Lough Beltra
Lough Beltra (Loch Bhéal Trá) is one of Ireland’s most beautiful lakes set in wild countryside and surrounded by mountains on all sides. A rugged picturesque setting that offers first class salmon angling from the opening day on March 20th right through to the seasons close on the last day of September. For anglers there is little to match a day on Beltra in pursuit of wild Irish salmon and sea trout – it can make a lasting impression.
The lough lies 5 miles north-east of Newport and 8 miles North-west of Castlebar in county Mayo. It is 2 miles long by 1 mile wide and a boat with an outboard is the only way to get about. The fishery is divided East and West between Glenisland co-op and Newport House.
Beltra gets a large run of Spring salmon during March, April and May and a smaller run of grilse and sea-trout from June onwards.
“Few fisheries have greater potential than Beltra to quicken the pulse of the fly fisherman” – Peter O’Reilly
We plan to develop our spawning streams over the next few years and have added a space on the form for members to make a voluntary contribution towards same.
Glenisland Anglers Co-Op
The Glenisland Anglers Co-operative was set up to provide anglers access to salmon and sea-trout fishing on the East side of lough Beltra.
The Co-op has recently completed the construction of a new boathouse as well as lakeside seating at the Glenisland river and the dock end of the lake. These facilities provide anglers with access to sheltered areas which can be used during breaks while fishing on the lough.
We also have a commitment to increase the numbers of Co-op members thereby increasing Co-op funds to help better manage the fishery.
Work has commenced on the spawning streams which will provide a safe and clean environment for our Salmon and Sea-trout. This will help provide better access to redds thereby ensuring a healthier population of indigenous stock into the future. All Beltra salmon and sea-trout are 100% wild.
A fish counter will soon be installed on the Newport river by the local fisheries board and this will help monitor stocks entering and leaving the Beltra system. The Irish drift nets have now been removed and no draft nets exist in the Newport river estuary. This has already significantly enhanced the number of fish accessing the system.
Co-op Angling Regulations
- Fishing season commences on March 20th and closes on 30th September.
- All anglers must be in possession of a current valid state Salmon licence.
- The lough is fly fishing only – all other fishing methods are prohibited.
- All members must notify the Co-op before fishing each day.
- Details of all catches must be notified to the Co-op at the end of each day.
- All sea-trout must be returned alive.
- All Salmon caught up to the 11th May must be returned alive. From May 12th onwards a maximum of three fish per day may be taken with a maximum of 10 fish allowed for a season per angler.
- All captured salmon must be administered with an appropriate tag for inspection purposes. Tags are provided with your license.
- Shore fishing is not permitted.
- All anglers must wear life jackets when on the lough.
- The transfer of boats to lough Beltra from other lakes during the season is not permitted. If in doubt hire a boat locally.
- It is Glenisland Co-Operative policy that all anglers read, and are familiar with, our safety statement prior to embarking on their fishing trip. To download a copy of our safety statement please click here.
– Glenisland Anglers Co-operative, Kilgarve, Glenisland, Co Mayo, Ireland
-Phone: +353 94 9021302
-Email: info@loughbeltra.com