🎣 2026 Angling Season – Tag Update
For the 2026 angling season, Loughs Agency will issue anglers with a maximum of one black tag.
This replaces the previous allowance of one blue tag and two black tags issued in earlier seasons.
The single black tag may be used to retain:
- Salmon greater than 25.4cm
- Sea trout greater than 40cm
Black tag period: 1st June to end of season
Once the black tag has been used, anglers must practice catch and release for the remainder of the season.
Catch and release also applies on all rivers from the start of the season until 31st May.
The River Foyle and the River Finn remain catch and release all year.
♻ Catch and Release Guidelines
If an angler takes any salmon, sea trout or brown trout:
- Below the minimum size
- Or in excess of permitted numbers
The fish must be returned to the water without avoidable injury.
Every effort should be made to return the fish alive.
If Release Is Unsuccessful
- The fish must be tagged
- Loughs Agency must be informed immediately
- The fish must be surrendered to Loughs Agency as soon as practicable
- A replacement tag will be issued
If No Tag Is Available
- The fish must be returned immediately to the water
- The fish must not be retained
Anglers are requested to release fish without handling or removing them from the water where possible.
The use of earthworms as bait should be avoided when fishing catch and release.
When Fishing Catch and Release, Anglers Should:
- Use only barbless, single hooks on flies and spinning lures
- Play fish quickly to avoid exhaustion
- Handle fish as little as possible, preferably with wet hands and without nets
- Avoid taking fish onto the riverbank
- Keep fish in the water with gills immersed
- Be especially careful with spring salmon and fresh silver fish
- Use long-nosed forceps or pliers to remove hooks quickly
- Cut deeply embedded hooks close to the hook
- Support recovering fish gently facing upstream until fully recovered
📏 Size Regulations
Less than 25.4cm
- Salmon: Cannot retain
- Sea Trout: Cannot retain
- Brown Trout: Cannot retain
- Rainbow Trout: May retain without tag
- All coarse fish: May not retain
25.4cm to 40cm
- Salmon: Tag required
- Sea Trout: May retain without tag
- Brown Trout: May retain without tag
- Rainbow Trout: May retain without tag
- All coarse fish: May not retain
More than 40cm
- Salmon: Tag required
- Sea Trout: Tag required
- Brown Trout: May retain without tag
- Rainbow Trout: May retain without tag
- All coarse fish: May not retain
Additional Handling Rules to Reduce Fish Stress
- Never place fingers inside a gill cover
- Never squeeze a fish
- If photographing, act quickly and keep fish in water
- Do not weigh fish – estimate size instead
- Never tail a fish
- If using a landing net, ensure it is knotless
Anglers – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I fish for salmon after using my tag?
Yes. However, no additional salmon may be retained.
You must fish catch and release only and use methods that reduce fish mortality, such as a single barbless hook.
2. Which methods are permitted for catch and release?
Loughs Agency recommends a single barbless hook.
Bait and worm fishing should not be used when fishing catch and release.
River Foyle and River Finn: catch and release all season, single barbless hook mandatory.
3. If a fish dies before release, must it be tagged?
If you accidentally kill a salmon:
- It must be tagged (if available)
- Loughs Agency must be informed immediately
- The fish must be surrendered as soon as practicable
- A replacement tag can be obtained
If you have already used your tag:
- Inform Loughs Agency immediately by phone or email
- Surrender the fish at an agreed time
Failure to contact the Agency may result in enforcement action.
4. Must I use a single barbless hook after using my tag?
After using a tag, anglers must fish catch and release only. A single barbless hook is strongly recommended.
5. What lures and baits are permitted?
Before using a tag: Any permitted river method.
After using a tag: Single barbless hook recommended. Bait and worm fishing not recommended.
River Finn and River Foyle: Catch and release all season. Single barbless hook mandatory.
6. Is crimping the barb acceptable?
Yes. Fishery Officers may inspect hooks and provide guidance.
7. Does this apply to salmon only?
No. These provisions also apply to sea trout. Sea trout over 40cm must be tagged if retained.
8. Will I receive a tag with a 3-day or 14-day licence?
Yes. However, there is a maximum of one black tag per season. If you have already been issued a tag, no additional tag will be provided.
9. Can I retain salmon or sea trout caught in the sea?
Yes. Tagging and retention rules apply in all waters of the Foyle and Carlingford areas, including the sea.
10. Do these rules apply in the Carlingford Area?
Yes. These provisions apply in the Carlingford Area.
Please ensure you understand these regulations before fishing during the 2026 season.
Protecting salmon and sea trout stocks depends on responsible angling.
