Protecting Our Fishing Spots in Leitrim, Sligo, and Roscommon: Keep Them Private, Keep Them Clean

As anglers in Leitrim, Sligo, and Roscommon, we’re blessed with some of Ireland’s most breathtaking fishing destinations. From the serene waters of Lough Allen in Leitrim to the wild Atlantic shores of Sligo and the tranquil River Shannon in Leitrim and Roscommon, these spots are our sanctuaries. But these treasures are at risk. Landowners are increasingly closing access to their property due to irresponsible behavior like littering and publicizing private fishing spots. At Fish North West, we’re calling on anglers to protect our local waters by keeping fishing spots private and clean.

The Growing Problem of Lost Access in Our Region

Across Leitrim, Sligo, and Roscommon, we’re hearing more stories of beloved fishing spots being closed off. Landowners, frustrated by litter, trespassing, and environmental damage, are putting up barriers and “No Entry” signs. Places like the River Bonet in Leitrim or the shores of Lough Gill in Sligo, once open to anglers, are now restricted in some areas. This trend threatens our angling heritage, and it’s often caused by a minority who leave rubbish or share precise locations online, drawing crowds to sensitive areas.

Why Privacy Matters

Keeping fishing spots private isn’t about excluding others—it’s about preserving the delicate balance between anglers, landowners, and the environment in our region. Publicizing exact locations, especially on social media, can lead to overcrowding, which harms ecosystems and strains relationships with landowners. Many in Leitrim, Sligo, and Roscommon allow access out of goodwill, but that trust is fragile.

Here’s why discretion is critical:

1. Respecting Local Landowners: Most fishing spots in our counties are on private land. Sharing locations publicly can lead to trespassing, upsetting landowners who may then revoke access. Respecting their property ensures continued access.
2. Protecting Our Ecosystems: Overcrowding can damage fragile habitats, like the spawning grounds in the River Boyle in Roscommon or the sensitive shores of Lough Arrow in Sligo. Fewer visitors mean less environmental impact.
3. Preserving the Angling Experience: The solitude of casting a line on a quiet Leitrim lake or a Sligo river is part of what makes fishing here special. Overcrowded spots lose their charm and can suffer from overfishing.

The Litter Problem

Litter is a major threat to our fishing spots. Plastic bottles, bait packets, and discarded fishing lines pollute our waters and harm fish, birds, and wildlife. In Leitrim, I’ve seen pristine riverbanks along the Shannon littered with rubbish. In Sligo, coastal spots are marred by plastic waste. In Roscommon, discarded gear endangers the ecosystems we rely on. This not only damages the environment but also angers landowners, who may close access to protect their property.

What We Can Do in Leitrim, Sligo, and Roscommon

As anglers, we have the power to protect our local fishing spots. Here are practical steps to keep them private and clean:

1. Keep Locations Discreet: Avoid sharing exact fishing spots on social media or public forums. If you must share, do so privately with trusted anglers who share your respect for the land. For example, don’t post GPS coordinates or detailed directions to hidden gems like a quiet stretch of the River Drowes.
2. Leave No Trace: Pack out all rubbish, including bait containers and fishing line. Bring a small bag to collect litter, and if you spot someone else’s trash, consider picking it up. A clean Lough Melvin or River Shannon reflects well on all anglers.
3. Respect the Land: Stick to paths, close gates, and avoid damaging crops or fences. In Leitrim’s rolling hills or Roscommon’s farmland, treating the land with care maintains goodwill with landowners.
4. Spread the Word: Share the importance of responsible angling with others, especially new anglers. Encourage friends to keep spots private and clean when fishing in Sligo’s coastal waters or Roscommon’s lakes.
5. Build Relationships with Landowners: If you fish regularly on private land, introduce yourself and thank the owner. In our tight-knit communities, a little courtesy can secure access for years.
6. Support Local Conservation: Join efforts by groups like Inland Fisheries Ireland or local angling clubs in Leitrim, Sligo, and Roscommon. Participate in clean-up days or habitat restoration projects, like those along the River Bonet or Lough Gara.

A Call to Action

At Fish North West, we’re passionate about preserving the angling heritage of Leitrim, Sligo, and Roscommon. Our rivers, lakes, and coastlines—like the majestic Lough Gill, the productive River Boyle, or the rugged Sligo coastline—are gifts we must protect. By keeping our fishing spots private and free of rubbish, we can ensure they remain open for us, our children, and future generations.

Next time you’re fishing in our beautiful region, take a moment to clean up, keep your favorite spot off social media, and show respect for the land. Together, we can keep Leitrim, Sligo, and Roscommon as Ireland’s angling paradise.

Tight lines and clean waters,
Martin
www.fishnorthwest.ie