Fishermen worldwide regard Ireland as “a paradise of fishing”. For many years now fishing has been one of the top sports pursued in Ireland not least because Ireland has thousands of places to fish, along with the many beautiful places to stay. Many famous people – including Tiger Woods - choose Ireland above all others locations in Europe. The amount of fish is plentiful, partly due to Ireland's climate and low pollution levels, and laws that outlaw illegal fishing. Ireland also has a plentiful supply of the much sought after and prized Atlantic Salmon, thanks to its geographical placement on the edge of western Europe. Salmon and sea trout are native species with an honoured place in Irish culture. And Ireland's lakes and rivers have preserved their character in a landscape that has changed very little over the centuries.

Ireland is also known as one of the most scenic countries in the world with Lough Derg and The Shannon river being two of the more famous waterways. Put it all together and Ireland really is one of the top fishing holiday destinations worldwide.

Angling Hints

Course Angling Hints | Sea angling Hints

Angling Season

Salmon and Sea Trout
The statutory opening date is January 1, but only a small number of fisheries open on that date and sea-trout fishing is not worth pursuing until April on some fisheries and until June on most. The statutory closing date is September 30, with some exceptions.

Brown Trout
The statutory opening date is the February 15, but some waters do not open until March and others until April. Closing dates also vary, although many close at the end of September; some loughs stay open until October 12.

Licences and Fishing Permits
The angler is legally required to be in possession of a licence when fishing for salmon or sea trout. They can be bought from a number of sources, including fishing tackle shops and fishery offices. The price and the duration of a licence will vary.

A licence does not confer a right to fish; this requires a fishing permit that must be obtained separately.

Anglers fishing for brown trout in the Northern and Upper Shannon Fisheries Regions are currently legally required to be in possession of a share certificate.

The majority of waters are owned either privately or by the State. A fishing permit issued by the owner gives the possessor a right to fish for varying periods ranging from a day to a season. Some fisheries may not require permits.

Irish waters are usually reached by passing through farmland and anglers are allowed this access by courtesy of local farmers. They will give a warm welcome but please respect their property; leave no litter and close all gates.

Angling and Fly Fishing schools and courses
An angling holiday is not only a time to catch fish and learn about new waters, it is also an opportunity to learn new skills and refine existing ones. There are a number of fly-fishing schools around Ireland where the beginner can learn the rudiments of the sport and the experienced angler can hone his or her skills. And even a seasoned fly-dresser will benefit from exposure to techniques required to produce traditional and modern Irish flies. The following subjects are covered: tackle selection; the theory and practice of fly casting with single and double handed rods; wet fly, dry fly and nymph fishing, salmon fishing, fly tying etc.

The schools are solely concerned with salmon and trout fishing. Most are attached to quality fisheries or have access to them, so participants can put their lessons into practice with a good chance of catching fish.

Fishing Methods for River Trout Fishing
The three most common methods of fly-fishing for Irish river trout are wet fly, dry fly and nymph fishing:

- The use of a wet fly may be the only way to attract the attention of trout which spend much of their time near the river bed grubbing for caddis larvae, nymphs, snails, shrimp, etc. The wet fly is also useful in early spring when trout feed near the surface in fast broken water. This technique is best employed in rough water, whether in fast runs or in pools rippled by strong winds.

- The dry fly is productive on Irish rivers from about April, when the trout become more active and the first hatches of ephemeroptera begin. May and June are the peak months for the dry fly, although it continues to be very effective during the evening rise, and during daytime fishing in September.

- Upstream nymph fishing is challenging and exciting. It is often employed to tempt trout lying deep in water.

The majority of Irish trout streams have undergone arterial drainage schemes in the past, and this has resulted in high banks in places. It is best to fish from the bank, but in places this is impossible, so chest or body waders are now an essential part of the equipment of a river angle. A lifejacket should be worn when wading in rivers.

Notes on fishing tackle for use while Game Fishing in Ireland
For salmon fly-fishing, double-handed rods (13ft.-15ft.) are the norm on big rivers and on spate rivers when in flood. Single-handed rods (9 1/2ft.-11ft.) are suitable for low water summer fishing and for lough fishing from a boat. At least two matching fly lines will be required, a floating line and an intermediate or sinking tip line.

Most anglers have their own preferences for rods and lines for river trout fishing. A 71/2 ft.-9ft. rod is usually adequate, matched to a floating line.

Longer rods (9 1/2ft.-11ft.) are best for loughs style fishing from a boat for brown trout, trout or salmon. At least two lines will be required - a floating line and an intermediate or sinking tip line.

Dapping natural insects is a popular Irish form of lough fishing from a boat. A long light Rod (at least 14ft.) and a blow line are used and can usually be hired at angling centres.

Chest waders are recommended for all river fishing and a life jacket should always be worn.

Most Irish towns have fishing tackle shops where leaders and flies may be bought. The bigger towns and cities have good shops with a full range of rods, reels and clothing. Irish fly patterns for salmon and trout have long been famous and the visiting angler may wish to collect a selection to try in their traditional setting. Fishing tackle shops can be excellent centres for angling information, especially local information and will usually supply fishing permits for local waters.

Weather Forecast
Weather Forecasts are broadcast daily on RTE Radio and Television. Check programme guides in the daily newspapers for times. They are also available on Aertel. Telephone weather forecasts are available from the Irish Meteorological Service - Met Éireann.

Irish loughs are sometimes rocky, and can be very hazardous when swept by the strong westerly winds. A boatman is the best guarantor of safety, but even so each angler in a boat should wear a lifejacket. Anglers who go afloat without the aid of a boatman should only do so with great care after taking local advice.