Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Ireland (Complete Guide)
Today we discuss Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Ireland. Ireland is renowned for its diverse and abundant fishing opportunities, attracting anglers from around the world to its rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. Whether you’re an experienced fly fisherman or a casual weekend angler, Ireland offers a wealth of options to satisfy your fishing desires. However, knowing the best times and seasons to target specific species can greatly enhance your chances of a successful and enjoyable fishing trip.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the prime fishing seasons, target species, and top fishing destinations in Ireland. By the end, you’ll have a thorough understanding of the optimal times to plan your Irish fishing adventure, ensuring you make the most of your time on the water.
Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Ireland:
Spring Fishing in Ireland (March to May)
Early Spring (March-April)
The early spring months of March and April offer excellent opportunities for anglers in Ireland, particularly for trout and salmon. As the water temperatures start to rise, these prized game fish become more active and begin their annual spawning migrations.
Trout Fishing Rainbow and brown trout are popular targets during the spring season. Many of Ireland’s renowned trout fisheries, such as the River Suir, River Blackwater, and Lough Conn, come alive with rising fish eager to strike a well-presented fly or lure. This is an excellent time to target larger, pre-spawn trout before they become more selective and finicky.
Salmon Fishing Spring is a prime time for salmon fishing in Ireland, as the iconic Atlantic salmon begin their upstream journeys to their spawning grounds. Key salmon fisheries like the River Moy, River Drowes, and River Foyle see an influx of fresh-run salmon known as “springers” during this period. Anglers using traditional fly fishing techniques or spinning gear have the best chance of landing these powerful, silvery fish.
Late Spring (May)
As the calendar turns to May, the fishing action in Ireland continues to heat up, with a broader range of species becoming active.
Coarse Fishing May is an excellent time for coarse fishing, targeting species such as bream, roach, and tench. Many of Ireland’s premier coarse fishing lakes and rivers, including Lough Erne and the River Barrow, offer productive angling during this period.
Sea Trout Fishing The late spring months also mark the beginning of the sea trout season in Ireland. These anadromous trout, known locally as “white trout,” start to enter the estuaries and coastal rivers, providing exciting opportunities for anglers. Locations like the River Slaney and River Laune are renowned for their sea trout fishing during this time.
Summer Fishing in Ireland (June to August)
Early Summer (June-July)
The summer months in Ireland bring a wealth of fishing opportunities, with a diverse array of species becoming active and accessible.
Salmon Fishing The summer salmon run is in full swing, with prime fishing on many of Ireland’s renowned salmon rivers. Anglers can target the “summer salmon” that make their way upstream during this period. Top destinations for summer salmon include the River Moy, River Drowes, and River Foyle.
Sea Trout Fishing The sea trout fishing remains excellent throughout the summer, with the fish continuing their upstream migrations and providing thrilling action for anglers. The River Slaney, River Laune, and River Blackwater are all renowned for their summer sea trout fishing.
Coarse Fishing The coarse fishing action remains strong during the early summer months, with bream, roach, and tench continuing to provide productive angling opportunities. Lough Erne, the River Barrow, and the River Suir are all popular coarse fishing destinations.
Midsummer (July-August)
As the summer progresses, the fishing in Ireland adapts to the warmer water temperatures and changing conditions.
Saltwater Fishing Midsummer is an excellent time for saltwater fishing in Ireland, with species like bass, mackerel, and pollack becoming more active in the coastal waters. Anglers can target these fish from shore or by boat, with popular destinations including the Dingle Peninsula, Donegal Bay, and the Antrim Coast.
Carp Fishing While not as renowned as some other species, carp fishing in Ireland has gained popularity in recent years. Midsummer is a prime time to target these hard-fighting freshwater fish, with lakes like Lough Ree and Lough Derg offering productive carp angling.
Stillwater Trout Fishing The summer heat can make trout fishing in rivers and streams more challenging, but stillwater trout fisheries thrive during this period. Loughs like Lough Conn, Lough Corrib, and Lough Melvin offer excellent opportunities to target trophy-sized brown and rainbow trout.
Autumn Fishing in Ireland (September to November)
Early Autumn (September-October)
As the summer fades and the autumn season approaches, the fishing in Ireland undergoes a transformation, with new opportunities emerging.
Salmon Fishing The autumn salmon run is a highly anticipated event for anglers in Ireland. As the water temperatures cool, the salmon become more aggressive and active, providing thrilling fishing on many of the country’s renowned salmon rivers. The River Moy, River Drowes, and River Foyle are all prime destinations for autumn salmon.
Sea Trout Fishing The sea trout fishing remains strong throughout the early autumn, with the fish continuing their upstream migrations. The River Slaney, River Laune, and River Blackwater are all excellent choices for targeting these hard-fighting trout.
Coarse Fishing The coarse fishing action remains productive in the early autumn, with bream, roach, and tench continuing to provide steady action. Lough Erne, the River Barrow, and the River Suir are all popular coarse fishing destinations during this time.
Late Autumn (November)
As the calendar turns to November, the fishing in Ireland shifts once again, with new opportunities emerging.
Pike Fishing The onset of cooler water temperatures signals the start of the pike fishing season in Ireland. Many of the country’s lakes and rivers, including Lough Ree, Lough Derg, and the River Suir, offer excellent pike angling during the late autumn months.
Stillwater Trout Fishing While the river and stream trout fishing may slow down, the stillwater trout fisheries in Ireland continue to provide productive angling. Loughs like Lough Conn, Lough Corrib, and Lough Melvin offer the chance to target trophy-sized brown and rainbow trout throughout the late autumn.
Winter Fishing in Ireland (December to February)
Winter Months (December-February)
The winter months in Ireland can present some unique fishing opportunities, though the conditions may be more challenging for anglers.
Pike Fishing The winter pike fishing continues to be a popular pursuit, with many of the country’s lakes and rivers offering excellent opportunities to target these apex predators. Lough Ree, Lough Derg, and the River Suir are all prime destinations for winter pike fishing.
Coarse Fishing While the coarse fishing action may slow down during the winter, dedicated anglers can still find productive angling for species like bream, roach, and tench in some of Ireland’s premier coarse fishing waters, such as Lough Erne and the River Barrow.
Stillwater Trout Fishing The stillwater trout fisheries in Ireland remain a viable option throughout the winter months, with anglers targeting trophy-sized brown and rainbow trout in lakes like Lough Conn, Lough Corrib, and Lough Melvin.
Top Fishing Destinations in Ireland:
Ireland is home to a vast array of fishing destinations, each offering its own unique experiences and opportunities. Here are some of the top fishing destinations in the country:
- River Moy: Located in County Mayo, the River Moy is renowned for its exceptional salmon fishing, particularly during the spring and autumn runs.
- River Blackwater: Flowing through counties Cork and Waterford, the River Blackwater is a premier destination for trout and sea trout fishing.
- Lough Corrib: One of the largest lakes in Ireland, Lough Corrib is a renowned stillwater trout fishery, offering the chance to target trophy-sized brown and rainbow trout.
- Lough Erne: Situated in County Fermanagh, Lough Erne is a premier coarse fishing destination, with excellent opportunities for bream, roach, and tench.
- Dingle Peninsula: The rugged Dingle Peninsula on the southwest coast of Ireland is a prime location for saltwater fishing, with bass, mackerel, and pollack in abundance.
- River Suir: Flowing through counties Tipperary, Kilkenny, and Waterford, the River Suir is a versatile fishery, offering excellent opportunities for trout, salmon, and pike.
- Lough Melvin: Straddling the border between counties Leitrim and Fermanagh, Lough Melvin is a renowned trout fishery, known for its unique strain of gillaroo trout.
Conclusion
Ireland’s diverse and abundant fishing opportunities make it a premier destination for anglers of all skill levels and preferences. By understanding the best times and seasons to target specific species, you can maximize your chances of a successful and enjoyable fishing trip.
Whether you’re seeking the thrill of hooking a hard-fighting salmon, the challenge of stalking trophy-sized trout, or the steady action of coarse fishing, Ireland has something to offer every angler. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to plan your next Irish fishing adventure and make the most of the country’s exceptional fishing resources.
So pack your gear, secure your fishing license, and get ready to experience the unparalleled angling that Ireland has to offer. Tight lines and good luck on the water!