Salmon fishing opened today on the River Feale to a chorus of bird song and a real feeling of Spring in the air. For lucky angler Patrick Lenihan the day only got better as he struck into the first fish of the river for 2012.

Patrick from Brosna, Co. Kerry caught the salmon at The Arch Stream, Ballinruddery, Listowel on a flying c.  The fish was a fresh run Springer approximately 9lbs in weight.

1st Feale Salmon of 2012 caught by Patrick Lenihan
1st Feale Salmon of 2012 caught by Patrick Lenihan

Go fishing on the River Feale

About 50% of the main River Feale and the Smearlagh River is controlled by 5 angling clubs. These clubs are some of the best angling waters and each club offers day tickets for visiting anglers. The rest of the Feale and its tributaries are effectively open waters, but it is recommended that local advise and direction be sought before accessing any stretches of the system. All club waters are signposted and some club stretches may vary annually.

Killocrim/Finuge Angling Club control approximately 6.5 kms (4 miles) of water downstream of Listowel. Good salmon and grilse angling and fair sea trout angling as the fish run through. ‘Fly only’ is the rule on a stretch of water at Finuge Bridge. Day and evening permits are available from Dan Joy Tel: International +353 68 40310 Tel Ireland 068 40310.

The North Kerry Anglers Association has access to about 15 kms (9 miles) of fishing in the vicinity of Listowel on both the main river and its tributary, the Smearlagh River. Salmon and grilse fishing with good sea trout. The town stretch has some beautiful salmon pools which have been recently developed, and this stretch also provides some very good sea trout fishing. contact North Kerry Anglers Association PRO Mr Jim Horgan Tel: Outside Ireland +353 68 23848. Inside Ireland 068 23848 Fax International: +353 68 21504 Fax in Ireland 068 21504

Brosna / Mountcollins Angling Club’ control about 13 kms (8 miles) of double bank fishing from below the Owveg River confluence, up past Mountcollins, to within a short distance of Ahuan Bridge. This stretch produces a small catch of grilse but excels as a seatrout fishery. The seatrout fishing here is best from mid May to September. Permits are available from Dan Shine at Tel International +353 68 44251 In Ireland Tel: 068 44251. Club Secretary Pat Danagher Tel: 068 44281