Salmon fishing in Donegal

Donegal is one of Irelands best kept secrets having traditionally been ‘off’ the usual tourist trails. From a game angling point of view, if your idea of angling heaven is solitude, wild fish, scenery and unspoilt fishing then look no further. To those ‘in the know’ the region possesses a number of high quality salmon and trout fisheries. The Region consistently produces the first Irish salmon of the season on 1st January from the Drowes River (Bundrowes). Anglers flock to catch that coveted fish, but mainly I think to partake in the ‘Craic’ and the camaraderie that is the first day of the salmon-angling season.

The county also boasts some prolific salmon and sea trout spate rivers. The Owenea, Eany and Glen spring to mind. The Owenea River is beloved by fly anglers consisting of streamy runs interspersed with pools creating lovely fly water. When water conditions are good this is a prolific little river.

River Drowes

Kinlough, Bundoran, Co. Donegal

This river regularly produces the first salmon of the year usually on January 1st. Fair run of spring fish and grilse depending on water levels. The season runs from the 1st of January to the end of September. The best periods are usually between February and July. Find out more about the River Drowes.

River Eany

Inver, Dunkineely, Frosses, Co. Donegal

The season runs from April to the end of September and the best periods are usually from the end of July to the end of September depending on water levels. Find out more about the River Eany.

River Owenea

Glenties, Ardara, Co. Donegal

A very good, consistent and well managed fishery. Fair to good run of grilse depending on water levels. The season runs from the 1st of April to the 30th of September. The best fishing is usually from the end of July to the end of September. Find out more about the River Owenea.

River Crana

Buncrana, Co. Donegal

There is some lovely fly water on this productive river. Fair run of grilse depending on water levels. The season runs from the 1st of March to the 30th September and the best times are between June and September. Find out more about the Rvier Crana and Fullerton.

SEA TROUT CENTRES

River Eske

Donegal Town, Co. Donegal

There is a fair to good run of fish depending on water levels. The season runs from the 1st of March to the 30th of September and the best period is from the middle of July to the end of September. Find out more about the River Eske.

River Erne Estuary

Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal

Good fishing from shore and boat. The season runs from the 1st of March until the 30th of September and the best periods are from May to September. Find out more about the Erne Estuary.

Open, closed and Catch and Release fisheries

Table 1:Open Fisheries

No. 13 or Ballyshannon District	Drowes Owenwee (Yellow)
No. 14 or Letterkenny District	Gweebarra  (open from 12th May ) Clady (brown tag required – code G3) Gweedore (Crolly) Crana  (brown tag required – code W6) Owenea (brown tag required – code J6) Owentocker (brown tag required – code J6)

 

Table 2: Fisheries open to Catch and Release only

No. 13 or Ballyshannon District	Eany* Glen* Oily* Bungosteen* Duff* Eske*
No. 14 or Letterkenny District	Leannan* Ray* Lackagh (Catch and Release from 12 May)* Gweebarra (Catch and Release to 11 May)* Tullaghobegley

 

Table 3: Closed fisheries

No. 13 or Ballyshannon District	Abbey* Ballintra (Murvagh)** Laghy (Stream)* Erne
No. 14 or Letterkenny District	Bracky* Isle (Burn)* Mill* Clonmany* Straid* Owenamarve* Swilly* Donagh* Culoort* Glenna* Glenagannon* Lackagh*  (Closed until 11th May)

 

Guides and Instructors

• Guides and Instructors in Co. Donegal

Tackle shop

• Tackle shops in Co. Donegal