Season
Catch & Release for 2024.
- Salmon and sea trout from 01 March to 30 September
- It is prohibited to use any fish hooks, other than single or double barbless hooks
- It is prohibited to use worms as bait in angling for all species of fish
Angling Bye-law No. 982 of 2020 prohibits the use of any fish hooks, other than single or double barbless hooks, and also prohibits the use of worms as bait in angling for all species of fish.
ANGLING FEES FOR SALMON FISHING AND TROUT FISHING ON ESB WATERS: The Mulcair is an unlimited access fishery controlled by the ESB (Electricity Supply Board) whom you pay a permit charge to fish. For up to date permit rates contact ESB Fisheries Office Hydro Station, Ardnacrusha, Co Clare, Republic of Ireland, Tel:+353 61 345589, Fax: +353 61 344560.
ACCESS: Easy access at a network of road bridges.
ANGLING METHODS: Only single barbless hooks are permitted for fishing for any species. Worms, prawn and shrimp are also prohibited on the Mulkear. In addition the ESB may have further fishery rules which identify fly only stretches.
FISHERY DESCRIPTION: The Mulcair River could be described as one of the finest salmon fisheries in the Shannon region. The river rises in the Glens Co Tipperary and follows a south-easterly route where it enters the River Shannon two miles downstream of Annacotty village, on the main Limerick – Dublin road. It has one main tributary the Newport River which is also an important salmon and trout angling water. It’s confluence with the Shannon is about two miles downstream of CASTLECONNELL SALMON FISHERY
SALMON FISHING: The fishery is primarily a grilse or summer salmon river but does enjoy a small run of spring salmon. Fish enter the system in March and the lower stretches are best for the early spring run, March and April. Noted stretches are below Annacotty weir and also below Annacotty bridge at Lanes Weir, and upstream of Annacotty at Ballyclough.
As the season progresses anglers will concentrate on the upper stretches of the river as salmon and grilse disperse throughout the system. In the summer the main run of grilse commences in May and will peak in June and sometimes into early July. Noted hotspots are the Long Field, Boher, Brittas and Drumkeen. With sufficient rainfall and adequate water level, grilse quickly move into the Mulcair’s main tributary the Newport River. Good stretches here are at Barringtons Bridge upriver to Killeenagarrif Bridge and beyond to Annagh Bridge to Knocksentry. Between the two rivers (Newport and main Mulcair) is 25 miles with lots of angling water to explore. These two rivers fish best after spate conditions but all the deep sections hold fish where some fishing can be had at other times.
TROUT FISHING: Another feature of these rivers is the very good stock of small brown trout on the upper stretches up to the Bilboa River, Cappaghmore (fish to 28 cms). On the main river trout from 25 cms to 35 cms are frequently caught.
