River Colligan

River Colligan Guide

The River Colligan begins life in the Monavallagh Mountains in County Waterford, and flows southward for around 14 miles until it reaches the sea at Dungarvan Harbour.

The lower part of the Colligan at Dungarvan.

The upper reaches of this spate river are fast and furious and are very popular with white water rafters. It is reputed to be one of the fastest flowing rivers in Europe. The last 2 miles before the sea slow down and there are some great pools for the Salmon and Sea Trout angler.

The spring run has improved over this past few years but the river is better known for its Grilse and autumn fish runs. The best of the Grilse fishing is through June and July. The main autumn run is through September, with fish up to 16lb being fairly common. The Colligan is perfect for the flies but spinning is allowed in higher water.

The Upper Colligan. Rafters paradise.

The Sea Trout fishing in the Colligan is excellent, perhaps some of the best in the country. They run from May through until the end of July. The average fish is 2lb but they can get up to 10lb. You can get Sea Trout when the river is fining down from a spate but as is often the case, the night fishing is best.

The fishing is controlled by the Colligan & District Angling club, which has carried out a lot of bank-side work over the last few years to improve the fishing immensely.

River Colligan Tributaries

No River Colligan tributaries listed.

River Colligan Neighbouring Rivers

River Bride
River Clodiagh
River Munster Blackwater
River Nire
River Suir
River Tar

Fishing the River Colligan

River Colligan Season

Salmon - 17th March - 30th September
Sea Trout - 17th March - 30th September
Brown Trout - 17th March - 30th September

River Colligan Methods

Fly Fishing
Spinning
Worming

River Colligan Fishing Authority

To fish in Ireland you need a rod license from the appropriate fishing authority. You can find the details for the River Colligan at:

Southern Fisheries Management

River Colligan Permits

As well as a rod license, you'll need a permit to fish the River Colligan. You can get permits from any of the following distributors:

Baumann's Jewellers
6 Saint Mary's Street
Dungarvan
Email: baumann@cablesurf.com
Tel: +353 (0)58 41395

Coole Country Cottages
Dungarvan
Email: info@waterfordcottages.com
Tel: +353 (0)58 41321

River Colligan Clubs

Colligan & District Angling Club - River Colligan
Jason O'Riordan
86 Tournore Court, Abbeyside
Dungarvan
Tel: +353 (0)58 23157

The club has the fishing rights on the whole river.

River Colligan Ratings

River Colligan Fishing Conditions

River Colligan Status

Catch And Release

The Catch And Release rules state that you must:

- Not use worms.
- Use single barbless hooks.
- Handle the fish carefully and should not remove them from the water prior to release.

Generally you should be able to retain Sea Trout of 40cm or less, but check locally (when buying your permit) if that is the case.

Local Restrictions

Some rivers impose their own local restrictions so when you are going to buy your permit for the River Colligan, please check with the distributor.