Angling across Ireland experienced one of its most difficult weeks in quite some time, reflected in the notably low number of reports received. However, this is hardly surprising given the post-Christmas period, when angling activity is traditionally reduced, combined with the recent spell of unsettled and often severe weather. Persistent strong winds, heavy rainfall and fluctuating water levels made coarse angling particularly challenging, with many venues fishing poorly and weights well below average. Pike anglers also found conditions tough, as coloured and rising waters limited consistent sport. Along the coast, sea angling opportunities were severely curtailed, with rough seas and strong onshore winds restricting both shore and boat fishing. Despite these testing conditions, those anglers who did manage to get out showed real determination, with a small number of noteworthy catches still reported.

So, starting with coarse angling, where only a handful of reports were received this week, reflecting just how difficult conditions have been of late.

Back in September, we reported on the launch of a new league based around fishing four of Ireland’s commercial fisheries. Having now completed seven matches across the four venues, the eighth and final match of the inaugural Loch Mahon Autumn League was held on 28 December. Going into the final, everything was still to play for, with Johnny Bailey the slight favourite on six section wins, closely followed by Leo Lynch on five. In the end, Johnny held his nerve on the final day, winning both the match and the overall league title. The anglers thoroughly enjoyed the first running of the league and are already planning to repeat the format next autumn.

Great bags were caught at the final match of the inaugural Loch Mahon Autumn League

A small number of other matches also took place, including Round 3 of the CM Lakelands Muckno Winter League, which saw 13 coarse anglers competing in particularly testing winter conditions. Fishing was difficult throughout the venue, with the “South Lodge” area proving the most productive section, accounting for the top three anglers on the day. Steven Whyte eventually claimed overall victory, targeting roach at distances of 40 metres and beyond. His consistent long-range approach saw him top the scales with a winning weight of 3.380kg.

Round 3 of of the CM Lakelands Muckno Winter League was fished in difficult winter conditions

Munster Coarse Anglers also fished a match in similarly harsh conditions, and, unsurprisingly, weights were very low across the board. Despite this, Ed Smith secured an impressive overall victory 25 years after his only previous MCA match win, doing so in style by claiming the match win, both section prizes, and the Golden Peg – a notable achievement given the conditions.

Elsewhere in coarse angling, a number of league and match dates were announced, including the Edenderry Coarse Anglers calendar of events and the 2026 Perchmaster Ireland league dates. In addition, the Leinster Coarse Fishing Federation will host a Juniors Day on 24 January, providing an excellent opportunity to encourage young anglers into the sport.

While opportunities to get out and enjoy our sport may be limited at the moment, it’s an ideal time to tune in to Cormac Walsh’s Lure Fishing Podcast. In the latest episode, Cormac is joined by renowned angling guide and sea bass expert John Quinlan of Thatch Cottage Fishing Lodge in Kerry, reflecting on his experiences from the past few guiding seasons. The pair also look ahead to the coming season and cover a wide range of other engaging angling topics. This episode is packed with useful insights and practical information, making it well worth a listen.

Kerry based angling guide John Quinlan features in the latest episode of the Lure Fishing Podcast

We conclude this week’s update with the only sea angling report received, from Kit Dunne of Wicklow Boat Charters – and what a great report it is. A group of anglers made the most of a rare weather window on a cold January day, heading offshore in search of specimen spurdog with excellent results. Despite freezing conditions and a late start, heading straight to a deep channel quickly paid off. Fishing large baits in a strong but easing tide, the first spurdog soon came aboard, followed by a steady run of metre-class fish. The highlight of the trip, however,  came when a superb 114cm specimen was landed, with further fish of similar size following shortly after. Another impressive 114cm spurdog capped off the action. Overall, it was a highly successful session and a welcome break from the persistent winter winds, which deserves our “Catch of the Week”.

Ciaran O’Toole has his specimen spur box ticked for 2026
Bert McGregor gets his specimen spur too

A number of league and competition dates were also announced, including the first legs of the Munster and Leinster Shore Leagues, as well as the Michael Quinn Memorial Competition, hosted by Killala Sea Angling Club.

Looking ahead to the next few weeks in our Irish Angling Update, we’re optimistic that as the weather settles, angling opportunities will hopefully improve. Although it will remain slightly unsettled and breezy for a few days, we expect to see a rise in reports from both pike and coarse anglers, as well as from sea angling. And with the trout season around the corner, there’s plenty to look forward to…

Other News

Sponsorship Programme 2026

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has released details of its 2026 Sponsorship Programme. The initiative is designed to promote angling tourism in rural communities throughout 2026, while also supporting activities for beginner anglers and assisting Irish international teams competing in overseas championships. This programme is one of IFI’s key funding streams for encouraging sustainable angling in Ireland. For 2026, a total of €40,000 will be allocated to angling clubs, federations, and tourism organisations to help fund angling-related events.

State Fisheries

The tender process for IFI State Fisheries for 2026 is now open, and a list of available fisheries is available on fisheriesireland.ie. Clubs wishing to tender for one or more fisheries should download and complete the Condition of Tender Questionnaire and return it to IFI at the address provided, or alternatively submit an application online.

Salmon Regulations 2026

The introduction of the 2026 salmon regulations has been delayed while the Department continues to review submissions received during the public consultation process. In the meantime, the 2025 regulations remain in effect.

Salmon Licences, Logbooks and Tags

Salmon anglers who have not yet returned their 2025 logbook and any unused tags are requested to do so as soon as possible.

 

And now the weather

Ireland is set for cool and changeable conditions this weekend. Met Éireann’s forecast indicates generally cool days with daytime highs around 5–9 °C and nights staying cold with frost and fog likely in places. Tomorrow is expected to be largely dry but cloudy, with lingering fog and isolated light showers in some areas. Overnight frost and freezing fog are possible. On Sunday, many parts will stay dry with some sunshine early, but cloud and scattered showers may spread later, especially in the west, with Atlantic rain increasing into Monday. Temperatures will remain cool, around typical winter values. Looking into next week, conditions remain unsettled and changeable, dominated by low-pressure systems. There is a risk of rain and occasional blustery spells, with intermittent brighter intervals. Nights will continue to be cold with frost and possible ice or fog, and daytime temperatures will stay close to average winter levels before any notable warming.

Don’t forget to double-check the forecast before going fishing, 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 [email protected]. 

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