Trout

Eager and friendly.

Irish trout share a lot in common with Irish people.

Native Brown Trout

Unlike North America where brown trout are exotic species, they're the native trout of Ireland and populate most of Ireland's lakes (loughs) and rivers. Anadromous "white trout", or sea trout, are migratory browns that spawn in most of the country's coastal rivers and streams – and "ferox", or large cannibal brown trout, prey on their smaller brethren in larger lakes. All in all, the brown trout of Ireland provide excellent sport from the season opener in February through its close at the end of September.

Native brown trout in Connemara's lakes and connecting rivers average in size from one to two pounds, although some lakes produce hold-over sea trout that weigh five pounds or more. The trout fishing is very dependable, with hatches starting in April and peaking in May and early June. Then, caddis, crane flies and terrestrials keep the trout looking up all summer long. Because Connemara's rivers and lakes are acidic, food is scarce, so the trout rise eagerly to dry flies and take wet flies and nymphs with little hesitation.

Sea Trout

The sea trout, which are anadromous brown trout, are struggling. Sea lice infestations spread by salmon farms have significantly reduced the famous runs of Connemara's "white trout", which average 3 to 4 pounds and are legendary for their ferocious fighting spirit. Fortunately, recent efforts to downsize the salmon farms have resulted in a slow but eagerly anticipated recovery of this once-great sea trout fishery. The sea trout run in the Ballynahinch river system was the largest in almost 20 years, with Lough Inagh Lodge reporting record numbers of trout up to 2 1/2 pounds. We eagerly await the return of these magnificent fish in July, 2013 when they’re expected to have grown larger – and more plentiful than ever. Sea trout enter the rivers beginning in early June, when the most productive fishing takes place after sunset.

Fishing Rights & Daily Fees

Most of the fishing rights to the lakes and rivers in Ireland are privately owned, but permits are easily purchased from the lodges, hotels, fishing clubs and syndicates that manage each fishery. This might rankle some Americans who are used to widespread public access at home, but the privately managed fisheries in Ireland provide a high-quality experience without crowds or competition.

Daily fees are reasonable, too, running from as little as $15 - $30 for a day of trout fishing to $100 or more for a beat on a top salmon river (although many lodges allow two rods to share a beat, which effectively cuts your cost by half when fishing with a friend). Many fisheries offer both full and half-day permits, making it economical for DIY fly anglers to sample plenty of water during a week's trip.

Sea Trout Licenses

You do not need a fishing license to fish for native brown trout, but sea trout anglers must purchase a state salmon and sea trout license, which are available by the day ($30), 21-days ($65) or full year ($85 for the Connemara region, $175 for the whole country). You can purchase your license online before you go, click here.

Guide Fees

Guides (ghillies) charge between $125 and $160 a day, plus tip, and its customary to buy their lunch at a nearby pub when you break at noon. You can book guides through the many lodges and fisheries – or hire an independent (see "Ghillies" section).

Suggested Itinerary for Trout

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