Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Ireland (Complete Guide)

Ireland can offer some of the best fishing in Europe. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in Ireland are typically during the spring and summer months, from April to September, when the weather is milder, and fish species like salmon, trout, pike, and sea bass are more active.

Month	Ireland Fishing Location
January	River Lee (County Cork) for winter Pike fishing.
February	River Moy (County Mayo) for early season Salmon fishing.
March	Lough Sheelin (County Cavan/Westmeath) for Brown Trout during the spring hatches.
April	River Nore (County Kilkenny) for fresh-run Salmon.
May	Lough Corrib (County Galway) for Mayfly hatch and Pike fishing.
June	River Suir (County Tipperary/Waterford) for summer Salmon and Sea Trout runs.
July	Lough Mask (County Mayo) for summer Brown Trout action.
August	River Blackwater (County Cork/Waterford) for late summer Salmon and Sea Trout.
September	River Boyne (County Meath/Louth) for autumn Salmon runs.
October	Lough Derg (Counties Clare/Tipperary/Galway) for autumn Pike fishing.
November	River Shannon (Multiple Counties) for late autumn Pike fishing.
December	Lough Melvin (Counties Leitrim/Fermanagh) for winter Pike and Perch fishing.

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Ireland. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Times: Creeks/Rivers to Fly Fish in Ireland

River Moy (Mayo/Sligo): Best fished from March to September for Atlantic Salmon.

River Suir (Tipperary/Waterford): Prime months are April to August for Brown Trout and Salmon.

River Blackwater (Cork/Waterford): March to October is ideal for Salmon and Sea Trout.

River Corrib (Galway): May to September offers excellent opportunities for Brown Trout and Salmon.

River Boyne (Meath/Louth): Best fished from April to September for Brown Trout and Salmon.

River Shannon (Multiple Counties): April to October is great for Pike, Perch, and Bream.

Lough Sheelin (Cavan/Westmeath): March to May is the peak season for Brown Trout.

Lough Derg (Clare/Tipperary): April to October offers good chances to catch Pike and Brown Trout.

River Feale (Kerry/Limerick): May to September is the prime time for Salmon and Sea Trout.

River Nore (Kilkenny): April to September provides opportunities for Brown Trout and Salmon.

River Fane (Louth): April to September is best for Salmon and Sea Trout.

River Foyle (Donegal/Tyrone): June to September offers good prospects for Salmon and Sea Trout.

Munster Blackwater (Cork/Waterford): March to October provides opportunities for Salmon and Sea Trout.

River Moyola (Derry): May to September is the peak season for Salmon and Sea Trout.

River Bann (Antrim/Derry): April to September offers good chances for Salmon and Sea Trout.

River Slaney (Wexford): May to August is best for Brown Trout and Sea Trout.

River Lee (Cork): April to September provides opportunities for Salmon and Sea Trout.

River Suck (Roscommon/Galway): April to October is great for Pike, Perch, and Bream.

River Inny (Longford/Westmeath): March to September offers good chances for Pike and Bream.

Best Times: Lakes to Fish in Ireland

Lough Corrib (County Galway): Best fished from April to September for Brown Trout and Salmon.

Lough Mask (County Mayo): April to October offers good opportunities for Brown Trout and Pike.

Lough Derg (Counties Clare/Tipperary/Galway): April to October is great for Pike, Brown Trout, and Perch.

Lough Ree (Counties Westmeath/Roscommon/Longford): May to September provides chances to catch Pike and Brown Trout.

Lough Arrow (County Sligo): May to September offers good prospects for Brown Trout.

Lough Melvin (Counties Leitrim/Fermanagh): April to October is ideal for Brown Trout and Salmon.

Lough Neagh (Counties Antrim/Armagh/Derry/Down/Tyrone): Year-round fishing for Pike, Perch, Bream, and Eel.

Lough Erne (Counties Fermanagh/Cavan): May to September is great for Pike, Perch, and Roach.

Lough Carra (County Mayo): May to September provides opportunities for Brown Trout and Pike.

Lough Conn (County Mayo): April to October offers good chances to catch Brown Trout and Salmon.

Best Times: Saltwater Fishing in Ireland

Dublin Bay (County Dublin): All-year fishing for species like Cod, Whiting, Mackerel, and Pollock, with peak seasons from October to January.

Dingle Peninsula (County Kerry): Summer months, particularly July and August, offer good opportunities for Sea Bass, Mackerel, and Pollack.

Galway Bay (County Galway): April to October provides chances to catch Mackerel, Cod, Pollock, and Sea Bass, with peak seasons from May to September.

Clew Bay (County Mayo): May to September is great for Sea Trout, Mackerel, Pollack, and occasional Blue Shark sightings.

Cork Harbour (County Cork): All-year fishing for species like Cod, Whiting, Bass, and Mackerel, with peak seasons from October to January.

Donegal Bay (County Donegal): May to October offers good prospects for species such as Cod, Whiting, Pollock, and Mackerel.

Aran Islands (County Galway): June to September is ideal for species like Cod, Pollock, Mackerel, and occasional Shark encounters.

Dundalk Bay (County Louth): Best fished from April to October for species like Cod, Flounder, and occasional Bass.

Brandon Bay (County Kerry): Summer months, particularly July and August, provide opportunities for Sea Bass, Mackerel, and Flatfish.

Ballycotton (County Cork): March to November offers chances to catch species such as Cod, Pollack, Mackerel, and occasional Tuna.

Greystones (County Wicklow): All-year fishing for species like Bass, Mackerel, Pollock, and occasional Thornback Ray sightings, with peak seasons from May to September.

Rathlin Island (County Antrim): April to September is great for species such as Pollock, Mackerel, Cod, and occasional Conger Eel.

Achill Island (County Mayo): May to October provides opportunities for species like Pollock, Mackerel, Cod, and occasional Blue Shark sightings.

Hook Peninsula (County Wexford): Summer months, particularly July and August, offer good chances for Mackerel, Bass, Pollock, and occasional Smoothhound Shark.

Ardglass (County Down): March to October is ideal for species such as Cod, Whiting, Pollock, and occasional Conger Eel.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Ireland

These Ireland-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Fishing Adventures Ireland	Kilbaha, Ireland
Aran Sea Tours & Fishing	Aran Islands, Lower Kilronan, Ireland

I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic if you want to create your combo.

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Pollack

The best time to fish for Pollack in Ireland is spring and summer, from April to August. Pollack can be caught throughout the day, but they are often more active during the morning and evening. Some popular locations for Pollack fishing in Ireland include Cork Harbour, Galway Bay, Donegal Bay, and the waters off the Aran Islands.

Haddock

Haddock fishing in Ireland is best during the winter months, from November to February. Haddock can be caught throughout the day, but they are often more active during the morning and evening. Some popular locations for Haddock fishing in Ireland include Donegal Bay, Galway Bay, Cork Harbour, and the waters off the Aran Islands.

Whiting

The best time to fish for Whiting in Ireland is from November to March in winter and early spring. Whiting can be caught throughout the day, but they are often more active during the evening. Some popular locations for Whiting fishing in Ireland include Cork Harbour, Dublin Bay, Galway Bay, and the waters off the Aran Islands.

Cod

The best time to fish for Cod in Ireland is during the winter months, from December to February. Cod can be caught throughout the day, but they are often more active during the morning and evening. Some popular locations for Cod fishing in Ireland include Donegal Bay, Clew Bay, Galway Bay, and the waters off the Aran Islands.

Mackerel

The best time to fish for Mackerel in Ireland is during the summer months, from June to August. Mackerel can be caught throughout the day, but they are often more active during the morning and evening. Some popular locations for Mackerel fishing in Ireland include Cork Harbour, Galway Bay, Donegal Bay, and the waters off the Aran Islands.

Turbot

The best time to fish for Turbot in Ireland is during the summer and autumn months, from July to October. Turbot can be caught throughout the day, but they are more active during the morning and evening. Some popular locations for Turbot fishing in Ireland include Clew Bay, Galway Bay, Donegal Bay, and the waters off the Aran Islands.

Conger Eel

The best time to fish for Conger Eel in Ireland is during the summer months, from June to August. Conger Eel can be caught throughout the day but are often more active at night. Some popular locations for Conger Eel fishing in Ireland include Cork Harbour, Galway Bay, Donegal Bay, and the waters off the Aran Islands.

Atlantic Salmon

The best time to fish for Atlantic Salmon in Ireland is during the summer months, from June to September. Salmon are most active during the early morning and late evening. Some popular locations for Salmon fishing in Ireland include the River Moy, River Shannon, River Blackwater, and the River Suir.

Brown Trout

The best time to fish for Brown Trout in Ireland is from April to September in the spring and summer months. Brown Trout are active throughout the day, but early morning and late evening are often ideal. Some popular locations for Brown Trout fishing in Ireland include Lough Corrib, River Moy, River Suir, and Lough Mask.

Rainbow Trout

The best time to fish for Rainbow Trout in Ireland is spring and summer, particularly from April to September. Rainbow Trout are active throughout the day, but early morning and late evening are often more productive. Some popular locations for Rainbow Trout fishing in Ireland include Lough Corrib, Lough Sheelin, Lough Melvin, and the River Avonmore.

Sea Trout

The best time to fish for Sea Trout in Ireland is during summer, particularly from June to August. Sea Trout are most active during the early morning and late evening. Some popular locations for Sea Trout fishing in Ireland include the River Moy, River Corrib, River Blackwater, and the Erriff River.

Common Carp

The best time to fish for Carp in Ireland is during the warmer months, typically from May to September. Carp are active throughout the day, but early morning and late evening can be particularly productive. Some popular locations for Carp fishing in Ireland include Lough Muckno, Lough Derg, Lough Owel, and the Grand Canal.

Northern Pike

The best time to fish for Pike in Ireland is during the spring and autumn seasons, from March to May and September to November. Pike are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Some popular locations for Pike fishing in Ireland include Lough Derg, Lough Erne, the River Shannon, and Lough Ree.

Tench

The best time to fish for Tench in Ireland is during the summer months, from June to August. Tench are most active during the early morning and late evening. Some popular locations for Tench fishing in Ireland include Lough Ramor, Lough Gowna, Lough Sheelin, and the Royal Canal.

Bream

The best time to fish for Bream in Ireland is during summer, particularly from June to August. Bream are often more active during the early morning and late evening. Some of the top locations for Bream fishing in Ireland include the River Shannon, Lough Derg, Lough Ree, and Lough Erne.

Best Fishing in Ireland on a Seasonal Basis

Winter

Lough Corrib for Brown Trout: In winter, Lough Corrib in County Galway is a top destination for catching Brown Trout.
Lough Ree for Pike: During winter, Lough Ree in County Westmeath offers excellent opportunities to catch Pike.
River Moy for Atlantic Salmon: The River Moy in County Mayo is a renowned winter fishing spot for Atlantic Salmon.
Dingle Peninsula for Pollock: Off the coast of the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, anglers can target Pollock.

Spring

River Moy for Atlantic Salmon: In spring, the River Moy in County Mayo is a premier destination for catching Atlantic Salmon.
Lough Sheelin for Brown Trout: During the spring months, Lough Sheelin in County Cavan offers excellent opportunities to catch Brown Trout.
Strangford Lough for Sea Trout: Strangford Lough in County Down is a popular spot in spring for fishing Sea Trout.
Cork Harbour for Bass: Off the coast of Cork, anglers can target Bass.

Summer

River Shannon for Bream: The River Shannon is a top destination for catching Bream in summer.
Lough Corrib for Pike: During the summer months, Lough Corrib in County Galway offers excellent opportunities to catch Pike.
Dublin Bay for Mackerel: Dublin Bay is a great location in summer for fishing Mackerel.
Killarney Lakes for Brown Trout: The Killarney Lakes in County Kerry provide excellent fishing for Brown Trout during the summer.

Fall

River Moy for Atlantic Salmon: In the fall, the River Moy in County Mayo is a prime spot to catch Atlantic Salmon.
Lough Mask for Brown Trout: During the autumn months, Lough Mask in County Mayo offers great opportunities to catch Brown Trout.
Wexford Coast for Cod: Off the coast of Wexford, anglers can target Cod.
Lough Erne for Pike: Lough Erne in County Fermanagh is a fantastic location for fishing in autumn.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in France, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Denmark, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Norway, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in the Netherlands, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in England, check out this guide. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in the United Kingdom.