Cork Angling

Cork Harbour Boats
Cork Harbour Boats have two fast sea angling boats. Cuan Bán is a 38ft Aqua Star with a 350 HP engine. Castle Maiden is a 36ft offshore 105 with a 400 HP engine. Both are fully equipped and each boat is licensed for 12 passengers. Species of fish caught include blue shark, ling, cod, pollack, conger eel and ray.

River Ilen (Game)
The River Ilen holds a good stock of salmon in season and the best period is usually in April and May. The lower reaches of the river provide good sea trout angling especially in April and May. Local enquiries will provide current details on the availability of day permits for both salmon and sea trout angling.

Kinsale Angling
Kinsale is one of Ireland’s premier sea angling locations. Kinsale Angling caters for the beginner and experienced sea angler alike. Rods and tackle are available, and accommodation can be organised.

Kinsale Angling is a short drive from Cork City, and is very convenient to Cork Airport and Cork Ferryport.

Stocked Lakes (Game)
The South-Western Regional Fishery board has done excellent work in preparing and stocking small trout lakes in County Cork and County Kerry, and these can provide excellent fishing. Permits are usually available locally and details are available from the Fishery Board, fishing tackle dealers or Tourist Information Offices.

River Lee System
The River Lee rises in Gougane Barra, County Cork and flows east into Cork Harbour. The valleys downstream are now flooded and form reservoirs because of the erection of dams for hydro-electric power stations. Fishing is prohibited for 50 yards downstream of the powerhouse of Cork Waterworks. The ESB stocks up to 150,000 salmon smolts annually into the river. The bulk of the salmon fishing now takes place in the nine-mile stretch of river downstream of Inishcarra Dam. The peak of the salmon fishing is from late March and the grilse fishing is usually in full swing by early July. The river holds a fair stock of brown trout, averaging 0.5 lb but with some fish up to 1lb or better. The best fishing is during the day in May and June.

Schull Reservoir
Schull Reservoir is a joint development between the South Western Regional Fisheries Board and the local development association. It holds a small stock of wild brown trout and is also stocked with adult rainbow trout. Permission to fish is required from the regional fisheries board.

Coomhola River
The Coomhola River drains into the top of Bantry Bay. It gets a good run of grilse every season; it also gets a small run of sea trout in July and August.

Innishcarra and Carrigadrohid Reservoirs
These reservoirs to the west of Cork hold a small stock of wild brown trout. The best trout fishing areas are at the north arm of the mouth of the River Dripsey, the wide shallow area east of Carrigadrohid, and along the northern shore east of the mouthof the River Dripsey. A permit is required from the ESB, which is available at a nominal charge.

Caha Mountain Loughs

The Caha Mountain Loughs are on the Caha Mountains on the Beara Peninsula to the south-west of Glengarriff in County Cork. There are about twenty loughs in all, and virtually all of them can be fished from the shore. Some hold brown trout to 1 lb, although there are some loughs that hold no trout at all. Access to the loughs is quite difficult and requires a steep climb.

Angling Sullane River
The Sullane River flows east through Ballyvourney and Macroom into Carrigadrohid Reservoir. It is a moorland river and holds a good stock of brown trout averaging 6 oz. It fishes well through the season and the fly fishing is particularly good on summer evenings in July and August. The fishing is regarded as free; Macroom and District Fly Anglers have a conservation interest in the river.

Angling Ballinlough
Ballinlough is by the roadside two miles north of Leap. It is stocked with brown trout by the local angling club.

Shore Angling
Shore angling in the Region is excellent along most parts of the Cork/Kerry coastline. The shore angling here is certainly among some of the best in western Europe, and it is not unusual to spend a week fishing in the more remote areas without seeing another angler.

Anglers are advised to follow recognised safety practices, and wear safety gear when angling. If fishing from rock ledges beware of freak waves that can occur from time to time, and shore anglers are asked remember to check the tides.

Baitwell Fishing Bait
Fresh fishing bait in Cork.

Inniscarra Lake Coarse Angling
Inniscarra Lake in County Cork is the centre for coarse angling; here it is not unusual to catch over 100 lbs. of bream in a day.

Ouvane River
The river gets a small run of grilse and sea trout. It fishes best on a spate.

Inches House & Boat Angling Center
Inches House & Boat Angling Centre provides a new purpose built 31ft angling boat. The Centre welcomes beginners, youngsters, retired and experienced people, in fact, any person with a yearning to fish is welcomed and encouraged.

Tuition, rod & reel and tackle hire is available. The boat, Tigger, is fully licenced for 10 persons with all necessary safety equipment.

Whale & dolphin watching trips are also on offer.

Driminidy Lake
Druminidy Lake is three miles south-east of Drimoleague. It is stocked regularly with rainbow trout and fishing is from the shore.

Sea Fishing Barry Twomey
Sea Fishing Boat Hire Operators.

Angling Roxboro River
The Roxboro River is a small river that rises north of Dungourney and flows south and west to the sea. It holds occasional good brown trout and gets a small run of sea trout. The goodwill of the fishing is controlled by Midleton and District Angling Association.

Glengarriff River
The Glengarriff River enters the sea at Glengarriff and gets a run of grilse and sea trout. The fishing usually begins in late June or early July. Permission to fish can be obtained from Glengarriff Anglers’ Association.

Fermoy (Coarse)
The River Blackwater, the longest river in the Cork/Kerry Region rises near Rathmore on the Cork/Kerry border in north-west County Cork. It is a most important coarse and game angling river. This river is approximately 160 Km long, and some of the tributaries that feed this river provide good fishing for Brown Trout.

The River Blackwater in the Fermoy area provides good coarse angling primarily for Roach and Dace. The main water above the town is the Barnane Walk, and the waters upstream of the walk. This is an amenity walk that starts at the town bridge in Fermoy, and runs west, upstream on the southern bank of the river. Access to the Barnane walk is excellent, and the access is also suitable for disabled anglers.

A short distance east of Fermoy off the N.72 route to Lismore, the Hospital stretch of the River Blackwater is another well know coarse angling water, holding good stocks of Roach and Dace. Below this area and beyond the derelict Viaduct, is the water known as The Championship stretch where the World Coarse Angling Championships were fished in the late 1960s.

Foherish River
The Foherish River is a tributary of the Sullane and holds small brown trout; the banks are very overgrown in places. The fishing is considered free but Macroom and District Fly Anglers have a conservation interest in the river and should be supported.

Lough Bofinne
Lough Bofinne is three miles east of Bantry and the development of the lough is a joint venture between Bantry Anglers’ Association and the South-Western Regional Fisheries Board. The lough is regularly stocked with adult rainbow trout. Boats are available for hire.

Glen Lough
Glen Lough is two miles north-east of Adrigole, and access to it is off the road. It holds small brown trout and sea trout and occasional salmon from July.

Angling Bandon River
Professional guiding / instruction for brown trout, sea trout and salmon fishing. Anglers of all ages and ability welcome. Equipment provided, stunning locations and all requirements catered for. We have a great knowledge of the splendid fishing that’s on offer on the Bandon River and other rivers nearby such as the Argideen, River Lee and River Ilen.

The River Bandon rises in the Shehy Mountains in west Cork and flows east through Dunmanway, Ballineen, Enniskeane, Bandon and Inishannon, to Kinsale Harbour. This is primarily a salmon and sea trout river, but there are also plenty of brown trout, particularly in the lower reaches. The salmon fishing extends all the way from Inishannon upstream, to Desert Bridge and becomes more spread out further up. There is a good run of spring fish which peaks in April.

The grilse run occurs at the end of June and water levels can be critical for good fishing. There is also a very good run of big fresh fish in August and September and this is again dependent on good water. Devon spinners and worms work well in spring. The most popular local flies are the Hairy Mary, Silver Wilkinson, Silver and Blue and Garry Dog.

The river gets an excellent run of sea trout commencing in early July and lasting through August. A large number of sea trout are taken on the free waters of the estuary right up to Innishannon Bridge. The usual sea trout flies are the most effective, Peter Ross, Teal Blue and Silver and Bloody Butcher.

River Bandon (Game)
The Bandon River rises in the mountains north-west of Dunmanway, and reaches the sea at the estuary near Kinsale. The river provides good fishing for Salmon, Sea Trout and Brown Trout.

Much of the Salmon angling on the Bandon River is privately owned or controlled by groups of keen angling interests. Day permits are however available and local enquiries will provide up to date details.

The Bandon River is also known as a Sea Trout fishery. Good runs of Sea Trout are usually found in the July and August periods. The Sea Trout angling is confined to the area from Innishannon upstream as far as Bandon.

Brown Trout angling is available throughout the Bandon River system but average fish size is generally small. The best of the Brown Trout fishing is usually in the Bandon area.

Cork City Lough
Cork City is the second largest city in Ireland. The Lough is a 4-hectare lake located in the centre of the City and is a unique coarse angling area. Anglers must note however that the Lough is also an important wildfowl area, and the water attracts many birds including large numbers of Swans. Therefore care is essential to make sure that hooks or line are not allowed to become mis-placed around the shore areas.

The Lough is primarily a Carp fishery that produced the Record Irish Carp (29 lbs. 13 ozs.) caught in 1988. Each year the majority of Irish Specimen Carp are caught in this lake. The water also holds Eel and small quantities of Tench, Perch and Rudd.

Owennageragh River
The Owennageragh River joins the Shournagh west of Blarney. It holds a good stock of brown trout, and the fishing is regarded as free.

River Shournagh
The River Shournagh joins the Lee at Leemount Bridge. It holds a good stock of brown trout up to 9 inches. Much of the river is overgrown but there are clear areas where fly fishing can take place. The best fishing months are said to be April, May and June.

Laney River
The Laney River joins the Sullane River east of Macroom. It is a fast-flowing stream that holds reasonably good trout. The banks are overgrown in places. The best of the fishing is from Morrison’s Bridge upstream to Bawnmore Bridge, where the banks are reasonably clean, or from Morrison’s Bridge downstream. The fishing is regarded as free, but Macroom and District Fly Anglers’ Association has a conservation interest in the river and should be supported.

Eire Bass
Why not try fishing from the only licensed saltwater fly-fishing boat in Ireland in the second largest natural harbour in the world, Cork? Your guide, Richie Ryan, formerly a Commander in the Irish Navy, has built up a huge knowledge of bass fishing, in particular, over the last 30 years. He has purchased a new boat for this venture and is insured to carry up to 3 anglers. Booking for small numbers is ideal therefore. He supplies all the equipment including fly rods fly’s lines etc. Bass and sea trout are the main target species but he never underestimates the fun of catching the humble pollack on a fly. Also available on fly are mullet, mackerel and bream garfish etc.

Young and old are welcome although a basic knowledge of fly-fishing would be helpful. If you have no knowledge of fly-fishing, other methods including the owner’s own deadly bass techniques on spinning rod are available.

Cobh Angling Centre
Donnacha Geary operates the offshore 105 Marksman with a cruising speed of 16 knts. out of East Ferry Marina. Donnacha offers a great variety of fishing including early morning shark safaris and trips to distant wrecks and reefs. Accommodation can be arranged.

Garranes Lake

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 good angling results. Small eels and rudd are also present.

Shepperton Lakes
Big pike inhabit the waters of this summer rainbow trout fishery. Open only weekends to limited numbers. Two good lake boats. Group packages welcome and accommodation is arranged if desired.

The Lee System (Coarse)
The Inniscarra reservoir (also known as Inniscarra lake) one of two reservoirs in the Lee Valley, resulted from the development of the Lee Hydro-electric Scheme in 1956. At that time parts of the Lee Valley west of Cork City was flooded to create reservoirs for electricity generation. This reservoir runs west from the Inniscarra Dam as far as the Carrigadrohid reservoir, at the village of Carrigadrohid. The main villages of this area are Dripsey and Coachford.

The reservoir occupies an area of 530 hectares and there is approximately 40 Km of bank area that can be fished. In recent years there has been much investment in the development of angling facilities here.

The Inniscarra Reservoir is primarily a Bream fishery but also holds good stocks of Rudd, Rudd/Bream hybrids and some large Pike.

The Carrigadrohid Reservoir, one of two reservoirs in the Lee Valley, also resulted from the development of the Lee Hydro-electric Scheme in the 1950s. This reservoir runs west from the Carrigadrohid Dam. The Carrigadrohid reservoir is located close to the town of Macroom.

The Carrigadrohid Reservoir has stocks of Rudd Perch.

Angling Middle Lee
This is the section of the river above the Old Gearagh Forest at the upper end of Carrigadrohid Reservoir. This is a strong moorland river with attractive stretches above and below Drumcarra Bridge. It holds small numbers of brown trout and gets a run of large reservoir trout to 2 or 3 lb in late summer.

Argideen River
The Argideen River is primarily regarded as a sea trout fishery. The river is jointly managed by Argideen Anglers; Association and the southwestern Regional Fisheries Board and there are two private stretches that are not let. The Argideen Anglers control the fishing on the best 2-3 miles of the river, from Timoleague upriver. Fishing is for Sea Trout, mainly nighttime fly fishing.

Geary Angling Services and Tackle Supplies
Tackle shop, sea fishing, rod hire, etc. Boat hire for deep sea angling

Neaskin Lough
One of five small lakes in west Cork, the others being Chapel Lake, Ballynacarriga Lough, Curraghalickey Lake and Lough Atarriff which hold a mixture of brown trout with some also containing rudd, tench and pike.

Mallow (Coarse)
The River Blackwater, the longest river in the Cork/Kerry Region rises near Rathmore on the Cork/Kerry border in north-west County Cork. It is a most important coarse and game angling river. This river is approximately 160 Km long, and some of the tributaries that feed this river provide good fishing for Brown Trout.

This part of the River Blackwater in the Mallow area, holds good stocks of Roach and Dace. The areas fished here include the part known as The Creamery stretch, the area near the main road bridge (Limerick / Cork road) and the water that flows by Mallow Town Park in the centre of the town. The Blackwater in this area has been known to flood badly after very heavy rain. Local enquiries will provide details of any local waters that are controlled by Clubs.

River Funcheon
The River Funcheon joins the Blackwater just downstream of Fermoy. It is a good brown trout river and very suitable for the dry fly. There are four angling clubs on the river: Mitchelstown, Kildorrery, Glanworth and Kilworth. Membership of the clubs is open and the river is signposted with information about permits.

South Coast Charter Angling
Full day and evening angling trips. Island trips which can include a short period of fishing if required. Most trips can be arranged to suit the consumer. South Coast Charter Angling can take groups of up to 12 people but can arrange to fit groups together if there are a small number of people or individuals requesting a trip. The boat is also wheelchair accessible and is fitted with a disabled toilet. Kettle, sink, microwave, T.V. available for use. Please note all trips are subject to weather conditions.

Union Hall
The fishing village of Union Hall is nestled in a sheltered corner at the upper end of Glandore Harbour, amidst the spectacular scenery of the West Cork coastline.

Maintaining its tradition over the centuries, Union Hall has a proud connection with the sea and fishing is major local industry. Its magnificent new pier is a boost to all boat users.

The waters off Union Hall and Glandore are clean and unspoilt and ideal for sea angling. The area is well sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds, thereby ensuring a mild climate and abundant fish life.

Angling charter boat with experienced skipper available.

Michael Drinan
Guided trips on river, lake and sea. Species, trout, salmon, bass, pollock, master class course on nymphing, dry fly and all aspects of fly fishing available. Casting tuition both for single and double handed fly rods. Tackle hire available. Collection services to and from airport.

Fishing and accommodation packages available upon request. Contact me for rates on river, lake, master class entomology and fish behavior, on reading a lake, or river. Leader make up, techniques and casting.

Ballycotton Angling
Ballycotton is located 25 miles south of Cork City, and a sea angling charter has operated there over 50 years with some fine specimens being caught during this period.

Ballycotton Angling offer a 33 ft licenced Aquastar and engage in wreck, reef and drift fishing which includes shark, conger, cod, pollack and ling.

The Lee System (Game)
Inniscarra Dam was constructed in the 1950s as part of the Lee Valley Hydro-electric scheme. The Dam is located west of Ballincollig just off the northern R.618 route to Coachford and Macroom.

A number of Salmon fishing beats are available downstream (east) of the Inniscarra Dam through the Fishery Board, and local enquiries will provide current details on the availability of day permits.

The Laney River rising in the mountains north of Macroom, flows south to join the Sullane River near Macroom town.

The Sullane River rises west of Ballyvourney and flows east to join the River Lee system at Macroom.

The Inniscarra and Carrigadrohid Reservoirs are located south and east of Macroom. Please see coarse angling section for a further description of these waters.

The Laney River holds some good stocks of Brown Trout and average sizes are usually good. This river is normally considered to be free. However local enquiries will provide details on the current situation.

The Sullane River holds stocks of small Brown Trout and like the Laney River is understood to provide free fishing. Again local enquiries are recommended. This is a heavily fished water in early season.

The Inniscarra and Carrigadrohid Reservoirs hold stocks of small Brown Trout. These waters are however better known for the quality of the Coarse angling available here.

The River Lee is a serious Salmon angling river and the better angling is controlled by the Cork Salmon Anglers Association, the Lee Salmon Anglers Club, the South Western Regional Fisheries Board, and other private interests. Local enquiries will provide current details on the availability of day permits. At the Lee Fields area east of Ballincollig, Salmon angling is considered to be free, but not very productive. Again local checking of the position is recommended.

Iain O’Driscoll
Boat chartering in Schull.

The Blackwater System
The River Blackwater, the longest river in the Cork Kerry Region rises about 6 km from Ballydesmond on the slopes of Knockanefune mountain. This river is approximately 160 Km long. It is a most important game and coarse angling river, and it enters the sea at Youghal in east Cork. Some of the tributaries that feed this river provide good fishing for Brown Trout.

Game Angling Areas: The River Blackwater is an excellent Salmon water with an international reputation for good fishing given suitable angling conditions. Many of the best parts of the river are privately controlled. Some of the well-known areas include the Careysville Fishery, and the Dempster Fisheries. The Blackwater Lodge Hotel near Ballyduff at the eastern end of the river, also has access to some excellent water but this is outside of the County Cork part of the River Blackwater. Ballyvolane House near Castlelyons also has access to some good Salmon angling. Some privately owned salmon fishing is also available in the Mallow area. The River Funshion rises in North Cork near the county boundary and flows from a north-westerly to join the River Blackwater near Fermoy. This river holds good stocks of Brown Trout. There are a number of angling Clubs involved in the fishing here, and local enquiries should be made in Fermoy in regard to the availability of day permits. Some local Trout angling clubs have access to trout angling on the Blackwater and local enquiries will provide up to date details. The River Bride joins the River Blackwater south of Cappoquin and holds stocks of Sea Trout in its lower reaches. The Ballymaquirke Fishery in the Banteer area controls some good Salmon beats on the Upper Blackwater. Some local Trout angling clubs have access to trout angling on the Blackwater and local enquiries will provide up to date details.

Coarse Angling Areas: The River Blackwater in the Fermoy area provides good coarse angling primarily for Roach and Dace. The main water above the town is the Barnane Walk, and the waters upstream of the walk. This is an amenity walk that starts at the town bridge in Fermoy, and runs west, upstream on the southern bank of the river. Access to the Barnane walk is excellent, and the access is also suitable for disabled anglers. Access here is good.

Sea Fishing John O’Mahony
John O’Mahony is the skipper of his boat Debunture which is an Aquastar with a Cummins 380 HP engine and is 30 feet in length. Operates from Kinsale, County Cork. ISAAC registered.

Glashaboy River
The Glashaboy River gets a run of sea trout from the middle of June. The numbers of fish have decreased considerably in recent years.

River Martin
The River Martin flows through Blarney to join the River Shournagh, a tributary of the Lee. It holds stocks of brown trout that average about 4 oz. The fishing is regarded as free.

Angling Adrigole River
This small river gets a small run of grilse and sea trout in June.

Upper Lough Avaul
Upper Lough Avaul is half a mile beyond Lower Lough Avaul, two miles south-west of Glengarriff. The lake holds small brown trout and is stocked regularly with big rainbow trout. There is a boat for hire.

Kinsale Deep Sea Angling
43ft and 38ft Aquastar available for angling, dolphin & whale watching, evening trips and scenic tours.

Kinsale Deep See Angling is licenced by the Department of the Marine.

Deora Dé Deep Sea Angling Charters
Based in sheltered Cork Harbour, the world’s second largest natural harbour, Deora Dé Deep Sea Angling Charters can operate in all but the most extreme weather conditions. Deora Dé is a fast, modern, charter boat, built to the skipper’s own specifications and meeting current safety standards. Deep sea, reef and wreck, with shark fishing a speciality. Species of fish caught include blue shark, mackerel, pollock, cod, whiting, conger eel, ling, wrasse, gurnard, garfish, dogfish, coalfish and many more Full rod and tackle hire available with free tuition given. Free tea and coffee on board. Scenic harbour, diving and whale and dolphin watching trips also available. Minibus airport transfers and / or accommodation arranged.

River Dripsey
The River Dripsey holds a big stock of small brown trout. It flows into Inishcarra Reservoir and the fishing is regarded as free.

East Cork Angling Centre
East Cork Angling Centre works with two top class experienced skippers. Alan Kennedy who operates “Lagosta 11”, an offshore 105 and Donie Geary who operates “John Boy”, a Lochin 33. Both boats are licensed and well equipped. Accommodation at “Loughcarrig House” opened all year round except christmas

Courtmacsherry Angling
Courtmacsherry, a small fishing village situated 30 miles west of Cork City, has established itself as one of Ireland’s premier angling centres. The clean Atlantic waters warmed by the Gulf Stream add to the prolific marine life and species of fish which live off the shore.

The purpose built angling boats the Lady Patricia and Lady Louise were designed with the anglers comfort and safety in mind. The cruising speed of 18 knots gives the angler more fishing time with shark and wreck fishing a mere 30 minutes away. Dolphin and whale watching trips can also be arranged. Self-drive boats are also available with 8HP outboards.

The specimen book for 2008 shows the total number of specimens landed at Courtmacsherry numbered 80. These 80 included cod, pollack, conger, coalfish, dogfish, dab and several bass over the specimen weight were returned. The breakdown was 51 coalfish, 1 conger, 1 dab, 1 dog, 8 ling, 13 cod and 5 pollack.

The boats are certified by the Department of the Marine.

WK Flyfishing
William Kavanagh is a fly-fishing guide based in Cork and will guide in the South of Ireland for trout, sea trout, salmon, pike and saltwater. He also supplies tied flies and lures to order. Trout, sea trout, salmon, pike and saltwater flies and lures for Ireland and abroad. Casting lessons given to beginner or experienced person.

Tackle set up for balance on your rod and line and backing set up system to cater for all fly-fishing methods. William also offers advice and information on up to date knowledge of tackle or fishing reports when possible.

Lough Aderra
Lough Aderra is sixteen miles east of Cork, adjoining the Cork-Youghal road. It is stocked regularly by the regional fisheries board with brown trout and rainbow trout. There are six boats for hire

Sea Fishing Peter Manning
Ballycotton is one of Irelands most famous sea angling venues where fishing has taken place on an organised basis since the beginning of the century . Peter Manning operates with his boat Cleona, a modern 36 ft craft powered by a 120 hp engine.

Lower Lough Avaul
Lower Lough Avaul is two miles south – west of Glengarriff. There is a joint development between Glengarriff Anglers’ Association and the South Western Regional Fisheries Board. The lough holds a stock of wild brown trout and is regularly stocked with large rainbow trout by the fisheries board.

Glenbeg Lough and Lough Fadda Cork
Bearhaven Anglers’ Association has a lease on these loughs and on a number of other small lakes in the Ardgroom area. They hold small brown trout.

Youghal Deep Sea Angling
A 42ft interceptor suitably equipped for angling groups of up to 12 which will be based in Youghal, East Cork. 28knots, 700hp, luxurious build. Electric toilet, central heating & microwave. Free Tea & Coffee. Simrad 3D Bottom Sonar, Reef, Shark. Specialise in Offshore wrecks. Rods & Tackle Available.