Fishing in Connemara
The area around Leenane in Connemara is renowned for excellent fishing with numerous lakes and rivers producing excellent sport for the visiting fisherman.
Dhu Lough – this is the largest of the Delphi Fishery waters and was once renowned for its abundance of sea trout fishing however during the past decade numbers have fallen though every effort is being made to improve stocks. Salmon are caught here too.
Permits may be obtained from the manager at Delphi Lodge for fishing. Prices vary but they are approximately €75 to €125 per day. Guides and equipment are available also – a guide costing €80 per day. Call 00353 (0) 95 42222 for more information.
Glencullin Lough – This is located at the top of the Delphi system. It is best from mid-July onwards for sea trout. Salmon can also be caught on the lough. Fly fishing and dapping are the only permissible methods of angling. There are two boats for hire.
River Bundoracha – Fishing at Delphi is limited to a maximum of 12 rods, either bank fishing on the lovely Bundorragha River or by boat on the lakes. Beats are rotated on a half day basis so that anglers may enjoy a great variety of scenery and opportunity.
Erriff System
Angling Season
| Salmon | 1 February – 30 September |
| Sea Trout | 1 June – 12 October |
| Brown Trout | 15 February – 12 October |
| Permits | The Manager Erriff Fishery & Ashleigh Lodge Leenane Co Galway Tel: 00353 (0) 95 42252 |
The Erriff fishery is comprised of the Erriff River and the four small loughs of Tawnyard, Derrintin, Glenawough and Lugacolliwee, the last two being quite high in the hills and only accessible by foot.
Erriff River – is some 13 miles in length. From its discharge into Killary Harbour upstream for approximately 8 miles to Shrahlea Bridge. The river is divided into 9 beats accommodating 22 rods daily. The river receives a run of spring salmon during April and May. In June, July, August and September grilse runs are excellent with the average weight being about 5lb. Sea trout run from early July onwards. It is the 2nd most productive salmon river in Co Mayo. Practically all fishing is with fly.
Tawnyard Lough – Grilse and sea trout run into this lough at the beginning of July but its primary catch is sea trout. Fly fishing and dapping are the only permitted methods of fishing on the lough.
Derrintin Lough – this smaller lough holds a good stock of brown trout. Fly fishing is the only method permitted.
Information obtained from “The Anglers Guide to Game Fishing in the Western Fisheries Region” by The Western Regional Fisheries Board.
