Angling
Athlone is a busy and important angling centre located in the heart of Ireland's Lakeslands Region on the River Shannon and lies immediately south of Lough Ree, a large lake of 10,500 hectares. Lough Ree is 26 kms long by 10 kms at its widest point, and is 120 feet at its deepest, but averages about 20 feet. It is approximately equidistant from Dublin and Shannon Airports, an approximate distance of 135 kms.
You can fish in a number of locations on the River Shannon, Lough Ree and the lower stretches of the River Inny of which Athlone serves well as a base. Lough Ree offers a wide choice of fishing bays. Lough Ree is an inland sea and weather conditions can deteriorate quickly. Anglers should therefore be experienced in boat handling and have the necessary safety equipment. The shoreline on the lake is generally rocky and sometimes uneven. Anglers opting for shore fishing on the lake should come suitably prepared with levelling platforms for your comfort and ease. Also do consider your own safety, avoid shore fishing in adverse weather conditions. Where public access to some shores on the lake are limited by road or are through private property, a boat will be essential to gain access. This can be arranged locally. The River Shannon down stream of Athlone offers a number of fishing hot spots as far as Clonmacnoise, about 12 kms away.
Pike Angling
Lough Ree is one of Ireland's larger lakes and has the capacity to produce large Pike to 20+lbs. Trolling dead bait and plugs will get the best results. In April concentrate close to the margins as the Pike complete spawning. Vary tactics. Best Pike areas include the area from Killeenmore right around to Pollagh Point and also the eastern shore of Elfeet Bay, Galway Bay and north from Portrunny Bay to Lanesboro. Pike fishing is allowed all year - best bait are the trolled, traditional copper spoon and the Archer rig with dead bait. Most of the Pike are fished for by trolling the margins of the banks and many islands.
There is no rod licence for pike fishing on the River Shannon or Lough Ree.
Lough Ree International Pike Angling Festival - A Boat Angling Competition that takes place every year in April.
€3,000 guaranteed first prize – Sponsored by Fáilte Ireland
Coarse Angling
Coarse Angling is possible around the islands and shores on calmer days but generally this is not practiced. Similar to the northern shores of Lough Derg at Portumna, there is potential to explore this type of fishing which could reap significant rewards for those willing to experiment and are adventurous - but beware of the dangers of any lake particularly during windy weather - seek local advice. Anglers opting for this type of fishing will require a boat which can be hired at Lanesboro. The Barrymore shore, south of Hodson Bay also fishes excellent Bream and is one of the few areas on Lough Ree where it is possible to fish from the shore. The rocky shores and wide reed beds can make bank fishing difficult.
There is no close season for Coarse and Pike fishing but there are best times for individual species. See the Shannon Regional Fisheries Website for more information on individual coarse fish species.
There is no rod licence for coarse fishing on the River Shannon or Lough Ree.
Coarse and Pike Fishing Guide for the River Shannon and Lough Ree
compiled by The Shannon Region Fisheries Board
Trout
Lough Ree is a mixed wild fishery with a good stock of trout. At mayfly time -from mid May- the fish move into shallower water along the shores and around the numerous islands and shallows. Anglers on Lough Ree all have their favourite places in mayfly time. some consider that the area around the black islands, southwards to the Inchturk and on to Inchmore, gives the best fishing. Early season, best trolling is with Lane Minnow until May when fly fishing and dapping with the May Fly commences. The actual time of the May fly rise and its intensity varies very much each year with weather conditions. Usually though this fishing period commences in the third week in May and continues for up to 2 weeks. Following this, little Trout fishing is done again until September (other than fly) as Perch are inclined to take the trolled baits
The mayfly season is the time to go for the Lough Ree trout. The average weight must near 2lb and fish up to 16lb have been taken by trolling. Trout from 5- 7lb are frequently taken by the dap and there are many stories of every season of big trout lost. Where the conditions are right, the trout will take a Green Drake imitation and there are many anglers who go there just for the thrills and excitement of of the spent-gnat fishing. Lough Ree is also famous for its Sedge hatches. The Sedge fishing is very localised.
Who to contact for more information:
Brian McManus,
Angling Section,
Shannon Regional Fisheries Board,
Military Road,
Birr
Co Offaly
Email: info@shannon-fishery-board.ie
Useful Angling Resources/Advice
http://www.fishinginireland.info
Fishing Blog on Lough Ree and Angling in and around Athlone
Athlone Fishing Permit Distributor
Scully Guns & Tackle,
3 Pearce Court,
Athlone,
Co Westmeath
Tel: 090 64 92486
Downloads
The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board Pocket Guide to Pike and Coarse Fish Bye Laws. The guide is available to order in 8 different languages (English, German, French, Polish, Lithuanian, Latvian, Hungarian and Russian).
Irish Specimen Fish Report 2009
Discover Ireland Coarse Angling Guide
Discover Ireland Pike Angling Guide
Copy Reference: Shannon Regional Fisheries Board
