The quality of Ireland's game angling is superb. To many visitors, fishing for wild salmon and trout in their natural, undisturbed habitat presents an entirely new experience. Although some would claim that such fishing is a privileged sport. Why not spoil yourself and join the privileged . You will be amazed at how little it all costs. There are three main species, the majestic salmon, the hard fighting sea trout and the wary brown trout.
Most Irish rivers witness a run of salmon. Some may only produce a few fish to the rod each year, while on others, many thousands are caught. The majority of the better fisheries are privately or club owned and permits cost from £5 to £50 per day, depending on the productivity and exclusiveness of the fishery. Gillies and boatmen are available on more organised fisheries. No permits are required for "free" fisheries - Loughs Corrib, Mask, Conn, Leane and Currane.
Some rivers which get an early run of "spring salmon" ( 5 to 10 Kgs ) open on January 1st. "Springers though not as numerous as grilse" are available in many salmon rivers throughout the country June sees the beginning of the prolific "grilse" run. These fish usually weigh less than 3.5 Kgs The grilse run extends from June to September. Some fisheries allow fly only while all others allow all legitimate methods. Many of the smaller rivers, particularly in the West, require a fresh flood to introduce the fish to take freely. These "spate" rivers when in full flow can offer tremendous sport and 6 to 7 fish to a rod is not uncommon. The main run of sea trout is from June to August and they seem to favour the smaller river systems. At a number of lough and river locations both salmon and sea trout can be fished for from boats.
Irish anglers tend to concentrate on the loughs for brown trout fishing, while the rivers though not as widely utilised the rivers are never totally ignored. The great Western lakes of Corrib, Mask, Carra and Conn have always seen the most activities because of their large natural wild fish populations. The developed lakes like Owel and Sheelin in the midlands are also extremely popular. Lough trout tend to average 1/2 to 1 Kg. and are invariably taken while fly fishing or dapping. The latter is a unique Irish method of presenting natural insects, such as Mayfly, Grasshopper or Daddy-long-legs to rising trout.
Loughs Corrib, Mask and Leane have populations of very large "Ferox trout" which can reach 20 lbs or more and fish in excess of 10 lbs are quite common. Brown trout fishing is not only , particularly while trolling,confined to internationally known loughs and rivers. Virtually all waterways in Ireland hold trout so do not hesitate to try your own preferred method - try spinning or worms where these methods are not prohibited. they can be very productive. There are also thousands of mountain lakes and streams where an exploring angler cannot fail to catch a bagful of free rising, speckled trout which have never been covered by a fly. They may be small, seldom exceeding 1/4 kg. but they provide spectacular sport.
In some areas, where there is a shortage of readily available trout fishing, the local Fisheries Board operate regulated fisheries. These are maintained at a very high standard by regular stocking with brown trout or rainbow trout. Permits are required on very few Irish trout fisheries, but it is always best to enquire. respect for private property is appreciated
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