Moy Fisheries

This is justifiably one of the most famous angling venues in the world, where catches of over 5,000 salmon have been recorded in a single season. Its entire length, of just over 1.5 miles is located within the Ballina Town boundaries.

Purchased by the State in 1987, the Moy Fishery is now under the management of the North Western Regional Fisheries Board. In 1999 the board completed the first phase of the Moy Development Plan. This ¤2.6m. programme enhanced large sections of salmon and trout spawning and nursery habitat and created numerous new angling pools on the River Moy and its tributaries. Much of this development work was centred on the Moy Fishery and a considerable number of new angling spaces have been created as a result.

The new Ridge Pool Angling Centre was also created with funding from this programme and similar developments are planned for the Cathedral Beat and Ash Tree Pool.

All waters within the Moy Fishery are affected to some extent by the tide and depending on height and location of the beat, water may be unfishable for up to 2 hours at high tide. To avoid disappointment and delay, anglers should enquire locally about tide times prior to angling.

Moy Fishery Beats

Since completion of these development works, the fishery is divided into 8 separate beats, all but one of these must be booked in advance.

The Ridge Pool

The most famous Moy Fishery beat is, undoubtedly, the Ridge Pool. Situated at the crest of the tidal waters, just below the Weirs, it is extremely productive and attracts considerable interest from the angling fraternity. During peak season it is fished on a two-session per day basis with the first session from sunrise to 2 p.m., and the second from 2 p.m. until sunset. Five rods per session are allowed and these must rotate and move constantly along the beat. In addition to these five rods, an extra space has been added to the Ridge Pool since the suspension of the salmon traps in 1999. This additional space, The Weir Pool, is fished separately from the rest of the Ridge Pool and can only be booked two days in advance. It operates on the same 2 session basis as the rest of the Ridge Pool.

Cathedral Beat

The Cathedral beat, immediately downstream of the Ridge Pool has also become a prolific salmon rod fishery since development works were carried out in 1996. It can accommodate 8 anglers per session, provides excellent fly water and has produced over 1,500 salmon in its best season. This beat is also in great demand and booked anglers may commence fishing at sunrise and continue until 6 p.m., after which time the angling is reserved for local anglers.

Beats 1 & 2

Known as Polnamonagh (the monk’s pool) and Spring Wells, these beats are located about 200 yards downstream of the lower bridge in Ballina. Both beats can be very productive. Polnamonagh is deep and slow, making it more suitable for spinning and worming, while Spring Wells is comprised mostly of shallow water, ideal for fly-fishing. These beats are less heavily fished than the Ridge or Cathedral, and do not usually require advance booking. They may appeal more to anglers who prefer to do their fishing away from public view. They operate on a single session basis and can be fished from sunrise to sunset.

Beat 3 – Ash Tree Pool

The Ash Tree Pool is a lovely, tree lined beat, located alongside the town park. It is a haven for the angler who wishes to fish in peaceful surroundings and can be fished with fly, spinner or worm, depending on conditions. A boat and ghillie is provided on this beat which can accommodate two rods and a further two rods may fish from the bank. Given its proximity to the estuary, this beat is substantially affected by the tide, so anglers are advised to arrange fishing times with the ghillie prior to their allocated angling day.

Beat 4 – The Point

Located at the mouth of the Brusna (or Bunree) River, The Point is a public beat, where no restriction is placed on the number of anglers. Although catches have declined somewhat here in the last number of years, a recent development programme has inproved the main holding pools and catches have increased as a result. It is now a prolific salmon and sea-trout fishery, which is popular with locals and visitors alike. Tickets are available on a daily, weekly or seasonal basis and can be purchased from local tackle dealers or from fishery staff on duty. Anglers must be in possession of a valid permit before they commence angling.

Freshwater Beat

This beat comprises of 300 yards of single-bank fishing and has recently been developed to improve angling and access. It is best fished on a falling flood as fish rest in this area and traversed the Weir before moving up river. This beat also provides access for disabled anglers.

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