With the arrival of meteorological spring on 1 March, the past week has brought largely settled conditions across Ireland, with plenty of dry weather, cool nights and some pleasant sunny spells during the day. Some areas, however, experienced extended periods of rain, keeping water levels persistently high. While early season salmon and trout fishing remains relatively quiet, as is often the case at this time of year, more trout fisheries have recently opened or are due to open shortly, which should see activity increase in the weeks ahead.
In his latest Piscari-Fly newsletter, Peter Driver highlights some early-season trout action and reports on the TAFI All Ireland Banks, recently held at Laois Angling Centre. He also previews the upcoming angling fairs in Ireland, offering information that will be of interest not just to game anglers but to the wider angling community.
In the meantime, there have been some encouraging reports from pike and coarse anglers, with a number of good catches reported despite the still cool water temperatures and elevated water levels.
We received a report from Alex, who enjoyed some entertaining bank fishing for pike on the Shannon near Tarmonbarry, while the Irish Federation of Pike Angling Clubs shared the results of their recent qualifier on the River Barrow, which produced some solid catches, including a few doubles. To wrap up our pike section, we’d like to highlight Steve McDonagh’s latest YouTube video, showcasing an incredible session on a Co. Meath pike venue…definitely worth a watch! While on the topic of YouTube, don’t miss episode 5 of “Fly vs. Jerk”, going live this evening, where you can see how the Irish team Wildhunter performed on the final day of this prestigious competition.
Turning to coarse angling, the fifth outing of the Leinster Qualifier took place on the Grand Canal, while the final round of the VDE Baggers AC Winter League also concluded, with Ewan Weed claiming the overall league title.
Finally, over to sea angling, where reports have mainly focused on shore-based fishing in the southwest, with charter boat activity remaining limited.
A new angling community has been established by James Raymond of Irish Angling Adventures, aimed at organising friendly meetups at various fishing venues along the south and west coasts. Last weekend, the Irish Angling Adventure Community met for the second time at Fenit Causeway, a well-known shore mark in Kerry. The outing produced plenty of whiting for all participants, with a beautiful 83cm undulate ray providing the highlight of the day. If you’d like to join the community to explore new venues, learn a few tricks, or simply meet like-minded anglers, check out Irish Angling Adventures.
Staying in Tralee Bay, Tralee Bay SAC are back in competition action, with a detailed report from their first outing of 2026. The club also announced the dates for this year’s Tag a Ray Weekend Festival, taking place in the bay.
Our Catch of the Week, however, goes to David Norman of Angling Adventures West Cork, who enjoyed a fantastic start to the season fishing for thick-lipped mullet, including two specimens over the 55cm mark!
Other news
Angling guide and casting instructor Dan O’Neill got in touch to let us know that APGAI Ireland has launched a new website. The updated site makes it much easier to get in touch with APGAI instructors and includes links to social media channels, as well as details of the events APGAI Ireland will be attending and what will be on offer.
With the arrival of spring, angling activity on Irish waters is set to pick up. In this context, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is reminding anglers and watercraft owners to help prevent the spread of invasive species by thoroughly checking, cleaning, and drying their boats and equipment when moving between waterways.
And now the weather
Tonight will be dry with clear spells at first, though some cloud will spread in from the south and west towards morning. Temperatures will fall to between -1 and +4°C, remaining a little milder along Atlantic coastal areas.
The weekend will start largely dry, with Saturday bringing sunny spells and just the chance of a few isolated light showers. Conditions will turn more unsettled on Sunday, with plenty of cloud and rain developing in the west and spreading eastwards later in the day.
Looking ahead to next week, low pressure is expected to dominate, bringing changeable conditions with spells of rain, breezy weather and occasional brighter intervals, while temperatures will generally range between 8 and 12°C.
Don’t forget to double-check the forecast before heading off, and if you’re going to sea, check the tides.
Safe fishing to all and tight lines, especially here in Ireland.
IFI Staff
Catch, Photo, Release
If you have an angling story to share with the Irish Angling Update, please send it to reports@fisheriesireland.ie.
All the angling news
Trout Fishing Reports
Coarse Angling Reports
- Ewan Weed Secures VDE Baggers AC Winter League Title in Thrilling Final Round
- Fifth outing of the Leinster Qualifier fished on Grand Canal
Pike Fishing Reports
- Shannon Pike Delight for Alex from Brazil
- Final pike qualifier fished on River Barrow
- Insane Pike Action! Last Hour Heroics with Steve…
Sea Angling Reports
- Specimen mullet for Angling Adventures West Cork
- New fishing community enjoys day out in Fenit
- Mixed fishing in Ventry for Tralee Bay SAC
- Tag A Ray Dates Announced
