Angling at Galway and Erriff fisheries now suspended
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is notifying anglers of the closure of the Galway Fishery and Erriff Fishery due to high water temperatures.
Both fisheries will be closed to all angling from this evening – Tuesday, June 23rd, and until further notice in accordance with IFI’s Warm Water Protocol.
IFI recorded water temperatures of above 20 degrees Celsius at the Galway Fishery twice in the past 24 hours and, as such, IFI has closed the fishery to protect fish from potentially lethal stress.
IFI is guided by scientific advice that indicates a dramatic increase in angling-related mortalities at temperatures above 20 degrees.
The fishery will re-open once temperatures return to levels where fish will not be thermally stressed, and is conditional on at least two successive water temperature readings of less than 18 degrees Celsius. With very high temperatures forecast over the next few days, it is expected that this may take several days after air temperatures drop.
Anglers with bookings affected by the closure will be contacted by IFI.
Anglers with season permits for the high bank and OPW beats on the Corrib River in Galway will also be affected by the closure, and fishing must cease until the fishery reopens.
Moy Fisheries Being Monitored
The water temperature in the Moy, Cloongee and Ballyvary Fisheries has gone above 18 degrees Celsius, so in line with the Warm Water Protocol anglers are advised that fishery closures here may be imminent. Angling should be performed with extra care in regarding fish welfare with minimal handling.
Check Before Travelling
IFI encourages anglers to contact the fisheries for the latest advice before travelling.
- Galway Fishery: 091 562388, galwayfishery@fisheriesireland.ie
- Erriff Fishery: erriff.fishery@fisheriesireland.ie
- Moy Fishery: 096 21332, moyfishery@fisheriesireland.ie
- Cloongee Fishery: 096 21332, moyfishery@fisheriesireland.ie
- Ballyvary Fishery: 096 21332, moyfishery@fisheriesireland.ie
Fish Handling and Welfare
At all fisheries where catch-and-release angling is permissible, anglers should take extra precautions during times of warm temperatures to minimise the stress on fish such as brown trout and Atlantic salmon.
Anglers using catch-and-release methods are encouraged to limit the exposure of fish to air, or avoid it completely where possible.
See our guidelines to safe handling for catch and release.
The Galway, Erriff, Moy, Cloongee, and Ballyvary fisheries are owned by the State, and operated by IFI.
IFI urges the public to report any instances of distressed fish, fish kills, illegal fishing, or water pollution to IFI’s confidential 24/7 number on 0818 34 74 24.
