Fishing Regulations

The Erriff is subject to national angling regulations on salmon angling. The river is above its conservation limit, which means that a quota is in place, and anglers may take a salmon if they wish. Catch-and-release is encouraged but not mandatory in any way.

Anglers must have a valid State Salmon Licence, and a permit from the fishery manager. Fly fishing only, except at the discretion of the fishery manager.

 

Due to the declining number of sea trout in the Connemara area a statutory ban on the taking of sea trout was introduced in 1990. Accordingly, all sea trout must be returned alive.

 

On landing a salmon, which is to be retained, the fish must be tagged immediately with a blue carcass tag, and the details recorded in the anglers logbook.

At the end of the season, or when the licence expires if before that date, the logbook and any unused tags must be returned in the envelope provided. Failure to make a return is an offence. Logbook returns allow us to get a more accurate figure for the numbers of salmon caught, and inform decisions on quotas for following seasons.

 

Click here to read the Salmon Angling Regulations 2016 - English
 
Deutsch - Angeln in Irland 
 
Français - Pêche en Irlande
 
Nederlands - Vissen in Ierland
 
Italiano - Pescare in Irlanda

 

CATCH & RELEASE IN IRELAND

In recent years, rivers in Ireland that were not reaching their conservation limit (enough spawners to maintain stocks), were either closed to salmon fishing, or opened on a catch-and-release basis. This was done in an effort to limit angling pressure and exploitation on these stocks, and allow them to rebuild to a sustainable level. Rivers which are above their conservation limit are open to fishing, and salmon may be taken on these rivers.
 

The Erriff River has a quota, meaning it is over the conservation limit and has a harvestable surplus, so catch and release is not mandatory. However, we realise the importance of conservation, and recommend that anglers parctise catch-and-release where possible. We ask anglers only to take what fish they will consume themselves, and release the rest of their catch.

The practice of catch and release has been increasing in recent years and in 2005, anglers returned 12% of the salmon catch taken by rod and line. 

In particular, stocks of spring fish (multi-sea-winter salmon) are at an all-time low across the North Atlantic. Assessments of salmon stocks by scientists using rod catch as an estimate of total stock have indicated that only 24 rivers in Ireland are consistently meeting their Conservation Limit. By voluntarily returning spring fish and grilse to all river anglers are helping to protect future salmon stocks by allowing additional numbers of salmon to spawn.

 

CATCH & RELEASE GUIDELINES

Angler catch and release studies have shown that with appropriate capture and handling techniques a high proportion of salmon will survive to spawn. Mortality rates of released fish can drop dramatically when anglers follow a few simple but important guidelines.

1. Equipment Proper catch and release really starts before the fish is even landed. A well equipped and prepared angler will have all the necessary tools at hand in order to catch, land and release the fish with minimum stress. Anglers should have the following with them:

• Single, barbless hooks

• Pliers, Scissors, Long-Nosed Forceps

• A large diameter, knotless landing net

• Tape measure

 

2. Fishing Tackle Salmon caught on small, barbless hooks have a much better chance of survival than those caught on large, baited doubles or trebles. Barbed hooks can have the barb pinched with a pliers to allow the salmon to be released more easily. The fishing tackle should be of sufficient strength taking account of the prevailing conditions and the possible size of the fish that might be caught. 

• Use single, barbless hooks

• Do not use worms, baited hooks or lures with double or treble hooks

• Use a line of sufficient strength

 

3. Playing the Fish Bring the fish in firmly and quickly to the side of the boat or bank, avoiding over exhaustion - the more exhausted a fish is, the lower its chance of survival.

• Avoid exhausting the fish

• In a river, move the salmon out of the main flow into quieter water 

• Bring it quickly to the bank or boat

 

4. Landing the fish Research has shown that exposing a salmon to air for even a short period can significantly reduce its chances of survival. It is also essential to protect the scales from damage as these form part of the salmon's defence against disease and parasites.

• Keep the salmon in the water at all times, even when taking photographs

• Use a large diameter landing net with a soft, knotless mesh

• Always use wet hands when handling a fish

• Do not use a tailer or gaff, and do not beach a fish as these methods can result in scale loss, injury and subsequent fungal infection

 

5. Removing the Hook

• Wet your hands and keep the fish in the water

• Take care not to squeeze the fish or hold it by the gills

• If necessary, support the fish from beneath and remove the hook by hand or with the use of a long-nosed forceps

• If the hook has become deeply embedded cut the line as close to the hook as possible. Fish released in this way do survive

 

6. Releasing and Reviving the Fish

• Support the fish in the water facing into the current and give it sufficient time to recover

• Hold the fish gently until it is capable of swimming away

Avoid weighing the fish. The weight of a fish can be estimated from its length using the table below. A tape measure, wading stick or your rod can be used to take the approximate length while keeping the fish in the water