Three or four favourite patterns in different sizes tied on plastic, aluminium, and brass tubes are usually enough to take with you as cold water spring salmon fishing is not the place to be experimenting with variants of established patterns, because when the going gets tough doubts creep in, confidence flags, much better to stick with proven original patterns that have stood the test of time. When salmon move into freshwater in the colder months of the season, they often progress slowly up rivers. Coarse, Pike & Sea Fishing Occasional good size brown trout can be caught, but in general most fish are small. Salmon fishing River Mulcair. Waterford. First salmon of the season caught on the River Moy. Catching a very fresh sealiced salmon on a size 5 Black / silver flying C in very high water. Leaders should use at least 12lb monofilament and are usually for single fly, particularly on rocky rivers. The bigger fish known as Springers tend to run in the early months of the year and weigh an average of nine pounds. There are hundreds of rivers in Canada to catch Atlantic salmon in but some of the best rivers to throw a line in are the However, to get past this problem, it is not uncommon on rivers such as the Moy or Mourne for anglers to use bubble and fly. On most Irish rivers one would need nothing larger than a 116 ft rod (AFTM 7 / 8) with a floating line there are the odd exceptions such as the Cork Blackwater or the Moy where the double handed rod comes into its own for use with sinking lines in cold water. However they enjoyed good trout fishing after 9.00pm, and wives and children enjoyed the terrific beaches we are blessed with in this region during the day. The most productive time to fish here is early flood to highwater and spring tides produce the rewarding results especially in September. It is unlikely to be beaten in the near future. On rivers, the fishing is normally divided into beats managed by Inland Fisheries Ireland, private fisheries or local angling clubs. Wading is excellent and among the numerous streams, pools and glides there is a great variety of fly fishing to suit both complete novice and challenge the most competent of fly casters. There are rules of etiquette to follow when doing this, as well as points of safety, and hiring an angling guide or ghillie is recommended particularly on the larger bigger loughs if the angler is unfamiliar with the water. Irish flies tend to start on the small side. Fishing a single hook rig with a 3 oz lead using sandeel give the best results. This is also true for other forms of salmon angling and the old adage would be when cold, fish slow and deep. and was caught in low water. The classic way to fish for salmon is with the fly. When fly fishing, drifting broadside down wind is the standard way to fish. Norway Fishing Lodges offers some of the best atlantic salmon fishing in the world. Double handed rods are not always essential and generally the Irish angler favours single handed rods. Two anglers, two days and almost twenty Irish springers. With a huge network of rivers and loughs, Ireland is the one of the few last refuges for wild salmon and sea trout attracting anglers back year after year. Fly-fishing for salmon on loughs is an Irish specialty. The season runs from March to September but the best times are between May and September. Click on the map to find the best salmon fishing in Ireland. Our other fishing includes Alaska salmon and trout fishing, Argentina trout fishing, steelhead fishing, trout fishing, salmon fishing, boat fishing, Montana fly fishing, Ireland fishing, Bonefish, Peacock Bass fishing, Mongolia Taimen fishing and more. And youve got 100 miles of river to fish. On some loughs, such as Melvin and Currane trolling is a favoured method early in the year. Spinning for salmon can be a very effective method when conditions suit. A video I took of my Pal Catching 25ib Cock Salmon on an Irish River, Please Enjoy That water allows the salmon to make the journey over the Weir at the The salmon and sea trout season begins between January 1st and March 20th, depending on the fishery. Nearly all of the salmon were released back into the river. The equipment is used primarily to ascertain depth, and to locate fish and the depth they are feeding at. Luckily though, the rivers a few miles north on the east coast of Canada have some truly amazing Atlantic salmon fishing that is every bit as good as the fishing to be found in Europe. Ireland is the birthplace of many famous salmon flies such as the Thunder and Lightening, Black Doctor and Connemara Black. I hear there is an opening salmon fishing day on January 1st. February 24, 2021. A fisherman's guide to angling in Ireland. The majority of rivers close on September 30th but some rivers remain open for sea trout fishing to October 12. Lee sees its first salmon of season caught and details for Five more salmon reported from the Munster Blackwater, 2nd Salmon of the Season reported from the River Moy, Another Salmon for Lough Currane anglers and other fresh fish seen. Artificial or natural baits may be used. The timing of the main runs varies between river systems but most begin in June. Lake fishing is normally from a boat in the company of a guide or ghillie When to go Salmon fishing opens on January 1 on a handful of rivers and after that the remainder of rivers open on various dates in February, March, April and May. The River Finn is a spate river and there is fantastic fishing shortly after heavy rain which is a frequent occurrence in Ireland!! One of these was caught on March 7th. It is considered by many to be one of premier beats for salmon fishing in Ireland. Other salmon flies such as the Tosh, Allys Shrimp, Cascade, Willie Gunn, Hairy Mary, Silver Stoat, Green Highlander and the Collie Dog all work and account for fish every year. Spinning. After that varying fisheries open on a variety of dates in February, March, April and May. The river Drowse usually succeeds in catching one of the first salmon of the season on opening day. Mostly sea trout and salmon fishing along the river Bush. To catch one, especially on the fly is a triumph and anglers have the best chance of taking a Springer in rivers such as the Drowes in Co. Donegal or the River Laune in Co. Kerry. This glacial lake in Connemara is massively popular with anglers and boats are available to rent to bring you to the best fishing spots. Salmon are an elusive and complicated quarry for the angler and their behaviour can be greatly affected by many factors, including the season one chooses to fish, the prevailing weather conditions or even the time of day. The Mourne is not a spate river but like many other Irish rivers, it fishes best as the water fines down, but because of its size it usually fishes well for 3 or 4 days after the flood waters have receded. They can also be caught in loughs such as Lough Currane in Co. Kerry which produces some fine fish from February onwards. The season runs from 1st of February 30th of September and the best time of River Bandon. Sea fishing is available all year round and sea anglers can fish for Bass, Ray, Flounder, Pike or Dogfish pretty much all the time. River Feale. This useful guide provides information on the variety of waters Ireland has to offer, the best times to fish and suggested methods to help in the pursuit of this noble quarry. Most rivers get a run of salmon from Spring until Autumn. Youghal, Co. Cork & Cappoquin,Co. In the summer of 2015 the River Mourne in Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland got a good run of salmon. These fish continue to come into the systems after the season closes and so ensure productive salmon fishing on many waters right to the end of the season. As such, the slower areas of river are usually not favoured by the salmon fly fisher. This is because with droppers there is always a danger of hooking up one of the flies when playing a fish. Trolling is a favoured way of fishing the larger waters because so much ground may be covered in the course of a day and this method can be very effective for fishing salmon early in the season. However, when one thinks of fly patterns, the shrimp fly must be seen as the quintessential Irish style. Listowel, Co. Kerry & Abbeyfeale, Co. It would be more than usual for one of these flies to be a Green Peter. This is usually fished using spinning tackle. There were a few anglers out to mark the opening of the Bandon last month, but condition were not great on the day, and One salmon caught on River Lee Sunday 7th March. Limerick City & Annacotty, Co. They weigh from three to six pounds and are widely found throughout the country. Located in North West Ireland in the heart of Donegal is one of Ireland's finest salmon rivers. Currently a salmon over 20 pounds is classified as a specimen fish and only a small number of these are recorded annually. A spring fish from cold water, silver, muscular and graceful, is magnificent. River Argideen. Below this temperature one should fish a sunk fly and above this temperature salmon will move to one fished on a floating line. The majority of fishing would be using floating lines. The Atlantic Salmon (Bradn in Gaelic), is a native Irish fish. Chance for a Salmon. Furthermore, when they first enter the lough or river systems, they are more willing to take a bait or fly but the longer they sit in freshwater the more dour they become. Angling on River Bush day ticket stretches and Angling on River Bush non day ticket stretches (1 The biggest run of salmon comprise of grilse or summer salmon. Most fisheries close on September 30th, a few are open until October 12th. Most loughs fish best when there is a good wave. Rods to 11ft 6in (rated AFTM 7 / 8) are used and salmon are fished for in much the same way as one fishes for trout. SEA TROUT CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE. In the early season one might use 3in Devon Minnow or large Tobys, these being fished slow and deep to get to where the fish are lying. Lower Munster Blackwater. The Foxford Fishery offers exclusive fishing for a maximum of 9 rods along on a 2.5 KM, double bank section and a further 12 rods along 1.5KM of single bank fishing of The Moy. The Wye should still be at the top of any list. Fixed spool reels should hold at least 100 150m of 10 to 15lb monofilament / braid. Limerick Wild salmons are better caught from the beginning of the February to mid October. Salmon, trout, pike are just some of the treasures of our waters in plentiful supply. Waterville. The river started to fall two days before they arrived followed by a heat wave, so for their week they had a blank with salmon. For salmon anglers who fly fish the key water temperature is 7C/45F. Boats enable the angler to gain access to water that may not be fishable from the bank. For the angler in Ireland the main methods employed for game fish will be: Fly-fishing. At present the favoured spinner in Ireland would be the Flying C, red and black being two of the most popular colours. Boats can be hired at all the main angling centres. Theres no doubt that Ireland is one of the most popular fishing destinations in Europe and the country is fortunate to have a massive variety and quality of fishing opportunities from sea to river to lake. Spinning upstream can be highly effective when the grilse are running. The salmon shrimp fly was invented by Pat Curry of Coleraine who tied the original Currys Red Shrimp. My husband loves to fish and it would be a treat for him to fish while we were in Ireland.I just do not know where to start looking for this and in what areas fishing starts on New years Day. Salmon Reports of 2 Salmon caught in Ballyhooley/Killavullen area this week. It has been established that they do not feed in freshwater and so the reason why they are tempted to take bait or a well presented fly is not known. Find out more about the Mulcair River. Brown trout fisheries open between February 15th and March 1st. Fishing in Ireland. For the angler in Ireland the main methods employed for game fish will be: All angling methods are subject to national and local regulation, which may be subject to change. Cork Harbour. The normal way to fish a worm is to use a bunch of three on a single hook; however a single worm can also produce results. Traditionally the river current imparts the movement to the fly. The long standing record for an Irish salmon, a fish of 57 lbs, was set on the River Suir by Mr Maher in 1874. In summer and autumn there is always a chance for sea trout or even a salmon. Fishing in Ireland Catch the unexpected, Your Essential Guide To Salmon and Sea Trout Angling In Ireland, Trout fishing on the River Shannon, lakes and tributaries, Fly Fishing Tips for the Angler in Ireland, Salmon and sea trout fishing in the South East, Coarse fishing on the River Shannon, Lakes and Tributaries, Locations Suitable for Anglers with a Disability or Restricted Mobility, Where to Fish The Great Pike Waters of Ireland, Pike fishing on the River Shannon, Lakes and Tributaries, Northern Region The Great Pike Waters of Ireland, Northern Ireland The Great Pike Waters of Ireland, Sea angling in the Shannon Estuary and the Clare coast, Enjoy Irelands Fisheries Leave No Trace, Irish Fishing Guides and Instructors Directory, Conditions improving on the Bandon as anglers wait for a springer, Lee sees its first salmon of season caught and details for brown tags round 2 announced, Quiet on Corrib but local anglers meeting some nice fish, Currane goes from calm to wild but no fish caught. Please note the law requires all going afloat to wear a suitable lifejacket or buoyancy aid. Careysville Fishery offers some of the best salmon fly fishing in Ireland and includes 26 named pools. When you arrive in Cork Harbour, it is evident that fishing is a way of life here, which is Wye springers are magnificent by anybodys standards; 20-pounders abound and 30s are always a possibility. Salmon can be caught in Irish waters from January through to October. When opened, the predominant colour of an Irish fly box holding shrimp patterns is a rich orange hue the same colour as a good whiskey. However, as the water temperature rises, this is reflected in the salmons metabolism and they become more active. Start planning your trip now with this easy to use guide providing information on where to go and who to contact to help you get the most out of your visit. Many Irish rivers also have large runs of salmon with the first rains of the autumn. It is important to note that fishing for pike with live bait is illegal in Ireland. Though everyone has their favourites, one would never go too far wrong with patterns such as the Apache Shrimp, Bann Special Shrimp, Delphi Badger, Wilkinson Shrimp, Currys Red Shrimp or Foxford Shrimp. They also allow the angler to cover a greater area of water than when bank fishing. Salmon fishing in Ireland opens on the 1st of January on a handful of rivers. Strabane, County Tyrone. This autumn run often makes up the bulk of the adult salmon returning to any catchment. Where is this held and who would I contact about this event. The point fly is often a shrimp fly, with the droppers consisting of standard trout/sea trout flies size 10 or 12. An echo sounder is a useful aid on the larger loughs. Fishing in Ireland Catch the unexpected, Trout fishing on the River Shannon, lakes and tributaries, Fly Fishing Tips for the Angler in Ireland, Salmon and sea trout fishing in the South East, Coarse fishing on the River Shannon, Lakes and Tributaries, Locations Suitable for Anglers with a Disability or Restricted Mobility, Where to Fish The Great Pike Waters of Ireland, Pike fishing on the River Shannon, Lakes and Tributaries, Northern Region The Great Pike Waters of Ireland, Northern Ireland The Great Pike Waters of Ireland, Sea angling in the Shannon Estuary and the Clare coast, Enjoy Irelands Fisheries Leave No Trace, Irish Fishing Guides and Instructors Directory, Conditions improving on the Bandon as anglers wait for a springer, Lee sees its first salmon of season caught and details for brown tags round 2 announced, Quiet on Corrib but local anglers meeting some nice fish, Currane goes from calm to wild but no fish caught. The salmon was estimated to weigh 8lbs. Lake fishing is normally from a boat in the company of a guide or ghillie. This is when fisheries like the Moy in Co. Mayo and the Munster Blackwater in Co. Cork can provide spectacular sport in a natural setting. This fishery on the outskirts of Limerick has had a good run of grilse in recent years. The standard cast consists of 3 or 4 flies. The east coast of the USA used to have a good run of Atlantic salmon but these days the numbers are pretty low and not worth your effort. If you visit Strabane for fishing, you will get four great rivers to explore, River Ilen. Prawns and shrimps are effective baits and are usually fished on a float rig. In heavy water it may also be the only realistic option to take a fish. Species: Mainly Brown Trout, Sea Trout, Salmon and Bass. Salmon weighing up to 25lb have been caught during the spring salmon fishing season at Lough Inagh in County Galway. Size 8 being used in the cold/ early spring, then as the water warms, the flies being scaled down to 12s and 14s. Map showing wild salmon and trout fisheries in Northern Ireland. As i have said before the best time to catch springers at the Dam Fishery is when the water is at half load, that's about three feet above normal levels compared to full load which is about six feet. They are the most sporting of game fish and are swift, acrobatic and ready takers of a well presented fly or lure. During the summer the best taking times for salmon are very early in the morning and the last thing at night. Lough Currane. Sandeel can be dug on the nearby sandbanks at low water and during spring tides and are plentiful. Brown Tags Required The Foxford Fishery is located a stones throw from the beautiful village of Foxford, County Mayo and offers some of the best private salmon fishing available on the prolific River Moy. An 8 to 10 ft rod will be able to cope with most conditions. Nearby Camping: Manix Point It is very spatey and has few pools, but the brown trout fishing can be great fun. Limerick. Salmon and sea trout anglers can use a wide range of methods including, bait, spinning and fly fishing to pursue their quarry. Includes information on trout fishing, salmon fishing, coarse fishing and sea fishing in Ireland. The main bait fishing techniques are shrimp/prawn and worming. Salmon Fishing Northern Ireland is renowned for the beauty of its rivers and surrounding countryside and the River Bush which runs through the Estate provides the perfect environment to avail of a private salmon fishing experience, one of Irelands best known leisure and sporting activities for the amateur and experienced angler. Lower sections of the river are controlled by the Ministry, and are strictly regulated as to the number of rods and fish per day. If youve ever dreamt about catching a salmon or sea trout in Ireland and wondered how to turn your dream into reality then the answer is at your finger tips. When used properly, the trotted worm with or without a float is a skilful form of fishing as well as being very effective. Bait. Tapered casts down to 10lbs would be recommended. Statistically, the Wye is the best place for spring salmon in March and April in both England and Wales. Usually two rods are used fishing different lures at different depths. Leaving Ardara in an easterly direction for Glenties on the N56, the road follows the Owentocker River up. Reels (dependant on river size) should hold at least 100m of backing. Kevin O'Boyle reports from the River Moy Week ending 7th February 2021 The River Moy opened for salmon As the water warms up, lure size should be reduced and the speed of retrieve increased. Irish grilse runs are some of the most prolific in Western Europe and offer the salmon fisherman the best chance of success. The classic way to fish for salmon is with the fly.