River Finn, Ireland

The River Finn as a destination for salmon fishermen might be one of Ireland’s best kept secrets. Until recently, it was hardly known among salmon fishermen in Europe. However, with its inauguration in 2007, the Glenmore Rivers Lodge, owned and partially run by Mick Hucknall the lead singer and Chris Demagery an ex-saxophonist of the group “Simply Red”, has already converted this river into a destination of reference among a small group of anglers who have had the privilege to visit it.

The area of the River Finn managed by the Glenmore Rivers Estate includes 60 kilometers of excellent fly waters. The system includes two spate rivers, the River Finn and its main tributary the River Reelin. These are shallow waters ideal for fly fishing with floating lines and small flies. Strong runs of salmon from the Foyle Estuary and the agressive nature of these fish, make the Finn a fabulous salmon fishing destination in the Spring and the Summer.

Because of their privileged location at the foot of the Blue Stack Mountains, the Finn and the Reelin can usually count on regular rains throughout the season to keep fresh salmon moving into the rivers. During the last 5 years the average anual catch is estimated at 2500 salmon. The recent prohibition of commercial fishing in the Foyle Estuary combined with carefully guided management of the river makes the outlook for the future even more promising.

Using the lodge as a base, we also have access to private waters on a number of other excellent salmon rivers including the Mourne, Lacker, Bann y Drowes. The guides are local and have intimate knowledge of these waters acquired during many years of fishing and guiding on them.

Groups are normally limited to five rods to provide for a more exclusive experience with a high level of personal attention. A full range of high quality fishing gear is available for rental at the lodge and flies and lines may be purchased on site.

Glenmore Rivers is also an ideal place to learn to fly fish for salmon or just improve your spey casting with its expert certified instructors including the likes of Robert Gillespie or world champion spey caster Gerard Downey.