The North Western fisheries Region extends from just north of Westport, Co. Mayo, to Mullaghmore Head, Co. Sligo, and includes the catchments of all rivers and lakes that flow into the sea between those two points as well as the coastal area extending twelve miles out to sea. The region offers some of the best salmon, trout and sea angling in Europe. While it is predominantly a game fish region, a number of smaller lakes hold stocks of pike and coarse fish and these have, in recent years, been attracting increasing numbers of anglers who have been pleasantly surprised by the quality of fishing available. The region has approximately 90 separate game fishing waters ranging from small mountain lakes to large loughs such as Lough Conn which covers more than 5,000 hectares, and from small trout streams to large rivers such as the Moy which is the region's best known fishery.

Fishing is free on the vast majority of these fisheries but the best salmon fisheries are mainly privately owned and a permit must be obtained from the fishery owner. The cost of permits can vary from as little as IR5.00 per day to IR100.00 per day depending on the exclusiveness of the fishery and the services provided. In addition, anglers must, of course, hold a State licence in order to fish for salmon or sea trout. One of the great attractions of the North Western Region is that most of its fisheries are set amidst magnificent, unspoilt countryside where the visiting angler can really get away from the pressures of every day life while, at the same time, enjoying excellent fishing. In fact, the Region is so well endowed with fisheries that, on many of the lesser known rivers and lakes, the angler will frequently find himself alone to enjoy his sport. Similarly, the sea angler will find kilometre after kilometre of rugged coastline offering excellent shore angling from rock, beach and pier as well as top class deep sea angling from charter boats which are available at several locations. For the non-angling partner or family members, the North Western Region offers a wide variety of leisure activities ranging from quiet country walks to modern visitor centres which attract thousands of tourists each year. the region has a wealth of unspoilt scenery and numerous beaches. Several festivals are held in the Region throughout the summer, the best known of which is the Ballina Salmon Festival. This week of free entertainment, which celebrates the Moy salmon, is held in July each year in Ballina, one of Ireland's best known angling centre.

Information on fishing in the North Western Region is available from The North Western Regional Fisheries Board, Ardnaree House, Abbey Street, Ballina (Tel. 096-22788; Fax. 096-70543) while general tourist information is available from Mayo Naturally Ltd, Spencer Street, Castlebar (for Co Mayo) and from the North Western Regional Tourism Organisation, Temple Street, Sligo (for Co Sligo).