Loughs Agency Catch and Release Guidance for Anglers 2026
Loughs Agency Catch and Release Guidance for Anglers
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Loughs Agency Catch and Release Guidance for Anglers Understanding Your Legal Responsibilities Under the Foyle Area (Control of Fishing) Regulations 2010 and the Foyle Area (Control of Fishing) (Amendment) Regulations 2012
1. Introduction Loughs Agency is committed to protecting and conserving wild Atlantic salmon, sea trout and brown trout stocks throughout the Foyle Area. This guidance has been prepared to help anglers understand their responsibilities when fishing during periods when catch and release restrictions are in force under the Foyle Area (Control of Fishing) Regulations 2010 and the Foyle Area (Control of Fishing) (Amendment) Regulations 2012. These measures are designed to safeguard vulnerable fish populations and ensure the long-term sustainability of our fisheries.[1][2] This document is intended as guidance only. Anglers should always consult the latest declarations issued by Loughs Agency before fishing.
2. Why Catch and Release Restrictions are Introduced The 2010 Regulations provide powers for Loughs Agency to restrict angling to catch and release, suspend netting, or close fisheries where scientific evidence indicates that salmon conservation targets are not being achieved. These measures are triggered when the number of migrating salmon falls below specified conservation thresholds.[1][3][4] The objective is to: • Protect spawning salmon stocks. • Support stock recovery. • Ensure sufficient fish can migrate upstream to spawn. • Maintain sustainable fisheries for future generations.[1][4]
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Loughs Agency Catch and Release Guidance for Anglers
3. What “Catch and Release” Means in Law Where a declaration requires fishing on a catch and release basis, anglers must comply with the legal definition contained in the Regulations. Under the 2010 Regulations, as amended in 2012, catch and release means: • Angling without using or attempting to use any hook other than a single barbless hook. • The gape of that hook must not exceed 12 mm. • No earthworm may be used as bait. • Any salmon, sea trout or brown trout caught must be returned immediately to the water from which it was taken and without avoidable injury.[2][4] Failure to comply with any of these requirements may constitute an offence.
4. Your Responsibilities During Catch and Release Periods When a catch and release declaration is in force, anglers must: Use Only Permitted Hooks • Use a single barbless hook only. • The hook must be barbless. • Maximum hook gape: 12 mm. [2] Return Fish Immediately • • • •
Release fish as quickly as possible. Minimise handling time. Avoid placing fish on dry surfaces. Keep fish in the water whenever possible. [2][3] Fish Responsibly
• Use tackle appropriate to the size of fish being targeted. • Land fish quickly to reduce exhaustion. • Discontinue fishing during extreme environmental conditions when fish welfare may be compromised. Check Current Declarations Catch and release requirements may apply to specific rivers, periods, or circumstances. Anglers should review current Loughs Agency declarations before commencing fishing.[4]
Loughs Agency Catch and Release Guidance for Anglers
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5. Prohibited Practices During Catch and Release Restrictions The following activities are prohibited where catch and release restrictions apply: Retaining Any Fish Salmon, sea trout and brown trout where catch and release restrictions are in force must not be retained. [2][3] Using Earthworms as Bait The Regulations expressly prohibit the use or attempted use of earthworms during catch and release fishing. [1][2] Using Barbed Hooks Barbed hooks are not permitted. [2] Causing Avoidable Injury Fish must be handled carefully and released in a manner that maximises survivability. Deliberate or negligent handling resulting in unnecessary harm may breach the intent and requirements of the Regulations. [1][2]
6. Best Practice Catch and Release While the following measures are not all legal requirements, Loughs Agency strongly recommends them as best practice: Before Fishing • Use tackle appropriate to the size and species of fish being targeted. • Carry forceps or pliers for hook removal. • Use knotless landing nets. When Landing a Fish • Keep the fish in the water where possible. • Avoid excessive playing of fish. • Use wet hands before touching the fish. Removing the Hook • Remove the hook carefully and quickly. • If deeply hooked, cut the line rather than causing excessive injury. Releasing the Fish • Support the fish facing into the current. • Allow the fish to recover naturally. • Release the fish only when it is capable of swimming away strongly. 4
Loughs Agency Catch and Release Guidance for Anglers
7. Fisheries Subject to Declarations Declarations may apply to: • River Finn • River Mourne • River Faughan • River Roe • River Foyle • Lough Foyle and any other waters specified in a declaration. The exact restrictions and dates will be set out in the published declaration. [1][3][4]
8. Enforcement Loughs Agency Fishery Officers are authorised to enforce fisheries legislation throughout the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Anglers may be required to: • Produce valid licences and permits. • Permit inspection of tackle. • Comply with catch and release declarations. • Provide information relating to fishing activity. Failure to comply with the Regulations may result in enforcement action. [4][5]
9. Further Information Before fishing, anglers should: • Check current declarations issued by Loughs Agency. • Ensure they hold the appropriate licence and permit. • Familiarise themselves with current angling regulations and seasonal restrictions. For the latest declarations and fisheries information, visit: loughs-agency.org
Loughs Agency Catch and Release Guidance for Anglers
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Key Message If a catch and release declaration is in force, anglers must use a single barbless hook with a gape not exceeding 12mm, must not use earthworm bait, and must immediately return all salmon, sea trout and brown trout to the water without avoidable injury.[2][3] This approach helps conserve fish stocks and helps to ensure sustainable angling opportunities across the Foyle system for future generations. Sources: [1]
The Foyle Area (Control of Fishing) Regulations 2010
[2]
The Foyle Area (Control of Fishing) (Amendment) Regulations 2012
[3]
Loughs Agency Declarations
Declaration: Suspension of netting in the Foyle Area and catch and release angling on River Finn
[4]
[5]
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Loughs Agency Regulations
Loughs Agency Catch and Release Guidance for Anglers