Tourism

Game Angling

The rivers and streams entering Carlingford Lough have runs of large sea trout in the summer. Brown trout are our native Irish species whilst Rainbow trout are a North American species .

The pursuit of salmon, trout and sea trout holds an almost venerated place in Irish culture and our waters continue to yield world class fishing for almost unique native wild game fish. Angling for salmon and trout can be experienced in many different ways, and is accessible and reasonably priced in the large number of clean and unspoilt rivers and loughs.

Local knowledge is the first requisite for success in fishing an Irish lough. Both beginners and experienced anglers are strongly advised to hire the services of a local guide for the first few days on a lough. He will know the best flies, appropriate tackle and local fishing lore. Similarly, on salmon and trout rivers, the services of a local guide will ensure that the angler gets the most out of a visit.

While game fish can be caught on all legal methods (eg: worms, spinning, etc), fly fishing is the traditional practice for catching salmon and trout. Great hatches of duckfly, mayfly and sedges are the seasonal triggers for top quality trout fishing on many Irish rivers and lakes.

Game angling salmon

Species

Arctic Charr

Salvelinus alpinus

A member of the same family as Atlantic salmon and Trout, Arctic Charr are post glacial colonisers and a rare component of Irish fish fauna. Only found in their non-anadromous form in more southern latitudes and are resident in lakes.
Atlantic Salmon

Salmo salar

Atlantic salmon are anadromous ie they breed in freshwater and migrate to sea to grow and mature to adults. Young salmon can be identified by the presence of parr markings along their flanks and the presence of an adipose fin, they are generally more streamlined and not as `spotty` as trout with which they can be confused. Adults can grow in excess of 1 metre long and achieve weights of 20lb plus. The UK record for a rod caught salmon is 64lb and the Irish record stands at 57lb.
Trout

Salmo trutta

More Game Angling Species »

Where to Fish

Mourne

The River Mourne is a big (20 meters plus width) spate river. It has a run of spring salmon (best April to mid-May), with most grilse and salmon arriving from June to July
Cloghfin

The Cloghfin has excellent trout fishing available for several miles upstream of its confluence with the River Camowen.
Faughan

The Faughan rises in the northern Sperrins, near the village of Park, and flows roughly north east to Drumahoe where it turns north to enter Lough Foyle some six miles north of Derry. It is well known in this area as a salmon and sea trout river.
Foyle (river)

The Foyle is tidal along its entire length, from the confluence of the Finn and Mourne to Culmore Point where it spills into the vast sea lough of the same name.
Thousands of salmon move along the Foyle, a conduit for the Finn, Mourne, Derg and other famous salmon rivers.
Roe

Sea trout fishing starts the season on the Roe. With good catches recorded from late June onwards downstream of Limavady to Swans Bridge. Salmon fishing is best from late August onwards and is best in spate conditions in the mid section of the river.
Lough Ash

Lough Ash is 15.3 hectares. Lough is stocked and provides excellent fishing for both brown and rainbow trout. Easy wading and suitable for all ages of anglers.
Moor Lough

Moor Lough is approximately 16.2 hectares. Moor Lough is stocked and provides excellent fishing for both brown and rainbow trout. Moor Lough has easy access and is suitable for all ages.
Binevenagh Lake

This lake lies on a basalt plateau that towers over the Lough Foyle lowlands below. It is stocked with Rainbow Trout
Lough Derg

Lough Derg lies amidst the Donegal mountains (close to where the counties of Donegal, Fermanagh and Tyrone meet)
Loughmacrory

Loughmacrory is a 24 hectare lake with a population of wild brown
trout. Other fish species include perch.
Ryland River

This river rises in the Cooley Mountains of County Louth, spilling
down into Carlingford Lough near to the seaside resort of Omeath.
There are small brown trout and occasional sea trout. It may be
worth fishing the sea pool at dusk or dawn on a favourable tide.
Whitewater

The Whitewater River is best known for a good run of sea trout off the Irish Sea. 10 mile long (16 kilometre) medium sized(10-15 metres) spate river.
Moygannon

This small (3-5 meter) river runs into Carlingford Lough near
Warrenpoint. There are small wild brown trout.

Fishing is by landowners permission.
Clanrye

The Newry and Clanrye Rivers combine to flow through Newry city at the head of Carlingford Lough. It is a medium sized (5-20 meters) river with good brown trout fishing.
Finn

The Finn and it`s tributary the Reelin are probably the most prolific salmon and grilse rivers in Donegal and indeed throughout the Foyle catchment.
Kilbroney

This small (5 meter wide) spate river runs for 3 miles (5 kilometres) along a deep valley
Deele

The river Deele flows into the main river Foyle approximately 1 mile below the Lifford bridge. Traditionally known as an excellent sea trout river from June onwards. The Deele also gets a reasonably good run of summer salmon from early July.
Loughbrickland

Adjacent to the Belfast to Dublin road (A1), this lake is stocked with brown
trout and rainbow trout. Only orthodox fly fishing is permitted and the season runs 1st March to 31st October.
McCourts

This 5 hectare (12 acres) lake is close to the village of Poyntzpass. Access is by way of the angling club car park only! Newry and District Angling Association control this water and the lake is stocked with brown trout and rainbow trout.
Camowen

The River Camowen is a medium sized river (5-20 meters width) that has a good salmon run - grilse and summer salmon from late June, depending on flows
Culdaff

This is a medium sized (5-20 meters width) spate river flowing directly into the Atlantic Ocean near Malin Head, Ireland's most northerly point. There is good sea trout fishing from mid-June and salmon arrive by August.
Dennet

The Burn Dennet is a medium sized (5-20 meters width) spate river. Rising on the northern flanks of the main Sperrins ridge, the river drops northwards through Donemana, swinging west through native woodland and pasture before meandering across broad flats to reach the River Foyle
Drumragh

Drumragh has excellent trout fishing over its entire length. Great fly hatches May and June. Good salmon angling on club stretches.
Fairy Water

The Fairy Water is a medium sized (5-20 meters width) river that rises in the hills above Drumquin.
Glenelly

The Glenelly river runs through the sperrins past Plumbridge. Glenelly is a medium sized river (5-20m) and has wild brown trout, but is better known for salmon and sea trout fishing. With Sea Trout at is best in June and July. Grilse and salmon may
Lough Bradan

Lough Bradan is an upland lake situated in the scenic Lough Bradan forest 14 miles west of Omagh. The lake is well stocked with brown trout, which rise freely to the evening fall of terrestrial flies.
Lough Lee

Lough Lee is located in a wild and beautiful setting among the mountains of west Tyrone. Dogs are not permitted. Trout up to a good size are abundant but can be difficult to entice. The water is crystal clear.
Owenkillew

The Owenkillew River runs through the Sperrins past Gortin and meets with the Strule in Newtownstewart. The Owenkillew is a medium (5- 20m) river with good brown trout, however it is better known for its run of good grilse and salmon
Owenreagh

Owenreagh has superb trout fishing up to B84 Bridge with great opportunities for the roaming angler utilising upstream dry fly techniques.
Quiggery

This river has substantial mayfly hatch in the middle of May with trout between 2 and 3lb taken every year. Spate can also bring on the bigger fish in the evening.
Reelin

Tributary of the Finn
Strule

The Strule is formed by the confluence of the Drumragh and Camowen rivers in the county town of Tyrone, Omagh. It then flows roughly north for some eight or nine miles before being joined by the Owenkillew when the river becomes known as the Mourne
Donaghaguy

This 1.5 hectares (3.5 acres) reservoir is on the outskirts of the seaside resort of Warrenpoint.