Castleconnell Salmon Fishery

This famous and prestigious salmon fishery lies close by the ancient village of Castleconnell, 7 miles north west of Limerick City and is owned and managed by the Electricity Supply Board.

The season opens on 1 March and the fishery gets a few big spring fish in March and April. In the past, the Shannon was famous for its big fish – up to 45 lb, with some beats averaging an unbelievable 21 lb (The Salmon Rivers of Ireland, Augustus Grimble, 1913). The spring average is now about 10 lb and occasionally fish over 20 lb are taken. The month of April sees a good run of fish averaging 10 lb and known locally as ‘April fliers’. These fish provide good sport through April and May.

The peak of the season is reckoned to fall between mid May and the end of June and coincides with the grilse run. Fish continue to rest in some of the bigger pools right through the season and fresh fish move up from the estuary with a rise in the water. In suitable conditions, good sport can be had till closing date on 30 September.
Fishing Methods
Single or double barbless hooks only. Use of worm or prawn/shrimp as bait is prohibited at all times

Spinning is the most productive method till 17 March. After that date, some anglers prefer to fish a fly. The most popular early season baits are 3-inch blue and silver Devons and 17-gram copper or silver Orklas. In March, local anglers prefer 3-inch Lane Minnows and drop down to 2-inch minnows as temperatures rise. Wooden Minnows and Mepps baits are not considered useful.

There is a short list of well tried fly patterns used at the fishery: Black Goldfinch, Silver Doctor, Hairy Mary, Garry Dog and Mephisto (curry’s Red Shrimp). Sizes range from 4 to 10. In spring, the big flies are very heavily dressed.
Club discount
Club discount season permits for Castleconnell should be purchased directly from the fisheries Office in Ardnacrusha
ESB, Fisheries Conservation, Ardnacrusha, Co. Clare, V94 VR0K

061- 350590 | 087-0525103 | fisheries@esb.ie