Cover image courtesy of Moy Estuary Charters

North Mayo is a true haven for anglers, offering some of Ireland’s most diverse fishing experiences. From the pristine rivers teeming with wild Atlantic salmon to tranquil lakes brimming with brown trout. Head to the rugged Atlantic Coast where you can either cast a line from the shore, where you’ll get a chance of catching a fish with some unrivalled views, or take a boat to some amazing fishing grounds.

Our region’s unspoiled waters are a dream destination for seasoned anglers and beginners alike. Whether you’re casting a line from a riverbank, setting out on a guided boat trip, or seeking expert advice from local angling centres, North Mayo delivers unforgettable experiences for all fishing enthusiasts.

Click the links below to explore a specific topic, or simply keep scrolling to discover more about the incredible fishing experiences awaiting you in North Mayo.

• Fishing Rules & Regulations
• River Fishing
• River Fishing Locations
• Sea Fishing
• Course Fishing
• Fishing Guides
• Tackle Shops

Salmon & Sea Trout

A state licence is required for anglers wishing to catch salmon and sea trout. These can be for a day, month or for the season and must be obtained from Inland Fisheries Ireland well in advance of fishing. This is to allow for tags, for any kept fish, and log book to record all catches to be sent prior to fishing, these must be returned within seven days of the permit expiring. These permits do not however grant rights to fishing, rivers are split into fishery areas and beats, and permits for these need to be purchased from the individual fishery. Please see table below for list of fisheries.

Purchase salmon and sea trout fishing state licences HERE

Sea & Course Angling

There is no requirement for a rod licence for course or sea fishing, unless targeting salmon or sea trout. With very few exceptions most waters are free to use.

Angling Ireland have put a handy pdf together, a full list of rules and regulations can be downloaded HERE

River fishing in North Mayo offers an unforgettable experience for anglers, with some of the finest salmon and sea trout waters in the country. The season typically opens on February 1st, though exact dates can vary depending on the fishery. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner looking to cast your first line, North Mayo’s rivers provide the perfect setting for your next catch. Read on to discover the best spots to land something special.

Ballina, renowned as the Salmon Capital of Ireland, is at the heart of the River Moy, one of the most productive and celebrated salmon fisheries in the country. Stretching approximately 100 kilometres and draining a vast catchment area, the Moy is a mecca for anglers seeking world-class fishing experiences. Flowing through lush pastureland with the Nephin Beg range to the west and the Ox Mountains to the east, the river offers stunning scenery alongside its abundant salmon stocks. The lower reaches, particularly around Ballina and Foxford, provide some of the best opportunities for salmon fishing, while the estuary is well-known for its sea trout. The Moy’s diverse fisheries cater to all angling preferences, from fly and bait fishing to spinning, with different beats available at various price points. Anglers should check specific fishery rules and obtain the necessary permits, a list of fisheries is available below.

Beyond the Moy, North Mayo is home to several other outstanding salmon and sea trout fisheries. The Owenduff River, set in a wild moorland landscape near Ballycroy, is known for its healthy stocks of spring salmon, grilse, and sea trout. While much of the river is privately owned, a short section near Srahnamanragh Bridge offers day ticket fishing, and several exclusive fisheries such as Lagduff Lodge and Shean Lodge provide premium angling experiences. The Glenamoy River, located in the Bangor district, is a classic spate river that offers excellent grilse and sea trout fishing from July to September. With extensive fishery improvements, including angling pools, access points, and wheelchair-friendly facilities, Glenamoy provides a rewarding experience, particularly as water levels recede after rainfall. The Owenmore River, another spectacular spate river, drains a vast area of bogland and mountains in northwest Mayo and is highly regarded for its fly-only salmon and sea trout fishing. Though much of the river is privately held, a 6.5 km stretch in the middle reaches is managed by the Bangor Angling Club, with limited day tickets available. Whether casting a line in the renowned waters of the Moy or venturing to the remote rivers of North Mayo, the region offers some of the finest and most scenic angling opportunities in Ireland.

Shore

The stretch of North Mayo coastline between Enniscrone and Blacksod offers some of the best shore fishing opportunities in Ireland. This diverse shoreline features sweeping sandy beaches, rocky headlands, and hidden coves, providing an ideal habitat for a wide range of fish species. Anglers can target bass and flounder along the surf at Enniscrone and Lacken, while the rock marks at Kilcummin and Downpatrick Head are prime spots for pollock, wrasse, and conger eel. Further west, the tidal channels and estuaries around Belmullet offer superb conditions for catching ray and dogfish. With stunning scenery and a wide variety of fishing, it’s no surprise that this stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way is a favourite among shore anglers.

Boat

North Mayo offers some of the finest offshore and deep-sea angling in Ireland, with the Atlantic waters off Blacksod, Belmullet, and Killala teeming with a vast array of fish species. From the inshore reefs to the deep waters beyond the continental shelf, anglers can target hard-fighting pollock, cod, ling, and coalfish, as well as bigger prizes like blue shark, skate, and tope. The fast tides and rich feeding grounds in this region create prime conditions for catching trophy fish, making it a top destination for deep-sea fishing enthusiasts. The waters around the Stags of Broadhaven and the remote Inishkea Islands are particularly renowned for their abundance of marine life, offering an unforgettable experience for anglers of all levels.

Several expert charter operators provide access to the best fishing grounds, ensuring a professional, personal and enjoyable experience on the water. Wild West Boat Tours, Blacksod Sea Safari, and Belmullet Boat Charters offer various fishing trips, taking anglers to some of the most productive offshore marks from Blacksod Pier. Along the coast, Donal Kennedy Angling, a family-run charter business operating out of Enniscrone and Killala, provides top-class angling excursions, with expert guidance on targeting everything from specimen-sized cod to powerful blue sharks. Experience the thrill of sea trout fishing along the Wild Atlantic Way with Moy Estuary Charters, where Ireland’s rugged coastline meets the adrenaline rush of the perfect catch. This dynamic stretch of cliffs and crystal-clear waters is a paradise for anglers in search of an unforgettable fishing adventure. Whether you’re after a relaxing day of reef fishing or the thrill of battling a deep-sea giant, North Mayo’s offshore waters promise an unparalleled angling adventure.

Coarse fishing in North Mayo offers anglers a variety of locations and species to target. While the region is renowned for its salmon and trout fisheries, there are also opportunities for coarse fishing, particularly for species like pike and perch.

Locations:

• Lough Conn and Lough Cullin: These interconnected lakes are primarily known for their brown trout and salmon fisheries. However, they also support populations of pike and perch, offering coarse anglers opportunities to fish for these species.
• River Moy: Famed for its salmon runs, the River Moy and its tributaries also harbor pike, especially in the slower-moving stretches and backwaters.
• Smaller Lakes and Rivers: The region is dotted with lesser-known lakes and rivers that are home to roach, rudd, bream , perch, pike and tench. Exploring these waters can be rewarding for anglers seeking a more secluded experience.

Please note that while coarse fishing is available, the prominence of game fishing in the area means that facilities and services for coarse anglers might be limited compared to other regions. For more information about course fishing in the region please visit the Fishing Ireland website.