Angling Guide to the River Suir at Cahir – Permits, Seasons & Top Trout & Salmon Spots
Introduction
The River Suir is one of Ireland’s premier wild‑river fisheries, renowned for its prolific brown trout runs and occasional salmon breakthroughs. For anglers staying in or visiting Cahir, County Tipperary, the stretch of the Suir that runs through the town and downstream offers a diverse, accessible fishery that caters to both novice fly‑fishers and seasoned salmon chasers. This guide brings together the latest permit information, season dates, and the best fishing spots along the Suir near Cahir, plus practical advice on access, equipment and local services.
Getting Started: Permits & Licences
| Permit / Licence | Cost (2025) | Where to Buy | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Trout Permit | €22.00 | The Heritage Shop, Cahir Square (Pat & Karen O’Donovan) | 1 day |
| 7‑Day Trout Permit | €80.00 | Same as above | 7 consecutive days |
| Daily Salmon Permit | €30.00 | The Heritage Shop, Cahir Square | 1 day |
| State Salmon Licence | €15–€20 (online) | www.salmonlicences.ie or local post office | Calendar year |
Key points
- Trout permits are fly‑only on the Cahir stretch (Swiss Cottage to Garnavilla Ford).
- Salmon permits allow all legal methods (fly, spin, lure).
- Permits must be carried on the person at all times and shown to bailiffs or water‑keepers on request.
- The Heritage Shop is open 7 am – 11 pm, Monday‑Sunday, so you can pick up a permit at any time of day.
- For salmon, the state licence is mandatory in addition to the local daily permit.
Contact:
Heritage Shop – Tel: 052 744 2730
Pat & Karen O’Donovan (Tourist Anglers)
Fishing Seasons on the Suir at Cahir
| Species | Opening Date (Cahir) | Closing Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown Trout | 17 March 2025 | 30 September 2025 | Fly‑only on the Cahir stretch; peak activity early May – mid‑June. |
| Sea Trout | 17 March 2025 | 30 September 2025 | Same regulations as brown trout. |
| Atlantic Salmon | 17 March 2025 | 30 September 2025 | State licence required; best runs in June and September. |
The national regulations list salmon season from 1 February, but the Cahir Angling Club enforces the 17 March start to align with local water‑keeper agreements.
Prime Trout Spots (Fly‑Only)
1. Swiss Cottage to Garnavilla Ford (Cahir Angling Club Stretch)
- Location: Begins ~200 m downstream of Cahir town bridge and runs to Garnavilla Ford.
- Habitat: Broad river, brisk flow, average depth ~1 m; plentiful rock clusters provide excellent cover.
- Target Size: Trout up to 30 cm (≈ 2 lb).
- Why It Works: The river’s limestone bed produces a rich insect hatch, especially blue‑winged olives and various sedges from May to September.
- Access: Parking at the Heritage Shop or the Cahir car park on the R658; a short walk to the bank. Wading is safe thanks to firm banks.
2. Shamrock Lodge (Left Bank, upstream of Rochestown)
- Location: Private fishery on the left bank, a few kilometres upstream of Cahir town.
- Features: Long shallow glides with trout regularly reaching 30 cm.
- Access: Permission required – contact the lodge directly (see “Local Resources”).
3. Ardfinnan Anglers Fishery (Downstream Section)
- Location: Extends ~600 m upstream of Ardfinnan Bridge (R665) to Clocully.
- Habitat: Deeper channel with moderate trout stocks; right bank less user‑friendly, so fish from the left bank where possible.
- Target: Trout often exceed 30 cm, especially during summer evenings when sedge hatches (e.g., cinnamon sedge, red sedge) are active.
4. Suir Valley Fisheries (Left Bank, 1 km upstream of Ardfinnan)
- Location: Managed stretch offering well‑maintained access points and a small car park.
- Highlights: Consistent trout numbers; good for both early morning and dusk fishing.
General Fly Recommendations
| Month | Key Hatches | Suggested Flies |
|---|---|---|
| May – June | Blue‑winged olives, medium olives, reed smuts, midges | Blue‑winged Olive, Olive, Reed Smut, Black Gnat |
| July – August | Cinnamon sedge, red sedge, grey flag, ants | Cinnamon Sedge, Red Sedge, Grey Flag, Ant Nymph |
| September | Late olives, small black/green midges | Late Olive, Small Midge, Green Dribbler |
Prime Salmon Spots (All Legal Methods)
1. Ardfinnan to the Suir‑Barrow Confluence (Downstream)
- Why It’s Prime: This downstream stretch traditionally yields the best salmon runs on the Suir. The river widens, creating deeper runs that attract grilse and, in strong years, 12–18 lb salmon.
- Seasonal Peaks:
- June – Early salmon (grilse) begin to enter.
- September – Larger sea‑run salmon return.
- Access: Parking at Ardfinnan Bridge (R665) and a short walk to the left‑bank launch.
2. Cahir Stretch (Swiss Cottage to Garnavilla Ford)
- Note: While primarily a trout fishery, occasional spring salmon have been recorded here, especially during strong runs. Fly fishing is permitted if you hold a salmon permit.
3. Tributary “The Nire” (near Mitchelstown)
- Details: The Nire joins the Suir upstream of Cahir and is known for early spring salmon. Access is via the Nire Bridge car park; however, this stretch is private and requires permission from the Nire Angling Club.
Gear Tips
- Fly: Pheasant Tail nymphs, Black Gnat, and large streamer patterns (e.g., Black Magic).
- Spin: Light spinners (Silver Minnow) and small lures (10–12 g).
- Rods: 9‑10 ft salmon rod, 7‑9 wt line, with a quick‑release reel for safe landing.
Tips for Success on the Suir
- Wading Safety – The Suir’s current can be swift, especially after rain. Wear sturdy waders, a wading staff, and test water depth before committing.
- Timing – Early morning (sunrise to 9 am) and dusk (30 min before sunset) are the most productive periods for both trout and salmon.
- Tide Influence – The Suir is tidal up to Carrick-on‑Suir; during high tide, salmon tend to move upstream, offering better chances.
- Weather – Overcast days often trigger a feeding frenzy, especially for trout hatching midges.
- Catch & Release – If you’re not keeping fish, use barbless hooks and handle trout by the jaw to minimise stress.
Local Resources & Services
| Service | Contact / Website | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cahir Angling Club | pat.karen@cahirangling.ie | Provides maps, water‑keeper contacts, and updates on river conditions. |
| Heritage Shop (Permits) | 052 744 2730 | Open 7 am‑11 pm daily; also sells sandwiches, tea & coffee for anglers. |
| Suir Valley Fisheries (Accommodation & Hire) | www.suirvalleyfisheries.ie | Offers boat hire, guide services, and a small on‑site café. |
| Cahir House Hotel – Aquatic Adventures | www.cahirhousehotel.ie/aquatic | Provides parking, changing facilities, and a shuttle to the riverbank. |
| State Salmon Licence | www.salmonlicences.ie | Purchase online; instant PDF confirmation. |
| Local Bait & Tackle Shops | Fisherman’s Corner, Main Street, Cahir – Tel: 052 744 1900 | Stocked with flies, leader material, and local fly‑tying advice. |
Conservation & Angler Etiquette
- Respect Bailiffs – They enforce the permit rules and protect the fishery.
- Do Not Litter – Use the provided bins at the Heritage Shop and Cahir House Hotel.
- Leave No Trace – Keep riverbanks tidy; avoid trampling vegetation that stabilises the riverbank.
- Report Issues – If you notice illegal fishing, pollution, or debris, contact the Cahir Water‑Keeper (Tel: 052 744 2730).
- Support Stocking – The River Suir benefits from annual trout stocking programmes; consider contributing to the local angling association’s fund.
Conclusion
The River Suir at Cahir offers a uniquely accessible, high‑quality angling experience—from the fly‑only trout stretches just downstream of the town to the deeper salmon‑rich reaches near Ardfinnan. By securing the correct permits, respecting the seasonal windows, and targeting the identified hotspots, anglers can enjoy productive days on one of Ireland’s most celebrated rivers. Whether you’re chasing a feisty brown trout in May or a powerful salmon in September, the Suir’s limestone‑fed waters promise memorable catches and stunning scenery. Tight lines!