The River Erkina is a tributary of the River Nore, flowing through the southeast of Ireland in County Laois and County Kilkenny. As one of several notable Nore tributaries, the Erkina is a classic Irish trout stream offering a more intimate angling experience compared to the main channel of the Nore. The river is characterized by the kind of productive, freestone stream habitat that supports healthy wild brown trout populations, with the riparian environment typical of Ireland's southeast — lush bankside vegetation, varied substrate, and the rich invertebrate life that drives excellent fly hatches throughout the season.