IFI opens first draw for Kerry salmon anglers for 2026
- Brown tag conservation regulations in force on Roughty River
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has opened the first draw for anglers wishing to catch and keep a salmon from Kerry’s River Roughty catchment.
‘Brown tag’ regulations apply to the river catchment from April 3rd, 2026, and will remain in place until August 31st, 2026, after which the catchment will revert to catch-and-release only fishing until the season ends.
Anglers interested in entering the first lottery draw for a brown tag can apply through IFI’s online link from April 13th until midnight on Thursday April 30th, 2026.
Enter the 'brown tag' lottery draw
The first 2026 draw for River Roughty brown tags is now accepting entries.
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 manage the angling quotas.”
A total of 95 brown tags will be available in 2026. They will be distributed to anglers with a valid rod licence via two draws during the season.
The first draw will be held on Tuesday, May 5th, when 50 brown tags will be available.
The remaining tags will be distributed via a second draw on July 1st, 2026.
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 in the Roughty River catchment on a catch-and-release basis, using single or double barbless hooks.
The use of worms as bait is not permitted and the salmon must be returned safely to the same waterbody.
For more information, contact IFI’s Macroom office on (026) 41221, or at macroom@fisheriesireland.ie
Salmon Licence Shop
You must be in possession of your salmon and sea trout licence before fishing.
Purchase a licence at IFI's online store.
