Home Uncategorized Salmon fishing in the West

    Salmon fishing in the West

    8379
    Aerial view of Kylemore Abbey and lakes with mountain in background

    The quality of game angling in Ireland’s West is quite exceptional. Visitors fishing for salmon and trout in a natural, undisturbed habitat will enjoy a unique experience. The Galway Fishery on the River Corrib offers unrivalled fishing for salmon in the heart of bustling Galway City. Head west into Connemara for much wilder fare, with beautiful scenery and wildlife the backdrop to excellent salmon and sea trout fishing on loughs and rivers. Connemara has a myriad of loughs to fish, with several important spate rivers offering good salmon fishing as well.

    Main salmon fisheries

    River Corrib (Galway Fishery)

    River with cathedral and concert tent in background
    Galway Fishery during the International Arts Festival in July

    Galway City

    A world-renowned fishery with prolific runs of salmon. The season runs from February to September but the best times are between May and August depending on water levels. Find out more about the Galway Fishery

     

     

    Ballynahinch River including Derryclare and Lough Inagh

    River with castle hotel and mountains in background

    Recess, Co. Galway

    A complex system with many loughs and connecting rivers, draining the heart of the Twelve Bens mountain range. The main fisheries on the system are Ballynahinch Castle Fishery, comprising lake and river fishing at the lower end, and Lough Inagh and Derryclare Fishery, where many salmon and sea trout head straight for when they move upstream. Both offer superb fishing in beautiful surroundings, with luxury accommodation and cuisine available. Fishing is fly only on this system. The season runs from February to September but the best times are between May and September. Find out more about the Ballynahinch and Lough Inagh fisheries. 

    Delphi Fishery including Fin Lough and Doo Lough

    Anglers in boat on lake with mountain background

    Leenane, Co. Galway

    A short spaty river that drains three loughs, set in a stunningly scenic valley. Spring salmon fishing from early February, with grilse and sea trout throughout the summer. Both lough and river fishing on this private fishery, with beats rotated. The season runs from February to September but the best times are between May and August. Find out more about the the Delphi River

     

    River Erriff

    Angler casting on river with mountains in background

    Leenane, Co. Galway

    A spate river that rises and falls rapidly with rain, and can produce prolific sport during and following a flood. The season runs from March to September but the best times are between June and September. Find out more about the River Erriff

     

    Kylemore

    Aerial view of Kylemore Abbey and lakes with mountain in backgroundLetterfrack, Co. Galway

    This system comprises three loughs, the largest at the head of the system, and the short gin-clear Dawros River that runs to the sea in Ballinakill Bay. Most of the fishery is controlled by Kylemore Abbey, with fishing on the top lake also controlled by Kylemore House. The season runs from March to September, but the best fishing is from June to September. Find out more about the Kylemore fishery here

     

    Main sea trout fisheries

    It is illegal to kill any sea trout in all Galway, Connemara and Ballinakill rivers

    Costello-Fermoyle (Casla)

    Anglers on river set in wild bogland scenery with mountains in far distance

    Carraroe, Co. Galway.

    Fly fishing only. Season and best periods are from the 1st June to the 30th September. Find out more about the Costello & Fermoyle Fishery

     

    Lough Inagh & the Ballynahinch River

    Angler fishing on river with mountains in background

    Roundstone, Clifden, Co. Galway

    Spate river. Fly fishing only. Season and best periods are from the 1st of June to the 30th September. Find out more about Ballynahinch and Lough Inagh

    Open, closed and Catch and Release fisheries 2024

    Table 1:Open Fisheries
    No. 9(1) or Galway District
    • Corrib
    No. 9(2) or Connemara District
    • Cashla
    No. 10(1) or Ballinakill District
    • Bundorragha (Delphi), [C&R to 11th May, Open from 12th May] (brown Tag required – code Z6)
    • Erriff (brown tag required – code P4)
    • Culfin
    • Dawros
    • Owenglin (Clifden), (brown tag required – code B4)
    • Bunowen (brown tag required – code I4)
    Table 2: Fisheries open to Catch and Release only
    No. 9(2) or Connemara District
    • Screebe*
    • Ballynahinch (Owenmore)
    No. 10(1) or Ballinakill District
    • Owenwee*
    • Carrownisky*
    • Bundorragha (Catch and Release to 11th May)*
    Table 3: Closed fisheries
    No. 9(1) or Galway District
    • Clarinbridge
    • Knock
    • Aille
    • Owenboliska, Spiddal
    • Kilcolgan
    No. 9(2) or Connemara District
    • Lough na Furnace

    Tackle shops in the Western Region

    Guides and Instructors in the Western Region