Irish Fishing Regulations

This is one area where anglers are often confused, especially on their first visit to a new country or region. Luckily the situation in Ireland is not complex though there are some regional variations that anglers need to be aware of.

SALMON and SEA TROUT 2010

A State Licence is required to fish for salmon and sea trout, but does not entitle you to fish. Permits or permission from fisheries owners must be obtained.

Salmon Licence Fees (2010)

All Districts (i.e. all Regions) Annual: €120 (incl. €60 conservation stamp)
Juvenile (under the age of 18 years) All Districts Annual: €18 (incl. €9 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)
Area Extension €76 (incl. €38 conservation stamp)

For an outline of what is contained in all the regulations regarding the 2010salmon angling season click this link: Salmon Angling Regulations 2010.

Coarse Fish

CONSERVATION OF AND PROHIBITION ON SALE OF COARSE FISH BYE-LAW NO. 806, 2006

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.

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.

PIKE

CONSERVATION OF PIKE BYE-LAW NO. 809, 2006

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 1.5 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 fish for use as bait subject to conditions.

SEA ANGLING

BASS

Minimum overall size limit of 40cm. From tip of snout to end of tail

Bass Fishing Conservation Bye-law (Renewed annually)

The effect of this Bye-law is to impose a bag limit on anglers of two bass in any one period of 24 hours and to provide for a ban on angling for bass during the spawning season (15th May to the 15th June).

Bass (Restriction on Sale) Order, (Renewed annually)

The effect of this Order is to prohibit the sale or offer for sale of bass (other than bass which has been imported into the State) from 1st day of July to 30th day of June.

Note: Penalties for breach of the above laws include confiscation of tackle and heavy fines.

GENERAL FRESHWATER

The only legal method to catch freshwater fish is by rod and line (Bye-law No.595).

A person may fish with not more than two rods at any time (Bye-law No.595).

It is illegal to have or to use live fish as bait (Bye-law No.592).

It is illegal to transfer live roach from one water to any other waters (Bye-law No.561).

Importation of Bait

To minimise the risk of accidental transmission of Foot and Mouth Disease and other infectious diseases, visitors are advised to use local sources in Ireland.
If you must bring worms or maggots ensure they are not packed in soil or vegetable material, the importation of which is strictly prohibited by law.

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.