
One of the advantages of fishing days with Clonanav is the majority of the water that you will be fishing is only 5-to-15 minutes from the fly shop, which means that there are no long commutes each morning.
Glasha Farmhouse is only five minutes from the shop, and Hotel Minella is 15 minutes from the shop.
- You will be picked up each morning by your guide, you can expect to be met at 9:15/9.30 AM for transfer to the river or the fly shop.
- Review equipment and flies, make a plan for the day, and then depart for your fishing beat.
- Lunch is served during the day, on the river between 1:00- 2:00 PM. Lunch can either be a packed cooler option that is enjoyed on the river, if the weather is poor at the lunch area at the shop.
- Each fishing day usually ends around 5:00 PM, when you return back at the shop and you will be dropped back to your accommodation.
Included in your Guided Day – Lunch, Fishing Permit, Drinks – we provide a cooler with beverages for the day.- Flies, Tippet, Equipment Hire. Your will be provided with a Chest pack which will include floatant, flies, tippet, and clippers. Wading Staffs are also available for use.
Our Guides & Staff.
At Clonanav you will get the highest level of guiding. Our guides are very experienced and have intimate knowledge of the rivers and techniques that fish best on them. All our our fishing is guided only.
Clonanav Fly Fishing is owned and operated by Andrew Ryan. Andrew has been guiding the river Suir and tributaries since his teens.
His passion for fishing and guiding ultimately led him to setting up his own guiding operation and fly fishing shop in the Nire Valley, Co Waterford where he was raised. For over 20 years Andrew has honed some of the best fly fishing programmes available in Ireland. He offers some of the best river brown trout and salmon fishing available in the country. Whether you prefer to stay at a 4 star hotel or a luxury B&B we will help you make the best from your stay!
