📍Kerry · South West📋IFI (Republic of Ireland)Season Open
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The River Feale is one of the south-west of Ireland's most traditional salmon rivers, rising in the Mullaghareirk Mountains and flowing north-west through counties Kerry and Limerick before entering the Shannon Estuary near Tarbert. For visiting anglers seeking authentic Irish spate-river sport, the Feale delivers — provided conditions are right and timing is everything.
Stretching approximately 75 kilometres, the river transitions from intimate peat-stained upland streams through classic salmon country in its middle reaches to broad, tidally influenced pools as it approaches the Shannon. Each zone has its own character and demands different tactics from the angler who fishes them.
Atlantic salmon are the headline species. Spring fish appear in the upper river from late winter, but the river's reputation rests on its summer grilse runs — fresh sea-lice fish arriving from June onward that provide energetic sport, particularly in the lower and middle sections after a flush of fresh water. Autumn brings heavier salmon into sustained high water.
Sea trout run alongside the grilse through late spring and summer, offering exciting sport on fly in the evening and early morning. Resident brown trout are present throughout the system, particularly in the upper reaches and tributary streams.
The Feale is a spate river in the truest sense. Rain transforms it. A day's heavy rainfall can bring the river up overnight and set fish moving that were previously static. The best fishing consistently occurs on the falling water — the 24 to 72-hour window after a rise when salmon have pushed up and settled into lies. For visiting anglers, building flexibility into an itinerary is not just useful; it is essential.
Abbeyfeale and Listowel are the natural bases, with access to the middle and lower river respectively. Some stretches are managed by local angling clubs and a permit is required; others are under private ownership. Confirmation of access arrangements before arrival avoids disappointment.
Species present
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Atlantic Salmon
Salmon are the defining species on the Feale. Spring fish appear from late winter through April, running in lower numbers but offering the prospect of heavier, long-finned fish. The main event is the summer grilse run from June onward — fresh, sea-liced fish that push upriver rapidly on any rise in water. These grilse average 3–5 lb and fight hard in the fast water. Autumn can produce bigger salmon in September when sustained high water draws late fish upriver. The Feale is a spate system, which means run timing is driven by rainfall and river height rather than calendar date alone.
Also present: Sea Trout, Brown Trout
Methods
Fly FishingSpinningBait Fishing
Venue details
Season dates
Trout: January – October
Salmon: January – October
Best times
Grilse: June, July, August
Sea Trout: July, August
Brown Trout: April, May, June
Spring Salmon: March, April
Difficulty
Intermediate
Access & bases
The River Feale flows through Abbeyfeale (Co. Kerry) and Listowel (Co. Kerry) before reaching the Shannon Estuary near Tarbert. Both towns are accessible via the N21 from Limerick or the N69 from Tralee. Abbeyfeale is approximately 35km from Limerick city and 50km from Killarney. Public access varies by stretch — some waters are managed by local angling clubs including Abbeyfeale and District Angling Club and Listowel Anglers, with day and weekly permits available locally. Other stretches are privately controlled; always confirm access arrangements in advance. Visiting anglers unfamiliar with the river should arrange guiding through a local contact. Bank access is generally good but riverside paths can be slippery in wet conditions.
Signature features
Classic Spate River Dynamics
The Feale is the definitive Irish spate river. Its character is defined by rainfall. Salmon push upriver rapidly on fresh water and rest in defined lies as the level drops. The best fishing consistently occurs in the 24–72 hours after a rise, on falling water. Understanding this rhythm is more important than any fly selection.
Summer Grilse Runs
The Feale's reputation rests on its summer grilse runs. These small, powerful fish arrive fresh from the sea — sea-liced and full of energy — and provide sport that is hard to replicate on larger, slower rivers. The lower and middle river are most productive as fish push upriver with each fresh.
Peat-Influenced Upper Water
The upper reaches carry a characteristic peaty tint after rainfall, darkening the water and changing how flies are perceived. This demands larger, darker fly profiles and adjustments to presentation. Many anglers find the intimate pools and runs of the upper Feale to be the most atmospheric fishing on the system.
Shannon Estuary Connection
As a major tributary of the Lower Shannon, the Feale benefits from estuarine exchange. Fish entering the Shannon system can ascend the Feale quickly when conditions permit, meaning that a rise in water can trigger a rapid run of fresh fish that were holding in the estuary just days before.
Season by season
March – May
The early season offers potential for spring salmon in suitable water conditions, though success is heavily dependent on temperature and river level. Cold, low water can hold fish back; a mild spring with regular rain produces the best results. Brown trout fishing comes alive during this period as hatches build.
June – July
The Feale's finest period for most visiting anglers. Grilse arrive with each flush of fresh water and provide energetic, unpredictable sport. Sea trout run alongside in good water. The river can appear dead in prolonged drought and then transform overnight after rainfall. Flexibility in scheduling is essential.
August
Can be a strong month for both grilse and sea trout in good water. Low, clear conditions demand finer presentation — smaller flies, lighter leaders, and careful wading. Evening sessions for sea trout are at their best in late August. Patience and water-reading skills are rewarded.
September
Autumn brings larger salmon into the river in sustained higher water. September can be the best month for fish over 10 lb. Heavier flies, stronger tackle, and focusing on newly flooded lies produce results. The river's character changes in autumn — it feels bigger, slower, and more powerful.
Best conditions
Based on 0 reports, these conditions consistently produce the best fishing on River Feale:
💨
Any — not a significant factor
Best wind
☁️
Overcast with light rain
Best sky
🌡️
10–16°C
Water temp
⏰
Falling water 24–72 hours after rainfall
Best window
Seasonal fly & tactics guide
Early Season (March – May, Cold Water)
Patterns
CascadeAlly's ShrimpTemple DogWillie Gunn
Fish deeper runs, slow pools, and tail-outs. Use weighted flies or sink tips to maintain depth in cold water. Slow down the swing — cold water fish are reluctant to move far. Cover each lie methodically before moving on.
⚠️Common mistake: Fishing too shallow and too fast. Cold water salmon need the fly presented at their level, not swung quickly across the surface.
Summer Grilse (June – July)
Patterns
Stoat's TailSilver StoatGreen HighlanderHairy Mary
Target the neck of pools, seams, and newly covered runs after fresh water. Size down in clear conditions (10–14) and size up if the river is coloured. Work quickly through water — grilse often respond on the first or second cast over a lie.
⚠️Common mistake: Waiting too long on each lie. Fresh grilse are either willing or they are not — move through the pool and return rather than hammering the same water repeatedly.
Late Summer (August, Low Water)
Patterns
Small doublesSubtle shrimp patternsLow water tubes
Fine leaders, careful wading, and long, accurate casts. Fish early morning and late evening. In very low conditions, target the deeper lies where fish have concentrated. Patience and stealth are more important than fly choice.
⚠️Common mistake: Overcasting and lining fish in clear, low water. Salmon that are spooked by fly line will not take for hours.
Autumn (September, Higher Water)
Patterns
Cascade tubeFlamethrower variantsWillie GunnCollie Dog
Target newly flooded margins and strong runs. Cover water methodically — autumn salmon may lie in unexpected holding areas well away from traditional summer lies. Heavier flies and sink tips may be needed in sustained high water.
⚠️Common mistake: Fishing only traditional summer lies. Autumn fish in high water spread across the river and are often found closer to the bank than expected.
Core technique
Spate River Salmon Fishing
1Watch the river level closely — on the Feale, timing entry after a rise is more important than any other factor. Most productive fishing is on falling water, 24–72 hours after a rise.
2Fish downstream and across, allowing the fly to swing across the current under controlled tension. Start with a short line and extend progressively to cover the entire run.
3Vary depth by changing fly weight or adding a sink tip. Cold or high water demands depth; low summer water needs a fly near the surface.
4Move frequently. Cover water and return to promising lies rather than persisting on one spot. On a spate river, fish are often transient — the pool that was empty this morning may hold a dozen fish by afternoon.
5Avoid excessive wading. Salmon frequently lie close to the bank in fresh water and an angler wading through the middle of the river disturbs fish that would otherwise have been catchable from the bank.
💡 Local knowledge is invaluable on the Feale. River height gauges are available online and local ghillies can often predict the ideal fishing window from a rainfall event.
What works here
Flies and methods reported most successful by the community.
Where to fish
Upper Reaches (Source to Abbeyfeale)
Smaller, more intimate water with tight pools and fast runs. Best after rain when water is on a modest rise. Holds brown trout throughout and salmon in fresh water. Particularly atmospheric in peat-stained condition.
Middle River (Abbeyfeale to Listowel)
The classic salmon water on the Feale. Broad runs, defined holding pools, and good bank access. Most productive on the falling water after a fresh. Accessible with permits from local angling clubs.
Lower River (Below Listowel toward Estuary)
Wider and tidally influenced near the Shannon confluence. Often productive early in runs as fresh fish stack before pushing upriver. Sea trout are most commonly encountered in this section.
Suggested trip formats
🎣 2–3 Day Spate Watch Trip
Base in Abbeyfeale or Listowel. Monitor rainfall and river height forecasts closely. Fish intensively on falling water. Build flexibility into the schedule — the spate river rewards those who can respond to conditions rather than fish to a fixed itinerary.
🎣 Summer Grilse Break (June–July)
Focus on the lower and middle river for grilse during the day, with evening sea trout sessions. Ideal for visiting UK or European anglers combining a fishing trip with Kerry or Limerick hospitality. The Listowel area offers good accommodation and a genuine sense of local angling culture.
🎣 Autumn Salmon Expedition (September)
Target fresh autumn fish in sustained higher water. Employ larger flies and robust tackle. Plan around weather windows — a week of good autumn rain can produce outstanding fishing across the entire river. Combine with the wild scenery of the Mullaghareirk foothills.
Conservation & stewardship
🌿
The River Feale is part of Ireland's nationally managed salmonid resource under IFI stewardship. Anglers should observe catch-and-release where required, respect any bag limits in force, and avoid disturbance to spawning redds in autumn. Spawning habitat in the upper reaches and tributary streams is critical to future run strength — wading through gravelly shallows late in the season should be avoided. Respect private farmland and leave gates as found. The health of the Feale's salmon runs depends on every angler treating the river as a shared, irreplaceable resource.
Main access: Local guiding available through angling clubs and tackle shops in Abbeyfeale and Listowel. Visiting anglers are strongly advised to arrange a guide for at least the first session., Abbeyfeale and District Angling Club — local permits and river information. Listowel Anglers Club for lower river access., Inland Fisheries Ireland, South West Region — manages and regulates the Feale system
