For details of the salmon angling regulations for 2008 including what rivers will be open, catch and release, restrictions on methods and more click here: Salmon Regulations 2008.
We have broken down the game angling section into two regions – Cork and Kerry. While we have listed the larger river systems in some detail there are many other smaller systems that offer excellent brown trout fishing and indeed on occasion salmon as well. Also both regions abound with mountain lakes and these can be truly spectacular both from the point of view of scenery as well as angling.
Rivers and lakes in the south west open at different times. However you will be able to go salmon and sea trout angling from as early as the 17 January up to the end of September. Generally the more productive times are as follows:
Spring salmon (multi sea winter salmon) March to May
Grilse (one sea winter salmon) June to September
Sea trout May to September
When intending to fish for salmon or sea trout you need to purchase a State Rod Licence before you go angling. These are readily available from most tackle shops, Fishery Board offices and other outlets.
In order to accommodate the angler there are a variety of licence options ranging from a national (all districts) full season to a one day district tourist licence. Ireland is divided into a number of fishery districts or areas and therefore, as a rule of thumb, if you are intending to travel around Ireland an ‘all districts’ licence would be your best bet.
Below is the complete list of the State Rod Licence options available.
When you purchase your State Rod Licence you will be issued with a log book and blue tags. If you catch a salmon, or a sea trout over 40cm, that you intend to keep, you must attach a blue gill tag and immediately enter the details into your logbook. Nothing could be simpler.
The tagging and logbook system is very straightforward however if you have any questions please contact the local Fishery Board or the outlet where you bought it who will be happy to assist you.
Finally in addition to your State Rod Licence you will most likely have to purchase a fishing permit for the waters you intend to fish. Some State waters are permit free such as the Lakes of Killarney and Lough Currane though usually salmon and sea trout waters do carry a permit charge. The permit cost varies from about 20 Euro per day up with the average being about 40 Euro. Please note that the amount charged does not necessarily reflect the quality of the angling that you will experience. Some State waters for instance are very keenly priced so as to accommodate all anglers.
Access to many of the fisheries is across private lands and the Board has developed and maintained a good relationship with landowners but it is important that anglers do not compromise this by behaving in inappropriate ways.
Above all they must not leave litter, light fires, leave gates open or break down fences and if in doubt should always ask permission before entering on lands.
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