SALMON ANGLING IN IRELAND - Fishing in Ireland
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SALMON ANGLING
IN IRELAND
This brochure
brochure contains
containssomesomebasic
basicinformation
informationtotohelp
helpyouyougetgetstarted
startedonon your Irish
your salmon
Irish salmon
angling
angling adventure.
adventure.There
Thereisisaashort
shortdescription
descriptionofofthe thebest
besttimes
times to to
go,go,
fishing methods
fishing methods andand
a brief
brief introduction
introduction totosome
someofofthe
thefisheries
fisheriesthat
thatconsistently
consistentlyproduce
produce salmon.
salmon. TheThemapmapon on
the flip
flip side
side of
of this
thisbrochure
brochurehighlights
highlightsthese
thesefisheries
fisheriesand
andthethekeykeytowns
townsin in
which
whichyouyoucould
could
base yourself.
yourself.
There
Thereisismuch
muchmore
moredetailed
detailedinformation onon
information thethe
www.fishinginireland.info
www.fishinginireland.infowebsite
websiteand onon
and thethe
accompanying
accompanyingGoogle
Googlemap:
map:
https://tinyurl.com/ybc54pek
https://tinyurl.com/ybc54pek
SEASONS
SEASONS
Salmon
Salmon fishing
fishing inin Ireland
IrelandopensopensononJanuary
January1st1stonona ahandful handfulofofrivers
riversand and after
after thatthat
thethe
remainder
remainder of of fisheries
fisheriesopen openon onvarious
variousdates
datesininFebruary,
February,March, March, April, May
April, May and and June. TheThe
June.
majority
majority of of fisheries
fisheriesclose
closeon onSeptember
September30 30 but
th th
buta afewfewrivers remain
rivers remain open
open until October
until October 1212 . .
th th
For up
up to
to date
dateinformation
informationon onopening
openingand andclosing
closingdatesdatesforforindividual
individual fisheries
fisheries pleaseplease visitvisit
www.fishinginireland.info
www.fishinginireland.info
From January
January to toJune
Junespring
springsalmon
salmon(springers)
(springers)are arethe themain
mainquarry.
quarry. These
These salmon
salmon tendtendto be
to be
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION larger
larger than
than summer
summerfish fishand
andanglers
anglershavehavethe thebest
bestchance
chanceofofcatching
catching one one onon rivers
riverssuch as as
such
Ireland
Ireland hashas long
long beenbeenknown knownasasone oneofofthethebest
bestsalmon
salmonangling
anglingdestinations
destinations in in Europe
Europe the Drowes
Drowes inin Counties
CountiesDonegal
Donegal&&Leitrim,
Leitrim,thetheRiver
RiverLaune
Launein inCo.Co.Kerry
Kerryor or thethe Delphi
Delphi Fishery
Fishery
andand anglers
anglers have
have beenbeen visitingIreland
visiting Irelandfor formany
manyyears
yearsininaaquest
questforforSalmo
Salmo salar.
salar. in Co.
Co. Mayo.
Mayo. Springers
Springerscan canalso
alsobebecaught
caughtininloughs
loughssuch suchasasCarrowmore
Carrowmore Lake Lake in Co.
in Co.MayoMayo
So,So,
whatwhat makes
makes Irelandsuch
Ireland suchananoutstanding
outstandingsalmon salmonangling
anglingdestination?
destination? The The Atlantic
Atlantic which
which can
can produce
produce some somefinefinefish
fishfrom
fromMarch
Marchonwards.
onwards.There Therearearealso
alsosome some smaller
smaller spate
spate
salmon
salmon (“Bradán”
(“Bradán” in inGaelic),
Gaelic),is isa anative
nativeIrish
Irishfish
fishand
andmostmostrivers
rivers get
get aa run
run ofof salmon
salmon rivers
rivers such
such as
as the
theOwenduff
OwenduffRiver Riverininnorth
northMayo
Mayothat thatcan cangetgeta adecent
decent runrun of of spring
spring salmon.
salmon.
from
from springuntil
spring untilautumn.
autumn.SalmonSalmoncan canbebecaught
caughtininIrish
Irish waters
waters from
from January
January right From mid
mid June
June onwards
onwardsthe themore
morenumerous
numerousgrilse grilseoror‘summer
‘summersalmon’
salmon’ predominate.
predominate. TheyThey
through
through to to
thetheendend ofofSeptember
Septemberand, and,with
withapproximately
approximately70,000 70,000kilometres
kilometres of of rivers
rivers typically
typically weigh
weigh from from 1.5kg
1.5kgtoto3kg 3kgand andare arewidely
widelyfound foundthroughout
throughout thethe country.
country. ThisThis
is is
andand streams,
streams, there
there is is
ananabundance
abundanceofofspawning spawningand andnursery
nurseryhabitat
habitat for
for juvenile
juvenile fish. when
when fisheries
fisheries like
likethe
theMoyMoyininCo.Co.Mayo,
Mayo,the theGalway
GalwayFishery Fisheryin in
Co.Co.Galway
Galway and and thetheMun-Mun-
TheThe climate
climate is another
is another factor.Sitting
factor. Sittingininthe
thenorth
northAtlantic,
Atlantic,Ireland
Irelandhas hasaamoderate
moderate humidhumid ster Blackwater
Blackwater inin Co. Co. Cork
Corkcancanprovide
providespectacular
spectacularsport sportin ina agreat
great setting.
setting. In addition
In addition
climate
climate providingsufficient
providing sufficientprecipitation
precipitationfor forthe
themany
manyspatespate rivers
rivers along
along itsits Atlantic
Atlantic to the
the bigger
bigger rivers
rivers there
therearearenumerous
numeroussmaller
smallersystems,
systems,mainly
mainlyin inthethewestern
western half of of
half thethe
seasea board.
board. Mild,wet
Mild, wetwinters
wintersmeanmeanspawning
spawningstreamsstreamsremain
remain ice-free,
ice-free, and
and frequent
frequent country,
country, which
which can canprovide
provideexcellent
excellentgrilse
grilsefishing.
fishing.IrishIrishgrilse
grilseruns are
runs arestillstill
some some of of thethemostmost
rainrain means
means lowlow water
water levelsare
levels areusually
usuallyrare.
rare.Finally,
Finally,Ireland’s
Ireland’smostly
mostlywildwild and
and rugged
rugged prolific
prolific in
in Western
WesternEurope Europeand andoffer
offerthe thesalmon
salmonfisherman
fishermana agreat greatchance
chance of of success.
success.
environment
environment andand rivers
rivers addaddtotothe theoverall
overallexperience.
experience.
METHODS
METHODS
ButBut
it’sit’s
notnot allall about
about thethe fishing.Ireland
fishing. Irelandhashasaawealth
wealthofofscenery
sceneryand andhistory
history toto explore
explore For the
the angler
angler inin Ireland
Ireland the
thethree
threemain
mainmethods
methodsemployed
employedforforsalmon angling
salmon areare
angling fly fly
if you
if you take take a break
a break fromfrom fishing.Whether
fishing. Whetheryou youwant
wanttotoexplore
explorethe thebreath-taking
breath-taking Wild Wild fishing,
fishing, spinning
spinning and
andbait
baitfishing.
fishing.
Atlantic
Atlantic Way Way or or Ireland’smystic
Ireland’s mysticAncient
AncientEast…it’s
East…it’sup uptotoyou!
you!There
There are
are great
great restau-
restau-
rants,
rants, cafescafes andand pubs,most
pubs, mostofofwhich
whichserve
servegood goodfoodfoodasaswell
well as as drink.
drink. What
What better
better Fly Fishing
Fishing
wayway to to relax
relax after
after a along
longday’s
day’ssalmon
salmonfishing
fishingthan
thanwith
withaatasty
tastyevening
evening meal
meal andand a The classic
classic way
wayto tofish
fishfor
forsalmon
salmonisiswith
withthe
thefly.
fly.Double
Doublehanded
handed rods
rods areare
notnot
always essential
always essential
pintpint
or ortwo…two… and usually
usually aasingle
singlehanded
handedrodrodororaaswitch
switchrodrodwillwillbebesufficient to to
sufficient cover
coverthethe
water properly.
water properly.
On most
most Irish
Irish rivers
rivers one
one would
wouldneed
neednothing
nothinglarger
largerthan thana a1010to to12ft
12ft rodrod
## 7/8
7/8withwith
a a
floating
floating or oranan intermediate
intermediateline. line.There
Therearearethe theodd
oddexceptions
exceptionssuch suchas asthe
the Cork
Cork Blackwater,
Blackwater, GUIDING
GUIDING
thetheGalway
Galway Weir
Weir Fishery
FisheryororthetheRiver
RiverMoyMoywhere
whereaadouble
doublehanded
handedrod rodcancanbe bemore
more suitable.
suitable. There are
There are aa large
largenumber
numberofofguides
guidesandandghillies
ghilliesspecialising
specialisingin in salmon
salmon fishing
fishing in Ireland
in Ireland
ManyMany anglers
anglers useusedifferent
different density
densitypoly polyleaders
leadersinincombination
combinationwith withaa10 10to to 15lbs.
15lbs. mono
mono or and itit isis usually
usually advisable
advisablefor forananangler
anglervisiting
visitinga afishery
fisheryforforthethefirst
first time
time to to
hirehire
a a
fluorocarbon
fluorocarbon tippet.
tippet.Traditionally,
Traditionally,ononsome somerivers
riverssuch
suchasasthetheMoy
MoyororMourne
Mourneanglersanglers also
also fish guide for
guide for aa day
day oror two.
two.This
Thisisisparticularly
particularlythe thecase
casewith withthethelarger
larger rivers,
rivers, as as a guide
a guide
thethe“bubble
“bubble and andfly” using
fly” usingspinning
spinningtackle.
tackle.Fly-fishing
Fly-fishingfor forsalmon
salmonon onloughs
loughsisisan anIrish
Irish specialty.
specialty. have local
will have local knowledge
knowledge ofof the thewater
waterand andspecific
specificsalmon salmonlieslieswhich
whichwillwill greatly
greatly
MostMost loughs
loughs fishfish
best
bestwhen
when there
thereis isa a“good
“goodwave.”
wave.”Typical
Typicalrodsrodsforforlough
loughstyle
stylesalmon
salmon fishing
fishing increase chances
increase chances of
of hooking
hookingup.up.You
Youwill
willneed
needtotocontact
contactand andmakemakeyouryourownown arrange-
arrange-
would
would bebe 1010 to to11ft
11ftlong
long# #7/8 7/8and andsalmon
salmonare arefished
fishedforforininmuch
muchthe the same
same wayway as as one ments with
ments with guides
guides and
andtotohelp
helpwithwiththis,
this,there
thereis isa alistlistofofangling
anglingguides
guides available
available at:at:
fishes
fishes forfor trout. TheThe
trout. majority
majorityofoffishing
fishingwould
wouldbebeusing usingfloating
floatinglines
linesandand thethe standard
standard cast www.fishinginireland.info/guides/index.htm
www.fishinginireland.info/guides/index.htm
consists
consists of of3 flies
3 flies(one
(onepoint
pointflyfly& &twotwodroppers).
droppers).While Whileaatraditional
traditionalriverriverpattern
pattern such
such as a
shrimp
shrimp flyflyis typically
is typically fished
fishedononthethepoint,
point,thethedroppers
droppersusuallyusuallyconsist
consist of of standard
standard trout
trout or REGULATIONS
REGULATIONS
seasea trout flies
trout in size
flies in size8 to 1212
8 to depending
dependingononthe thewave.
wave.ItItwould
wouldbe bemore
morethan thanusual
usual for
for one
one of order to
In order to fish
fish for
for salmon
salmonininIreland
Irelandanglers
anglersarearerequired
requiredtotoobtain obtaina a “Salmon
“Salmon RodRod
these
these flies to to
flies bebe a Green
a Green Peter.
Peter. Licence”. The
Licence”. The licence
licencecancanbebeobtained
obtainedfromfromInland
InlandFisheries
FisheriesIreland,
Ireland, any any rodrod licence
licence dis-dis-
tributor or
tributor or online
onlineat athttps://store.fishinginireland.info/
https://store.fishinginireland.info/There Thereare are a number
a number of of different
different
Ireland
Ireland is the birthplace
is the birthplace ofofmany
manyfamousfamoussalmon
salmonfliesfliessuch
suchasasthe theThunder
Thunder and and Lightning
Lightning or
licence types
licence types available
available(day,
(day,annual,
annual,district,
district,21
21day
dayetc.).
etc.).For
For
thethe visiting
visiting angler,
angler, thethe
2121
thethe Black
Black Doctor
Doctor to to
name
namebutbuta afew. few.However,
However,when whenone onethinks
thinksofofflyflypatterns,
patterns, thethe shrimp
shrimp
licence isis probably
day licence probablythe themost
mostconvenient
convenientone.one.AtAtthe
thetime
timeofofwriting
writing (2019),
(2019), there
there is is
fly fly
must must bebe seen
seenasasthethequintessential
quintessentialIrish Irishstyle
stylesalmon
salmonfly. fly. Though
Though everyone
everyone has has their
annual bag
an annual bag limit
limitof
of1010salmon
salmonororsea
seatrout
trout(over
(over40cm)
40cm)and andallallfishfish which
which areare kept
kept
favourites,
favourites, oneonewouldwould never
never gogotoo toofarfarwrong
wrongwithwithpatterns
patternssuch suchasasthetheAlly’s
Ally’s Shrimp,
Shrimp, Bann
have to to be
be tagged
taggedand andrecorded
recordedininthe
thelog
logbook.
book.However,
However,depending
depending ononthethe time
time of of
Special
Special Shrimp,
Shrimp, Wilkinson
WilkinsonShrimp,
Shrimp,Curry’s
Curry’sRed RedShrimp,
Shrimp,Shadow
ShadowShrimp Shrimpor or Foxford
Foxford Shrimp.
Shrimp.
and individual
year and individualfishery,
fishery,additional
additionalrestrictions
restrictionssuch
suchasasbagbag limits,
limits, “Catch
“Catch & Release”
& Release”
IrishIrish
flies tend
flies tendto tostart
startononthethesmall
smallside.
side.Size
Size88flies
fliesareareoften
oftenused
usedininhigher
higher cooler
cooler water,
water,
may apply.
etc. may apply. TheThe Wild
Wild Salmon
SalmonandandSeaSeaTrout
TroutTagging
TaggingScheme Schemeregulates
regulates salmon
salmon
thenthen as as thethe water
waterwarms,
warms,thetheflies fliesarearescaled
scaleddown downtoto12s 12sand and even
even 14s14s inin
somesome cases.
cases. Micro-tubes
Micro-tubes havehave also
alsobecome
becomequite quitepopular
popularininrecent
recentyears.
years.Other
Other
salmon
salmon flies of of
flies notenoteareareCascade,
Cascade,Willie WillieGunn,
Gunn,HairyHairyMary,
Mary,Silver
SilverStoat,
Stoat,Green
Green
Highlander
Highlander or orCollie
CollieDog.
Dog.
Spinning
Spinning
Spinning
Spinningforforsalmon
salmon cancanbebea averyveryeffective
effectivemethod
methodwhenwhenconditions
conditions suit
suit and
and
in heavy
in heavywater
waterit may
it mayalso
alsobebethetheonly
onlyrealistic
realisticoption
optiontototake
takeaafish.
fish.Usually
Usually aa
1010 to 11ft
to 11ftrodrod
with a 10
with a 10 to to
60g
60gcasting
castingweight
weightwillwillbe
beable
abletotocope
copewith
withmost
most
conditions. Probably
conditions. Probably thethe
most
mostfavoured
favouredlurelureininIreland
Irelandisisthe
theFlying
FlyingC,C,with
with red
red
andandblack
blackbeing
beingtwotwoofof
thethemost
mostpopular
popularcolours.
colours.Other
Otherpopular
popularspinning
spinningbaits
baits
include Toby,
include Toby,Copper
Copper && Silver Spoon
Silver Spoonororsmall
smallplugs.
plugs.AsAsthe
thewater
waterwarms
warmsup,up,lure
lure
sizesize
should bebe
should reduced
reduced andandthethe
speed
speedofofretrieve
retrieveincreased.
increased.Spinning
Spinningupstream
upstream
cancanbebehighly
highlyeffective
effective when
when thethegrilse
grilseare
arerunning.
running.On Onlakes,
lakes,trolling
trollingaaDevon
Devon
or Toby
or Tobycancan
bebe very effective
very effectiveparticularly
particularlyininthetheearly
earlypart
partofofthe
theseason
seasonasas itit
enables
enablesyouyouto to
cover
covera lot ofofground
a lot groundduring
duringa aday’s
day’sfishing.
fishing.
Bait
Bait
TheThe
mainmainbait fishing
bait techniques
fishing techniquesareareshrimp
shrimpororprawn
prawnandandworming.
worming.Prawns
Prawns
andandshrimps
shrimpsareareusually
usuallypresented
presentedonona afloat floatrig
rigand
andtrotted
trotteddown
downthe the cur-
cur-
rent. Worms
rent. Worms cancan
also bebe
also presented
presentedininthisthisway
wayororpresented
presentedstatic,
static,close
closetotoaa
known
known salmon
salmonlie.lie.
TheThe
normal
normalwaywaytotofish
fisha aworm
wormisistotouse
useaabunch
bunchof of three
three
on on
a single hook;
a single hook; however
howevera asingle
singleworm
wormcan canalso
alsoproduce
produceresults.
results.Rods
Rodsforfor
baitbait
fishing areare
fishing generally
generally11ft
11ftlong
longand
andhave haveaacasting
castingweight
weightofofupuptoto80g.
80g.
andand
seaseatrout
trout
fishing
fishing
in inIreland
Irelandand
andis isadministered
administeredby byInland
InlandFisheries
Fisheries Ireland.
Ireland. Please
Please FURTHER
FURTHER INFORMATION
INFORMATION
note
note
that
that
thethe
regulations
regulations andandbye-laws
bye-lawsare aresubject
subjecttotochange.
change.Contact
Contactyour
your local
local Inland
Inland Angling
Angling Information
Information
Fisheries
Fisheries
Ireland
Irelandoffice
officeforforinformation
informationononindividual
individualrivers.
rivers. This guide
guide provides
provides aabasic
basicintroduction
introductiontotosalmon
salmonfishing
fishingin inIreland
Ireland and
and gives
gives
a summary
a summary
ForFor
thethe
vastvast
majority
majority ofofsalmon
salmonfisheries,
fisheries,anglers
anglerswill
willrequire
requireaapermit
permitinin addition
addition toto the of some
some of
of the
the key
keyfisheries.
fisheries.However,
However,there
therearearea anumber
numberofofresources
resources where
whereyouyou
cancan
findfind
State
State
Licence.
Licence.Each
Eachfishery
fisherycan canhave
haveitsitsown
ownrules
rulesononmethods
methodsallowed,
allowed, bagbag limits
limits etc., more detailed
detailed andand up-to-date
up-to-dateangling
anglinginformation.
information.Firstly,
Firstly,there
thereis isa adedicated
dedicated angling
angling
however
however wewe encourage
encourageallallanglers
anglerstotopractice
practiceC&R
C&R(see (seebelow).
below). Fisheries
Fisheries regulations
regulations website
website which
which has
has more
moredetailed
detailedinformation
informationononindividual
individualfisheries
fisheries and
andservice
service
providers
providers
arearesubject
subjectto tochange
changeand andsosoanglers
anglersshould
shouldcheck
check for for the
the latest
latest information
information on: at: www.fishinginireland.info
www.fishinginireland.info
http://fishinginireland.info/regulations.htm
http://fishinginireland.info/regulations.htm If you
you are
are planning
planningon onfishing
fishingininNorthern
NorthernIreland
IrelandororononthetheFoyleFoyle and
andCarlingford
Carlingford
CATCH
CATCH
& RELEASE
& RELEASE catchments
catchments on on either
eitherside
sideofofthe
theborder
borderyou
youshould
shouldconsult:
consult:
WeWe allall
havehave
a responsibility
a responsibilitytotoprotect protectand andconserve
conserveourourfisheries
fisheries so
so that
that they
they can
can be www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/outdoor-recreation-and-sport/angling
www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/outdoor-recreation-and-sport/angling
enjoyed
enjoyedbyby future
futuregenerations.
generations.Most Mostfisheries
fisheriesface
facemultiple
multiplethreats
threats including
including pollution,
pollution, and www.ufishireland.org/
www.ufishireland.org/
water
water
abstraction
abstraction andand illegal
illegalfishing,
fishing,allallofofwhich
whichhave
haveaanegative
negativeimpact
impact on on fish
fish stocks.
stocks. IFI also
also produces
produces aa weekly
weeklyAngling
AnglingUpdate
Updatewhichwhichprovides
providesup-to-date
up-to-date reports
reports
on on
what
what
ForFor
that
that
reason,
reason,wewewould wouldask askthat
thatallallanglers
anglersconsider
considerpracticing
practicing Catch
Catch & & Release
Release anglers
anglers are
are catching
catchingand
andwhere.
where.YouYoucan
cansign
signupuptotobebeemailed
emailed thethe
weekly
weekly Angling
Angling
Update
Update
forfor
thethe
majority
majorityof of
fishfishthey
theycatch.
catch.Record
Recordany anytrophy
trophyfish
fishwith
withaaquick
quick photo
photo and
and then by emailing
emailing contact@fisheriesireland.ie
contact@fisheriesireland.ie
carefully
carefullyreturn
returnto to
thethewater.
water.Remember:
Remember:#CPRsavesfish
#CPRsavesfish
General
General Tourism
Tourism
Ireland
Ireland also
also has
has aa general
generaltourism
tourismwebsite
websitewww.ireland.com
www.ireland.comthat thatwillwill
help youyou
help plan your
plan your
trip to
to Ireland.
Ireland. ItItprovides
providesaawealth
wealthofofinformation
informationonontravel
traveland accommodation
and accommodation as as
well as as
well
information
information on on things
thingstotodo
doand
andsee
seewhile
whilevisiting
visitingthe
theisland.
island.
Safety
Safety
Angling
Angling isis aa water
water based
basedactivity
activitywith
withchanging
changingconditions
conditionsandanddangers
dangers that areare
that sometimes
sometimes
hidden.
hidden. Drowning
Drowning isis an anever
everpresent
presentriskriskand
andyou youshould
shouldexercise
exerciseutmost
utmost care forfor
care your ownown
your
safety
safety and
and that
that ofof angling
anglingpartners/buddies.
partners/buddies.
Please
Please remember
rememberthe thefollowing
followingwhen
whengoing
goingfishing:
fishing:
• Wear
Wear aa lifelife jacket.
jacket.
• Follow
Follow advice
adviceon onwarning
warningsigns,
signs,permits
permitsand andnotices
notices
• Don’t
Don’t take
take anyanyrisks
riskswhen
whenwading
wadingororfishing
fishingfrom
fromboat,
boat,shore
shoreororbank
bank
• Check
Check thethe weather
weatherforecast
forecastand
andtide
tidetables
tablesbefore
beforeyouyougogo
• Take
Take time
time to to observe
observeweather,
weather,water
waterand andtidetideconditions
conditionswhile fishing
while fishing
• Fish
Fish with
with aa partner/buddy
partner/buddyororlet letsomeone
someoneknow knowwhere
whereyou’re
you’regoing
going
• Take
Take aa fully
fully charged
chargedmobile
mobilephone
phoneininaawaterproof
waterproofcase/bag.
case/bag.
• Wear
Wear appropriate
appropriateclothing
clothingand
andfootwear
footwear
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visit:
www.fishinginireland.info/safety.htm
www.fishinginireland.info/safety.htm
##CCPPRRSSaavveessffisishh
MAIN IRISH SALMON FISHERIES
This brochure features some of the top Irish salmon fisheries that not only consistently produce salmon but also provide an adequate infrastructure for the visiting angler. In addition to the mentioned fisheries, there
are many other fisheries which also can provide great salmon fishing at times. Featuring all Irish salmon fisheries in detail would go beyond the scope of this brochure so this is just a sample of some of the main ones.
Leave No Trace
The River Moy is Ireland’s most prolific salmon river. It rises in Co. Sligo and provides some of the best salmon fishing available in Ireland. On its way to the sea it flows through the town of Foxford, Co. Mayo which is
an excellent base for the visiting angler. There are over 15 individual fisheries on the Moy catering for any taste or budget. In Ballina, Ireland’s Salmon Capital, the Moy reaches the tidal waters and it is here where the
world-renowned Ridge Pool attracts hundreds of anglers each year! The river gets a decent spring run but the prime time on the Moy, without doubt, are the summer months when the grilse are running in vast numbers.
Please adhere to the seven principles of Leave No Trace Ireland:
The Munster Blackwater rises in Co. Kerry and flows for over 160 kilometers through Counties Kerry, Cork and Waterford to the tide at Cappoquin. It gets its name due to the peaty colouration of the water and it
is said not to run truly clear until July. It is a large and broad river with plenty of pools, streams and glides and the fishing is spread among many private and club fisheries. It rates as one of the best salmon rivers
in Ireland, getting good runs of fish from early season right through to season close in September. Also situated in Co. Cork, the River Bandon, & River Ilen get good runs of salmon and are well worth fishing.
The Corrib River or Galway Fishery starts at Nimmo’s Pier, near the Claddagh, in Galway Bay and runs all the way up to the entrance of Lough Corrib. The best fishing is on ‘The Weir’ fishery immediately
Plan ahead and prepare; Travel and camp on durable surfaces; Dispose of waste downstream of the Galway Weir. There can be good spring salmon fishing, but the best months are May, June & early July when the grilse run is usually in full swing. This fishery can produce extraordinary fishing
during the grilse run when water levels are right and so the fishing is in high demand. You need to book early in the year to ensure you get a slot.
The River Drowes is famous for its early season salmon, being one of the few rivers opening on 1st January and it regularly produces Ireland’s first salmon of the year. The river flows for about 8 kilometres draining
properly; Leave what you find; Minimise campfire impacts (be careful with fire); the 270 square kilometre catchment into the Atlantic and generally keeps good water levels right through the season, being fed by Lough Melvin. There is a good run of spring salmon from the 1st January through
to April/May with some summer and autumn fish. The main grilse run starts around the end of May peaking around June/July. Only a short distance away from the Drowes, the River Duff can also provide good
salmon fishing during a flood.
Respect wildlife; Be considerate of other visitors. Located in Co. Kerry, the River Laune is a short (23 km) river fed by the Killarney Lakes. It has over 60 named pools and can produce some spring fish in early season, mainly in the upper sections of the river. By
May these fish are well distributed throughout the river and this month is known for producing bigger fish. Grilse begin to run in May too and while the run peaks in June fishing remains good right up to season end.
Carrowmore Lake, situated in the far northwest of Co. Mayo is the premier spring salmon fishing lough in the country. The best spring fishing begins with the first mild and settled weather in late February and
Vehicles should be parked in designated areas and in such a manner that they do not peaks in April and May. The lake, which is also noted for its grilse and sea trout fishing is over 6.5 kilometres long and nearly 5 kilometres wide at its widest point. Carrowmore is drained by the Munhin River,
which joins the Owenmore River before entering Tullaghan Bay. The Owenmore and its sister river the Owenduff can also be prolific spate fisheries. Lough Beltra and the nearby Burrishoole Fishery are also
well-known salmon loughs located in Co. Mayo.
cause obstruction. The Ballisodare River is just 8 kilometres long
and flows from Collooney into Ballisodare Bay.
With its tributaries it drains a catchment of 650
Anglers should fish responsibly and sustainably – where possible use
square kilometres, which includes Lough Arrow.
Short as it is, it’s probably the most prolific
salmon fishery in Co. Sligo. Most of the fishing
action takes place in the tidal section below the
single barbless hooks and practice no-weight, “in the water” catch and “Butt” of the Ballisodare Falls and the river it-
self above the falls is also extremely productive
For a more detailed Google map scan the
QR code or use the following web link:
throughout the season. https://tinyurl.com/ybc54pek
release. The River Suir and its tributaries drain most of
County Tipperary. The Suir is 185 kilometres long
Lackagh R.
and passes by the Galtees, the Knockmealdown
www.leavenotraceireland.org/
2014
and the Comeragh Mountains before joining her
sister rivers the Barrow and Nore, and entering
the sea. The best of the salmon fishing on the Salmon Fishery
.
Suir extends downstream from Ardfinnan to- aR
arr
eeb
wards Carrick-on-Suir. The Suir gets some early Gw
Biosecurity fish though salmon fishing does not really start
until the grilse run in June/July. In August and
September the Suir has runs of large grilse and
nR
.
an autumn run of some much larger fish which are Gle
Aquatic Invasive Species and fish pathogens are readily transferred from one water- believed to be multi spawners.
The River Feale is a big fast flowing spate river
subject to flooding during periods of persistent
R.
course to another on angling tackle, boats and protective clothing. These can be very
Dro
rainfall. The river rises in the mountain district of
we
s
north Co. Cork and flows westerly for 75 kilo- R. D
uff
metres through the county towns of Abbeyfeale
damaging to resident fish stocks, the aquatic habitat and the general environment. We and Listowel and enters the sea south of
Moy Estua
Ballybunion. There are fish in the river from the
start of the season and the best of the spring fish-
would ask that all anglers inspect and clean their gear prior to travelling to Ireland
ry
ing is up to mid-April depending on water levels.
Ballisodare R.
Grilse start to run from mid-June and there is often
an improvement in mid-July, with very good fishing
to fish. for larger fish from mid-August to the end of the
season in September, in suitable water conditions.
The River Boyne rises in Co. Kildare and mean-
Full information on prevention of invasive species is available on our website at:
ders its way in a north easterly direction for over
100 kilometres through counties Offaly, Meath
and Louth before entering the Irish Sea below the
historic town of Drogheda. The main salmon and
www.fisheriesireland.ie/Research/invasive-species.html sea trout fisheries are located on the lower reaches
of the river between Navan and Drogheda and
most of the fishing is controlled by angling associa-
tions with some being maintained by private fishery
Or via Invasive Species Ireland at owners. In summer the best of the salmon fishing
is located between Slane and Oldbridge. Good
numbers of salmon are taken annually between
the months of July and September on the fisheries
http://invasivespeciesireland.com/cops/water-users/anglers/ downstream of Slane village.
The privately owned Delphi Fishery is one of many
Corr
excellent salmon fisheries in the West of Ireland. The ib/
Ga
lwa
fishery consists of the Bundorragha River, and two
Disclaimer
yR
.
larger lakes draining the Delphi Valley, Finlough and
Doolough. Spring salmon run into the fishery from
the start of the season in February right up to June,
Every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy in the compilation of this publication with most taken on the river or Finlough. Grilse enter
the river from late May, with the run peaking in July.
Other notable salmon fisheries in the west of Ireland
and associated maps and web pages. Inland Fisheries Ireland cannot accept respon- include the Ballynahinch & Lough Inagh System,
Costello & Fermoyle and the River Erriff to name
but a few.
sibility for errors or omissions therein. Some sporting activities may by their nature The Owenea River runs for some 21 kilometres
draining Lough Ea in the west of the Croaghs, into the
sea at Ardara. The Owenea is primarily a spate river
be hazardous and involve risk. It is recommended in such cases to take out personal taking around 1 to 2 days to run off after a good
flood and is regarded as one of the best salmon riv-
ers in Co. Donegal. The river has a run of spring salm-
accident insurance. While many operators would have public liability insurance it is on, grilse and sea trout but the best fishing is during
the summer months when the grilse are running. Other
popular salmon fisheries in Co. Donegal include the
always advisable to check with the establishment or operator concerned as to the Eske, Gweebarra, Eany and Glen Rivers.
Lough Currane, is located east of the picturesque vil-
lage of Waterville on the scenic Ring of Kerry. Lough
level of cover carried. Currane covers an area of approximately 10km2 and
it drains directly into the sea at Ballinskelligs Bay.
Mostly known for its sea trout fishing, the lake can also
Owenmore
provide good salmon fishing from as early as April/
May. The nearby River Inny and the Caragh System
Acknowledgements located approximately 35 kilometres further north can
also provide good salmon fishing at times. Caragh
© Published by Inland Fisheries Ireland 2019, P/N: IFI/2019/1-0451 - 005
Photos courtesy of: Christin Breuker, Markus Müller & James Barry.
SALMON ANGLING
IRELAND/NORTHERN IRELAND Loughs Agency DERRY
The island of Ireland consists of two separate countries: ANTRIM
The document includes Ordnance Survey Ireland data reproduced under OSi Copyright
DAERA DONEGAL
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Permit No. MP 007508. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Ordnance Survey Ireland
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cies that control fishing on the island of Ireland: Inland
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Fisheries Ireland (IFI) which controls the majority of the
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fishing in the Republic of Ireland, the Department of Ag-
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and Government of Ireland copyright. © Ordnance Survey Ireland.
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riculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) which FO
d NG
ation on fishing in Irelan
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LO MEATH
controls most of the fishing in Northern Ireland, and the For up to date inform MEAT
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ginireland.info
log onto: www.fishin
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Loughs Agency, which controls the fishing on the Foyle GALWAY DUBLIN
E
or send an email to:
OFFALY
and Carlingford systems that span the border between DA
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