Foyle Catchment | River Finn

Season: 1st March  – 15th September

The Finn and its main tributary, the Reelan, are probably the most prolific salmon and grilse rivers in Donegal. Rising high in the Blue Stack mountains, it forms Lough Finn in its upper reaches before dropping over a fifty kilometre length to form the River Foyle at its confluence with the River Mourne at Lifford. Well known as a great spate river for spring fish but it also maintains a good head of salmon throughout the season. Sea trout run July to mid-August. The lower sections of this river are tidal with tides of up to three metres.

The regulations for this river require full catch and release for all salmon caught. Barbless single hooks must be used.

Most of the river can easily be covered with single handed, switch and shorter double-handers around 12' in length. Wading in the Finn can be challenging in places as a great deal of it is very rocky with deep pools and steep banks. The use of a wading stick and suitable footwear is essential with an accompanying personal floatation device highly recommended.

Please note that whilst every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of angling club and associations boundaries it is essential you consult the club or association to confirm their upper and lower limits.

Fishery Contact Details

    

Species:	-Salmon -Brown Trout -Sea Trout
Best Times:	March - May (Spring Salmon) June - July (Grilse & Summer Salmon) June - August (Sea Trout)
Methods:	-Fly -Spinning
Best Salmon Flies:	-Shrimp patterns with a red / orange / yellow colouring such as Currys Gold -Allys Shrimp -Jock Scott Shrimp -General Practitioner
Best Sea Trout Flies:	-Watsons Fancy -Donegal Blue -Teal Blue & Silver