Northern Ireland has numerous renowned destinations for Atlantic salmon fishing with rod and line.
The majestic rivers, historical woods and breath-taking landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for anglers seeking an unforgettable angling experience whilst surrounded by rural tranquillity.
1. The Rivers
Northern Ireland has many rivers that once where teeming with Atlantic salmon returning annually, with some still having decent runs.
Some of the most famous rivers include the:
- Mourne
- Bann
- Agivey
- Faughan
- Foyle
- Dennett
- Bush
- Roe
- Derg
- Maine
- Strule
- Moyle
- Six Mile Water
- Clady
For many, many years these rivers have provided ideal habitats for salmon returning from all over the Atlantic Ocean to head up the rivers in which they spent their youth, to breed.
2. The Seasons
Atlantic salmon fishing in N.I is seasonal, with different rivers having different peak times and open seasons. The fishing season generally starts in early spring and runs till autumn.
Angling is not permitted in the rivers during the winter months which is vital to the salmons reproduction.
Spring is an exciting time as Atlantic salmon return to the rivers from the sea. The summer months offer excellent opportunities for good runs of salmon and sea trout, while autumn is known for its spectacular bronzing mature fish.
3. Fishing Techniques
Anglers can deploy various techniques when fishing for Atlantic salmon Some popular methods include:
- Fly Fishing: This traditional method involves casting artificial flies usually in the pattern of a shrimp and suited to each river and location to entice the salmon.
- Spin Fishing: Using spinning lures like flying C's , Copper spoons and Toby's to mimic baitfish can be effective in attracting salmon. [not allowed on some rivers / check local rules & regs]
- Bait Fishing: Blackhead worms are usually the best option with prawns being allowed on some beats. [not allowed on some rivers / check local rules & regs]
Each technique has its own unique appeal and can yield great results depending on the conditions of the river and preferences of the angler.
4. Licensing and Regulations
Before embarking on an Atlantic salmon fishing adventure in Northern Ireland, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the local licensing and permit regulations.
Different rivers and even stretches of the same river can have various specific rules regarding permits, permitted angling methods, hooks and bag limits if allowed.
Always plan and prepare by schooling yourself before your angling trip.
Always Fish Legal with rod licence and appropriate angling area permit.
Atlantic Salmon & Sea Trout Are Catch & Release Only On Day Permits.
Littering is prohibited !
It is crucial to respect these rules, regulations and good angling practices to preserve the Atlantic salmon & Sea Trout populations for future generations.
We must remind ourselves these are prime game angling locations and should be treated as such and not used as a dump or supermarket.
Always plan and prepare by schooling yourself before your angling trip.
5. Relentless
From birth, eggs and juvenile Atlantic salmon (par & smolts) face threat from hungry predators such as humans, other fish, birds, otters, minks, etc
The lucky ones that get to mature will face many man made obstacle's and tragedy's including dams, illegal nets and of late multiple agricultural, industrial and domestic waste / pollution disasters.
These young fish will leave the rivers when ready, heading out to sea were they will feed, grow and mature rapidly, returning when nature calls on a pair to lay and fertilise their own eggs.
Some salmon have been known and recorded returning to the same rivers to reproduce multiple times.
Whilst at sea they face similar threats of pollution and disease from commercial salmon farms alongside the rapid growing presence of invasive species and predators like hungry seals and cormorants being driven inland to estuaries and beyond due to depleting food sources at sea caused by commercial overfishing to meet human supply and demand.
The same high demand by humans brings other man made tragedy's to the table in the form of bycatch, dredging and other nasty practices that have no mercy on any form of sea life nor their habits.
6. Catch & Release
"Don't catch your limit, Limit your catch"
Catch and release angling in general has becoming more popular here in Northern Ireland with most anglers being of a conservationist mindset returning most specimens, even at sea.
This could be the recent influence of the internet / social media were individuals demonstrate proper fish handling techniques whilst returning Atlantic salmon and trout, getting a quick photo rather than the priest over the head and a dead fish every time as was the old way or the fact that there is no shortage of other types of high protein food in Northern Ireland and we don't really need to eat Atlantic salmon to survive.
7. Retaining Your Catch
On stretches where bag limits are allowed by the Loughs Agency a limited amount of tags with unique numbers for Atlantic salmon and sea trout carcasses are handed out annually when purchasing an angling licence with the data being recorded via a catch report completed by the angler. Day tickets are usually on a catch and release basis only.
It is an offence to sell line caught Atlantic salmon in Northern Ireland. Introduced by Stormont since the 1st June 2013 with it being the first step in a series of conservation measures aimed at protecting stocks bringing Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the U.K and Ireland.
The move should also deter most modern poachers that's still active who take this iconic species for personal gain and not survival with total disregard shown towards game season, reproduction and future generations of both fish and anglers.
Salmon and Sea trout returned to the river unharmed after proper fish handling (wet hands) and hook removal techniques (no yanking) must also be recorded in your yearly catch return. This helps the relevant department or agency piece together data surrounding Atlantic salmon and sea trout.
If setting out not to return Atlantic salmon and sea trout where it is permitted and wish to take as part of your annual bag limit, tags are to be brought along then secured through the gill and mouth of the fish after execution but before leaving the area. (See image attached)
8. Hiring a Guide
In Northern Ireland there is no regulations covering tourist guiding. Most guides are free-lance and self-employed.
For those new to Atlantic salmon fishing or unfamiliar with the rivers and surroundings, hiring a knowledgeable local guide of the area can greatly enhance the experience.
A skilled local guide can provide valuable insights, assist with technique selection, and increase the chances of a successful catch and release.
Additionally, local guides are well-versed in river etiquette, the area and conservation practices, ensuring a responsible and enjoyable fishing trip for everyone.
If you're having trouble finding a guide when planning your angling adventures please do not hesitate to email us:(info@northatlanticfishing.com)
Whether your a beginner looking for fishing tips or fly tying / casting demonstrations or a holiday maker not familiar to the area (Causeway Coast and Glens, N.Ireland) we'll do our best to put you on the right path to an appropriate local demonstrator, guide or charter boat.
Conclusion
Atlantic salmon fishing in Northern Ireland still has it's allure and with a bit of luck, a brighter future in offering everyone a chance to connect with nature and pursue the elusive king of freshwater fish.
Whether your just starting out, a casual angler or holiday maker. The techniques, regulations, methods, fishing tackle and local guides available will contribute to an unforgettable angling experience.
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Email: info@northatlanticfishing.com
Website: https://www.nafni.com | Get Hooked on the Outdoors