FISHING in Ireland’s county LEITRIM

Lough Allen: A large lake in north Leitrim, part of the Shannon system, known for coarse fishing (pike, bream, roach, perch) and some brown trout. Anglers can target large pike (up to 30 pounds) and shoals of bream and roach, with boat or bank fishing available. Brown trout fishing is best in spring and autumn using fly or trolling methods. Expect a serene setting with views of the Arigna Mountains. A state rod license is needed for trout, and permits are available from local tackle shops like Carrick Angling Centre (+353 71 9641747) in Carrick-on-Shannon. Boat hire and guided trips are offered by operators like Angling Services Ireland. The nearby village of Drumshanbo adds charm with pubs and dining.
Lough Melvin: A border lake shared with County Fermanagh, near Kinlough, famous for its unique game fishing, including brown trout, gillaroo, sonaghan, and salmon. Expect exceptional fly fishing or trolling for trout and salmon, with gillaroo (a rare trout with red spots) being a highlight. The season runs from February to September, with wet-fly fishing effective during hatches. The lake’s clear waters and surrounding Dartry Mountains create a stunning backdrop. A state license is required for salmon and trout, and permits can be obtained from Kinlough Angling Club or tackle shops like McHenry’s in Ballyshannon. Boat hire is recommended for deeper waters, and the lake’s tranquility suits a peaceful fishing day.
River Shannon: Ireland’s longest river, flowing through Carrick-on-Shannon, renowned for coarse fishing (bream, roach, tench, pike) and some trout and salmon. Anglers can enjoy bank or boat fishing for large bream (up to 5 pounds) and pike, with hotspots like the “Hot Water Stretch” near Carrick-on-Shannon. Trout and salmon are present in upper stretches, best fished in spring or autumn. Expect a lively atmosphere in Carrick, with easy access and nearby amenities like the Moon River Cruise for non-anglers. A state license is needed for salmon and trout, and permits are available from Carrick Angling Centre. Guided trips with local experts enhance the experience.
Lough Scur: A scenic lake near Keshcarrigan, known for coarse fishing, particularly for bream, roach, perch, and pike. Expect productive coarse fishing with large bream and pike up to 20 pounds, ideal for bank anglers or those using small boats. The lake’s quiet, rural setting is perfect for a relaxed day, with good access via local roads. No state license is required for coarse fishing, but permits are needed from the Lough Scur Angling Club, available at local shops. The nearby Keshcarrigan village offers basic amenities, and the lake’s clear waters make it family-friendly.
Ballinaglera Lough: A smaller lake near Dowra, offering coarse fishing for pike, perch, and roach, with some brown trout. Anglers can enjoy a tranquil fishing experience with pike up to 15 pounds and plentiful perch. Bank fishing is accessible, and the lake’s remote location ensures peace and quiet. A state license is needed for trout, and permits are available from local angling clubs or tackle shops in Dowra. The surrounding hills and proximity to the River Shannon’s source add to the scenic appeal, ideal for a day trip.
Shannon-Erne Waterway: A canal system connecting Leitrim’s lakes and the River Shannon, popular for coarse fishing, especially roach, bream, and tench. Expect easy bank access for coarse anglers, with consistent catches of roach and bream in calm waters near Leitrim Village or Ballinamore. The canal’s narrow, sheltered stretches are beginner-friendly, and no state license is required for coarse fishing. Permits can be obtained from local angling clubs or tackle shops like Toangler’s Rest in Ballinamore (+353 71 9644043). The waterway’s picturesque locks and nearby pubs make it a pleasant outing.
Permits and Licenses: A state rod license is required for salmon and trout fishing, available online at www.fishinginireland.info or from tackle shops like Carrick Angling Centre (Carrick-on-Shannon, +353 71 9641747) or McHenry’s (Ballyshannon, +353 71 9851750). Coarse fishing typically requires no license, but local permits are needed, obtainable from angling clubs or shops.
Guided Fishing: Operators like Angling Services Ireland (+353 87 6401018) offer guided trips for coarse and game fishing, with boats, tackle, and tuition provided. Contact local tackle shops for recommendations.
Tackle Shops: Carrick Angling Centre and Toangler’s Rest stock tackle, bait, and permits. Online suppliers like Wildhunter.ie also serve Leitrim.
Accessibility: Lough Allen and the Shannon-Erne Waterway offer good bank access, with some disabled-friendly platforms. Smaller lakes like Ballinaglera may have limited facilities, so check ahead.
Sustainability: Catch-and-release is encouraged for salmon and trout, with strict bag/size limits. Check www.fishinginireland.info for regulations, especially on Lough Melvin and the River Shannon.

County Leitrim:

Ireland’s county Leitrim is a haven of waterways and unspoilt scenery, with the Shannon-Erne Waterway offering tranquil boating and fishing opportunities. Carrick-on-Shannon’s historic Costello Chapel and vibrant marina provide cultural and leisurely appeal, while Glencar Waterfall adds natural beauty. Leitrim is Ireland’s seventh smallest county by size (1,525 square km) and smallest by population (35,199). Population peaked at 155,297 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 25,057 in 1996. In terms of hospitality, Leitrim is Ireland’s 29th most visited tourist county with around 39,000 international visitors per year.

Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets– Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –