Angling Regulations

Irish Fishing Regulations

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 the Clew Bay area.
  • It is prohibited sell rod caught salmon or sea trout over 40cm between January 1st and October 31st

SalmonLicence Fees (2010)

  • All Districts (i.e. all Regions) Annual: €120 (incl. €60 conservation stamp)
  • Juvenile (under the age of 18 years) All Districts Annual: €20 (incl. €10 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. €16 conservation stamp)
  • Special Local (for Annual Licence holders) €26 (incl. €13 conservation stamp)
  • Special Local (for non- Annual Licence holders) €100 (incl. €50 conservation stamp)
  • Foyle Area Extension €76 (incl. €38 conservation stamp)


BROWN TROUT

Most brown trout fisheries open between February 15th and March 1st. Most close on September 30th with some exceptions which close on various dates between September 15th and October 12th. Clubs may have their own regulations on opening and closing dates.

FLY ONLY BYE LAWS AND SIMILAR REGULATIONS

On some waters fly only regulations or other method restrictions may be in place. Please check with the fishery owner or Regional Fisheries Board for further information.

PIKE

The pike bye law provides for the following conservation measures:

  • a bag limit of 1 Pike in any one day,
  • prohibits the killing of any pike greater than 50 cm in length,
  • prohibits the possession by any person of more than 1 whole pike less than 50 cm or more than 0.75 kgs of pike flesh, this provision does not apply to a person storing pike or pike parts subject to conditions,
  • prohibits the possession by any person of more than 12 coarse fish for use as bait subject to conditions.

Eels

Eel fishing is closed until 2012. The prospect of re-opening the eel fishery will be considered at that time, following a review of the data collated as a result of scientific sampling provided for in the draft plan.

  • Bye-law No C.S. 303, 2009 prohibits fishing for eel, or possessing or selling eel caught in a Fishery District in the State until June 2012.
  • Bye-Law No 858, 2009 prohibits the issue of eel fishing licences by the regional fisheries boards in any Fishery District.

Coarse Fish

The Coarse fish bye law provides for the following conservation measures:

  • a bag limit of 4 coarse fish in any one day,
  • prohibits the killing of any coarse fish greater than 25 cm in length,
  • prohibits the sale of any coarse fish in Ireland (excluding NI), this provision will not apply to fishing tackle dealers and fish bait suppliers who have been granted an exemption from their respective Regional Fisheries Board.