River Vartry
A short Wicklow sea-trout river under a strict IFI conservation order — closed for salmon and for sea trout over 40 cm in 2026, with one sea trout of 40 cm or less per day permitted in the open season. Worth knowing about for the broader Dublin sea-trout picture, but not the river to plan a trip around. Devil's Glen (Coillte forest car park) is the practical public access; the Vartry Reservoir itself is closed to angling as a Uisce Éireann drinking-water supply. Treat the day as a privilege — hold any fish in the water, get it back quickly, and fish carefully.
Sea trout
May–September; the day is a privilege under a tight conservation framing.
Methods
- •small wet fly down and across
- •swing through pool tails into the dusk
Recommended flies
Seasons
sea_trout
1 May – 30 September
Eastern Regional Fisheries District. IFI conservation bye-law (2026): one sea trout of 40 cm or less per day; sea trout >40 cm closed; salmon closed for 2026. Verify current wording with IFI Eastern District before travelling.
Tactical notes
Fish carefully, hold fish in the water, get them back quickly. No gauge on the Vartry mainstem — go on rainfall radar and local knowledge.
Regulations
IFI conservation bye-law (2026): salmon closed; sea trout >40 cm closed; one sea trout of 40 cm or less per day in season. Devil's Glen (Coillte) public car park is the practical access. Vartry Reservoir closed to angling — Uisce Éireann drinking-water supply. State rod licence required.
Live conditions and predictions for this water are not yet available.