Fishing licences and permits

Fishing for sport or recreation is known as angling. In Ireland, angling is regulated by the government agency Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).

Angling is divided into the following categories:

• Salmon and sea trout
• Pike
• Coarse fishing
• River trout
• Sea fishing

Some fish species, including salmon, sea trout, sea bass, molluscs, and eels are protected in Ireland.

Anglers are encouraged to catch and release most fish they catch.

In Ireland, you need a State Licence to fish for both salmon and sea trout. You usually need to buy a local permit in addition to your State Licence before fishing.

A licence is not needed for trout, pike and coarse fishing (but you may need to buy a local permit).

You can fish in the sea for almost all species without the need for a licence or permit.

In the Midland (Shannon) region

A Midland Fisheries Group Permit is needed to fish for pike, coarse fish, or trout in certain rivers (the River Suck, River Inny, River Brosna, Camlin River and their tributaries). This permit is not needed to fish the main River Shannon.

General regulations for angling

• Most waters in Ireland are owned either privately or by the State. A fishing permit issued by the owner of the waterway gives you the right to fish for a fixed period ranging from a day to a season.
• The only legal way to catch freshwater fish is by rod and line. It is illegal for one person to use more than two rods at a time.
• It is illegal to use live fish as bait.
• Most fisheries close on 30 September each year (though some close on various dates between 15 September and 12 October). Check with your local IFI office for more information.
• There are some areas where it is illegal to keep or kill any sea trout.
• On some waters, "fly-only" regulations or other restrictions may be in place. Check with the owner of the waterway or your local Fisheries District Office for more information.

Salmon and sea trout

• You must get a State fishing licence, tags and a separate fishing permit to fish for salmon and sea trout. The cost and duration of permits will vary. (See ‘How to apply’).
• There is an angling bag limit of 10 salmon (any size) or sea trout (over 40 cm) on rivers where you may catch and keep salmon. The bag limits are subject to any quota allocated to a river and its tributaries. Read more about angling bag limits.

Tagging and recording Salmon and sea trout

There is a system of tagging and recording the details of all commercial and recreational salmon catches. Similar systems are used by Canada, France, Spain, and the US. Tagging supplies valuable catch statistics and an estimate of salmon stocks.

All salmon (and sea trout over 40cm) that are kept must be tagged and logged in a logbook. You must return your completed logbook and any unused tags to the IFI within 7 days of the licence expiry and no later than 19 October each year. You should use the pre-printed envelope supplied at the time of purchase. You must return your logbook and tags, even if you did not catch any fish.

Further information on the Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme is available on IFI's angling website fishinginireland.info.

Fish farms

Fish populations in inland waterways can be negatively affected by water pollution and other problems. The IFI has a fish stock management programme that restores fish populations in affected areas. Fish stock management has also been used to enhance fisheries status and protect and conserve species.

Protection of resources

Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Irish Naval Service, the Air Corps and An Garda Síochána are all involved in protecting Ireland’s inland and sea fishery resources. These agencies have a national patrol plan that coordinates protection and surveillance operations. They have a visible presence in waters and powers to prosecute offenders (confiscate illegal nets, equipment, tackle and catch).

Fixed charge penalty notices

Fixed Charge Penalty Notices (sometimes called On the Spot Fines) are issued by Inland Fisheries Ireland officers for fisheries offences. Some offences can include failure to fish with a salmon licence where needed, using illegal methods, fishing out of season, and killing under sized fish. You must pay this fine within 21 days of the date on the Fixed Charge Penalty Notice or face criminal prosecution.

State licence (salmon or sea trout fishing)

You need a state licence to fish for salmon or sea trout. You can get a National licence or a District licence. A National licence covers all fishery board districts or a District Licence covers only the fishery district where the licence is bought. You can buy a licence for one day (€36) or up to a year (€100).

Information on licences and their cost is available on the Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) angling website, where you can also buy the licence online. See the list of fishing tackle shops where licences may be bought.

Fishing permit

A licence to fish for salmon and sea trout does not entitle you to fish. You may also need a fishing permit or permission from the fisheries owner.

Depending on where you are angling, you may need a permit for brown trout angling and, on some occasions, for pike and coarse angling.

In general, a fishing permit costs from €10 to €50 and upwards a day. Some of the more exclusive fisheries can be more expensive.

You can buy a state licence (salmon and trout fishing) online. You can also get a licence from a fishing tackle shop. See the list of fishing tackle shops.

You can buy a fishing permit online for the waterway that you are angling in.

Some of the waterways Districts include:

• Cork and Kerry - South Western River Basin District
• Donegal - North Western River Basin District
• Shannon area - Midland Fisheries Group
• Galway
• Mayo
• ESB fisheries - Shannon, Erne, Lee and Liffey catchments

You can read A Guide to Irish Angling Regulations (pdf).

If you have an angling query about a specific water body, contact the local Inland Fisheries Ireland office.

For more information about fishing licences, permits and angling in your area, contact your local fishing tackle shop, your local Fisheries District Office or Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).