Wild Salmon Fishing
Salmon Centres of Excellence
River Corrib (Galway Fishery)
Galway City
This fishery is managed by the Western Regional Fisheries Board and pre-booking is required. In recent years the run of salmon has improved on this famous fishery in the middle of Galway City. Fair run of spring salmon and an excellent run of grilse. All legal angling methods except worm are allowed at the discretion of the manager and a fly only rule is usual when low water levels pertain. Rod catches were 900 salmon in 2005 and 1,202 in 2006. Salmon can also be taken in Lough Corrib and adjoining tributaries, particularly the Clare River and Cong River. The season runs from March to September but the best times are between May and August depending on water levels.
Ballynahinch River including Derryclare and Lough Inagh
Recess, Co. Galway
This famous river and lake system has improved over the last couple years for both salmon and sea trout fishing. The river at the castle and the lakes has produced some good salmon fishing during 2006. Fishing is fly only on this system. The season runs from February to September but the best times are between May and September depending on water levels.
Delphi River including Fin Lough and Doo Lough
Leenane, Co. Galway
Fair spring and summer fishing in very scenic river and lake setting. It is a spate river with a fair run of fish dependent on water. Rod catches were 162 salmon in 2005 and 466 in 2006. Fly fishing only on the river and lake fisheries. The season runs from March to September but the best times are between May and August depending on water levels.
River Erriff
Leenane, Co. Galway
This fishery is managed by the Western Regional Fisheries Board. Permits are available from Aasleagh Lodge Tel: +353 (0)95 42252 and advance booking is required. Fair spring and summer fishing in very scenic spate river. Fair run of fish dependent on water. Fly fishing is the general rule but spinning and worm fishing is allowed at the discretion of the fishery manager. Rod catches were 250 salmon in 2005 and 400 in 2006. The season runs from March to September but the best times are between June and September depending on water levels.
Irish Fishing Regulations
SALMON and SEA TROUT
A State Licence is required to fish for salmon and sea trout, but does not entitle you to fish. Permits or permission from fisheries owners must be obtained.
General salmon angling regulations
- All salmon (and sea trout over 40cm) kept must be tagged, and the logbook filled out accordingly.
- The salmon and sea trout season opens on January 1st in some fisheries. Most fisheries open at a later date (various dates up to the March 20th). Most fisheries close on September 30th with some exceptions which close on various dates between September 15th and October 12th.
- It is prohibited to keep or kill any sea trout in Galway, Connemara or the Ballinakill district.
- It is prohibited sell rod caught salmon or sea trout over 40cm between January 1st and October 31st
Salmon Licence Fees (2008)
- All Districts (i.e. all Regions) Annual: €120 (incl. €60 conservation stamp)
- Juvenile (under the age of 18 years) All Districts Annual: €18 (incl. €9 conservation stamp)
- One District, Annual: €58 (incl. €29 conservation stamp)
- All districts, 21 Days: €46 (incl. €23 conservation stamp)
- All districts, 1 Day: €32 (incl. €18 conservation stamp)
- Foyle Area Extension €76 (incl. €38 conservation stamp)
Bag Limits
The existing annual bag limit of 10 fish per angler for the 2010 season continues in rivers identified as being above their Conservation Limits.
- 3 salmon or sea trout (over 40cm) during the period from the start of the season to 11th May but not more than one fish on any day during that period,
- a daily bag limit of 3 fish from 12 May to 31 August and
- a daily bag limit of 1 fish from 1 September to the end of the season.
Open Rivers, Closed Rivers, Tagging Scheme, more information
Please follow this link for Salmon Angling Regulations 2008.