Fishing
Owenea River drains Lough Ea running for some 13 miles through Glenties and emptying into Loughrosmore Bay at Ardara. The Owenea is primarily a spate river taking from 1 to 2 days to run off, depending on the size of the flood.
When in condition, the river is one of the best in the country for salmon. The river has runs of spring salmon, grilse, sea trout and a resident stock of small brown trout. July is the best month for grilse closely followed by June and August. Spring salmon can be caught from April onwards and indeed towards the end of the season a few autumn salmon are frequently caught.
The sea trout have been making something of a comeback in recent years though numbers were down this last season. Please returned where possible, to help conserve stocks.
There are 9 beats on the bottom 8 miles of river with good pools spread throughout the system and plenty of lovely ‘fly water’. Both banks can be fished with the beats catering for 3, 4 or 5 rods depending on the beat. Access to the fishery and along banks is good with adequate numbers of stiles and footbridges. There are bridges over the river between beats and one in the middle of beat 7. Disabled access and hospitality facilities have been provided for disabled anglers on a section of Beat 3 adjacent to the Fishery Office.
Fly-fishing is the most popular method used followed by spinning and worm. Shrimp and prawn are banned. Most shrimp flies fish well. Popular flies are Stoats Tail, Foxford Shrimp, Black Shrimp, Red Shrimp, John Anthony Shrimp and Claret Shrimp.
The Rosses Anglers
The Rosses area of West Donegal has been famed for angling for many, many years and its popularity with visiting and local anglers alike has increased greatly over the years.
The Rosses Anglers Association, now established for over 37 years, who control most of the Rosses lakes, have in recent years undertaken much development work and this has resulted in one of the finest fisheries in Donegal and indeed on par with many of Ireland's great angling centres. Development and improvements works at various lakes, most especially the Dungloe, Tully and Meela lakes have ensured easier access and better facilities for all.
Much work has also been carried out at minor lakes in the Rosses where many a big fish has been caught.
The angling facilities and atmosphere in Donegal is something that has resulted in visitors returning year in and year out and often bringing even more friends. The Rosses fishery has now become recognised on the international scene by many anglers who see it as their place for an annual fishing break. They come from all parts to enjoy the fishing, the craic and of course the beer in some of Dungloe's pubs where angling is often on the agenda of the locals.
This year on your visit to Donegal why not spend a day or more fishing the Rosses lakes. You'll experience friendliness, beautiful scenery, a relaxed atmosphere and most of all a pleasurable angling outing.
Sea Angling
The waters surrounding the coast of Donegal flourish with over thirty different species of fish. Cod, Ling, Pollack, Mackerel, Coalfish, Haddock, Halibut, Wrasse, Conger, Rays, Blue Shark, and the occasional Porbeagle, are just some of the many species caught. We are indeed fortunate to have such a diverse range of species available to us. Some 30+ species are to be had from literally minutes of the Harbour to 30 miles out. We offer angling charters for Cod, Pollack, Ling, Conger, Brill, Turbot, Blue Sharks and now even Bluefin Tuna - the first Bluefin Tuna ever taken on rod and line in Irish waters was caught aboard the MV Suzanne (Brian McGilloway’s former boat) off the coast of Donegal. Again off the Donegal Coast a record fish a Bluefin Tuna of almost 1000Lbs has been caught by Adrian Malloy, a fellow Skipper. The average runs at around 600Lbs. There are few places in the world (only the east coast of the USA and West Coast of Ireland) where you can battle with these giants.