IFI opens final draw for Kerry salmon anglers for 2025

Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) has today opened the fourth and final draw for anglers wishing to catch and keep salmon from Kerry’s River Roughty. 

‘Brown tag’ regulations apply to the river catchment from March 15th until September 30th, 2025, when the salmon fishing season ends. 

Anglers interested in entering the August 6th lottery draw for one of the remaining 18 brown tags can apply at the IFI website between today, July 16th, and midnight on Sunday, August 3rd, 2025.   

Commenting, Sean Long South-Western River Basin District Director at IFI stated: "The numbers of wild Atlantic salmon returning to our rivers is declining. The risk of over-fishing puts stocks in further jeopardy. 

"Brown tag measures for salmon and sea trout are required on the Roughty River to conserve stocks and avoid accidental over-harvesting. 

"Where there is a modest harvestable surplus with a risk of over-exploitation, this brown gill tag system is introduced to closely monitor the angling quota."

A total of 74 brown tags are available in 2025. They are being distributed to anglers with a valid rod licence via four draws during the season. 

Previous draws were held in February, April, and June, and 56 brown tags have been distributed to date. 

Anglers may only receive one Brown Tag per season for use on the River Roughty catchment. 

Those who receive the tags through the lottery system must place them on the fish – along with a blue tag – as proof it was lawfully caught and may be retained for private use. 

Anglers not allocated a brown tag are only permitted to fish for salmon on the Roughty River on a catch-and-release basis, where the salmon is returned safely to the same waterbody.  

Anglers must use catch-and-release methods only, involving single or double barbless hooks. Use of worms as bait is not permitted.

For more information, contact IFI’s Macroom office on (026) 41221, or at macroom@fisheriesireland.ie