It will come as no surprise to hear that rainfall amounts were well above average across parts of the midlands and east over the last 7 days, with accumulations ranging from around 180% to 480% of average. Dublin Airport recorded the most rain, with 58.5 mm, while the west and southwest remained the driest parts of the country once again, with Belmullet, Co. Mayo recording the lowest amount of rain with 15.9mm.

Trout and salmon fisheries have been opening in stages and this week many trout anglers finally got their fix in the ‘dry’ west of Ireland, as Corrib, Mask, Conn and a whole host of other fisheries opened for trout angling on Sunday, February 15th. Traditional early-season tactics include trolling the brickeen and artificial lures. Spring salmon are also targeted using trolling methods, but it was gusty and blustery winds that kept most boats at bay in Waterville this week, where anglers still wait for the first spring fish of 2026.

The coarse anglers who were able to get to a river or lake found the fishing difficult but rewarding. In Fermanagh, the VDE Baggers fished the penultimate round of their Winter League on a cold and rising River Erne, where the heaviest bag came in at 6.750kg. The CM Lakelands Feeder Club hosted round one of the inaugural Ultimate League on lakes near Carrigallen. The weather was brutal, with extremely difficult conditions facing the competitors. Having said that though, the fishing was actually good on some sections…

The best of the fishing has once again been in the sea this week. Chris O’Sullivan, the Inshore Angler, had some good success in Kerry as he landed some nice winter ray and bass in the surf. Menapia SAC had a strong start to their season, as the first competition of 2026 was held on a venue teeming with spurdog pups and dogfish, with the average bag totalling 27 fish and also including huss, whiting and dabs.

Off the coast, Northwest Charters, based out of Burtonport, Donegal, caught plenty of pollack, along with cuckoo and ballan wrasse in their sheltered spot behind the cliff face at the back of Aranmore Island.

Further south, Killybegs Fishing Trips were out on their first excursion of the 2026 season. Despite very cold conditions, the crew managed to complete the full trip before the weather deteriorated and one very happy young angler caught the biggest fish of the day – and our Catch of the Week.

One announcement for deep-sea enthusiasts is that the dates for the 2026 edition of the Baltimore Sea Angling Festival have been announced by the organisers – it will take place from Thursday, 27th, to Sunday, 30th of August. This year they hope to attract more juvenile anglers than ever before, so anyone interested in taking part should get in touch.

Pike fishing reports are few and far between this week, but we do have a YouTube video from a couple of weeks ago where Padraig English of Louth Pike and Trout risked a very bad weather forecast to get his pike fix in. Recorded even further back was episode two of Fly V Jerk, where team Wildhunter represents Ireland on the very popular YouTube pike fishing series. Episode three will drop later this evening, so make sure you tune in.

Away from the water, Dan O’Neill of South East Casting attended Italy’s biggest angling expo as a fly tyer and casting instructor. Dan was in the company of some well-known fly dressers and angling personalities, and he fit right in! You can read about his experience in his latest newsletter. 

Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations 2026

Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley, has announced the launch of a second public consultation on the draft Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations 2026. This consultation provides stakeholders and members of the public with a further opportunity to comment on the draft Regulations before they are finalised. The consultation will be open for 30 days, closing at 5:30pm on Thursday, 5th March 2026

Job Opportunities

Inland Fisheries Ireland has launched a national recruitment campaign to fill several seasonal roles, including Fisheries Officers and Research Assistants, with positions available across the country. The outdoor roles will begin in April and offer opportunities to work in rivers, lakes, and coastal environments. These seasonal opportunities would be well-suited to those with an interest in protecting, managing and conserving Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources.

And now the weather

Outbreaks of rain and drizzle will move northeastwards across the country on Friday night, becoming drier behind the rain. Mild with lows of 5 to 9°C in southwest winds.

A breezy and wet Saturday with outbreaks of heavy rain moving northeastwards across the country. Highs of 10 to 13°C with fresh southwest winds. Rain will clear southeastwards early overnight, leaving isolated showers. Mild with lows of 6 to 9°C in fresh southwest winds.

Bright and blustery with heavy showers on Sunday, becoming persistent in the afternoon. Highs of 9 to 12°C with occasionally strong southwest winds. Remaining blustery overnight with clear spells and scattered showers. Lows of 5 to 8°C with fresh southwest winds. A mixed outlook for early next week.

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. 

 

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