Central Fisheries Board
| Home »
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a licence to fish in Ireland?
- Where can I go fishing?
- What fishing regulations or laws should I be aware of if I am fishing in Ireland?
- How do I report a pollution event?
- How do I report illegal fishing or poaching?
- How can I get a job in inland fisheries in Ireland?
Do I need a licence to fish in Ireland?
In Ireland you do not need a licence to fish for trout, coarse species or in the sea. However, if you intend to fish for salmon or seatrout you must have a State Salmon and Sea Trout Fishing Licence.
State Salmon and Sea Trout Licences are available as a National licence or a District Licence. A National Licence covers all Fishery Board Districts while a District Licence covers only the Fishery District in which the licence is purchased. A list of fishing tackle shops where licences may be bought is available on this site. Alternatively you can buy a licence online. It should be noted that a licence does not confer the right to fish for salmon or sea trout and that permission or permits are required to fish most waters.
Anglers in the Shannon Region must have a Shannon Board Permit (ticket charge) to fish for trout, pike or coarse fish in the Midland Fisheries Group of controlled waters. This area comprises the following river catchments; RIVER SUCK, RIVER INNY, RIVER BROSNA, LITTLE BROSNA RIVERand CAMLIN RIVER. This permit can be bought online. This permit is not required to fish the main River Shannon or other fisheries whose fishing rights are NOT under the control of the Shannon Board.
Seperate to these licence and permit requirements are Share Certificates. There are eight Fisheries Development Societies in Ireland. The purpose of these Societies is to raise funds for the development of coarse and trout fishing. When the management committees are elected, the members decide by ballot whether or not a share certificate is required in order to fish in their area. At present the Northern Fisheries Development Society (Northern Fisheries Region) is the only area in the country where a share certificate is required in order to fish. In all other areas, the purchase of share certificates is on a voluntary basis. They are available locally in most tackle shops. Persons younger than 18 years or 66 or over are exempt.
Where can I go fishing?
If you are looking for advice on where to go fishing in Ireland please contact us with the details of the type of fishing you are interested in, the time of year you are considering fishing and the area where you live / will be staying. Find out where to go fishing now.
What fishing regulations or laws should I be aware of if I am fishing in Ireland?
On this site you will find a complete list of fishing regulations which anglers should familiarise themselves with. There is also a code of conduct for anglers and information on angling bye-laws and legislation.
How do I report a pollution event?
If you are concerned about the impact of any industrial or construction activity on the aquatic environment or if you discover a fish kill or suspicious discharge into a stream, river or lake you should contact the Environmental Fisheries Officer of the local Regional Fisheries Board.
Eastern Regional Fisheries Board. Tel: +353 1 2787022
Southern Regional Fisheries Board. Tel: + 353 52 23624
South Western Regional Fisheries Board. Tel: +353 26 41221
Shannon Regional Fisheries Board. Tel: +353 61 300238
Western Regional Fisheries Board. Tel: +353 91 563118
North Western Regional Fisheries Board. Tel: +353 96 22623
Northern Regional Fisheries Board. Tel: +353 71 9851435
You may also email the information to the CFB.
How do I report illegal fishing or poaching?
If you think you have witnessed someone fishing illegally or poaching you should contact the local Regional Fisheries Board HQ as soon as you can.
Eastern Regional Fisheries Board. Tel: +353 1 2787022
Southern Regional Fisheries Board. Tel: + 353 52 23624
South Western Regional Fisheries Board. Tel: +353 26 41221
Shannon Regional Fisheries Board. Tel: +353 61 300238
Western Regional Fisheries Board. Tel: +353 91 563118
North Western Regional Fisheries Board. Tel: +353 96 22623
Northern Regional Fisheries Board. Tel: +353 71 9851435
Alternatively you can email the information to the CFB.
How can I get a job in inland fisheries in Ireland?
When jobs are available in the CFB they will be advertised on this site. If you are interested in working in any of the Regional Fisheries Boards contact them directly. Contact the Human Resources Department for more information.
