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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licence to fish in Ireland?

In Ireland you do not need a licence to fish for trout, coarse species or in the sea. However, if you intend to fish for salmon or seatrout you must have a State Salmon and Sea Trout Fishing Licence.

State Salmon and Sea Trout Licences are available as a National licence or a District Licence. A National Licence covers all Fishery Board Districts while a District Licence covers only the Fishery District in which the licence is purchased. A list of fishing tackle shops where licences may be bought is available on this site. Alternatively you can buy a licence online. It should be noted that a licence does not confer the right to fish for salmon or sea trout and that permission or permits are required to fish most waters.

Anglers in the Shannon Region must have a Shannon Board Permit (ticket charge) to fish for trout, pike or coarse fish in the Midland Fisheries Group of controlled waters. This area comprises the following river catchments; RIVER SUCK, RIVER INNY, RIVER BROSNA, LITTLE BROSNA RIVER and CAMLIN RIVER. This permit can be bought online. This permit is not required to fish the main River Shannon or other fisheries whose fishing rights are NOT under the control of the Shannon Board.

Where can I go fishing?

If you are looking for advice on where to go fishing in Ireland please contact us with the details of the type of fishing you are interested in, the time of year you are considering fishing and the area where you live / will be staying. Find out where to go fishing now.

What fishing regulations or laws should I be aware of if I am fishing in Ireland?

On this site you will find a complete list of fishing regulations which anglers should familiarise themselves with.

How do I report a pollution event?

Please report illegal fishing, water pollution or invasive species by telephoning our confidential phoneline.
 
0818 34 74 24
(open 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week)

If you are concerned about the impact of any industrial or construction activity on the aquatic environment or if you discover a fish kill or suspicious discharge into a stream, river or lake you should contact the Environmental Fisheries Officer of the local IFI office.

IFI Blackrock, Co. Dublin. Tel: +353 1 8842693
IFI Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. Tel: + 353 52 6123624
IFI Macroom, Co. Cork. Tel: +353 26 41221
IFI Limerick, Co. Limerck. Tel: +353 61 300238
IFI Galway, Co. Galway. Tel: +353 91 563118
IFI Ballina, Co. Mayo. Tel: +353 96 22623
IFI Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal. Tel: +353 71 9851435

You may also email the information to Inland Fisheires Ireland.

How do I report illegal fishing or poaching?

Please report illegal fishing, water pollution or invasive species by telephoning our confidential phoneline.
 
0818 34 74 24
(open 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week)

If you think you have witnessed someone fishing illegally or poaching you should contact the local IFI office as soon as you can.

IFI Blackrock, Co. Dublin. Tel: +353 1 8842693
IFI Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. Tel: + 353 52 6123624
IFI Macroom, Co. Cork. Tel: +353 26 41221
IFI Limerick, Co. Limerck. Tel: +353 61 300238
IFI Galway, Co. Galway. Tel: +353 91 563118
IFI Ballina, Co. Mayo. Tel: +353 96 22623
IFI Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal. Tel: +353 71 9851435

Alternatively you can email the information to Inland Fisheries Ireland.