The Buncrana Angling Association controls the Crana River and Fullerton reservoir.
The fishery is run from a purpose built angling centre where licences, permits and fishing tackle can be purchased and where boats and rods can be hired, Buoyancy aids are now available free of charge.
Visiting anglers are advised to read the full list of rules governing the fishery before starting to fish.
The Crana is a 12km. long spate river that takes its waters from Slieve Snaght and the Eskaheen Mountains and flows into Lough Swilly north of Buncrana. The Crana River tends to fish late with good runs of grilse and sea trout during July. 10 visitor rods are available. The biggest salmon in recent years was a 22lb salmon and fish up to 16lb are usually caught each Season. The Flying ‘C’ has now usurped the copper and silver spoon and the Devon as the preferred spinning lure whilst fly fishers use almost any Shrimp fly. Sea trout are best taken in the lower reaches and at night on small flies (size 10-12) using a Black Pennell, Connemara Black, Watson’s Fancy or a Bibbio. Spinning is prohibited during low water, as is fishing with a “Bubble and Fly”; Spinning is prohibited at all times on the Willow Pool.
Fullerton reservoir is 400 acres in size and has a large population of both wild and stocked brown trout. The reservoir is fly-fishing only (no bait fishing), with a two trout bag limit and no shore fishing is permitted. 11 boats are available for hire (max. 3 rods per boat). A 15lb trout has been recorded for this fishery but the best in recent years was 9lb. trout taken by local angler Daniel Lynch on a size 12 hawthorn fly. Salmon now tend to run into the reservoir towards the end of the season.
Lough Doo
Lough Doo is a small Lough in the hills at the Drumlough & Beam Hill Windfarms that is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
Season
- The salmon season runs from 1st March to 30th September inclusive.
- The sea trout season runs from 1st March to 12th October inclusive.
- The brown trout season runs from 1st March to 12th October inclusive
Permits
Crana River
The Crana River can be fished on a Day Permit (dawn to dusk) that costs €40. There is also a 7 day permit, which costs €100 and €50 for each subsequent week.
Lough Doo
Adult Day permit €10. Juvenile Day Permit €5.
Fullerton Reservoir
Fullerton Reservoir permits include a boat with electric engine, oars & lifejacket. The reservoir can be booked for the day session (9.30am to 4.30pm) or evening session (5.30pm to dusk). The fishery is Fly only (No bait fishing) and there is a bag limit of 2 trout.
Permit cost: One angler in a boat €35, Two anglers in the boat, €44. Three anglers in the boat, €55.
Permits are available from:
- Buncrana Anglers Association, Angling Centre, Castle Lane, Buncrana, Co. Donegal.
Phone/Fax 074-9363733
Email; [email protected]
Tackle Shop, Bait, Permits, Licences, Parking, Information, Guides.
Early booking is recommended for this fishery.
Licences are available from Buncrana Angling Centre.
Local Guides / Boat Hire / Further information.
Contact the, Buncrana Angling Centre.
(Office hours 10am – 6pm, 7 days a week- peak season).
