Home Uncategorized Salmon and sea trout fishing on the River Liffey

    Salmon and sea trout fishing on the River Liffey

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    Drowning their sorrows on the flooded River Liffey at Islandbridge on New Year’s Day, were Dublin and District Salmon Anglers’ chairman Eugene McGrattan (left) and club member Paddy Murray
    Drowning their sorrows on the flooded River Liffey at Islandbridge on New Year’s Day 2014, were Dublin and District Salmon Anglers’ chairman Eugene McGrattan (left) and club member Paddy Murray

    Season

    Lower Liffey “Catch and Release“, Upper Liffey “Closed” for 2024

    • Salmon and Sea Trout: 1 January to 30 September
    • Brown Trout: 1 March to 30 September.

    The River Liffey rises in the Wicklow Mountains 12 miles south of the city of Dublin. From its source it flows in a long crescent for over 80 miles before entering the sea at Dublin Bay.

    Salmon and sea trout fishing is available between Lucan and Islandbridge. Fishing is controlled by a number of Angling Associations and riparian owners. There is free fishing at Memorial Park above Islandbridge and on the left bank immediately upstream of Leixlip bridge to its confluence with the Rye Water. Fishing is prohibited from the Rye Water to Leixlip Dam.

    Islandbridge to Lucan

    Islandbridge is a favourite spot for salmon fishing and this area usually produces the first salmon annually. Best times are in the early spring with the grilse run taking place from June to August. Most Liffey salmon are taken on spinner and the “Flying c” is a good bait. Some sea trout can also be caught and the best flies include the standard sea trout patterns of peter ross, butcher and teal, blue and silver.

    Fishing on the Liffey is controlled by angling associations or private owners. There is free fishing at Memorial Park above Islandbridge. The Dublin and District Salmon and Trout Anglers Association has extensive fishing water on the river at Islandbridge, at the Strawberry Beds along the lower Lucan road, the Wrens nest and at CPI. The Lucan Trout and Salmon Angling Association has fishing rights on thre south bank from Lucan bridge to Hermitage Golf Course. Fishing is prohibited between Lucan weir and the bridge located downstream from the weir. Day permits and memberships are available from both clubs.

    • It is prohibited to use any fish hooks, other than single barbless hooks
    • It is prohibited to use worms as bait in angling for all species of fish
      (excluding upstream of Pollaphuca dam and the River Dodder)

    Map

    map of river liffeyAngling Clubs

    The following Associations control waters on the Liffey

    • Dublin Trout Anglers Association Secretary, Ronnie Miley, 4 Dodder Park Road, Dublin 14. Tel, 01 4902163.
    • Dublin and District Salmon Anglers Association.
      Willie Scully,
      01-6267458 and mobile 085 1740504

    Permits

    • Dublin T.A.A. Pat Clintons Angling and Shooting Centre, Ballydowd, Lucan, Co. Dublin. Tel: 01 6281112.
    • Dublin & District S.A.A. Willie Scully, 01-6267458 and mobile 0851740504

    Access and Car Parking
    On the southern bank of the Liffey there is a public walkway at Memorial Park with free car parking available at the main entrance. On the Eastern end check with the angling clubs for details. from Chapelizod to the Strawberry Beds all fisheries are private. From the Strawberry beds to Lucan bridge the are various access points from the lower Lucan road (north bank) and from the N4 (south bank), as indicated on the map. (see above) Check with Angling clubs for details. parking is mostly off road with some available at nearby pubs.Access does not imply a right of way and anglers should ensure that, they have the necessary permission to enter or cross private lands. Where possible anglers should walk along the river bank or lake shore.