About
At more than 15 km in length the Sulby is the longest river on the Island. This beautiful waterway has a reputation as one of the Isle of Man's best salmon and sea trout venues. The stunning upper section of the river tumbles and falls through Tholt-y-Will and Sulby Glen before heading east towards Ramsey. Fast sections are interspersed by deep pools, bounded either side by the steep sloping fells of Sulby Valley.
Many of the streams that form the upper tributaries of the Sulby River (some of which are above the Sulby reservoir) lie within Public Land Open to Ramblage as defined in the Isle of Man Outdoor Leisure Map 1:25,000, or within the Tholt-y-will National Glen. These are small watercourses that can provide very enjoyable fishing for brown trout with light tackle or using the tenkara method. Take care from April-July (incl.) to avoid disturbing ground-nesting birds e.g. hen harriers, on moorland, as to do so is an offence under the Wildlife Act 1990. Parking areas are available near Tholt-y-will bridge, at Sulby reservoir and at The Bungalow (on the Mountain Rd).
The majority of anglers base their fishing around the Sulby Claddaghs Recreational Area, where there is plenty of parking space. The public access fishing runs from the road bridge at OS map reference SC 384 940 to Ballamanagh stream SC 387 943, along the right bank (southeast side) only. The lower pool of the weir within this area can be very productive when fish are on the move. The entire Claddaghs stretch has plentiful resting places for salmon and sea trout and some good sized fish can be caught.
Further downstream, permission will be required from landowners in order to fish in most areas. Access to the lower stretches of river can be made tricky by dense trees, bushes and thickets of gorse.