With its glassy lakes, winding rivers and gentle pace, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands offers anglers something truly special, a place to slow down and tune into nature.
As open season returns, the region’s rich waters, from the mighty Lough Ree to the winding River Suck, are alive with opportunity. Whether you’re a seasoned fly-fisher, a coarse angling enthusiast, or simply seeking a quiet day by the water, this under-the-radar inland haven promises some of the country’s most rewarding fishing experiences.
Lough Ree, Longford, Westmeath and Roscommon
Open season: March 1 to September 30
The second largest lake on the River Shannon system, Lough Ree, is classified as a mixed fishery with trout, pike and coarse fish. The town of Lanesboro lies to the north, and the vibrant, flourishing town and angling centre of Athlone is located at the southern end of the lake.
Brown wild trout have seen a dramatic improvement in numbers due to local angling clubs, interest groups, and Roscommon County Council all working towards improving the water quality of Lough Ree.
From this development, trout fishing can be very good. In recent years, fly fishing has proved to be an equal if not better method than trolling, provided the angler concentrates on the shallows and around the islands. Hotspots such as Hare Island, Inch More, and Inch Turk are all worth exploring to seek out some of the finest wild brown trout specimens an Irish Lough is capable of producing.
The River Suck, Galway and Roscommon
Open season: March 1 to October 12
Popularly referred to as the River Suck Valley, it flows between the borders of counties East Galway and West Roscommon. The valley, housing Hollygrove Lake, Stoneham’s Lake, Lough Loung, Black’s Lake, Main River Suck, and Donamon River Suck, is one of Ireland’s renowned pike fishing areas and well worth considering on your itinerary of fishing venues in Ireland.
The River Suck produces many fine double-figure fish each year, with numerous specimens verified by the Irish Specimen Fish Committee year in year out, including Pike to 35lbs+, Rudd, Roach, and Hybrids. The Main River Suck, Athleague area, in particular, has produced some of the largest fish in Irish fresh waters.
Each year, local, national and international coarse angling events are run on the fishery by Inland Fisheries Ireland, including the International Wheelchair events. This ‘access for all’ facility consists of 30 fishing stands, which are complemented with dedicated parking bays and ramps with raised sides. These are custom-built ‘wheelchair friendly’ facilities, which allow ease of access to anglers with disability.
For more information, destinations and tackle shops, visit www.fishinginireland.info
Angling for all
With passionate local communities, accessible facilities, and thriving fish stocks, the Hidden Heartland continues to grow as a premier destination for anglers of all ages and abilities.
This season, discover the stillness, the sport, and the stories waiting along these quiet waters.
