The River Lee has attracted Irish and visiting anglers for centuries and offers some of the best game and coarse fishing in Ireland. From its source in the rugged countryside above Gouganbarra it flows due east through beautiful contrasting scenery, varying from wild mountain, to moorland, and later through the two lowland reservoirs created by the Electricity Supply Board's Hydro-Electric Dams in 1956. The Lee then flows on down through the historical city of Cork that received its first charter in 1185 A.D.

Quality salmon fishing is concentrated on the 9 mile stretch down stream of the Inniscarra Dam. Spring fish enter the River Lee early in February. However, it is march before they regularly arrive at Inniscarra. April and May are peaks for Spring Salmon. Average weight 10lbs. Grilse arrive in big numbers June, July, and August. Average weight 4lbs.
The open season for salmon angling is from the 1^st February to the 30^th of September.
Salmon fishing licenses can be obtained from the South Western Regional Fisheries Board offices or from fishing tackle shops in Cork City.

The River Lee holds a fair stock of brown trout, which average 0.5lbs. but quite a few fish to 15lbs.
The best fishing is during the day in May and June and there is excellent evening fishing during the summer
The open season for trout angling is from the 15^th of February to the 12^th of October. A trout license is not required

An Angling Licence should not be confused with a permit/ticket. A Licence is payable to the state. A permit/ticket is payable to the fishery owner (which sometimes may be the state) for the use of the particular facility. A state Licence is not required for Brown Trout or coarse angling in Ireland.
Cost of Salmon Licence: £3 for one day or £25 for the season.
Permit/ticket rates are more expensive but vary in costs depending on who is the fishery owner.
For further information contact the South Western Regional Fisheries Board at: