FISHING in Ireland’s county CAVAN

Lough Oughter: A complex lake system connected to the River Erne, near Killeshandra and Belturbet, renowned for coarse and pike fishing. It features scenic waters and historical sites like Cloughoughter Castle. Anglers can target bream, roach, hybrids, tench, perch, and large pike. The lake supports year-round fishing, with excellent bank access at Killykeen Forest Park and boat rentals for deeper waters. Expect catches of bream and roach in large numbers, with pike fishing best by boat. Guided trips, like those from Carafin Lodge, offer tackle and pre-baiting services. No license is required for coarse fishing, but a serene, wildlife-rich setting awaits.
Lough Sheelin: Located in the south of Cavan, this is one of Ireland’s premier brown trout fisheries, known for its clear waters and rich fly hatches. Anglers can catch wild brown trout, with some reaching over 5 lbs., especially during summer evenings with sedge and olive fly patterns. Fishing is primarily by boat, with fly fishing the preferred method. A DAERA rod license and permit are required, obtainable locally. The lake’s reputation attracts serious game anglers, but pollution concerns may affect conditions, so check locally. Expect a challenging yet rewarding experience in a tranquil setting.
River Erne (Belturbet and Ballyconnell): A major river system flowing through Cavan, with key fishing stretches at Belturbet (Bakersbridge) and Ballyconnell (Shannon-Erne Waterway), known for coarse and pike fishing. Offers bream, roach, perch, pike, and hybrids, with deeper pools like Bakersbridge ideal for bream. Ballyconnell’s canalized stretches provide easy bank access for match anglers. Feeder fishing at 30-50m with groundbait and maggots works well. No coarse fishing license is needed, and local tackle shops like Irish Tackle & Bait in Ballyconnell supply gear. Expect consistent catches and vibrant angling festivals like the British King of Clubs.
Lough Gowna: A sprawling lake near Gowna, ideal for pike and coarse fishing, with easy shoreline access and boat options. Anglers can target pike (best in late spring), bream, roach, hybrids, and perch. The lake is accessible for bank fishing, with boat rentals enhancing reach to prime spots. Expect large pike and good bags of coarse fish, with Pikers Lodge nearby for meals and tackle. No license is required for coarse fishing, and the lake’s size offers solitude and varied fishing conditions.
Annagh Lake: A game angling lake near Butlersbridge, managed by the Butlersbridge Trout Angling Co-op, stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Fly fishing only, from boats, with trout up to 6 lbs. recorded. Expect good hatches of duckfly and sedges, with dry fly, wet fly, and nymph patterns effective. A rod license and permit are required (contact local tackle shops or the co-op). The lake offers a quiet, focused fishing experience, ideal for trout enthusiasts, with boat hire available.
Killywilly Lake (Cranaghan): A smaller lake near Killeshandra, known for coarse fishing with good bank access from stands. Anglers can catch bream, roach, perch, and pike, with tench occasionally reported. Fishing from stands ensures comfort, and no coarse fishing license is needed. Expect a peaceful setting with consistent catches, ideal for families or casual anglers. Local angling centers like Killeshandra provide bait and advice, and the lake suits feeder or float fishing.
Tomkinroad Lake: A small, accessible lake near Belturbet, known for its coarse fishing and proximity to angling amenities. Offers bream, roach, perch, and pike, with easy bank access for all skill levels. No license is required for coarse fishing, and the lake is ideal for feeder fishing with groundbait. Expect decent bags of fish in a quiet, rural setting, with tackle shops and accommodation like the International Fishing Centre in Belturbet nearby for convenience.
Licenses: No license is required for coarse or pike fishing in Cavan, but game fishing (trout, salmon) requires a DAERA rod license and permits, available from local tackle shops or angling clubs.
Guides and Facilities: Angling centers in Belturbet, Killeshandra, Ballyconnell, and Cootehill offer boat hire, guided trips, and tackle. Carafin Lodge provides tailored pike fishing with sonar-equipped boats and pre-baiting services.
Festivals: Cavan hosts major angling festivals like the British King of Clubs and local events in Arvagh, Belturbet, and Cootehill, attracting match anglers with competitive opportunities.
Techniques: Feeder fishing (30-50m) with groundbait, casters, and maggots is effective for coarse fish. Pike fishing excels with trolling, dead baiting, or jerk baiting, especially March to September.
Conservation: Some lakes, like Lough Gowna, have trout size limits (e.g., minimum 12 inches). Catch-and-release is encouraged in many fisheries to preserve stock

County Cavan:

Ireland’s county Cavan is a haven of lakes and rolling hills, with the Shannon-Erne Waterway offering tranquil boating and fishing opportunities. The Cavan County Museum in Ballyjamesduff explores local history, while the Marble Arch Caves, part of a UNESCO Geopark, showcase stunning underground formations. Other attractions include the Killykeen Forest Park’s walking trails. Cavan is Ireland’s 19th largest county by size (1,891 sq km) and eighth smallest by population (81,704). Population peaked at 243,158 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 52,618 in 1971. In terms of hospitality, Cavan is Ireland’s 20th most visited tourist county with around 111,000 international visitors per year.

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