Category: News

The following ESB advisory notice has just been issued:

ESB Sustainable Rivers water announce the closure of its angling freshwater fisheries due to the elevated water temperatures at present.

These temperatures which are presently >20^oC, cause stress for both adult and juvenile fish and the effects of angling pressure will only exacerbate an already stressful environment for all wild fish species.

ESB permit sales have ceased for the unknown duration of this fishery closure.

The fisheries affected are the Shannon, Clady / Crolly, Lee and Liffey catchments.

Due to the continuing heatwave resulting in high water temperatures, the following IFI/ESB permitted rivers will close to all angling from Friday morning 17^th July 2026 until further notice in accordance with IFI warm water protocols:-

• Eske
• Eany
• Lackagh
• Owenea & Owentocker
• Gweebarra
• Clady
• Crolly

IFI is guided by scientific advice that indicates a dramatic increase in angling-related mortalities at temperatures above 20 degrees.

If temperatures exceed 20°C on two readings within 24 hours, fisheries will be closed to all angling until further notice in accordance with IFI’s Warm Water Protocol.

Fish Handling and Welfare

At all fisheries where catch-and-release angling is permissible, anglers should take extra precautions during times of warm temperatures to minimise the stress on fish such as brown trout and Atlantic salmon.

Anglers using catch-and-release methods are encouraged to limit the exposure of fish to air, or avoid it completely where possible.

See our guidelines to safe handling for catch and release.

IFI urges the public to report any instances of distressed fish, fish kills, illegal fishing, or water pollution to IFI’s confidential 24/7 number on 0818 34 74 24.

The Galway Fishery, Moy Fishery (including the New Beat),  Cloongee and Erriff Fishery closed due to elevated water temperatures.

Update 14/7/2026: Ballyvary also closes due to high water temperatures.

IFI is guided by scientific advice that indicates a dramatic increase in angling-related mortalities at temperatures above 20 degrees.

Check Before Travelling

IFI encourages anglers to contact the fisheries for the latest advice before travelling.

• Galway Fishery: 091 562388, galwayfishery@fisheriesireland.ie
• Erriff Fishery: erriff.fishery@fisheriesireland.ie
• Moy Fishery:  096 21332, moyfishery@fisheriesireland.ie
• Cloongee Fishery: 096 21332, moyfishery@fisheriesireland.ie
• Ballyvary Fishery: 096 21332, moyfishery@fisheriesireland.ie

Fish Handling and Welfare

At all fisheries where catch-and-release angling is permissible, anglers should take extra precautions during times of warm temperatures to minimise the stress on fish such as brown trout and Atlantic salmon.

Anglers using catch-and-release methods are encouraged to limit the exposure of fish to air, or avoid it completely where possible.

See our guidelines to safe handling for catch and release.

The Galway, Erriff, Moy, Cloongee, Laune and Ballyvary fisheries are owned by the State, and operated by IFI.

IFI urges the public to report any instances of distressed fish, fish kills, illegal fishing, or water pollution to IFI’s confidential 24/7 number on 0818 34 74 24.

The Ballyvary and Cloongee Fishies were closed earlier this week due to elevated water temperatures. Ballyvary re-opened on Sunday morning and Cloongee will re-open tomorrow morning at 6am.

Anglers are reminded that they must make a “Catch/No Catch” return on the blue duplicate of their permit and place in the catch return boxes located in the two car parks.

Catch/No Catch returns can also be made by email to moyfishery@fisheriesireland.ie

IFI’s River Laune fisheries (Beats 1 & 2) in Killarney are closing because of high water temperatures with immediate effect.

The Cloongee Fishery on the River Moy was also closed late last night.

Anglers are advised this is a a temporary measure due to high water temperatures. Inland Fisheries Ireland are monitoring conditions on both rivers and will re-open the fisheries as soon as water temperatures drop and two successive water temperature readings of less than 18°C are recorded.

Over the last few days water temperatures have been climbing and on some rivers the temperatures are a cause for concern. During periods of warmer water temperatures, all anglers should take extra precautions while fishing to ensure the welfare of the fish they catch. We recommend keeping any fish you catch in the water while unhooking and limiting exposure to air where possible.

Galway Fishery and River Erriff to close

IFI advises that the Galway Fishery and River Erriff will close this evening at 6pm to protect fish from potentially lethal thermal stress.

Water temperatures above 18°C can cause species such as Atlantic salmon and brown trout to suffer thermal stress.

Moy Fishery, Ballyvary and Cloongee

In addition, the Moy Fishery, Ballyvary and Cloongee may also face closures as water temperatures of 18°C have been recorded.

Anglers should contact the Moy Fishery Office to check the latest advice before travelling.

Moy Fishery: 096 21332 or 096 22669, Moyfishery@fisheriesireland.ie

Please remember to report any instances of distressed fish, fish kills, illegal fishing, pollution to IFI’s confidential 24/7 number on 0818 34 74 24.

After the hot weather last week, several IFI managed fisheries closed due to water temperatures exceeding 20C on Thursday. Cooler weather followed in the second half of the week, and water temperatures have declined sufficiently by yesterday evening to allow the Galway and Erriff fisheries to reopen from today, June 2.

The Cloongee Fishery was closed earlier this week due to elevated water temperatures. It will reopen for angling on Saturday morning 30th May.

Anglers are reminded that they must make a “Catch/No Catch” return on the blue duplicate of their permit and place in the catch return boxes located in the two car parks. Catch/No Catch returns can also be made by email to moyfishery@fisheriesireland.ie

Salmon anglers are advised that Cloongee Fishery on the River Moy, the Galway Fishery and the River Erriff have closed due to high water temperatures.

We are monitoring the Ballyvary Fishery currently and will advise if the criteria for closure are met.

Closed fisheries will only re-open where at least two water temperature readings, taken 6 hours apart, measure less than 18°C.

Anglers in areas where warm water temperatures are being experienced are urged to minimise fish handling and report any fish in distress to 1890 34 74 24.

Please be advised that there may be further closures at fisheries if water temperatures continue to rise.