📍Galway · West📋IFI (Republic of Ireland)Season Open
4Species Present
County
Galway
Region
West
Type
Fishery
Species
Atlantic Salmon, Sea Trout, Brown Trout, Pike
Screebe is one of the most prestigious private salmon fisheries in the west of Ireland — a chain of sixteen interconnected loughs and a short river set within a 45,000-acre sporting estate at the head of Camus Bay in south Connemara, approximately six miles south of Maam Cross.
The fishery is managed by Screebe House, a beautifully restored Victorian hunting and fishing lodge built in 1865. Conservation is central to their approach: only one boat is permitted on any lake at a time, and the salmon and bridge pools are fished by a maximum of two rods at any one time. This low-intensity management ensures an exclusive, unhurried fishing experience in true Connemara wilderness.
Salmon fishing is the primary draw. The fishery receives a small run of spring salmon from April, usually taken at the Salmon Pool — one of the most productive salmon pools in the west of Ireland. The grilse run builds from late June and peaks in July. The lower fishery has the advantage of fishing in any water height, as salmon can access Screebe Lough on high tides without needing flood conditions. The upper fishery fishes best following a spate, with the upstream loughs holding fish as water drains through the system.
The five bank beats — known locally as "butts" — include the Butt of Aasleam, the Lady Pool, the Salmon Pool, Derrywonniff Butt, Glencoh Butt, and the Road Pool. Despite being short, these beats can be exceptionally productive when fish are running. The river is narrow by salmon fishing standards and a single-handed rod is not only adequate but essential, as stripping line is needed to give the fly life in the deeper, slower water.
Beyond salmon, Screebe offers traditional lough fishing for native wild brown trout on the hill loughs — an experience of genuine solitude in a landscape of peat, heather, and mountain. Sea trout run from July, though current legislation requires all sea trout to be released.
Screenbe is not a walk-up fishery. Fishing requests should be submitted in advance, with priority given to guests staying at Screebe House. Day tickets are available when rods are free. State salmon licences can be purchased on site.
Screebe Fishery is a private fishery managed by Screebe House. Access is by arrangement — fishing requests should be submitted in advance to booking@screebe.com. Priority is given to guests staying at Screebe House, with day tickets available when rods are free. State salmon licences can be purchased on site. The fishery is located six miles south of Maam Cross off the R340, approximately one hour from Galway city.
Signature features
The Salmon Pool
The Salmon Pool at the top of Screebe Lake is regarded as one of the best salmon pools in the west of Ireland. The natural rock formation and two dry stone jetties extend the fishable water over 300 yards on both banks. A footbridge allows crossing to suit wind conditions.
Low-Intensity Conservation
Screebe limits fishing pressure deliberately — one boat per lake, two rods maximum on the river beats. This ensures fish stocks are protected and the fishing experience remains exclusive and productive.
Tidal Influence
The lower fishery sits at the head of Camus Bay. Salmon can access Screebe Lough on high tides without needing flood conditions to run. This gives the lower beats a unique advantage — they fish in virtually any water height.
45,000-Acre Estate
The fishery sits within one of the largest sporting estates in Ireland. The landscape is quintessential Connemara — peat bog, heather, mountain, and the Atlantic horizon. For the angler seeking solitude and wild beauty alongside quality salmon fishing, Screebe is hard to match.
Season by season
February – April
Season opens. A small run of spring salmon arrives, usually taken at the Salmon Pool. Early season can be quiet but rewarding when fish are present. Brown trout fishing on the loughs begins.
May – July
The prime period. Grilse begin arriving from late June and peak in July. The river beats are at their most productive after summer rain. Sea trout appear from July. Brown trout fishing on the hill loughs at its best.
August – September
Fresh salmon continue running with sufficient water. Late-season fishing can be excellent after autumn rains. Season closes at the end of September.
Best conditions
Based on 1 reports, these conditions consistently produce the best fishing on Screebe Fishery:
💨
Light to moderate SW for lough fishing
Best wind
☁️
Overcast with breaks
Best sky
🌡️
After summer rain for salmon; calm warm evenings for trout
Water temp
⏰
All day for salmon; evening for trout and sea trout
Best window
Seasonal fly & tactics guide
Salmon — River Beats (April – September)
Patterns
Hairy MaryBlue CharmSilver DoctorBlack PennellThunder and LightningLady Ethna
Fly fishing only. A single-handed rod is essential — the river is narrow and the deeper pools require stripping to give the fly life. Small to medium flies on floating or intermediate lines. In low, clear water, scale down to sizes 10–14. After a spate, larger flies on sink-tip lines can be effective.
⚠️Common mistake: Bringing a double-handed rod. The river beats are intimate — a nine-foot single-hander in a six or seven weight is ideal. Stripping line is the key technique on the slower pools.
Brown Trout — Hill Loughs (March – September)
Patterns
Connemara BlackBibioClaret BumblePeter RossWatson's FancyTeal Blue and Silver
Traditional lough fishing from a drifting boat. A team of three wet flies on a ten or eleven foot rod covers the water well. The hill loughs are wild and remote — savour the experience as much as the fishing.
⚠️Common mistake: Expecting large fish. The hill lough trout are small but perfectly wild. The experience is in the wilderness setting and the quality of the fishing, not the size of the catch.
What works here
Flies and methods reported most successful by the community.
Where to Fish at Screebe Fishery
Salmon Pool (Screebe Butt)
At the top of Screebe Lake. One of the best salmon pools in the west. Natural rock formation with two stone jetties. 300 yards of fishable water on both banks. Footbridge for crossing. Takes spring salmon and grilse throughout the season.
River Beats / Butts
Five named bank beats: Butt of Aasleam, Lady Pool, Derrywonniff Butt, Glencoh Butt, and the Road Pool. Short but productive when fish are running. The river is narrow and intimate — single-handed rod territory.
Screebe Lough
The lowest lough on the system. Good fishing for brown trout and sea trout as well as salmon. Boat fishing with one boat permitted at a time.
Upper Hill Loughs
A chain of remote loughs extending into the hill country. Native brown trout in wilderness surroundings. Best accessed by boat — arranged through the fishery manager.
Conservation & stewardship
🌿
Screebe takes conservation seriously — limited rods, one boat per lake, and mandatory release of all sea trout. The estate operates a hatchery releasing smolts to supplement wild salmon stocks. Anglers are encouraged to release salmon over eight pounds to protect breeding stock.
Frequently asked questions
Before You Go — Key Regulations
Jurisdiction
Republic of Ireland (IFI)
Season
February 1 – September 30
Licence required
Yes — State Salmon Rod Licence
State salmon licence and tags required for salmon fishing. District licence (Connemara) or national licence.
Main access: Professional ghillies available through Screebe House by arrangement, Pat Nolan, Oughterard — flies and local expertise; Thomas Tuck's, Clifden, Screebe House manages the fishery directly
