The Coachman's Inn

The Coachman's Inn - Pub, Restauraunt, Guesthouse and Tackle Shop

The Inniscarra lake in the beautiful Lee valley is one of the two lowland lakes which were created by the Electricity Supply Board in 1956. The River Lee is renowned for having some of the best fishing in Ireland. The Inniscarra lake is wellsuited for coarse angling with its gently sloping banks and appropriate water depths. A wide range of tackle may be used, including poles - with large 5 to 10 gram pole floats, feeder rods, open ended feeders, open faced reels with 3lb and 4lb lines and hooks from size 10 to 16. All fishing tackle as well as boats may be hired directly from John. The mild climate allows for fishing all year round and the weather conditions generally do no give problems to anglers.

A licence for coarse fishing is not neccessary and there is no closeseason. Permits can be obtained for a small fee from the ESB office in Inniscarra or the ESB shop in Macroom for fishing the Inniscarra and Carrigadrohid lakes. Permission may also be required to cross certain landowners property.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.

 

 

The South Western Regional fisheries Board introduced 200 adult Bream into the upper Carrigadrohid lake in 1974. It was in 1989 that large stocks of Bream were discovered in the lower Inniscarra lake. Today excellent shoals exist throughout Inniscarra with catches in excess of 100lb. and fish over 7lb. not uncommon. Much of the large Inniscarra lake is still relatively unexplored, and this is pioneering angling at it's best. Bream are plentiful throughout Inniscarra lake and some of the recommended fishing spots are found below.

Rudd are abundant, widespread and usually shoaling with the Bream in Iniscarra lake. Large shoals of small rudd are often encountered at the recommended areas below with the occasional fish in excess of 1.5lbs. The Caumruad in particular is renowned for it's Rudd and Bream/Rudd hybrids. Hybrids are also found in Inniscarra lake where specimens over 3lb. have been caught. Hybrids are usually located with the Bream and at the deeper water in Oakgrove.

1. The Innisleena Section, 1 mile west of the Inniscarra Dam on the northern shore (stop at the small parking area beside the waters edge and fish the deep water to the east off the disused roadway).

2. The Dripsey Arm west of Griffins Garden Centre.

3. The small bay 600 yards east from Rooves bridge.

4. The Caumraud an easily accessible shallow wedy area (beside the main road east of Carrigadrohid village).

5. Fish both banks upstream of Carrigadrohid Castle Bridge This section varies in water depth and fishes best when the water is high with minimum flow. For your own safety listen for the hooter which is sounded to indicate that water is being released from the dam.

 

The angling isn't limited to Coarse fishing. Salmon, Trout and Pike are also plentiful also. Contact John and as an angler himself he is sure to know all the best spots. John & Rose also runs a bait shop and is an agent for Irish Angling Services. A tackle shop is also on premises where you can purchase or hire any of a wide range of rods, reels and lines. A tackle shed is also available for each individual group which also has drying facilites. And should you so wish John & Rose will be more than happy to hire you a boat for the day or weekend.
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 1st February to the 30th 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 15th of February to the 12th of October. A trout license is not required

Other sites of Interest

 

 Farran Park which is a mere three miles away provides a number a watersports including water skiing. The Water Ski Centre on Inniscarra Lake is open all summer from May to September, and welcomes visitors. Coaching and equipment hire are available. Tel.(Cork) 7334605.

Blarney Golf Course.

This beautiful 18 hole course overlooks the world famous Blarney Castle and surrounding countryside.
The Golf Course was designed in two loops of nine holes. This course at 5,763 yards Par 70 has Par3's, Par4's, and Par5's. Water comes into play on several holes with streams and lakes waiting to catch those wayward balls.
Green Fees are available all day every day.
Weekdays £11.00 - Weekends £13.00 (including Bank Holidays)*
Early Bird Green Fees £10.00 (excluding Bank Holidays)*
Tel: (++353) (21) (382455) Fax: (++353) (21) (382416)
*In House Brochure.
 

Muskerry Golf Course.

Muskerry is a mature golf course with a rich history.This is the course where Jimmy Bruen learned golf.
It is said to have the toughest finish in Ireland as the Shournagh River winds through the last three holes 3 times.
It has 18 holes and is Par 71.
Green Fees. £20.00 Weekdays. £22.00 Weekends.*
Tel: (++353) (21) (385297) Fax: (++353) (21) (385297)
*Golf Guide Cork/Kerry region 1996/97 by Cork/Kerry Tourism.

Lee Valley Golf Course.

Set in the magnificent Lee Valley the 18-hole Par 72 course features a number of fairways, bunkers, and five lakes which are incorporated into seven of the holes.
The open setting of the course adds the extra challenge of wind factor to the 6,715 yard of play. The course record is 61, eleven under par.
The Lee Valley club also has a fifteen-bay flood lit indoor driving range, and outdoor practice facilities.
Green Fees: £22.00 Weekdays. £15.00 before 10.30am. £25.00 Weekends.*
Tel: (++353) (21) (331721) Fax: (++353) (21) (331695)