Mayo's Moy is top salmon river in the country

MAYO'S River Moy is the best salmon river in the country.

Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Statistics Report 2022 shows that five rivers in four counties accounted for 53% of all salmon caught last year.

The Moy led the way with a total of 18% taken there, followed on 16.1% by the River Blackwater (Lismore) in Co. Cork, with 7.3% taken on the River Laune, Co. Kerry.

A newly-published report by IFI reveals a record percentage of wild salmon were placed back in the water after being hooked by anglers in 2022.

Last year anglers in Ireland released back 54% of their wild salmon catch, compared to 52% in 2021 and 51% in 2020.

Barry Fox, head of operations at IFI, said: “Catch-and-release of salmonids in Ireland's rivers and lakes is becoming the norm.

“It is very encouraging to see the year-on-year increase in the catch-and-release of salmon. This method supports the angling community to sustainably fish, and conserves our salmon stocks.

“Wild Atlantic salmon and sea trout continue to face numerous risks, including climate change, water pollution and illegal fishing. I commend all our stakeholders who participate in the wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme - which limits the number of fish that can be retained - and helps ensure its continued success.”

The Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Statistics Report 2022 outlines the total number of fish caught by all methods (commercial and angling, including catch and release) was 26,715 salmon and 2,082 sea trout.

This is a reduction of 14% on the total salmon catch recorded in 2021 (31,148), but an increase of 30% of the total sea trout catch recorded that year (1,595).

Anglers from 42 different countries held salmon rod licences in 2022. Most of these licences were sold to residents of the Republic of Ireland (66.5%), followed by Northern Ireland (11%), and England/Scotland/Wales(6.6%). Hundreds of anglers from France, Germany and the United States also bought salmon licences in 2022 during trips here.

Commercial fishermen caught 15% of the salmon catch in 2022, compared to 21% in 2021, and recreational anglers caught 85% in 2022 compared to 79% in 2021.

A total of 17,318 salmon licences were bought by anglers in 2022 - up some 11% on the corresponding figure for 2021.