Fly fishing in Dundalk. Salmon and trout fishing.
The Ballymascanlan River
CLOSED TO ANGLING FOR ALL SALMON AND FOR SEA TROUT OVER 40CM for 2010.
The Balllymascanlan River rises on Slieve Gullion and Camlough Mountain located to the west of Newry Co. Down. and flows for approximately 14 miles before entering Dundalk bay N.E. of Dundalk Co. Louth. The Ballymascanlan contains small stocks of brown trout but gets a run of salmon and sea trout during the summer months. The best of the salmon and sea trout fishing is to be found downstream of Ballynascanlan bridge just out side Dundalk and there are a number of lovely pools located in this area. The best period for fishing is from July to September and fishing is best after a flood. Riparian owners and the local angling association the Dundalk Brown Trout Anglers, who has day permits available, control fishing.
Location: Co. Louth and Co. Down. The main towns and villages are Dundalk.
Season: March 1st to 30th September.
Fish species: The Ballymascannlan River contains stocks of wild brown trout and throughout. Sea trout and salmon fishing is best on its lower reaches below Ballymascanlan Bridge.
Methods: All legitimate methods are allowed however catch and release is encouraged
Best Flies:
Brown Trout: Hares Ear, Black and Silver Spider, The Klinkhammer Special,
Assorted Olive Patterns
Sea Trout: Teal, Blue and Silver, Black Pennell, Butcher, Alexander, Peter
Ross and Conemara Black.
Salmon: Green Highlander, Colley Dog, Ally Shrimp, Bann Special Shrimp and
Orange and Gold Shrimp.
Angling Clubs: The Dundalk Brown Trout Anglers are the biggest
club and control a large section of water.
Link: www.browntroutanglers.com
Angling Tip: Fish this water after a flood. Night fishing for sea trout below Ballymascannnlan Bridge can produce good results.
Permits: Local tackle dealers.
Island Fishing Tackle, 58 Park Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth. Tel: 042 9335698
Riparian owners
Further Information: For further information please contact,
The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board,15a Main Street, Blackrock Co. Dublin
Tel: 00 353 1 2787022 Fax: 00 353 1 22787025 email: info@erfb.ie