Fishing in Killarney

The Killarney lakes have been fished since prehistoric times — and for good reason. The three glacially carved lakes and the rivers connecting them support outstanding populations of wild brown trout and Atlantic salmon, in water of exceptional clarity and quality. Fishing here is not just about the catch; it is about being on the water in one of the most beautiful settings in Ireland, with the mountains reflected around you.

Brown trout fishing

The Killarney lakes are renowned for wild brown trout fishing. Lough Leane is the largest and most productive lake, with trout fishing available throughout the season. Fly fishing from a traditional wooden boat with a local gillie is the classic way to fish the lakes — the gillies know the water intimately and their knowledge of the best drifts and flies for the conditions is invaluable. The trout of the Killarney lakes are wild fish — not stocked — and the fishing is genuinely challenging and rewarding.

Salmon fishing

Atlantic salmon run the rivers connecting the Killarney lakes — the Laune, the Flesk and the smaller tributaries. The salmon season runs from January to September, with spring and early summer typically the best period for fresh-run fish. The fishing is regulated and permits are required — local fishing tackle shops can advise on current conditions and permit requirements.

Arctic char

Unusually, the Killarney lakes also contain Arctic char — a species that survived in these waters since the last ice age, when Ireland's climate was cold enough for them to thrive. They are a relic population of considerable scientific interest and can occasionally be caught by anglers fishing deep water, particularly in Muckross Lake and the Upper Lake.

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Practical information