Discover everything to fish in Kilrush Clare

Discover the most caught species in Kilrush, the techniques used, events in the area, find a fishing charter or fishing shop near you.

Try for free

FishingTheSpot, first on fishing with
more than 2 millions anglers!

Fishing spots mapDiscover the best fishing spots in Kilrush

Our experts and community selected the best 0 spots of Kilrush just for you more informations
Display the seabed

Fishing in Kilrush

What can I fish there ?

Join our 88 fishermen in Kilrush in Clare. The fishing forecast is currently 3.2. The most caught fishes here are the bloater fish, the mutton snapper, the swordfish and the brill fish. Come try the most famous fishing techniques like the fishing techniques for sea bream, tips on material for mullet fishing with plug, bass trolling or boat fishing for eel.

Fishing forecast : go fishing at the best time!

For each minute of the day, this index tells you with a score from 0 to 10 , your odds of catching a big fish. A FishingTheSpot exclusive! How it works ?

3

07h50

Take out your rods!
The fish is there.

0h-4h
4h-8h
8h-12h
12h-16h
16h-20h
20h-24h

Most caught fish species in Kilrush Top species caught by Club members

Top species caught by Club members

N°1 | The Sheepshead

The Sheepshead belongs to the Sparidae family. Although it reaches a maximum size of about 76 cm and 22 lbs (9.6 kg), the adult sheepshead is most often about 5 to 3.6 kg and 35 cm long. The maximum known life span of the sheepshead is at least 20 years. They spawn in early spring. They can be fished all year round with the best season from December to April. The sheepshead has a deep oval body with a blunt snout and a small, almost horizontal mouth. The posterior nostril is split in appearance. The dorsal and anal fins include short, strong spines. The second spine of the anal fin is larger. The pectoral fins are long and extend beyond the anal opening when pressed (close to the body). The caudal fin is slightly forked. The adult sheepshead is silvery to greenish-yellow and has an olive back. There are five or six dark vertical crossbars on each side, which are the most distinct in young individuals. The caudal and pectoral fins are greenish, while the dorsal, anal and ventral fins are dark or black.

Fishing period : All year

Minimum size : 30 cm

Difficulty :

N°2 | Bitterling Fish

The Bitterling fish is a freshwater fish and belongs to the Cyprinidae family. Its scientific name is Rhodeus Amarus. The current size of the bitterling fish is 5-6 cm. Some individuals can reach a maximum height of 11 cm and a weight of 10 g. This species is one of the smallest Cyprinid in Europe. It lives on average from 2 to 3 years. The spawning period is between April and June. It lays 40 to 100 oocytes. This fish is easy to catch due to its small size. The bitterling is a small fish whose body is high and laterally compressed. The lateral line is short or incomplete. The scales on the back have a grey-green coloring. The sides are clear with silvery reflections. During the breeding period the silver coloration changes to a pink to bright red color with a dark blue sideband. Sexual dimorphism occurs between the male and female during reproduction. A 5 to 8 mm laying tube (ovipositor) develops in the female, which allows her to lay her eggs in the gill cavity of freshwater mussels. The male has a higher body than the female and its colors become brighter during the breeding season. The bitterling fish's eyes are quite large. Its mouth is small, oblique and the upper jaw protrudes beyond the lower jaw. The anal and dorsal fins have a short base and 8 to 10 branched rays.

Fishing period : prohibited all year

Minimum size : not available

Difficulty :

N°3 | Bleak Fish

The Bleak fish is a Cyprinidae. In general, its average size is 10 to 15 cm and its weight is 15 to 50 g. However, some individuals can reach up to 60 g for a size of 25 cm. The bleak has a lifespan of 6-7 years. The spawning period is between April and August. It can lay up to 7000 spawns. You can fish bleak from June to September. This fish swims quite fast and offers a little resistance during the catch. The bleak is a fish with an elongated body that is very compressed laterally, allowing it to have a high velocity. The upper jaw is shorter than the lower jaw. The mouth of the bleak is oriented upwards (above), a typical character of fish that seek their food on the surface. The caudal fin is strongly indented and the caudal peduncle is thin. The dorsal fin is inserted behind the pelvic fins and has a shorter base than the dorsal fin. Its name refers to the bright white color of its scales, which gives the bleak a metallic sheen. Its back is darker greenish-blue, its sides are silvery white and its fins are pale grey. During the breeding season, nuptial tubers appear on the backs and sides of males and their fins become orange.

Fishing period : June to September

Minimum size : 10 cm

Difficulty :

N°4 | Brown Trout

The Brown Trout belongs to the Salmonidae family. According to the location, the adult size varies from 25 cm to 80 cm for 300 to 800 g. It lives for 3 to 6 years. The spawning period starts in October and end in January. The female can lay up to 4000 eggs. The fishing period is open from the second Saturday of March until the third Sunday of September. This fish is not hard to catch but the fishing needs complex skills. Depending on its environment, the brown trout have a very variable color, but the brown trout, as its name shows, is rather brown with scattered black and red spots, depending on the spawners. It has a certain mimicry according to the bottom of its living spaces since the dominant brown will become a green dress if it lives close to the banks where yellow and even sometimes silvery white will mix. It has a "useless" adipose fin between the dorsal fin and the caudal fin. The head is tapered, strong and has a powerful jaw. Its back is a pretty black or night blue.

Fishing period : March to September

Minimum size : no restriction

Difficulty :

N°5 | Marlin

Marlin is a fish from a large family called Istiophoridae, which includes about 10 species. The most popular species include the blue marlin (makaira nigricans), the striped marlin (kajikia audax), the white marlin (kajikia albidus) and the black marlin (istiompax indica).

Fishing period : All the year

Minimum size : 40 inches

Difficulty :

N°6 | Striped bass

Striped bass (morone saxatilis) is a fish of the Moronidae family found along the Atlantic coast of North America.

Fishing period : All the year

Minimum size : 28 inches

Difficulty :

N°7 | Swordfish

Swordfish (xiphias gladius) is a highly migratory pelagic fish considered as one of the fastest sea animals. It tends to be large and its weight often exceeds 100 kg. It can be distinguished thanks to its long bill and its iridescent blue body. Most of sport fishermen feel really proud to catch swordfishes on their lines.

Fishing period : June to October

Minimum size : 47 inches

Difficulty :

N°8 | The African Pompano

The African Pompano belongs to the Carangidae family. The maximum size can reach up to 1.50 m, but the average size is one meter. It breeds in spring and autumn. It can be fished during the hot seasons. Like many carangidae, it is a deep and laterally compressed fish, which have the deepest point of the body between the origin of the dorsal and anal fins and the head and tail tapering on either side. The dorsal and ventral profiles are also convex, the main characteristic of the adult being its more curved head compared to the more angular head profile of African Pompano. The species has 4 to 7 spines visible in the first dorsal fin, followed by a single spine and 18 to 20 soft rays in the second dorsal fin. The anal fin has two spines followed by 15 or 16 soft rays, while the pectoral fin is long and curved. The skin of the fish appears flake-free, but has tiny, embedded scales scattered over the body. The lateral line has a strong and moderately long dorsal arch, with a posterior section of 12 to 30 scales. Juvenile with filamentous rays at the anal and dorsal fins. Juveniles are characterized by their "spinning" appearance, characterized by filaments dragging anal and dorsal fins that retract with age. During maturation, the species also becomes more elongated and more similar to other types of jacks. The body is a silvery blue metallic to blue-green above, being the darkest on the head and upper shoulders, while the underside is more silvery. Juveniles have 5 chevron-sha

Fishing period : hot season

Minimum size : 60 cm

Difficulty :

N°9 | The Alligator Gar

The Alligator Gar belongs to the Lepisosteidae family. In its adult form, it can measure up to three meters long and weigh up to 140 kilograms. It breeds in spring. It can be fished all year round. Alligator gar are elongated fish with a long, narrow snout. Their scales form a kind of armor, protecting them from other predators, the scales are similar in hardness to our nails, hard as keratin. They are also sharp, never brush a sharp-edged club fish. These fish have the swim bladder modified into a gas bladder, it allows them to breathe at the surface.

Fishing period : All year

Minimum size : no restriction

Difficulty :

N°10 | The Almaco Jack

The Almaco Jack belongs to the Carangidae family. Its adult size varies from 80 cm to 120 cm. They reproduce in spring. It can be fished all year round. It has two dorsal fins, the longer of the two is about twice as long as the longer of the dorsal spines. It has a pale blue-green color, with a lavender glow. The Almaco Jack has a short upper jaw, with a yellowish streak from the jaw to the first dorsal fin, but its color becomes less recognizable as the fish ages. Younger almaco jacks usually have six black bars on the sides. The mouth is protractile and allows it to swallow its entire prey.

Fishing period : All year

Minimum size : no restriction

Difficulty :

N°11 | The American Eel

The American Eel belongs to the Anguillidae family. The size of the adult female can reach 1 m in length, while that of the male does not exceed 40 cm. Spawning takes place in mid-winter. Females lay 3 to 22 million eggs. He can live to be 50 years old. It can be fished from April to September. The American eel is a species of fish with a snake-like body all in length with fins that extend over its back, around its tail and along its inner surface. It has thick lips and a slightly longer lower jaw than her upper jaw, which gives her the appearance of having an overbite. The color of young eels varies from yellow-green or brown. Adult eels are grey with white or cream bellies.

Fishing period : April to September

Minimum size : 50 cm

Difficulty :

N°12 | The American Shad

The American Shad belongs to the Clupeidae family. With an average of 38 cm, adult specimens can measure up to 76 cm and weigh between 0.9 and 1.4 kg. It can live up to 13 years old. Egg laying takes place in May, June or July. On average, the female lays 140,000 eggs, but can reach 600,000 eggs. It is fished in the spring. The American shad is characterized by its slender, high and very flattened body. The species has a very forked caudal fin and a low, elongated anal fin. It has no lateral line or adipose fin. Its color is silvery with a blue or blue-green sheen on the back and bright silver flanks. When entering fresh water for reproduction, the pigmentation may become darker, taking on a tan or copper hue, turning red for the head and belly parts. A black spot is visible near the top edge of the lid, sometimes followed by smaller spots. Its lower jaw fits into a notch in its upper jaw. It can also be recognized by its large scales that are easily detached. The ventral surface of the American shad is thin with saw tooth scales. With regard to internal characteristics, it has teeth in the premaxillary and lower jaw, a silver peritoneum and, between 53 and 59 vertebrae.

Fishing period : spring

Minimum size : 30 cm

Difficulty :

N°1 | The Sheepshead

The Sheepshead belongs to the Sparidae family. Although it reaches a maximum size of about 76 cm and 22 lbs (9.6 kg), the adult sheepshead is most often about 5 to 3.6 kg and 35 cm long. The maximum known life span of the sheepshead is at least 20 years. They spawn in early spring. They can be fished all year round with the best season from December to April. The sheepshead has a deep oval body with a blunt snout and a small, almost horizontal mouth. The posterior nostril is split in appearance. The dorsal and anal fins include short, strong spines. The second spine of the anal fin is larger. The pectoral fins are long and extend beyond the anal opening when pressed (close to the body). The caudal fin is slightly forked. The adult sheepshead is silvery to greenish-yellow and has an olive back. There are five or six dark vertical crossbars on each side, which are the most distinct in young individuals. The caudal and pectoral fins are greenish, while the dorsal, anal and ventral fins are dark or black.

Fishing period : All year

Minimum size : 30 cm

Difficulty :

N°2 | Bitterling Fish

The Bitterling fish is a freshwater fish and belongs to the Cyprinidae family. Its scientific name is Rhodeus Amarus. The current size of the bitterling fish is 5-6 cm. Some individuals can reach a maximum height of 11 cm and a weight of 10 g. This species is one of the smallest Cyprinid in Europe. It lives on average from 2 to 3 years. The spawning period is between April and June. It lays 40 to 100 oocytes. This fish is easy to catch due to its small size. The bitterling is a small fish whose body is high and laterally compressed. The lateral line is short or incomplete. The scales on the back have a grey-green coloring. The sides are clear with silvery reflections. During the breeding period the silver coloration changes to a pink to bright red color with a dark blue sideband. Sexual dimorphism occurs between the male and female during reproduction. A 5 to 8 mm laying tube (ovipositor) develops in the female, which allows her to lay her eggs in the gill cavity of freshwater mussels. The male has a higher body than the female and its colors become brighter during the breeding season. The bitterling fish's eyes are quite large. Its mouth is small, oblique and the upper jaw protrudes beyond the lower jaw. The anal and dorsal fins have a short base and 8 to 10 branched rays.

Fishing period : prohibited all year

Minimum size : not available

Difficulty :

N°3 | Bleak Fish

The Bleak fish is a Cyprinidae. In general, its average size is 10 to 15 cm and its weight is 15 to 50 g. However, some individuals can reach up to 60 g for a size of 25 cm. The bleak has a lifespan of 6-7 years. The spawning period is between April and August. It can lay up to 7000 spawns. You can fish bleak from June to September. This fish swims quite fast and offers a little resistance during the catch. The bleak is a fish with an elongated body that is very compressed laterally, allowing it to have a high velocity. The upper jaw is shorter than the lower jaw. The mouth of the bleak is oriented upwards (above), a typical character of fish that seek their food on the surface. The caudal fin is strongly indented and the caudal peduncle is thin. The dorsal fin is inserted behind the pelvic fins and has a shorter base than the dorsal fin. Its name refers to the bright white color of its scales, which gives the bleak a metallic sheen. Its back is darker greenish-blue, its sides are silvery white and its fins are pale grey. During the breeding season, nuptial tubers appear on the backs and sides of males and their fins become orange.

Fishing period : June to September

Minimum size : 10 cm

Difficulty :

N°4 | Brown Trout

The Brown Trout belongs to the Salmonidae family. According to the location, the adult size varies from 25 cm to 80 cm for 300 to 800 g. It lives for 3 to 6 years. The spawning period starts in October and end in January. The female can lay up to 4000 eggs. The fishing period is open from the second Saturday of March until the third Sunday of September. This fish is not hard to catch but the fishing needs complex skills. Depending on its environment, the brown trout have a very variable color, but the brown trout, as its name shows, is rather brown with scattered black and red spots, depending on the spawners. It has a certain mimicry according to the bottom of its living spaces since the dominant brown will become a green dress if it lives close to the banks where yellow and even sometimes silvery white will mix. It has a "useless" adipose fin between the dorsal fin and the caudal fin. The head is tapered, strong and has a powerful jaw. Its back is a pretty black or night blue.

Fishing period : March to September

Minimum size : no restriction

Difficulty :

N°5 | Marlin

Marlin is a fish from a large family called Istiophoridae, which includes about 10 species. The most popular species include the blue marlin (makaira nigricans), the striped marlin (kajikia audax), the white marlin (kajikia albidus) and the black marlin (istiompax indica).

Fishing period : All the year

Minimum size : 40 inches

Difficulty :

N°6 | Striped bass

Striped bass (morone saxatilis) is a fish of the Moronidae family found along the Atlantic coast of North America.

Fishing period : All the year

Minimum size : 28 inches

Difficulty :

N°7 | Swordfish

Swordfish (xiphias gladius) is a highly migratory pelagic fish considered as one of the fastest sea animals. It tends to be large and its weight often exceeds 100 kg. It can be distinguished thanks to its long bill and its iridescent blue body. Most of sport fishermen feel really proud to catch swordfishes on their lines.

Fishing period : June to October

Minimum size : 47 inches

Difficulty :

N°8 | The African Pompano

The African Pompano belongs to the Carangidae family. The maximum size can reach up to 1.50 m, but the average size is one meter. It breeds in spring and autumn. It can be fished during the hot seasons. Like many carangidae, it is a deep and laterally compressed fish, which have the deepest point of the body between the origin of the dorsal and anal fins and the head and tail tapering on either side. The dorsal and ventral profiles are also convex, the main characteristic of the adult being its more curved head compared to the more angular head profile of African Pompano. The species has 4 to 7 spines visible in the first dorsal fin, followed by a single spine and 18 to 20 soft rays in the second dorsal fin. The anal fin has two spines followed by 15 or 16 soft rays, while the pectoral fin is long and curved. The skin of the fish appears flake-free, but has tiny, embedded scales scattered over the body. The lateral line has a strong and moderately long dorsal arch, with a posterior section of 12 to 30 scales. Juvenile with filamentous rays at the anal and dorsal fins. Juveniles are characterized by their "spinning" appearance, characterized by filaments dragging anal and dorsal fins that retract with age. During maturation, the species also becomes more elongated and more similar to other types of jacks. The body is a silvery blue metallic to blue-green above, being the darkest on the head and upper shoulders, while the underside is more silvery. Juveniles have 5 chevron-sha

Fishing period : hot season

Minimum size : 60 cm

Difficulty :

N°9 | The Alligator Gar

The Alligator Gar belongs to the Lepisosteidae family. In its adult form, it can measure up to three meters long and weigh up to 140 kilograms. It breeds in spring. It can be fished all year round. Alligator gar are elongated fish with a long, narrow snout. Their scales form a kind of armor, protecting them from other predators, the scales are similar in hardness to our nails, hard as keratin. They are also sharp, never brush a sharp-edged club fish. These fish have the swim bladder modified into a gas bladder, it allows them to breathe at the surface.

Fishing period : All year

Minimum size : no restriction

Difficulty :

N°10 | The Almaco Jack

The Almaco Jack belongs to the Carangidae family. Its adult size varies from 80 cm to 120 cm. They reproduce in spring. It can be fished all year round. It has two dorsal fins, the longer of the two is about twice as long as the longer of the dorsal spines. It has a pale blue-green color, with a lavender glow. The Almaco Jack has a short upper jaw, with a yellowish streak from the jaw to the first dorsal fin, but its color becomes less recognizable as the fish ages. Younger almaco jacks usually have six black bars on the sides. The mouth is protractile and allows it to swallow its entire prey.

Fishing period : All year

Minimum size : no restriction

Difficulty :

N°11 | The American Eel

The American Eel belongs to the Anguillidae family. The size of the adult female can reach 1 m in length, while that of the male does not exceed 40 cm. Spawning takes place in mid-winter. Females lay 3 to 22 million eggs. He can live to be 50 years old. It can be fished from April to September. The American eel is a species of fish with a snake-like body all in length with fins that extend over its back, around its tail and along its inner surface. It has thick lips and a slightly longer lower jaw than her upper jaw, which gives her the appearance of having an overbite. The color of young eels varies from yellow-green or brown. Adult eels are grey with white or cream bellies.

Fishing period : April to September

Minimum size : 50 cm

Difficulty :

N°12 | The American Shad

The American Shad belongs to the Clupeidae family. With an average of 38 cm, adult specimens can measure up to 76 cm and weigh between 0.9 and 1.4 kg. It can live up to 13 years old. Egg laying takes place in May, June or July. On average, the female lays 140,000 eggs, but can reach 600,000 eggs. It is fished in the spring. The American shad is characterized by its slender, high and very flattened body. The species has a very forked caudal fin and a low, elongated anal fin. It has no lateral line or adipose fin. Its color is silvery with a blue or blue-green sheen on the back and bright silver flanks. When entering fresh water for reproduction, the pigmentation may become darker, taking on a tan or copper hue, turning red for the head and belly parts. A black spot is visible near the top edge of the lid, sometimes followed by smaller spots. Its lower jaw fits into a notch in its upper jaw. It can also be recognized by its large scales that are easily detached. The ventral surface of the American shad is thin with saw tooth scales. With regard to internal characteristics, it has teeth in the premaxillary and lower jaw, a silver peritoneum and, between 53 and 59 vertebrae.

Fishing period : spring

Minimum size : 30 cm

Difficulty :

Kilrush - Fishing techniques Top fishing techniques

Top fishing techniques

N°1 | Fishing techniques for sea bream

Fishing for sea bream according to the seasons The sea bream is a migratory fish. Affecting warm waters, it makes seasonal migrations between coastal ponds and the sea in the warm season. From October to December The sea bream begins its breeding period (spawning period). From September onwards, when the waters are colder, the sea bream gradually leaves the coastal ponds and moves in banks to the warmer waters of the Mediterranean basin. From January to March The sea bream is generally absent from the coast during the winter months. Sea bream begin their migration northward as soon as the days begin to lengthen, and the water warms up. From April to June In Spring, the sea bream arrives in schools along the Atlantic coast. You can find sea bream on the northern coasts of the Mediterranean. The oyster and mussel beds are a real pantry for sea bream from spring to late summer. So it's a strategic place to throw your line. From July to September July and August are the most favorable months to fish for sea bream on the Atlantic coast. The sea bream will remain in the English Channel and on the Atlantic coast until September, when it will begin its migration southward. Remember to limit your catches by practicing no-kill and above all, release the unshackled fish. You'll wish you hadn't done it when in 10 years you'll have nothing left to fish for!

N°2 | Tips on material for mullet fishing with plug

Here are some models of rods, reels and wires that can guide you when choosing materials for mullet fishing with a plug.

N°3 | Bass trolling

Trolling is an ancestral method of prospecting large areas and has the advantage of being one of the most effective ways to catch sea bass. From your boat, it can be practiced by hand or with a rod. Discover tips and tricks that will definitely increase your chances to catch this famous and popular fish!

N°4 | Boat fishing for Eel

With its elongated silhouette like that of a snake and its smooth, viscous body, it is difficult to grasp the eel that moves easily in every corner. It is thanks to the secretion of a thick mucus that it can capture ambient oxygen to evolve on the ground and travel, out of the water, several hundred meters.

N°5 | Support fishing for Bass

The support fishing is a bottom fishing technique. It consists in putting a setting of a lead with one or more hooks that are let down. Once the assembly is at the bottom, the line is stretched and the touch is waited, keeping the rod in hand. You can fish with different baits depending on the morphology of the bottom. Like all bait fishing techniques, you have to find the right balance between discretion and robustness. The bar will have time to go around the setting before swallowing the bait, so maximum discretion is required.

N°6 | Fishing bream from a dock or jetty

Fishing by wedge is a variant of surfcasting fishing. Fishing by wedge means sending a line along a structure such as a dock or jetty and letting it rest at the bottom while waiting for a hit.

N°1 | Fishing techniques for sea bream

Fishing for sea bream according to the seasons The sea bream is a migratory fish. Affecting warm waters, it makes seasonal migrations between coastal ponds and the sea in the warm season. From October to December The sea bream begins its breeding period (spawning period). From September onwards, when the waters are colder, the sea bream gradually leaves the coastal ponds and moves in banks to the warmer waters of the Mediterranean basin. From January to March The sea bream is generally absent from the coast during the winter months. Sea bream begin their migration northward as soon as the days begin to lengthen, and the water warms up. From April to June In Spring, the sea bream arrives in schools along the Atlantic coast. You can find sea bream on the northern coasts of the Mediterranean. The oyster and mussel beds are a real pantry for sea bream from spring to late summer. So it's a strategic place to throw your line. From July to September July and August are the most favorable months to fish for sea bream on the Atlantic coast. The sea bream will remain in the English Channel and on the Atlantic coast until September, when it will begin its migration southward. Remember to limit your catches by practicing no-kill and above all, release the unshackled fish. You'll wish you hadn't done it when in 10 years you'll have nothing left to fish for!

N°2 | Tips on material for mullet fishing with plug

Here are some models of rods, reels and wires that can guide you when choosing materials for mullet fishing with a plug.

N°3 | Bass trolling

Trolling is an ancestral method of prospecting large areas and has the advantage of being one of the most effective ways to catch sea bass. From your boat, it can be practiced by hand or with a rod. Discover tips and tricks that will definitely increase your chances to catch this famous and popular fish!

N°4 | Boat fishing for Eel

With its elongated silhouette like that of a snake and its smooth, viscous body, it is difficult to grasp the eel that moves easily in every corner. It is thanks to the secretion of a thick mucus that it can capture ambient oxygen to evolve on the ground and travel, out of the water, several hundred meters.

N°5 | Support fishing for Bass

The support fishing is a bottom fishing technique. It consists in putting a setting of a lead with one or more hooks that are let down. Once the assembly is at the bottom, the line is stretched and the touch is waited, keeping the rod in hand. You can fish with different baits depending on the morphology of the bottom. Like all bait fishing techniques, you have to find the right balance between discretion and robustness. The bar will have time to go around the setting before swallowing the bait, so maximum discretion is required.

N°6 | Fishing bream from a dock or jetty

Fishing by wedge is a variant of surfcasting fishing. Fishing by wedge means sending a line along a structure such as a dock or jetty and letting it rest at the bottom while waiting for a hit.

Fishing guides and charters in Clare Meet the 1 fishing guides among so many others and find the best charterboat !

See all the Fishing guides and charters

Sean Maguire

Clare

Sean Maguire

Clare

See all the Fishing guides and charters