If you’re planning a visit to Connemara and harbor a passion for fishing, we highly recommend embarking on a fishing excursion during your stay! We’ve compiled all the essential information you’ll need for an unforgettable angling experience.
- Stanleys, Clifden
Stanleys Clifden is a family-run business that has been in Clifden since 1824.
You can pick up permits, fishing gear, and equipment before heading out.
The staff has the best fishing spots along with recommendations for the best equipment for you.
- Owenglin River
The Owenglin is a narrow easily fished river that flows through the town of Clifden. It can be fished for about 8 miles upstream of the town and access to the river is easy in the lower reaches and can be fished easily with a single-handed fly rod. The fishery is owned by the Clifden Angling Association and visitor permits can be purchased from Stanleys in Clifden (095 21039)
- Sea Fishing
Clifden has probably the best fishing waters in Europe. The scenery in this area is spectacular on land and at sea with a great variety of seabirds and wildlife, including seals and dolphins. Individuals are welcome, but why not get a group together (up to 12 persons) and have us arrange Celtic Queen Sea Angling to give you an unforgettable day – Fishing, an Island trip, and a Picnic on board!
John Ryan, Sky Road, Clifden, Connemara, Ireland.: +353-(0)95-21069 +353-(0)86-2484674
*Information from: Flyfishconnemara.com ConnemaraIreland.com Fishinginireland.info
- Blue Water Fishing
Don’t just go fishing… Go blue water fishing!
Blue Water Fishing offers shark fishing, reef fishing, and much more. Join John who has over 20 years of experience.
Contact John: +353 9521073 or +353 862779622
- Culfin Fishery
The Culfin Fishery runs alongside the Leenane-Tully Cross Road and comprises the Culfin River, Lough Fee, and Lough Muck. The fishery offers Salmon, Sea Trout, and Brown Trout fishing on the two lakes and rivers where both fly fishing and spinning are permitted and equipment to hire is available.
- Erriff River
The Erriff Fishery is located in Leenane and is one of the premier fisheries in Ireland that is popular with returning guests annually. Characterized by lively streams and deep-fish-holding pools, it offers 8 miles of prime angling water, divided into 9 beats which are rotated amongst anglers daily. Flyfishing is the norm but spinning, worm and prawn may be permitted by the fishery manager at Aasleagh Lodge. (095 42382)
- ⭐Spiddal Angling School⭐
Fishing schools or angling schools typically offer guided fishing trips, angling lessons, and workshops for both beginners and experienced anglers. They may cover various fishing techniques, provide information on local fishing spots, and offer insights into the local fish species and their behavior.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the Spiddal Angling School or any angling schools in the area, I recommend doing a quick online search to find their website or contact information. Additionally, you could check with local tourism offices, fishing clubs, or forums to see if they have any recommendations or further details about fishing schools in Spiddal or County Galway.
- Galway Bay Fishing
Step aboard the fully equipped vessel the Maighdean Mara and fish the sea waters of Galway Bay. The vessel offers day and evening trips to the Aran Islands or down by the Cliffs of Moher for both group and private hire and whether it’s your first time fishing or if you are an experienced angler, the Galway Bay Fishing crew caters to all levels. When your trip has finished, a local restaurant in the area will cook your catch of the day for you to enjoy while you trade stories of your day out at sea.
- Lough Inagh
Lough Inagh and Derryclare Lough, surrounded by the Twelve Bens and Maumturk mountains offer exceptional fishing for salmon, sea trout and large resident browns. The Lough Inagh Lodge offers four river beats and permits to fish for non-guests at the Lodge are available on a space-available basis. The Lough Inagh Lodge also rents rod, reels and equipment at their tackling shop aswell as flies for the type of fish you’re after. Lough Inagh (095 34706)
- Oughterard
Renowned worldwide for its excellent game angling in Lough Corrib, Oughterard also offers Coarse fishing on the nearby Ross Lake. Fishermen and women visit and return from all over the world to try their hand at catching some salmon and trout. Fly fishing is best practiced throughout the year and throughout the season, which usually runs from February to September, the Oughterard Anglers host about six angling competitions.
- Shore Fishing
Shore Fishing off the beaches and bays between Roundstone and Clifden is some of the best in Ireland. Shore anglers catch everything from ray and pollack to turbot and flounder.
*Information from: Flyfishconnemara.com ConnemaraIreland.com Fishinginireland.info
- Ballynahinch River
The best-known and largest salmon and sea trout fishery in Connemara, three miles of the river and adjoining Ballynahinch Lake is managed by Ballynahinch Castle. The Ballynahinch River has eight salmon beats and four sea trout pools along with downstream brown trout fishing.
Beats are available for a full or half day on a space-available basis if you are not a guest and the hotel also rents fly rods, reels, and waterproof clothing. Call 095 31006
- Connemara Smokehouse & Factory Shop
Don’t forget to visit Connemara Smokehouse which is running proudly for the last 40 years and counting. They smoke only the best quality wild and organic salmon, tuna, mackerel, trout, and herrings from the wild Atlantic Ocean.
- Blue Shark Sea Angling Galway
Experts in shark fishing, The Brazen Hussy II encourages all levels of anglers out onto the waters of Galway Bay to experience all types of fishing including Turbot, Ray, and shark fishing. With many sight-seeing tours also available like trips to Doolin and dolphin watching in Galway Bay, a day our on the sea can be enjoyed by all where many memories can be made.
Contact Blue Shark Angling on 087 7571320 or email john@bluesharkangling.ie
- Tucks Angling, Oughterard
Tucks Angling offers a range of fishing gear, including fishing rods, reels, lines, bait, lures, and other accessories tailored to the local fishing conditions and preferences. Additionally, they provide information about the best fishing spots in the area, fishing regulations, and local expertise to assist visiting anglers.
