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The Fishery

NEW SEASON SPECIAL OFFER

To kick off the new salmon fishing season at Delphi, we are offering free fishing for the first three weeks of Feburary to our guests who are staying in the Lodge. We are looking forward to welcoming the “earlybird” anglers eagar to wet a line after the long winter. For those interested please contact the office.

Delphi Fishery

Delphi is one of the most famous salmon fisheries in the West of Ireland. Its wide variety of fly fishing, both on river and lake, its spectacular setting and its 170-year angling history, help to make it a special heaven for fishermen. Add in its unusually long season, its fantastic lodge and its highly successful salmon enhancement programme and you have one of the most sought-after spots in Europe for serious salmon anglers.

The number of fishermen is strictly limited to just twelve per day (or only eight in February and March). Fishing rotates between the river (Bundorragha) and lakes (Finlough and Doolough) on a half-daily basis to provide maximum variety of scenery and opportunity. And, with very limited exceptions in the case of Doolough, all fishing is by fly only.

The larger and rarer spring salmon, weighing between 7 and 14 pounds, run into Delphi between January and June, followed by the smaller but more plentiful ‘grilse’ (2 to 6-pounders that have spent just one winter at sea) during July and August. Salmon catches average around 500 each year. By September, there is a full population of fish in the system.

Spring salmon run into Delphi on any flood from January to June. Normally weighing between eight and twelve pounds, these big fish require dedicated pursuit. Be prepared to fish hard in bad weather over several days. With luck, you’ll land a fresh-run springer – a truly memorable experience for any angler. Grilse and summer salmon arrive at Delphi from late May onwards, with the runs peaking in July. They normally weigh between three and six pounds. If the river is low, the lakes can provide the action. If the river is in flood, the chances of taking a lively, sea-liced four-pounder are excellent.

The tagged salmon, which account for about 75% of the catch, must be killed (to assist research). But the wild fish must be released alive. And any sea trout caught must also be released alive. See also Tackle & techniques.

Fishery News