Paddy McDonnell — Moy Ghillie Service
Fly Fishing Guide — Ireland
About
Paddy McDonnell is a third-generation ghillie on the River Moy whose family has guided salmon anglers on the river since his grandfather first started poling boats on Lough Conn in the 1950s. Growing up on the banks of Ireland's most prolific salmon river, Paddy learned to read the water before he could read a book, and his instinctive understanding of how salmon behave in the Moy's pools and runs under different water conditions is the product of a lifetime spent observing these extraordinary fish.
Paddy specializes in guiding visiting anglers on both the main river salmon beats and the wild brown trout waters of Loughs Conn and Cullin. His approach combines traditional Irish methods — wet fly teams, Spey casting, and classic salmon fly patterns — with modern nymphing and dry fly techniques that he has adapted for Irish conditions. He is a patient and encouraging teacher who takes genuine pleasure in helping clients catch their first Atlantic salmon, whether that means coaching a beginner through the basics of a roll cast or helping an experienced angler refine their presentation on a technical pool.
During the mayfly season in May and June, Paddy offers guided days on Lough Conn in his traditional lake boat, drifting the shallows with teams of wet flies and dry mayfly imitations for wild brown trout that can exceed five pounds. His knowledge of the lough's drift lines, reef structures, and mayfly congregation areas has been accumulated over decades and represents an irreplaceable local expertise.
Specialties
Atlantic salmon fishingWet fly and Spey castingWild brown trout on loughsMayfly season specialistTraditional lough-style fishingBeginner instructionSingle and double-handed rod
Rivers & Waters
4.6/5 on Google(181 reviews)
What Anglers Say
“Stunning river full of salmon.. The River Moy is the most famous of Ireland’s many Salmon Rivers. Anglers come from all parts of the globe to fish this 60 mile plus, stretch of water. The River and its tributaries touch the Ox mountains in the East, Castlebar in the South and Nephin Beg range of mountains in North Mayo. The system also includes Lough Conn and Lough Cullin. The lower and middle parts of the river are very wide (40 metres plus) and deep in some parts. The upper river has more spate-like qualities and looks more like some of the smaller Salmon Rivers in the country. The Upper River is especially good for the fly fisherman, but there is plenty of fly water throughout the course of the river. Spring fishing is said to start on the opening day, and indeed there have been plenty of February fish taken in Ballina (behind the fish traps) over the years, but the best of the spring fishing is over the course of March, April and May. The Grilse run starts early May and is prolific right through until the end of July. Autumn fishing is also good through August and September. The Sea Trout fishing is best in the estuary, and runs from April right through until September. You can get Sea Trout throughout the river but the further up you go the later the run.”
Alana p.
“I go to various parts of the moy river, it's surrounded by beautiful countryside on both sides ,as it winds it's way out to see, the wildlife on display is bountiful, you'll see otters , fish, all sorts of birds, and other wildlife. We'll worth a look and so peaceful and tranquil, a great place to chill out, and watch the world go by.......enjoy........”
Ruby p.
“River Beside National Museum of Ireland. Picturesque and peaceful location.”
Shashi p.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Ireland
- Experience
- 30+ years
- Daily Rate
- $300/day (1-2 anglers)
- Specialties
- Atlantic salmon fishing, Wet fly and Spey casting, Wild brown trout on loughs, Mayfly season specialist, Traditional lough-style fishing, Beginner instruction, Single and double-handed rod
Book a Trip
Contact Paddy McDonnell — Moy Ghillie Service directly to book your guided trip.