The fisheries in County Cavan comprise of many major river systems and their associated lakes. The River Erne and its main tributaries, the Shannon Erne Waterway and the Dromore/Annalee system dominate the middle of the county. These lakes and rivers have good stocks of Bream, Roach, Rudd, Perch and Pike. Eels are present in all waters in the county. Roach Bream and Rudd Bream Hybrids are found in the majority of these fisheries. Tench are now more widespread and have grown to specimen size in some fisheries. In recent years, Carp have been stocked into selected waters and will soon provide good sport. There is a water here to suit all tastes.
The angler seeking large open waters with the promise of outstanding bags of Bream and Roach can choose from the wider stretches of the rivers or large lakes such as Gowna, Oughter, Sillan, Upper Lough Erne, Lough McNean. Those in search of somewhere more intimate and secluded will find many smaller lakes and river stretches with plenty of fish. Specimen hunters in search of large Tench, Bream and Pike will find many waters where their efforts will be rewarded. Recent fish stock surveys have revealed many coarse angling waters in the county with specimen fish.
Many opportunities exist for the specialist match angler to participate in the three and four day angling festivals. One of Ireland’s major international events is the British King of Clubs. Local Festivals are held annually at Arvagh, Belturbet and Cootehill with one day open matches at many centres. Details of the principal events are published in the National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland (N.C.F.F.I.) Calender of Events.
The Fisheries
Erne System
The upper reaches of River Erne, flow between the angling centres of Kilnaleck and Gowna. The river flows north from Lough Gowna and connects to the intricate lake system of Lough Oughter. The well known angling town of Arvagh lies near the source of the Cullies river system and continues through many well known lakes before joining Lough Oughter. Cavan, Belturbet & Killeshandra are the angling centres near this popular fishery. The Erne is now joined by the River Annalee flowing in from the east, and near to the angling centres of Cootehill and Shercock.
The main river exits Lough Oughter and continues in a northerly direction to Belturbet and on to Upper Lough Erne on the Cavan /Fermanagh border. Nearby is the River Finn and the attractive angling centre of Redhills.
Shannon Erne Waterway
The Shannon Erne Waterway flows north east to the western shore of Upper Lough Erne. Associated with the waterway are the angling centres of Ballyconnell and Bawnboy. Blacklion in west Cavan is situated on the shores of Lough McNean Upper.
TACKLE & BAIT SUPPLIERS
