LOUGH MUCKNO, CASTLEBLAYNEY
This big lake recently hosted the European Coarse Angling Championships on the newly developed Concra Wood Stretch. While the catches were not huge, the second day match produced plenty of bags of small fish. In common with other lakes, some of the best bream fishing is in the autumn. The deep swims on Black Island and the swims in Gas Lake can produced very good catches of bream, roach and hybrids in the earlier months of the year. The White Island stretch near the town regularly produces five mixed catches all year round with the waggler often the best method. The long Concra Wood stretch including the new match stretch fishes well for the pleasure angler. Waggler, Pole and Swimfeeder regularly produces catches to over 100 lbs to the pleasure angler who pre-baits. The famous Belfast Steps area at the end of the Concra Wood stretch, where there is a huge drop off, produces many big pike.
Target species: Bream, roach, hybrids, pike
Best baits: Maggots, worm, caster, corn

RIVER SHANNON, PORTUMNA
Portumna in County Galway is located on the west bank of the River Shannon above Lough Derg. It has a busy boating Marina at the top of the lake. The fishing along its many match lengths right up to Meelick is excellent. In spring, roach dominate catches with bream and the spring festival matches have often thrown up match weights of roach of over 100 lbs. After June and particularly in the autumn, some of the best bream catches are recorded. The best stretches are in the town stretch above and below the bridge, the Salmon Run, the Sheebeen Match stretch and the Meelick stretch below the weir. Heavy swimfeeder is the order of the day and long pole to hand fishing, has accounted for many weights over 100lbs. Most of the stretches on the river are huge, often up to 400 yards wide. Bream and Roach are usually found in the first 30 yards from the bank where most of the swims have a big ledge at 15 yards out from the bank. There are many guesthouses in the area that will provide good facilities for the visiting coarse angler and also information on the swims that are currently fishing best.
Target species: Bream, roach, hybrids
Best baits: Maggots, worm, caster, corn
Contact: John Dyson, tel 00353 50941528 (bait, tackle, accommodation))

RIVER SHANNON, LOUGH DERG
While Portumna is famous for its general coarse fishing, the river and the upper part of Lough Derg is famed for big Pike. With the huge populations of bream and roach that frequent the stretches of river above the town and similar shoals of fodder fish below the town, there are many big pike in these areas. While there is plenty of bank fishing for the pike angler, many guest houses have boats, engines and even some have echo-sounding equipment for hire. There are also professional angling guides to help the visitor to locate and catch the big pike of their dreams. For the new visitor to the area, it is advisable to hire an angling guide for a day or so because of the enormity of the water. To locate these big pike on these huge expanses of water is a daunting task. The best tip is the actual location of the big bream and roach shoals. Fishing a dead bait in these areas either by legering or float ledger trolling from a boat, will pay dividends. In the summer, pike are more active and spinning, trolling and jerk bait fishing will all account for plenty of fish.
Target species: Pike, bream, roach, hybrids
Best baits: Maggots, caster, worm, corn, dead baits
Contact: Dave Harris, tel 00353 50941808 (Bait, guide, boat hire)

GRAND CANAL, EDENDERRY
This town is situated 32 miles west of Dublin. The Grand Canal flows close to the town with a canal spun into a harbour in the centre of it. For the canal angler, the many developed stretches boast of top class quality canal fishing. Most of the stretches of the canal are coloured and one of the notable features on many of the match lengths are the abundance of weeds on the far bank and on the inside bank in many swims. Fish feel comfortable in these surrounds and will respond to a little and often baiting up. Bream, rudd, tench, roach, hybrids, perch and some pike are the main species present. Good stretches include the Tunnel, the Harbour, Trimblestown, Rhode, Daingean and Toberdaly. The annual June fishing festival is fished in sections on many of these match lengths. Bream, rudd and roach are the main target species, although tench will turn up everywhere. In the harbour area there is a good stock of carp to 12lb along with the other species. Best methods include long pole, short line and a small waggler. Maggots will attract all species.
Target species: Bream, tench, roach, rudd, carp
Best baits: Maggots, casters, corn, bread, worms
Contact: Padraic Kelly, tel 00 353 405 32071. He can organise bait and give up-to-date information on the best pegs.

BALLYCULLIAN LAKE, COROFIN
This lovely lake which comprises of five distinct bays has become a major new water for specimen bream, tench and rudd/bream hybrids. Most of the fishing on this lake involves boat fishing. Now most coarse anglers in England do not like fishing from a boat but we recommend you give it a try on this lake. Boats are supplied by guesthouses and boat hire in the village of Corofin. You row your boat from a slipway from the first small lake through a narrow opening in tall reeds into the second lake. On the far side, you can row to the rocks area where you can sit and catch bream to 10lbs, big hybrids and some tench. Nearby is the legendary ‘Nick Parry’ swim. (Local angler Nick, the tench record holder, has caught many specimen tench from this swim). The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board have provided boat stands in several areas of this big lake. You row your boat to a stand, tie up and fish comfortably from your stand. Swimfeeder and float fishing wagglers with plenty of baiting up work best.
Target species: Tench, bream, roach
Best baits: Corn, maggots, worms, casters, bread
Contact: Michael Cleary, Shannon Regional Fisheries Board, tel 00353 – 65 37675 for boat hire, information on B & B and local fishing.

COOTEHILL, DROMORE LAKELAND
The town in east County Cavan has a large tradition of English anglers visiting the lovely lakes and catching huge weights of bream and roach for the past thirty years. The excellent network of guesthouse and farmhouse accommodation along with the good information have all ensured that the English angler will have an enjoyable holiday. Like many other Irish venues the fishing on these lakes can be varied in the spring and summer months. Good mixed catches of roach, hybrids and bream can be taken. Some waters offer excellent roach/bream hybrids to 4lb and also feature rudd and tench. In the autumn months right through to October, many of the bigger bream catches are recorded. Annually, catches of 200lbs have been recorded however, expect to catch 40-80 lb per session. The fisheries that have produced some of these great catches are Drumlona Lake, Killyvaghan Lake and Sillan Lake. Pre-baiting, patience and good information have all been key ingredients for success. The usual methods involving heavy baiting up will succeed. Ledgering with a swimfeeder is the main method of attack but straight bomb ledgering can be better particularly if fish are coming fast. Pike anglers are also well catered for with a recent 41lb pike recorded in the area. Notable early year waters are Lisnalong, Barnagrow and also Annermackerirg.
Target species: Bream, roach, hybrids, tench, rudd, pike
Best baits: Corn, maggots, worms, casters, bread
Contact: C J Fay, tel 00353 495552153 (Bait, tackle, accommodation)

INNISCARRA LAKE, LEE RESERVOIR
In the past ten years, the Lee Reservoirs have gained in popularity especially the Inniscarra Lake (Reservoir). The South Western Regional Fisheries Board together with the owners, the ESB (Electricity Supply Board) have developed some of the popular venues on the lake. There is now a well developed coarse angling centre at Coachford, west of Cork City, where many anglers now stay. Many open festivals are held here annually. An E.S.B. permit is required to fish the lake. The vast shoals of medium size bream attract many anglers to favourite areas like Rooves Bay and the Dripsey Arm. Rudd and some small carp also feature in catches. Favourite methods include long pole, short line, long pole to hand, swimfeeder and wagger fishing. Indeed, several visiting English anglers have used some of the longer 20 foot float rods to fish big wagglers further out in 16 to 18ft of water. Pleasure anglers regularly take 50 to 100lbs of skimmers and rudd in a day and many 100 to 200lb weights are recorded regularly in season. There are bigger Bream in the lake and local knowledge should be sought on areas to try for these. The Pike angler is well catered for particularly in Loughs Allua and Inchigeela where pike to over 30lb have recently been recorded.
Target species: Bream, roach, pike, hybrids, rudd, carp
Best baits: Corn, maggots, worms, casters, bread
Contact: Mike Risdon, tel 00353 5859450

RIVER SHANNON, LANESBORO
One of the most famous coarse fisheries in the whole of Ireland for big bream, hybrids and tench over the past 30 years. Things have changed since legendary Ray Webb caught a Record tench there in the early seventies. In the past two years, the bank has been improved with the aid of EU Funds. There is a 50 peg match length above and below the bridge now, and anglers can now fish in comfort. Huge catches of roach are now taken by pleasure and match anglers using long pole to hand or long pole short line fishing. When the bream move in, the swimfeeder can be a better bet. In the summer evenings, big bream and tench can still be caught but it is noticeable nowadays that very few anglers fish this famous stretch in the late evenings. Years ago, there was a queue to fish the famous hotwater at night to catch bream to over 10lbs and tench to over 7lb. This venue is now fishable all year round with the concrete stepped embankment all along the stretch. Pike fishing is excellent all year round also. For the more adventurous angler, there are boats for hire. The famous Cut swims which can only be got to by boat, a half mile down the hot water stretch regularly produce many 100lbs catches of quality bream, roach and tench.
Target species: Bream, roach, pike, hybrids, tench
Best baits: Corn, maggots, worms, casters, bread
Contact: Pascal Ettienne, tel 00353 4324368 (Bait, tackle, accommodation)

LOUGH OUGHTER, KILLYKEEN
This famous match and pleasure fishery in the middle of a state forest offers the visiting angler huge opportunities to try out many different venues, with a variety of methods. Whether you want to pole fish, float fish a waggler, ledger a swimfeeder or trot a stick float, this angling centre caters for all syles. The State Forestry Board have beautiful wooden chalets overlooking the match stretch together with a restaurant and play area. This is an idea location to bring the family. The fifty peg match length used for the British King of Clubs Competition is one of the most consistent fisheries in the country. The high sloping banks are fishable all year round and catches of bream, roach and hybrids to over 100lb are regularly reported. All methods work including long pole to hand, long pole short line and swimfeeder tactics. The river section in front of the restaurant yields good catches of roach and often there is a nice flow to trot a float. There are plenty of boats to hire from the Coillte reception desk. The Sally Lake on the way in to the match length has fishing from stands where there are carp, tench and bream available. Pike to over 30 lbs are recorded annually.
Target species: Bream, roach, pike, hybrid
Best baits: Corn, maggots, worms, casters, bread
Contact: Barry Smith, tel 01942 670890 (UK Tackle dealer)

RIVER SHANNON, SHANNONBRIDGE
This famous stretch of the Shannon below Athlone has seen many English visitors over the last thirty years take great catches of bream, roach, rudd, tench and hybrids at the many venues around this popular Co. Offaly village. There is now a developed hot water stretch below the power station and big tench over 6lb along with bream around 4lb are regularly taken. Roach and Hybrids also feature particularly under the train bridge where trotting a float can produce a fish a cast. The famous River Suck joins the main river just below the town on the Galway bank. All the swims down to the joinings if prebaited, can produce very big catches of bream, roach and hybrids mainly on swimfeeder. The big bay, 200 yards below the bridge on the right-hand-side is 72 feet deep! Above the bridge is the famous back water up to Capaleitra where there are lovely swims for bream, tench, roach and some rudd in beautiful peaceful surroundings. One of the main reasons anglers love to fish in Shannonbridge, is a visit to Killeen’s pub and tackle shop. Dermot (Derry) and Mick will pour you a lovely pint but you also get excellent advice and help on the local fishing scene.
Target species: Bream, roach, pike, hybrids
Best baits: Corn, maggots, worms, casters, bread
Contact: Eamon Mc Manus, tel 00353 90574189 (Bait, tackle, accommodation)

THE ROYAL CANAL, MULLINGAR
This canal has now been fully restored around the town over the last year. The fishing in the town and in the adjoining stretches boasts some of the biggest fish in Irish canals. There are several tackle shops in Mullingar to ask advice on the best swims. On the way in on the Dublin road to the town, you will pass the legendary “Downs” stretch. Tench up to 6.5lb and carp to 10lb were taken last year by anglers pole fishing with No 20 elastic! A quiet walk along this stretch looking for bubble and colour is the key to success. Big catches of tench in the 3 to 5lb range are regularly taken with the occasional fish over 6lb. Waggler is the preferred method. In the town stretches, tench, roach and some bream dominate catches. The Pipers Boreen Stretch on the far side of the town has great stocks of fish including tench, bream, rudd, roach and hybrids. Further out in Ballinea bridge, bigger fish are present along with some nice carp up to 10lb. The swims here are quiet, peaceful and very productive.
Target species: Bream, roach, hybrids
Best baits: Corn, maggots, worms, casters, bread

RIVER SHANNON-LOCH REE, ATHLONE
In the spring there is some cracking roach fishing particlarly around the intake of the River Inny. The roach shoals gather here and near other intakes in large numbers as the spawning season gets underway. In the summer this area offers quality roach and bream fishing along with tench, rudd, and pike. On most waters where there is a good head of silver fish the larger hen pike will be in close proximity. The main river and Loch Ree fishes well right through to October with October often being the best month. Main areas that do produce lots of fish are the east and west shoreline of Loch Ree. In recent years the hiring of boats has opened up a new angle on the fishing on these vast waterways. Small islands can be reached by boat and many of the small islands are unchartered territory. The main methods are pole, waggler and feeder. It’s neccecerry to pre bait on some of the unfished areas. Lots of good fishing with plenty of quailty fish.
Main species: Bream, roach, tench, rudd, pike
Best baits: Red maggot, worm, caster, corn
Contact: Mark Egan, tel 00353 90294773

CARRICK-ON-SHANNON AND LEITRIM LAKES
The Upper shannon and its tribrutarys offer some great sport for the travelling angler. In summer try fishing for the vast shoals of bream that move into Boderg Lake. The lake is linked to the river and is a popular place to catch large bags of bream and roach. The feeder or pole are the two top methods. There are some two dozen lakes some connected to the river and some not that are well worth exploring. Local information can lead to selecting a main species to target as some of the lakes are known for their quality of one or more species. Choose from tench and rudd waters, or bream and roach waters. The surroundings on some of these waters are idylic, with many of them offering reed fringed, untouched swims. Most have deoths from 12-14 feet. Red maggot, red worms, sweetcorn, casters are the best choice in baits. For the roach use a soft groundbait. Do Pre bait on bream waters and allow a couple of days before fishing. If targeting a tench water then pre bait the swim with loose particles and avoid putting groundbait into the swim.
Main species: Bream, tench, roach, hybrids, rudd
Best baits: Red naggots, worm, caster, corn
Contact: Shean Fearon, tel 00353 7820313 (Accommodation, bait, tackle, boat hire)

BALLINAMOORE, BALLYCONNELL, LEATRIM LAKELAND
Species: roach, hybrids, bream, rudd, tench, pike
Area fishes better in summer and autumn. Produces reasonable well in early summer. Mainly lake fishing. Woodford, river-ballyconnell canal, near upper erne system. Feeder, waggler, pole. Baits as above caster summer autumn.
Contact: Mick Priest, tel 00353 499526198 (Bait, accommodation, tackle)

River Shannon, Athlone
The town has attracted top Bream anglers for the past thirty years to the great swims above and below the town. The festival in July started off in the 1970’s by the late Sean Egan is still as popular as ever which his son Mark still runs. The famous Meadows Stretch on the right hand side downstream of the weir is a terrific match and pleasure water. Further down at Halligan’s Field down to Long Island, huge shoals of bream still inhabit the river.
The fishing for Bream is best after July although some Bream along with Roach will feature in catches in the May-June period. Very heavy feeding is necessary in this wide, sometimes fast flowing water to produce results. A heavy feeder is necessary.
Above the town there are concrete stands on the left bank (Roscommon) near Charlie’s Island and these produce Bream, Roach, Rudd and some very big Hybrids particularly late in the evening. Local advice will guide the angler to the best swims. Upstream is the famous Lough Ree with plenty of swims near the town.

River Shannon, Carrick on Shannon
This upstream town on this mighty river in Co. Leitrim boasts wonderful fishing for Bream and Roach along with all the other species. The famous Mudflat swims with many stands provided produce fish all the year round except in huge flood.
In November, 1998, Richard Lee, News Editor of Angling Times, fishing from a flooded stand managed 80lb in a days fishing despite the conditions. Richard used a swimfeeder fished on inside line in a slack on the bend of the river. Richard took Bream to 4lb, Roach to 1lb, Rudd to 1lb, Perch to 1lb+, Roach/Bream Hybrids to over 2lb, rudd/Bream hybrids to over 2lb and Eels.
In low water conditions and pre-baiting with care following local advice on choice of swims, big catches over 100 lbs are regularly taken at the swims at the Mudflats at the piggery. On the far bank on the famous bend, the river is pacey and it is ideal to use lay pole or to trot a stick or waggler depending on the flow. Quality Roach and Perch will dominate catches on this side of the river, but it is possible to take good Bream catches fishing further out in the river. The river above the town particularly at Hartley Bridge regularly produces big catches of Bream, Roach and Hybrids and other species. Big Pike feature in the river all along here. Boats are available to explore the river and lakes in the vicinity. There is an excellent tackle shop right by the bridge to give good advice.

The River Suck & Lakes – Castlecoote and Athleague
In the past ten years, the Upper River Suck with its small lakes have provided the English visitor with a tremendous variety of fishing for quality fish. The river at Athleague has been producing terrific catches of Bream for years particularly downstream of the bridge and at Ballyboggan, a few miles below the town. These stretches have also produced Pike of 41lb and 38lb 2oz in recent years! The bigger fish caught in May had spawned!
There are excellent stretches above Castlecoote and at Danaman where the river is smaller, deep and sometimes more manageable compared to the bigger river further downstream. The excellent network of angling guesthouses will provide bait and good advice on the selection of swims.
The small lakes in the area have been developed greatly in recent years. The largest lake, Hollygrove Lake, near Ballygar has fishing for big Tench, Bream, Roach and Hybrids from an excellent stand and from a Crannog (a small island) where people can now drive out to and park. Stoneham’s Lake has new car parking with a long walkway of 12 stands where there is fishing for Bream, Roach and Hybrids. Black’sLake nearby also has wonderful fishing from stands. All three lakes have produced Pike to over 30 lbs in recent years. The variety of fishing in the area offers the visitor a great opportunity to catch great catches of fish in quiet and secluded areas particularly when the weather deteriorates.

River Blackwater (Munster), Fermoy, Co. Cork
This big river flowing through the town of Fermoy offers the river angler excellent sport for Roach and Dace. There are two major fishing festivals as well as many other open matches which attract big numbers of anglers to the popular stretches near the town.
This stretch of river hosted the World Championship way back in 1966 and basically, the river has changed little since that day. The main stretches are the Barnane Walk above the main town bridge, the Hospital Stretch and the Championship Stretch below the town with parking close by.
For any angler who likes to trot a float, these stretches offer everything with fast, shallow stretches full of Dace to a medium depth of river which can be fished with either a waggler or stick float. Some of the deeper, wider sections can be fished Bolognese style. Pole anglers will of course enjoy the fishing also. Regular catches of 100lb of Roach, Dace and some Perch in the deeper stretches are regularly reported.
If you want a venue that you can trot a float and not use a swimfeeder, then this venue is ideal. There is a well developed pond outside the town full of Tench and Rudd that offer a little bit of variety. Experienced guesthouses will offer advice on the best swims for fishing.

Lough Gowna, Gowna and Arva
The Lough Gowna complex of lakes at the top of the vast River Erne system lies in south County Cavan and north Longford. The term “Lough Gowna” applies to a whole series of lakes and each one has a separate name. Big numbers of English anglers have travelled to the towns of Arva and Gowna to enjoy super fishing for Bream, Roach, Hybrids, Perch and Pike. There are numerous venues but the best and most popular in the past few years include Church Lake. Dernaferst, Dring, Rosduff, Stretton’s Shore, Rhododendron, Dring and the Derries (Lissany Lake). As well as the vast complex of venues, there is the River Erne at Sallaghan Bridge and Hollybank Lake near the town of Arva.
On the Lough Gowna lakes, the fishing is dominated by Bream and Roach. Swimfeeder, waggler and pole fishing can work on most of these venues. The Rossduff match stretch which is regularly used for part of the British King of Clubs Competition in the autumn produces superb catches of Roach, using long pole, short line, long pole to hand and on some pegs, 4 to 7 metre whips. There are Bream at all these venues and careful pre-baiting will put a large catch in the net. Big Pike and occasionally big Trout also feature in these waters. Beware not to fish too fine when fishing maggot. You could have a 10lb plus wild trout on the other end. The hotel in Arva together with a network of guesthouses and self-catering accommodation in Arva and Gowna will provide bait and advice on best fishing in the area.

Tulsk
The huge network of lakes near the town of Tulsk and west of Strokestown in County Roscommon boast the last big complex of pristine clear lakes full of huge Rudd. Most of the lakes are not for the sit down angler who wants to bag up on Bream.
Hugh Gough, Coarse Angling Adviser with the Central Fisheries Board, who is now retired, has caught more 4lb Rudd in the last few years form the area than even the famous Reverend Alston in England. In one week period of fine weather, Hugh actually caught 14 Rudd over 4lb. He holds the Irish Record at 4lb 8oz, but is confident of catching a five pounder.
This venue requires a boat and a stalking approach. Hugh tells me that you need a windless clear day and fishing from a boat using a small crystal waggler and spotting your fish is the key to success. In fact, very little preparation is required except to put some bread on the surface to spot the feeding big fish. Hugh has in fact caught most of his fish on maggots and only occasionally on bread. The big fish are easily spooked, so a very quiet approach is needed.
Lough Connymore and Connybeg, Lough Annaghmore are some of the venues to try. Lough Patrick can be fished from a crannog where there is specimen Rudd/Bream Hybrids, some Tench as well as huge Rudd. There is accommodation in Tulsk, Tarmonbarry and Strokestown nearby.

EastClare Lakes, Tulla:
This town is long associated with quality Tench, Roach and Bream fishing for the last twenty years in beautiful surroundings in east County Clare.
The famous Doon Lakes near Broadford boasts great fishing for Roach, Bream, Rudd, Hybrids and a big stock of Dace. Silvergrove Lake or Bridget’s Lake is famous for its big Tench and Bream. The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board have put in more access and stands on this famous lake. Hiring a boat can bring you to more secluded swims in this big lake.
The Cullaun chain of lakes have great stocks of Tench and bream to specimen size. Tench to 7lb and Bream to 10lb have been recorded in recent years from some of the small lakes in the chain with Stones Lake probably the best. Careful pre-baiting and fishing early morning or late into dark can be the key to success.
Rosslara and Kilgory Lakes have produced quality Tench, Bream and Hybrids in recent years. On your visit to this lovely part of the country, you may fancy a trip to the River Shannon at O’Brien’s bridge which lies nearby. The famous Bream swims upstream and downstream of the bridge produces many 100lb plus catches every year. The nearby small lake, named Paddy MacNamara’s Lake contains bream to 9lb and some Carp to 16lb. Guesthouses in the East Clare area are experienced in helping the visiting angler take the catch of his dreams.

Lakes in Virginia-Bailieboro area (County Cavan)
The twin towns of Virginia and Bailieboro boast a huge range of big and small lakes all draining into the famous River Boyne.
Big Lough Ramor dominates the whole area. This lake did not fish well in the summer of 1999 but in late August and September, huge nets of Hybrids, Roach and Bream were recorded by many visiting English angles. There are many access points into the lake, so vital local knowledge on best venues at the time of arrival is necessary.
Sire editor Gareth Purnell caught some big specimen fish in this area in recent years. Gareth caught a fine specimen Roach/Bream Hybrid in little Galloncurra Lake which is near Bailieboro. This little lake has some fine bream, roach and some big Pike to 30 lbs. Gareth also caught a fine specimen Bream of 7lb 8oz at Lisgrey Lake just north of the town of Virginia.
Other notable lakes include Skeagh Lake, Castle Lake and Drumkearry Lake north of Bailieboro. The facilities on Castle Lake are super including a disabled anglers stand and many other fishing stands inside a beautiful forestry. All these lakes have excellent Bream fishing together with roach, Hybrids, Perch and big Pike. Lough Ramor produced a 36 lbs. 4 oz. Specimen Pike to a local angler in 1999 and I expect a bigger one this year! Hotel and guesthouses in the area keep log books and will help in finding the best fishing for you.

Lough Derravaragh and the River Inny, Mullingar
The famous River Inny below Lough Derravaragh threw up a fantastic 100 kilos+ weight of Roach at the Abbeyshrule Festival last May. That is only a measure of the superb fishing in this area. The river at all access points particularly at bridges on this famous river all produce huge catches of mainly Roach although on occasions, Bream and Hybrids will also feature in catches. The biggest catches are recorded in the April to June period in particular due to the spawning cycle.
Long pole to hand is the favourite method with heavy baiting. Trotting a stick, fishing Bolognese style will all work here. The river flows in and out of the huge Lough Derravaragh where there is some limited access venues to fish from the shore.
Most anglers boat fish Lough Derravaragh, however, especially for big Pike. Only a small number of years ago, a Pike estimated at around 45lb was captured by a local angler and returned. 20 and 30lb fish are recorded every year in this pretty lough and there is a well developed pike angling centre at Multyfarnham where the best boats and equipment to locate the big Pike are available for hire.
The river itself also has very big Pike and many 20 to 30lb fish are recorded along the entire length where it eventually flows into Lough Ree at Inny Bay which is a famous fishery in its own right.

BALLINAMOORE, BALLYCONNELL, LEATRIM LAKELAND
Species roach, hybrids, bream, rudd, tench, pike
This area fishes better in summer and autumn. It also produces reasonable well in early summer. Mainly lake fishing and also fishing on Woodford, River/Ballyconnell Canal, near to the Upper Erne system. Feeder, waggler and pole fishing all work well. Leatrim Lakeland fishes well through may and june and for good bags of roach head towards the back of the mill in Ballyconnell where big shoals of roach gang up to spawn. Also worth visisting at this time of year is the River Blackwater on the Ballinamore road. Stickfloat fishing is a favoured method fishing with caster on a little-and-often basis, about four pints of mixed caster and maggot will suffice. If the roach are there in good numbers 80lb is possible. From July to August it is well worth visiting Bellaboy Lake which is situated between Ballyconnell and Bounboy where good weights of bream can be caught. The average size of the bream here are between 3-4lb. Feeder fishing with the wind in your face is recommended. Pre-baiting for at least two days prior to fishing is best.
Main species: Roach, hybrids, bream, rudd, tench, pike
Best baits: Maggots, caster, corn, worm
Contact: Mick Priest, tel 00353 499526198 (Bait, accommodation, tackle, boat hire)