The Newport River is one of the west of Ireland's most distinguished salmon and sea trout fisheries, a compact but beautifully productive spate river that drains Lough Beltra and flows through the heritage town of Newport before entering Clew Bay. Privately managed by Newport House — a Georgian country mansion with centuries of angling tradition — the fishery offers eight miles of double-bank fly-only fishing through some of Mayo's most scenic countryside, with Croagh Patrick and the Nephin Beg range forming a dramatic backdrop.
This is an intimate river by Irish standards. It is easily waded and fished with a single-handed rod, yet it holds a remarkable stock of wild Atlantic salmon including a genuine run of spring fish — an increasingly rare commodity on Irish rivers. Spring salmon enter from late March, moving through the tidal pools and upstream to holding lies in the named pools that punctuate the river's eight-mile course. These are powerful fish, typically 8–12lb, fresh from the Atlantic and full of fight.
From June onwards the grilse arrive, and the character of the fishing changes. The river comes alive with smaller, athletic fish averaging 5–7lb that run hard in the faster water. The grilse run coincides with summer spates, and the Newport responds quickly to rainfall, rising and falling within hours — making timing and local knowledge crucial. September brings a late run of larger salmon that adds a final flourish to the season.
Sea trout were historically a defining feature of the Newport and Lough Beltra system, and while stocks have declined significantly in recent decades — a problem shared across the western seaboard — there is still a run of fish from mid-June. Sea trout fishing on the river is conducted on catch-and-release terms, and anglers occasionally encounter fish in the 2–4lb class, particularly in the lower pools near the tidal influence.
The river itself is a delight to fish. Twenty-four named pools offer a wonderful variety of water — from deep holding pools beneath overhanging alders to fast glides over gravel where salmon show freely in the current. The fishery limits rod numbers strictly, ensuring that each angler has space and peace. Ghillies are available through Newport House and their local knowledge of pool rotation, fly selection, and water conditions is invaluable.
Newport town sits at the heart of the Great Western Greenway and serves as a gateway to Clew Bay and Achill Island. The combination of world-class salmon fishing, beautiful scenery, and a vibrant small town makes the Newport River one of Ireland's most complete angling destinations.
Species present
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Atlantic Salmon
The Newport River holds a healthy stock of wild Atlantic salmon with distinct spring and grilse runs. Spring fish arrive from late March, averaging 8–12lb with occasional fish to 15lb+. The best spring fish in recent years weighed 21lb. Grilse from June onwards average 5–7lb and provide exciting sport in the faster water. A late run of larger fish in September rounds out the season. All salmon are wild — the river has never been stocked.
Also present: Sea Trout, Brown Trout
Methods
Fly Fishing
Venue details
Season dates
Trout: 20 Mar – 30 Sep
Salmon: 20 Mar – 30 Sep
Best times
Grilse: June, July
Sea Trout: June, July, August
Autumn Salmon: September
Spring Salmon: March, April, May
Difficulty
Intermediate
Access & bases
Newport is located on the N59, approximately 12km north of Westport in County Mayo. The river runs through and around the town, with access to fishing beats arranged through Newport House. Bus Éireann route 440 serves Newport from Knock Airport via Westport. The nearest airports are Ireland West Airport Knock (50km) and Shannon Airport (180km). Parking is available at Newport House and at designated access points along the river. Wading is required for much of the fishing — felt-soled or studded wading boots recommended.
Signature features
Twenty-Four Named Pools
The Newport River's eight miles of fishing contain twenty-four distinct named pools, each with its own character and holding capacity. From deep pot-holed lies beneath mature trees to fast glides over gravel bars, the variety ensures that anglers encounter different challenges throughout a day's fishing. Regular pool rotation prevents any water becoming stale.
Newport House Heritage
Newport House has been a centre for salmon fishing since the early twentieth century. This Georgian mansion owns the fishing rights to the entire river and Lough Beltra West, maintaining the fishery to the highest standard. The house provides permits, ghillie services, tackle advice, and accommodation — everything an angler needs is available under one roof.
Limited Rod Numbers
The fishery strictly limits the number of rods fishing at any time, ensuring each angler has adequate water and a genuine chance of sport. This policy preserves both the fish stocks and the quality of the angling experience, making the Newport a fishery where you fish in peace rather than competing for pools.
Season by season
March – May
Spring salmon season. Fresh fish move through the tidal pools and into the river from late March, with the best spring fishing typically in April and early May. Water levels are generally good, and fish take well on larger flies fished on sinking or sink-tip lines. This is the time for the biggest fish of the season. The river is quieter with fewer anglers competing for pools.
June – July
The grilse arrive, transforming the river's character. These smaller, acrobatic fish run hard in spate conditions and provide thrilling sport on light tackle. The fishing is heavily dependent on rainfall — after a summer spate the river can produce exceptional sport for a brief window as fish push upstream. Sea trout also begin to appear from mid-June.
August – September
Late grilse and autumn salmon provide the final chapter of the season. September often brings a run of larger fish, and the river takes on autumnal beauty with the heather turning purple on the surrounding hills. Water conditions can be variable — dry spells may slow the fishing, but a good September spate can produce memorable days. Season closes September 30.
Best conditions
Based on 0 reports, these conditions consistently produce the best fishing on Newport River:
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SW breeze beneficial on Lough Beltra; river fishing less wind-dependent
Best wind
☁️
Overcast with mild temperatures ideal; bright sunshine pushes fish deeper
Best sky
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8–16°C through the season
Water temp
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After a spate — the Newport rises and falls within hours, creating brief windows of exceptional fishing
Best window
Seasonal fly & tactics guide
Spring Salmon (March – May)
Patterns
Silver DoctorBlack DoctorBeltra BadgerThunder and LightningHairy Mary
Fish larger flies (sizes 4–8) on a slow-sinking or sink-tip line early in the season when water temperatures are low. Cover the deeper holding pools methodically with a steady downstream swing. An 11–12ft single-handed rod or 13ft double-handed rod gives good line control. Fish the pools from head to tail, taking a step between each cast.
⚠️Common mistake: Fishing too fast through pools in cold water. Spring salmon are lethargic and may not move far for a fly — slow down your presentation and allow the fly to hang in the current at the end of each swing.
Grilse (June – July)
Patterns
Ally's ShrimpFoxford ShrimpGreen HighlanderLemon and GreyRed Shrimp
Switch to a floating line and smaller flies (sizes 8–12) as water temperatures rise. Grilse are more active than spring fish and will move further for a well-presented fly. Fish the faster water — glides, runs, and the necks of pools where grilse like to hold. An 11ft single-handed rod is ideal for the river's scale.
⚠️Common mistake: Not fishing immediately after a spate. The Newport rises and falls quickly, and the best grilse fishing is often in the 12–24 hours after the peak of a flood as fresh fish push through and settle into pools.
Late Season (August – September)
Patterns
QuackRed ShrimpBibioConnemara BlackDelphi
September salmon can be larger and more cautious than summer grilse. Fish a floating line with flies in sizes 6–10, adjusting presentation based on water height. In low water, try smaller patterns fished on a long leader with a delicate approach. Dapping with daddy longlegs on Lough Beltra can be effective for sea trout in this period.
⚠️Common mistake: Giving up on coloured pools. Late-season fish often hold in deeper, coloured water that looks unfishable. A larger, brighter fly fished slowly through these lies can produce unexpected results.
Core technique
Wet Fly Swing on a Spate River
1Enter the pool at the head and position yourself upstream of the main holding water.
2Cast across and slightly downstream at roughly 45 degrees, allowing the fly to swing across the current in an arc.
3Control the speed of the swing with mends — an upstream mend slows the fly, a downstream mend speeds it up.
4Allow the fly to hang directly below you at the end of each swing for a few seconds before recasting.
5Take a step downstream after each cast, covering new water with every swing until you have fished through the entire pool.
💡 On the Newport, the ghillie will advise on which pools to fish and the best approach for current water conditions. Pool rotation ensures all anglers get fair access to the best water.
What works here
Flies and methods reported most successful by the community.
Where to fish
Tidal Pools
The lowest section of the river where it meets the tidal influence of Clew Bay. Fresh salmon and sea trout arriving from the sea hold here before running upstream. These pools fish best on the falling tide and can be exceptionally productive when fish are stacking up before a spate. Fly fishing from the bank with a floating line.
Lower River (Town Water)
The section flowing through and around Newport town contains several named pools with good holding water. Accessible and easy to fish, this stretch is often the first to produce fish after a spate as salmon move through quickly. The river here is relatively open with good casting room.
Middle River
The middle beats contain some of the fishery's finest pools with deeper holding water beneath mature bankside trees. Spring salmon favour this section, settling into the deeper lies. The river narrows in places, creating faster runs between pools that are excellent grilse water.
Upper River (Beltra Outflow)
The uppermost section where the river exits Lough Beltra. Salmon that have run the full length of the river hold here before entering the lough. This section fishes well later in the season and is particularly productive in September when autumn fish push upstream.
Lough Beltra West
The fishery also includes boat fishing on Lough Beltra West, a wild and scenic lough 5 miles northeast of Newport. Beltra holds spring salmon, grilse, and sea trout. Fly fishing and dapping from boat with outboard. The lough is divided between Newport House (west side) and Glenisland Co-op (east side). Ten boats available.
Suggested trip formats
🎣 Day Permit — River
A single day's fly fishing on the Newport River covering designated pools on a rotation system. Permits available through Newport House. Ghillie available by arrangement. Ideal for experienced salmon anglers who know the river or want to explore it for the first time.
🎣 Weekly Fishing Package
A week's fishing on the river and Lough Beltra with accommodation at Newport House or locally arranged alternatives. Ghillie services, boat hire on Beltra, and all permits included. The full Newport experience — fish different water each day and build knowledge of the system through the week.
🎣 Lough Beltra Day
A day's boat fishing on Lough Beltra West targeting spring salmon, grilse, or sea trout (catch and release). Boats and outboards available from both Newport House and Glenisland Co-op sides. Ghillie/boatman included on the Newport House side. Best in spring for salmon and from June for grilse.
Conservation & stewardship
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The Newport River holds entirely wild salmon stocks — no stocking or ranching takes place. Anglers are strongly encouraged to practise catch and release, particularly for spring salmon and all sea trout. The killing of sea trout is prohibited by law in this fishery district due to stock concerns across the western seaboard. Barbless hooks are strongly recommended. The fishery's limited rod policy is a key conservation measure, preventing overfishing and ensuring sustainable salmon populations for future generations.
Main access: Local tackle available through Newport House; nearest full tackle shop in Westport (12km), Newport House (historic Georgian hotel with fishery), plus hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering in Newport and Westport, Newport House, Newport, Co. Mayo — permits, ghillies, tackle advice, and accommodation. Tel: +353 98 41222
