Do I need fly-fishing experience to book this trip?

Experience is beneficial but not strictly required. Your ghillie will guide you on rod selection, casting technique, and fly choice. Spey casting has a learning curve, so prior instruction or intermediate skill accelerates success.

What is a 'beat' and why does it matter?

A designated beat is a private section of river assigned to your group for the day. This ensures exclusive access to prime salmon and sea trout pools and streams, increasing your chances and avoiding crowded fishing.

What's the difference between Atlantic salmon and sea trout?

Both are migratory fish returning from the sea to Irish rivers. Atlantic salmon are larger and more prized; sea trout (white trout) are smaller but abundant and excellent sport fish on lighter tackle.

Are flies and tackle included, or do I need to bring my own?

Flies can be purchased at the fishery office on the morning of your trip. Confirm in advance whether rod, reel, waders, and boots are included or if you need to bring/hire your own.

What makes the Erriff River special for fly-fishing?

The Erriff is a spate river with lively streams and deep fish-holding pools ideal for Spey casting. Its proximity to the sea, strong runs of wild salmon and sea trout, and remote location in the Killary Fjord landscape make it a sought-after Irish fishery.

Is the guide available in languages other than English and French?

The listing confirms English and French fluency. Contact the supplier directly to confirm if other languages are available.

Salmon & sea trout fishing on the Erriff fishery. Mayo. Private guided. French/Eng. 1

Salmon & sea trout fishing on the Erriff fishery. Mayo. Private guided. French/Eng. 2

Salmon & sea trout fishing on the Erriff fishery. Mayo. Private guided. French/Eng. 3

Salmon & sea trout fishing on the Erriff fishery. Mayo. Private guided. French/Eng. 4

Salmon & sea trout fishing on the Erriff fishery. Mayo. Private guided. French/Eng. 5

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Salmon & sea trout fishing on the Erriff fishery. Mayo. Private guided. French/Eng.

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Mayo Abbey, Ireland

Sightseeing ToursWater ActivitiesNature ToursBirdwatchingFishing

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About this activity

Wade the legendary Erriff River in County Mayo to pursue wild Atlantic salmon and sea trout under expert guidance from a bilingual ghillie. This private 8-hour fishing expedition on a designated beat combines classic Irish fly-fishing with stunning backdrop of Killary Fjord and Aasleagh Falls.

Your fishing adventure starts near the beautiful Aasleagh Falls close to the River Erriff's estuary. Meet your Ghillie (guide) who is fluent in both French and English at Aasleagh Lodge overlooking the magnificent Killary fjord.

Having been designated a Beat you will then travel up the Erriff valley for the day. Fish for wild Atlantic salmon and sea (white) trout under the guidance of your Ghillie. He will be quick to advise which rods, reels and flies to use. A double handed Spey rod is the favoured method of fly fishing on this river.
Flies can be purchased at the fishery office before departing.

Perfect for fishing, the Erriff River is a spate river, and is characterised by lively streams and deep fish-holding pools.

Highlights

✓Fish for wild Atlantic salmon and sea trout on a dedicated river beat
✓Learn Spey casting technique from experienced Irish ghillie
✓Access prime pools and streams characterised by excellent holding water
✓Meet at Aasleagh Lodge with panoramic views of Killary Fjord
✓Bilingual guidance available (French and English)
✓Flies available for purchase on-site before departure

Insider tips

★The Erriff is a spate river—water levels rise quickly after rain, creating ideal conditions; check river conditions before booking to time your visit
★Request your guide's fly recommendations based on season and recent catches; fresh intelligence beats guidebook wisdom
★Wear layered clothing and waterproof waders; the Mayo weather changes fast and you'll be in the water most of the day

Good to know

•Duration is 8 hours; plan for an early morning start to maximise daylight on the water
•Double-handed Spey rod is the standard method; bring your own or confirm hire availability with the fishery
•Waders, boots, and rod equipment: confirm what's provided vs. what you need to bring
•Fishing licence required (separate purchase); ghillie can advise on UK/Irish regulations
•Meeting point is Aasleagh Lodge near Aasleagh Falls; allow travel time from nearby towns (Westport ~1 hour)

Who it's for

Experienced fly-fishers seeking wild salmon and sea trout in remote Irish watersFrench-speaking anglers wanting guidance in their native languageCouples or small groups combining fishing with scenic Mayo landscape and fjord viewsOutdoor enthusiasts looking for an authentic, hands-on rural Irish experience

Best time to visit

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer peak salmon runs and spate conditions ideal for fly-fishing. Summer is possible but water levels may be lower; winter months can be productive but weather is unpredictable.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(3)

Kev J.

Aug 2025

our guide Andrei was nice enough, but the bit at the end nobody expects felt a bit rushed honestly, and expected more, our Crete tour was better value.

Paul V.

May 2025

our guide Pedro was brilliant and a stop the guide added on the fly was the highlight. Mid-week so it was quiet so it wasnt too busy. Miles ahead of a similar tour we tried in bangkok, and booked it for my birthday. Would book again no question.

Megan C.

Jan 2025

our guide Aiko really knew their stuff and a stop the guide added on the fly was the highlight ... Booked it for my birthday so it wasnt too busy. Miles ahead of a similar tour we tried in cape town, and mid-week so it was quiet. Would book again no question.

from€1,171.3/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

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