Spate · Limestone · North West / Sligo

Drumcliff / Glencar

Drumcliff / Glencar terrain map
Terrain map

North-west system with a well-deserved reputation for producing the largest average-sized sea trout on Ireland's west coast.

Species

Decent — worth a look

Low and clear — careful approach country. Low water tactics — small singles, riffling hitch in the smooth glides.

50% confidence in this read
Water temperature for atlantic salmon
Cool — slow
8°C est.ideal 10–14°C
0°14°28°
Why this score · for atlantic salmon
  • Temperature4530% weight
  • Flow4525% weight
  • Clarity9520% weight
  • Feeding Time1015% weight
  • Pressure8510% weight
Conditions
Level
Dry recently
No gauge reading
Water temp
7.5°C
Estimated
Clarity
Clear
Air temp
7°C
Wind
W 32 km/h
Fresh breeze
Pressure
1007 hPa
Rain · 48h
0.0 mm
No meaningful rain
Rain · ahead
19.0 mm
Moderate rain · next 48h

Live readings — water temperature is an estimate where the gauge does not record it.

How to fish it · for atlantic salmon
When
Morning into early afternoon.
Where
Pool tails, steadier runs, and any water with pace.
Method
Fish a sensible line-and-fly combination for the height and pace of water.
Kit
13 ft #8/9 double-hander in spate, 10 ft #8 single in low water. Floating line plus a fast-sink tip. 12–15 lb fluoro tippet.
Why this works
Fair conditions. Clarity is favourable (95), Feeding time is weakest (10).
Through the year
0–3 scale · May highlighted
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Trout seasonSeason
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
March BrownHatch
2
3
2
GrannomHatch
2
2
Large StoneflyHatch
2
3
2
Yellow SallyHatch
2
3
2

Numbers are intensity 0 (none) to 3 (peak) — a guide, not a guarantee.

Permits & access
Permit required — see local rules.
  • Mixed access
  • Drumcliff River and Glencar Lough
  • State rod licence required.
Directions
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About this water

North-west system with a well-deserved reputation for producing the largest average-sized sea trout on Ireland's west coast. Season 1 February to 12 October. Limestone geology influences the water quality and the fish. Fish the pools as they clear after rain with sunk-tip line, taking the broken water where fish gather. Salmon from February; sea trout from May onwards.

  • Limestone
Seasons & zones
  • Trout15 February → 30 September
Other water nearby · 5