Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has temporarily closed the State-owned Galway Fishery in Galway City after river temperatures rose above safe levels for native fish species.

All angling activity was suspended from midnight on Friday, and the fishery will remain closed until temperatures drop back to safer levels. IFI confirmed that similar closures may be implemented at the Moy, Erriff, Cloongee, and Ballyvary fisheries in the coming days if water temperatures continue to rise.

Barry Fox, IFI’s Head of Operations, said the decision was based on scientific evidence that shows angling-related fish deaths increase significantly when water temperatures exceed 20°C.

“When water temperatures return to a safe range for freshwater species, we’ll reopen the Galway Fishery,” he said. “Our teams will continue to monitor conditions closely during this warm spell.”

The fishery will only reopen once two consecutive water temperature readings drop below 18°C.

Anglers with bookings are being contacted directly by IFI staff. In the meantime, those fishing elsewhere are asked to minimise fish handling—especially during catch-and-release—to reduce stress on fish. IFI advises anglers to avoid exposing fish to air where possible.

The public is also asked to report any sightings of distressed fish, fish kills, or pollution to IFI’s confidential 24/7 hotline at 0818 34 74 24.

Contact information for updates:

Moy Fishery & Cloongee/Ballyvary: Ridge Pool Angling Centre (096 22669, weekends), Moy Fishery Office (096 21332, from 9am Mon)

Erriff Fishery: 095 42382 or email erriff.fishery@fisheriesireland.ie.

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