ESTABLISHMENT OF INLAND FISHERIES IRELAND - SEE PRESS RELEASE DATED JULY 1st, 2010

OPEN SEASON SALMON: March 1st - September 30th. 

FISHING CASTLECONNELL SALMON FISHERY IN 2010

This is a private fishery owned and controlled by the ESB (Electricity Supply Board). Salmon fishing is permitted on a catch and release basis only for wild Salmon on the fishery in 2010. However, under Section 18 hatchery caught fish can be retained subject to the Bye Law regulations. Hatchery fish can be  identified by the absence of the adipose fin. For further info contact the ESB Fisheries Office Hydro Station, Ardnacrusha, Co Clare, Tel: +353 (0) 61 350 598. Web: http://www.esb.ie/main/sustainability/shannon.jsp

PROHIBITED ANGLING METHODS: Prawn and Shrimp is prohibited in the Shannon Region - see Bye Law 871 below. Worm fishing is prohibited under Bye Law on this fishery - see Bye Law No. 868. See other Bye - Laws as applicable in the regulations below.

FISHERY DESCRIPTION: Castleconnell Salmon Fishery is one of the most prestigious Salmon Fisheries in Ireland, located on the Shannon just 7 miles, 11km upriver of Limerick City and tidal water. It is approximately forty-five minutes drive from Shannon Airport (35 km).

The Fishery is about 4.5 miles long comprising 6 beats, each permitting 4 rods per beat.  Each beat has up to six or more pools. The Fishery operates from sunrise to sunset seven days a week from February 1st to end of season September 30th.

This is an important spring fishery which can provide good fishing from mid March to mid May. On a good year up to 200 spring salmon can be taken here averaging about 10-12lbs. From mid May to mid July the grilse run predominates. Fishing tends to get slack in August. In September fish usually become active again on their way to spawn and can produce some lively fishing in suitable conditions.

First time visitors to Castleconnell fishery are given a free guided tour where pools and best methods etc are explained. Guides or 'Ghillies' as they are locally known are provided on request at a reasonable additional charge.

International fly anglers have described this fishery as one of the best fly waters in the world, and indeed it is. This first class angling water is so interesting in character, has waters cascading over small and larger waterfalls interspersed with beautiful riffled pacey runs, glides and holding pools of varying flows. No pool exhibits the same characteristics and for the angler exploiting these beautiful waters is a unique Salmon Angling experience. Castleconnell Salmon Fishery is undoubtedly one of the most scenic fisheries in Ireland. Richard Lyons of the New York Times wrote in his paper about the Shannon at Castleconnell " The river banks are a Verdant Eden lined with ash, beach and oak, some over 100 years old and home to swans, geese, ducks and otters and is so green that it overwhelms your senses"

Angling platforms using local material and stone are provided on the fishery to facilitate the angler onto the pools. For the most part the river can be bank fished from using a conventional fly rod. While there is generally no need to wade it would be a distinct advantage to come prepared with chest waders particularly on Beat 8, the top beat on the fishery. Where access to pools on either one bank or the other is limited by road, boats are provided by the fishery. Fly fishing, spinning are the allowed methods, subject to the Bye Law regulations. Worm fishing is not permitted under Bye Law on this fishery - see regulations above. Flies which are effective are Black Goldfinch, Shrimp Flies and Hairy Mary. In spring time when the river levels are generally higher than normal a size 6- 8 fly is fished depending on water height. In summer during the grilse run and generally lower flows, a much smaller size fly fished on a 10lb ( or less) test cast is best on a size 12 and even down to a size14 fly in low water conditions.

Water levels are controlled by the ESB at their Hydro Electric Dam three miles upriver. This provides a stable flow at Castleconnell Fishery even in low water conditions.

Please Observe Our Country Code and Fisheries Laws.

Anglers are requested to always observe our country code

• Seek permission from landowners before crossing private lands or property

• Do not park cars in fields except where permission is granted and it is safe to do so.

• Leave no litter

• Keep our countryside clean

Normal access is over footbridges and stiles or where public access is provided.

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