Game Angling
The South West in a region rich in game fishing and many of its fisheries are world famous such as the Lakes of Killarney and Lough Currane (a well known haunt of the late Charlie Chaplin) and considered by many to be one of the truly great sea trout fisheries. Almost every river gets a run of wild salmon and in many rivers spring salmon can be caught form as early as mid January. A summer spate is always likely to induce a run of grilse up into rivers and loughs. Brown trout are everywhere and the South West Region boasts exceptionally prolific stocks. The region abounds with many superb fishing rivers and lakes that produce annually caches which compare more than favourably to the most famous Scottish and Icelandic fisheries.
National regulations
No State licence is required to fish for brown trout or coarse fish.
A state licence is required to fish for salmon or sea trout. Licences cost 10 for a day, 25 for 21 days, and 55 for the season. Permit charges vary on Private fisheries in the South West from 10 to approximately 60 per day, many state fisheries, eg Killarney Lakes and Lough Currane Waterville are free. A tagging and logbook regime is in place.
A national bag limit applies to salmon and sea trout over 40cms. One fish only is allowed to be taken per day up to 31st May, and three per day for the remainder of the season. An annual bag limit of 20 fish applies.
Within the Southwest region prawn or shrimp are not allowed as bait during September. The season opens in the South west on some fisheries in Kerry on the 17th of January and all salmon fishing ends on 30th September with some sea trout fishing available until 12th October. Brown trout fishing is available on some fisheries from 15th February to 12th October.
Salmon and Trout Fishing
Managed Community Trout Fisheries
Salmon and Trout Fishing
The Ilen gets a good run of spring salmon and grilse and an excellent run of sea trout. The first spring fish enter the river in March and it is worth fishing from the 20th of March. The main run is in April and May. The average size of spring fish is 10 lb. The first run of grilse coincides with the first flood in June and they continue to run through July and August. Access to fishing is good.
SEASON
1 February to 30 September (salmon) 1 February to 12 October (sea trout)
LOCATION
West Cork. The River Ilen is a medium sized spate river, 21 miles long, with numerous tributaries which drain an area of 7 square miles. The river flows south and enters the tide at Skibereen.
FISHING METHODS
Spinning and worming are the methods most commonly used for salmon and grilse. Favourite baits are bronze and copper Mepps (no. 3), Devon Minnows, (blue and silver and black and gold) 2 1/4-2 1/2 and blue and silver Tobys up to 18 grams. The Hairy Mary, Thunder and Lightning and Silver Doctor are all good salmon flies on the river.
REGULATIONS
(River Ilen Anglers Club) Shrimp fishing is not permitted. Currently there are no bag limits in place.
PERMITS/TICKETS
(River Ilen Anglers Club) Day ticket £15 Week ticket (seven day) £60 Currently no limit on the number of day tickets available. State Rod Licence Required for salmon fishing.
OWNERSHIP
River Ilen Anglers club waters (4 miles of river). Other fishing is available on the river, ask locally for information.
PERMIT DISTRIBUTORS
River Ilen Anglers club waters. Tickets available at: Fallons Sports Shop, North Street, Skibbereen(Tony Kelly) and at "Tig na Gael" Newsagents, North St.Skibbereen.
The Blackwater gets a small run of spring Salmon. The grilse run is excellent and so to is the run of sea trout. The spring fish average 10 lb.
SEASON
15 March to 30 September (sea trout and brown trout) 15 March to 30 September (salmon)
LOCATION
Kenmare, County Kerry. The river Blackwater enters Kenmare Bay from the north seven miles west of Kenmare. It is 10 miles long and drains a catchment of34 square miles including three loughs. The fishing part of the river is over 4 miles in length and is characterised by streams and about thirty pools, including some huge "holding pools"
FISHING METHODS
There is nice fly fishing in good water throughout the river and on Lough Brin and on Lough Brin itself. The fishery manager will gladly offer advice
PERMITS / TICKETS
Day tickets £30 State Rod Licence Required for salmon fishing.
OWNERSHIP
The river is managed by the South Western Regional Fisheries Board.
PERMIT DISTRIBUTORS
South Western Regional Fisheries Board (SWRFB) 1 Nevilles Terrace, Macroom, Co. Cork. Tel. (026) 41221 Blackwater Fishery Hut Telephone: 064 82953
Access to the Lough is good with a small road running along one side. It holds a good stock of nice sized brown trout up to 1lb and gets an excellent run of sea trout from August onwards. The trout here are relatively free rising and it would be difficult to find a more beautiful setting with mountains rising up on every side. There are two boats available for hire at present. (No bank fishing)
SEASON
15 March to 30 September (sea trout and brown trout)
LOCATION
Kenmare, County Kerry. Lough Brin is a fairly large lake situated approximately ten miles from Kenmare town.
FISHING METHODS
This is a lovely fly fishing lake and productive patterns are Claret, Bumble, Kings Mill, Bibio, Black Pennell, Green Peter, Murrough, Peter Ross and Alexandra. (Fly Fishing Only)
PERMITS / TICKETS
No shore fishing, flyfishing from boats only. £25 boat/engine per day.
OWNERSHIP
Lough Brin is managed by the South Western Regional Fisheries Board
PERMIT DISTRIBUTORS
South Western Regional Fisheries Board (SWRFB), 1 Nevilles Terrace, Macroom, Co. Cork. Tel. (026) 41221 Blackwater Fishery Hut Telephone: 064 82953
Lough Leane has a really excellent stock of wild brown trout with an average size of 8 ozs. Brown trout fishing is good from early March and right through April.
SEASON
15 April to 12 September (sea trout and brown trout)
LOCATION
Killarney, Co. Kerry. Lough Leane (4,500 acres) is the largest lake in the south west region. It is famous for its scenery and noted for its brown trout and salmon fishing.
FISHING METHODS
Fly fishing from both a boat and the shore are popular. The Lough has an enormous hatch of Duck fly in deep water and the local trout feed extensively on the drowned adult flies. The local answer to this is to fish three small grey and black flies on the leader. Later in the season there are hatches of Olives and a small Mayfly hatch and hatches of small dark sedges. A lot of woodland insects get blown into the Lough during the summer. There are numerous boatmen, boats and outboards for hire.
OWNERSHIP
There is no permit charge and no licence is required for brown trout fishing. A licence for Salmon and Sea trout is required
BOAT CHARGES (Approximately)
With Ghillie £30 half day £50 day (2people fishing) Without Ghillie £20 half day £35 day (includes outboard eng.) Boats can be hired by the hour.
BOAT DISTRIBUTORS
Henry Cliften, Ross Castle, Killarney, Co Kerry (064)32252 Sean Sweeney, (064) 44207
The Argideen is primarily regarded as a sea trout fishery. A maximum of 6 rods are allowed per day and 20 by night. Anglers wishing to fish at night meet at the Inchy Bridge half an hour before dark where a draw for pools takes place.
SEASON
15 February to 12 October (sea trout and brown trout) 15 February to 30 September (salmon)
LOCATION
West Cork. The Argideen river rises north west of Clonakilty and flows due east for 18 miles, draining a catchment of56 square miles before entering the estuary at Timoleague. It is tidal up to Inchy bridge.
FISHING METHODS
The most successful method for day time fishing in clear water is a single worm on light tackle. For night fishing bright flies give the best results in the estuary pools with darker flies being more successful upstream. After a flood the trout will take a small spinner or a large 1 to 2 inch blue and silver lure fished on a sinking line in the steady glides and at the tail of pools.
SIZE LIMITS
There is a size limit of 9 inches (21 cm) and a bag limit of 10 trout.
OWNERSHIP
Two short sections are privately owned and not let. The rest of the river is jointly managed by the Argideen Anglers Association and the SWRFB. Permits are available for both day and night fishing.
PERMITS
Permits can be purchased from the permit hut at Inchy bridge (10 am to 12 noon and one hour before sunset).
The Bandon River offers a great variety of fishing and its potential is vastly underestimated. It gets a good run of salmon and an excellent run of sea trout. The big sea trout run commences in early July and lasts till the end of August and beyond. It is estimated that thousands of sea trout are taken every year on the free waters of the estuary and the fishing can be really good on the 4 mile stretch from Bandon to Innishannon.
SEASON
Freshwater- 15 February to 30 September (salmon, sea trout, brown trout)
Saltwater- below Innishannon bridge, sea trout season starts 17th March
LOCATION
West Cork. The Bandon, 45 miles in length, rises in the Shehy Mountains and drains an area of approximately 235 square miles.
FISHING METHODS
The Estuary -All legitimate fishing methods allowed. Ghillies are available. Most productive flies for sea trout are Peter Ross, Teal Blue and Silver, Bloody Butcher and Connemara Black.
Bandon Angling Association waters -Salmon no worming before 16th March or during September, no prawn or shrimp in September, otherwise all legal methods
Trout- fly only on fresh water
SIZE LIMITS
Bandon Angling Association waters. Size limit 10 inches, all trout less than 10 inches to be returned. Bag limit 4 trout.
Salmon -1 salmon to 1st June, 2 thereafter.
OWNERSHIP
Bandon Angling Association. Long sections (approximately 7 miles double bank in total) above and below Bandon Bridge. Contact; Mr MJ O'Regan, Oliver Plunkett Street, Bandon, Co. Cork. Tel. (023) 41674+ John Cullinane 02341453 or email bandonangling@eircom.net
For other owners contact swrfb@swrfb.ie
Lough Currane is one of Irelands great game fishing loughs and is famous for its spring salmon and large sea trout. Fishing is predominantly by boat and these can be hired locally and usually include a boatman/ghillie. Private boats can be launched The big sea trout arrive in April with the peak period (although this is very much dependent on weather conditions) from the second week in June until August. The second peak is around the second week in September and fishing often remains good until the end of the season. Spring salmon can be taken early in the season by trolling and fly. The grilse run begins in June.
SEASON
17 January to 30 September (sea trout and brown trout) l7January to 30 September (salmon)
LOCATION
Waterville, Co. Kerry. The boatman will take you to the favourite drifts though sea trout lie all over the Lough and often the more remote areas produce the largest bags of fish. Trout flies in sizes 8 to 14 are essential and of all flies the Bibio is probably the most consistent fly to take sea trout on the Lough.
SIZE LIMITS
A Bye-Law is in place governing the size of sea trout that may be taken from the Lough, throughout the season except for the month of September all sea trout less than 12 inches (30 cm) must be returned. During the month of September all sea trout less than 18 inches (45 cm) must be returned The Fishery Board, as part of its management conservation policy suggest a bag limit of4 sea trout.
ANGLING REGULATIONS
Angling is only permitted on the Lough from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. A number of local customs and conventions are in place and boatmen will inform you of these.
OWNERSHIP
Lough Currane is a State owned Lough and there is no permit charge.
BOAT HIRE
Waterville anglers association, c/o Lobster Bar, Waterville, Co Kerry, Telephone (066) 74183 Brod O'Sullivan, Stellamara, Waterville, Co. Kerry Telephone (066) 74249 Frank Donnelly, Lake Road, Waterville, Co. Kerry Telephone (066) 74303 Vincent O'Sullivan, Telephone (066) 74255 Terence Wharton, Telephone (066) 74264 John M. Donnelly, Telephone (066) 74139)
16 miles east from Cork City, adjoining the Cork to Youghal road. Approx 30 acres and most of the lake averages 4ft. to 5ft. deep. Weeds can
sometimes be a problem in late summer and eutrophication has also caused difficulties in the July / August period. Adult Rainbow Trout are stocked regularly to maintain a high stock density and give worthwhile angling returns. The lake also holds a large stock of small Rudd and Eels - Rudd form an important part of the Trout's diet. Some attractive shore angling sites and six boats are available for hire. Boats should be booked well in advance due to demand. Artificial wet flies are the most popular angling method but worms and spinning - in the early summer - have also given excellent returns.
3 miles east from Skibbereen, West Cork, beside the road to Leap. Located in a scenic wooded area. The lake is mainly deep (to 40 ft.) with narrow, shallow, margins. Attractive shore angling sites off by-road at eastern end of lake and boats are available for hire. The lake holds a good stock of wild, native Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout are stocked regularly to maintain a high stock density and give worth-while angling returns. Small Eels, Rudd and occasional Pike are also present. Recommended angling methods include artificial flies best fished from a boat - worms (using a float) or a small spinner
A 5 acre, circular roadside lake, 3 miles south-east from Drimoleague village and 7 miles north-east from Skibbereen. The surrounding land is level and boggy with water-lilies abundant off the lake's margins. Attractive shore angling sites have been created and the lake holds above average sized wild native Brown Trout. Adult Rainbow Trout are regularly stocked to maintain a high stock density and give worthwhile angling returns. Recommended angling methods include worms -using a float, artificial flies or small spinners.
Approx. 25 acres and located 3 miles south-west from Dunmanway beside the road to Drimoleague. A track (150m) brings you to the shore, where boats are kept and where some attractive shore angling sites have been cleared. Take care, however as parts of the shoreline is soft and boggy and waders are a 'must' if you are not hiring a boat. The lake is partially hidden from the road which gives a satisfactory sense of quiet seclusion. A large stock of small native Brown Trout are present and large Rainbow Trout are regularly stocked to maintain a high stock density and give very good angling results. Small Eels and Rudd are also present. Recommended angling methods include worms - with afloat artificial flies or small spinners.
An attractive, convenient, 25 acre, clear water lake, 3 miles east from Bantry. A unique location, because two roads fringe 75% of the lake's margin, creating exceptional shore angling facilities. Boats are available if required. An excellent stock of Rainbow Trout and some Brown Trout are present, and the lake is restocked regularly with adult Rainbow Trout to maintain a high stock density, and to give satisfactory angling returns. Occasional Pike, Perch, Eels and Rudd are also present. Successful angling methods include worms with a float artificial flies or small spinners.
Located at the base of Mount Gabriel, 1½ miles north from Schull village. This 5 acre, clear water mountain reservoir in scenic rugged terrain, overlooks Schull Harbour. A 100 yards solid path leads from car park to an ideal angling shoreline. Mainly shallow with a maximum depth of 18 feet, the fishery holds a good stock of small native Brown Trout and an excellent stock of Rainbow Trout, some small Eels and Rudd. Adult Rainbow Trout are stocked regularly to maintain a high stock density and to give satisfactory angling returns. For best angling results use worms - with a float - or try artificial flies or a small spinner
An attractive, clear water mountain lough, located 2 miles south-west from Glengarriff beside the Castletownberehaven road. The lower of twin lakes, 8½ acres in extent, mostly deep with some excellent shoreline angling sections. Native wild Brown Trout are present - some large and an excellent stock of Rainbow Trout, some small Eels and Rudd. Adult Rainbow Trout are stocked regularly to maintain a high stock density and to give satisfactory angling returns. For best angling results use worms - with a float - or try a small spinner. Artificial flies can be fished from the open bank areas.
Approximately 2½ miles south-west from Glengarriff beside the Castletownberehaven road and half a mile beyond Lower Lough Avaul - its sister lake. A 10 acre, clear water mountain lough in scenic rugged terrain with attractive shoreline angling sites - roadside shore is best and to the left of waterkeeper's house. A boat is also available. Some native wild Brown Trout are present and an excellent stock of Rainbow Trout, with some small Eels and Rudd. Adult Rainbow Trout are stocked regularly to maintain a high stock density and to give satisfactory angling returns. For best angling results use worms - with a float - or try a small spinner. Artificial flies can be fished best from the boat.
Secluded, attractive, in a wild remote scenic area on the southern shore of Kenmare Bay, 3 miles west from the village of Ardgroom. A 15 acre clear water seaside lough with good shoreline shallows and within 60 yards of a narrow tarred road. About 60% of the shoreline is easily fishable or boats are available for hire. The lake holds a good stock of wild Brown Trout and adult Rainbow Trout are stocked regularly to maintain a high stock density. Try worms - with a float - artificial flies or a small spinner.
11 miles south-west from Kenmare and 3 miles from the village of Sneem. An attractive, clear water long, narrow, 14 acre, very convenient, roadside lough, where numerous roadside angling sites have been created. A good section for fly fishing at the eastern end. Angling difficult from the steep solid rock bank of the northern shoreline but boats can be hired if required. Holds a very good stock of Rainbow Trout and adult Rainbow Trout are stocked regularly to maintain a high stock density and give worthwhile angling returns. Small Rudd and Eels are also Present. Recommended angling methods include worms - with a float artificial flies, or try a small spinner
A 35 acre mountain lough, 6½ miles from Kenmare and one mile off the Kenmare to Killarney road, at Molls Gap. In a superb location, the entire shoreline is overlooked from the nearby road. Access is open and excellent, the rocky shoreline 100% fishable and the sparkling clean, clear lake waters especially attractive. The lake holds a very good stock of small wild native Brown Trout and adult Rainbow Trout are stocked regularly to maintain a high stock density and give worthwhile angling recommended methods include worms, using a float - artificial flies, or try a small spinner
An attractive 20 acre mountain lough, 6 miles southwest from Killorglin and east of Lough Carragh, in a very scenic location. Beside and overlooked from a narrow tarred road, access is excellent and the solid shoreline 90% fishable. The lake holds a very good stock of small wild native Brown Trout and large Rainbow Trout are stocked regularly to maintain a high stock density and give worthwhile angling returns. Small Eels and Rudd also occur. Successful angling methods include worms - using a float - artificial flies or a small spinner
A 20 Acre mountain lough in spectacular forest scenery, 4 miles south from Castlegregory. Turn south off the Tralee - Conor Pass road just west of the village of Aughacasla. A forestry road runs to the lake shore which has very good shoreline angling facilities but the boats, available for hire, give easier access to the entire lake area. Small native Brown Trout are present and adult Rainbow Trout are stocked regularly to maintain a high stock density, to give worthwhile angling results. Try worms, spinners or artificial flies.
