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Fishing in Mayo, Galway and West Cork counties

Beyond the “clichés”, Ireland remains a wonderful fishing destination for wild fish addicts.
I’m a enthusiastic fishing guide operating in the west of Ireland in counties Mayo, Galway and West Cork with only 35 years of experience and still learning…..
Fly fishing for wild trout on Irish waters first but also rock fishing and pike fishing on lures to provide a nice alternative.
Every holiday is different, that is the reason why I offer tailored stays according to your time, budget and need.
You can contact me either by phone or via the contact form, I’ll be happy to answer any request.
Wild fish is a precious resource, and I strongly support “Catch and release” practices, as well as the use of barbless hooks and respectful handling of both fish and environment.
As a member of the WILD TROUT TRUST I invite you to see the guidelines about catch and release on their website HERE
If you wish to know more about fishing in Ireland, you can also read my blog about environment protection and fishing (in French at the moment …) : https://www.upstreampeche.com/

Trout fly fishing in Ireland

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Everyone can learn fly fishing !
Fly fishing for wild brown trout is about to connecting people with nature.
Immerse yourself in the environment to improve your fishing skills before spending a fortune on the last piece of tackle shown on the magazine.
We will mostly use dry flies for a very visual fishing experience, but depending on fishing conditions, french nymphing or wet flies will be on the menu too !
The fishing spots are varied, ranging from little bushy streams with a 6″6  rod and 2/3  fly line to larger limestone or spate rivers, from 8 to 20 meters wide. In that last case, 8″6 to 10 ” rods and 4 to 5  lines are perfect.
We fish only wild brown trout and there is no stock fish!  So it is genuine and natural fishing only.
The size of individual trout depends on the ecosystem, and range from 20 to 35 cm ( 10 to 13 inches). But some rivers may provide brown trout over 50 cm (20 inches).
If you are interested to fish The Great Western Lakes such as Corrib, Mask, Conn, I invite you to contact Patrick Molloy who, with his brother, are among the best guides one could wish on the Lough Mask and Corrib: http://www.pmacfishing.com/?paged=2
I supplied quality fishing tackle like rods, reels and accessories.
As well I’m tying every artificial flies so you can come with empty hands !
But when fishing on the rivers you only need to bring your own pair of waders.
Rivieres a truites en Irlande

Some rivers profils

For trout fly fishing in Ireland, waders are useful. Hiking boots are sufficient for fishing in lakes in peat bog areas.

Daily rates :

  • For 1 fisherman: 180 euros/day
  • For 2 fishermen: 220 euros/day
  • For 3 fishermen: 240 euros/day
Children under 12 years of age, accompanied by a fisherman adult: 30 euros/child/day (except boat tour).
For specific requests (families, 4 fishermen or more, workers’ committee…), I can provide special rates. Fell free to contact me !
Rate includes:
  • Daily guiding,
  • Rods, reels and lines,
  • Lures or artificial flies,
  • Lunch (sandwich, soups, cheeses, fruits, water and coffee/tea),
  • Accessories (pliers, nets…)
  • Email sending of the pictures taken during the day.
Rate does not include:
  • Transport to the meeting spot (to agree upon together).
  • Fishing licence and fishing peremit on some classified rivers for migratory fish (seatrout and salmon).
  • Rod and material damage due to negligence.
  • Boots, waders.
  • Cancellation and repatriation insurances.

Rock fishing in Ireland and pike fishing

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Rock fishing with lures, on the Irish west coast gives good sport with pollacks, wrasses and mackerels.

From May until October using light tackle, such as 10 to 60 gr rods power with rubber lures, metal jigs, it can provide some easy fishing when sea conditions are good …

You can come as you are, as all fishing tackle is provided. Do not forget good hiking shoes, though !

Daily rates for Rock fishing

  • For 1 fisherman: 180 euros/day
  • For 2 fishermen: 220 euros/day
  • For 3 fishermen: 270 euros/day

 

There is a possibility of pike fishing on lakes from 50 ha up to 2.000 ha, with a classic Irish boat with engine, suitable for 3 fishermen and a guide.

I use spinning rods from 60 to 100 gr power (Savage Gear, Hart) with Penn 3500 reels.

Fishing on lures only with jerkbaits, swimbaits, crankbait and spinners with the help of fish finder / GPS with color screen.

Daily rate boat pike fishing :

  • 1 to 3 fishermen : 260 euros/day

Hiking & fishing holiday in Ireland

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Fishing tackle shop in Ireland

Here is a list of several retailers that I know well and they will be able to give you fishing update and advices.

Denniston’s 

 Centenary square, Longford, 043 334 6345
Halfway from Dublin and Westport and close to the M5, do not miss this store in Longford that brings together fishing and music.
Dennis, Sam et Evo provide sound advice, and you will find a trove of pike lures and white fish oriented material, thanks to the proximity of the Shannon river.
Beautiful trouts are nonetheless to be found in the Lough Sheelin and the Inny river, and Evo Smyth, being a fishing guide as well, can help you discover those beautiful routes.
(+353)858831597

The village Tackle shop

 55 Newtownbreda Rd,Belfast  +44 289049 1916

Not far form Belfast city centre in a quiet neighbourhood, the owner, Richard, will welcome you to a well-stocked store. Every fisherman will be satisfied, especially when it comes to baits for longline sea fishing.

Richard knows his surroundings just as well as the rest of Ireland, do not hesitate to ask him for advice. A very useful and not to be missed destination.

Tackle shop Castelbar

 New Antrim Street
Do not be surprised by the disorderly aspect, for the stock is actually kept in the store ! Equipment is here to be found for just about any king of fishing ! Flyfishing-wise, you will find reels, rods and silk lines…
No materials to build your own flies, but such equipment has become quite the elusive item in Ireland.
Very discreet at first, Chris will enjoy giving you sound advice and help you out.

Ballina Angling Centre

Unit 55 Ridge Pool Rd
                                                     09621850

Here is a store after our own heart, with quality gear to make us dream about, a welcoming team and the best view in Ballina on the Weir and the Ridge pool, the two most-well known salmon fishing spots on the Moy river.

Padraig & Robbie are here to give great advice while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea. Salmon fishing might be the house specialty, but trout flyfishers will have the rare opportunity here to find materials to build their beloved flies.

The sea fishing shelf is well-stocked, and you will find fresh and frozen bait as well.

A must-see if you come by Ballina.

Tiernan Tackle Shop

Main street, Foxford

094925 6731

The Tiernan brothers’ store has long been an essential meeting-place for Moy fishermen and beyond. Whether you fish for salmon, trout, pike or at sea, you will find every item you might need here. On top of that, you will find a great selection of boots, leg straps and waders, alongside a well-stocked fly section. In high season, the shop is busy with salmon fishers from all over, getting their permits, bait or spoons. A lively mix of passionate and occasional fishermen that Michael and his brother are advising as well as possible.

For the amateur photographer, this destination doubles as a fishmonger, with mackerels, flounders and cods on display, but hardly ever wild salmon… For this elusive catch, you will have to fish again and again ! But don’t forget to enjoy this destination and get your missing fly here !

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