Home Athlone Angling Centre

    Athlone Angling Centre

    5920

    Athlone is a busy and important angling centre located in the heart of Ireland’s midlands on the River Shannon, Co Westmeath and lies immediately south of Lough Ree, a large lake of 10,500 hectares. Lough Ree is 26 kms long by 10 kms at its widest point, and is 120 feet at its deepest, but averages about 20 feet. It is approximately equidistant from Dublin and Shannon Airports, an approximate distance of 135 kms.

    WHERE TO FISH

    You can fish in a number of locations on the River Shannon, Lough Ree and the lower stretches of the River Inny of which Athlone serves well as a base. Lough Ree offers a wide choice of fishing bays. The shoreline on the lake is generally rocky and sometimes uneven. Anglers opting for shore fishing on the lake should come suitably prepared with levelling platforms for your comfort and ease. Also do consider your own safety, avoid shore fishing in adverse weather conditions. Where public access to some shores on the lake are limited by road or are through private property, a boat will be essential to gain access. This can be arranged locally.  The River Shannon down stream of Athlone offers a number of fishing hot spots as far as Clonmacnoise, about 12 kms away.

    Pike
    Perch
    Bream
    Roach
    Tench
    Rudd
    Hybrids
    **
    P
    **
    ***
    *
    P
    **
    ***
    P
    **
    **
    P
    *
    **
    **
    **
    **
    **
    **
    P
    **
    ***
    P
    **
    ***
    *
    P
    **
    ***
    P
    **
    **
    *
    P
    **
    ***
    P
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    P
    **
    **
    *
    P
    **
    ***
    P
    **
    ***
    *
    P
    **
    ***
    P
    ***
    ****
    *
    P
    **

     

    Meadows and Burgess Park River Shannon

    The Meadows is located on the main River Shannon in Athlone. It lies on the west bank of the river immediately down stream of Athlone Docks. The river is about 10 feet deep at the Weir end, with depths graduating to 25 feet at the Canal end.

    Burgess Park is situated immediately across the river on the east bank. Here species are similar to the Meadows with river depths varying from 8 – 12 feet. The stretch can become very weedy in high summer, particularly the upper and middle sections. Despite this, it is generally very fishable particularly at the lower or downstream swims.

    FACILITIES AND ACCESS: IFI completed fishery development works on the Meadows angling stretch back in 1999.  This development consisted of a new roadway, car park and a 20 meter metal footbridge over the Canal, joining up the Meadows stretch and  Halligan’s field stretch which  heretofore were regarded as separate stretches. This is now considered an angling match stretch of International standard, providing fishing space for up to 100 anglers.

    Burgess Park has access through the Golden Island shopping centre in town, with a pathway through the park to the river. Fishing is upstream towards the weir or downstream to the end of the park – open bank fishing

    TO GET THERE: Meadows/ Halligan’s Field: In Athlone cross over the bridge on the Shannon. At the roundabout take the first exit to the left down around by the Castle and drive along by the river until you come to the newly constructed apartments beside the lock gates. From here you can make your way along the river until you enter the Meadows stretch. The bottom end of the Meadows can be reached by taking a left at the roundabout, then take a right and right again and continue to the top of Connaught St. Turn left at Walsh’s Public House and continue to the end of the road. Here you will meet the new road leading to the river with new car park. To access Halligan’s Field turn left at the exit off this road and continue for about 1 km until you meet the first cottage on the right hand side. The fishing stretch is located on the opposite side of the road.

    Nally’s Farm and Long Island River Shannon

    No vehicular access is allowed across fields and farmland, anglers who access the fishery on foot are welcome. Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated by landowners.

    Bream
    Roach
    Tench
    Rudd
    Hybrids
    Perch
    Pike
    **
    **
    P
    *
    **
    P
    ***

    Long Island and Nally’s Farm stretch are opposite each other. The Long Island stretch is on the west bank downstream of Athlone and can be reached by crossing a causeway to the island. From here it requires a walk of about 200 to 300 meters to reach the bank side. You have a choice of fishing in the main flow or the backwater. It’s a good venue for anglers interested in mixed fishing for species such as large bream, roach and hybrids. The shelf is generally fairly close in and a pole to hand at 8 or 9 meters should get good results. For the Pike angler this is a renowned section of river where the Pike Angling Federation hold competitions.

    On the opposite (East) bank is Nally’s Farm. Access to the river is on the opposite bank through private property and permission should be sought by calling at the farm house on route to the venue. The river here is deep and narrow. In dry weather you can drive to the bank side. The shelf is 5 to 6 meters out, but the river rapidly shelves off thereafter into very deep water of 20ft + . You should get good mixed fishing for most coarse fish here. It is renowned for its large ‘Shannon’ bream should you encounter a shoal. Roach and hybrids are also plentiful. Feeder or sliding waggler is recommended. Pre-baiting should be considered prior to your visit, otherwise introduce a lot of grounbait at the start of your session and constantly feed throughout the session.

    TO GET THERE

    No vehicular access is allowed across fields and farmland, anglers who access the fishery on foot are welcome. Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated by landowners.

    Long Island: From the main bridge over the Shannon in Athlone, take the left exit at the rounabout and continue to the top of Connaught St. Turn left over the bridge and continue on this road for approx 3kms. You will note some mushroom tunnels on your left hand side and a group of houses on both sides of the road. Take a left in-betwwen the houses through a red gate. This leads directly to the island. Care should be taken while driving along this track.

    Nally’s Farm. From the bridge in Athlone take the Dublin road out to the next roundabout. Take the second exit off the rounabout, down by the Golden Island Shopping Centre, then take the first left at the Texaco Garage and continue on this road for about 3 kms. Mr Nally’s two story house is located at the T Junction. The fishing stretch is situated to the right of the Cul de Sac.

    Long Shed, Calf Island and Clonoun

    There are three recognised angling stretches located between 6 kms and 10 kms downstream of Athlone. The first of these stretches is near Clonoun village, the next stretch known as Calf Island is located a couple of kilometres downstream of this and finally the Long Shed opposite Clonmacnoise is another couple of kilometres downstream of Calf Island. (See map)

    Clonoun Stretch: This well known stretch lies about 6 kms downstream of Athlone on the west bank. You will be fishing into deep water here, with depths ranging from 20 ft to 25 ft at normal water levels. Access is through a gravel road on a land commission site.

    Calf Island: This is another good stretch about 2 kms further downstream from Clonoun village described above. Access to the river is through private land the property of Mr John Ward. Please seek permission from Mr Ward or make alternative arrangements with your guide or accommodation provider.

    Long Shed: There is a stretch locally known as the ‘Long Shed’. This is at the most southern point of the fishing stretches described in this guide under Athlone Angling Centre and is located opposite the old Monastic settlement at Clonmacnoise on the west bank. This is a deep stretch of river and is a scenic venue where you can expect to get good pike fishing.

    TO GET THERE

    Clonoun Stretch – From the bridge in Athlone take the left exit off the rounabout, continue up the to the top Connaught St, turn left over the bridge and continue on this road until you come to Clonoun village crossroads, an approximate distance of 6 kms. Turn left at Clonoun crossroads and continue for approx 300 meters. There is a laneway situated to the right here. Continue down the lane until you meet a gateway on your left with a timber seat adjacent to it. Go through the gates and down to the river. Fishing is both left and right.

    Calf Island. At Clonoun village continue to the next T junction, turn left and continue for approx 2 kms. Mr Wards farm is located on the left hand side. Seek permission here to fish the stretch.

    Long Shed: From Calf Island continue until you meet a long green shed on your right hand side, there is a track located about 200 to 300 meters on the left hand side, which will bring you down to the bankside. The fishing stretch is located to the right hand side facing downstream.

    Hudson Bay Lough Ree

    This is a relatively shallow bay.

    FACILITIES AND ACCESS: Access is gained across the camping site with the owners permission. This can be arranged by contacting Paddy Lenihan Hudson Bay Caravan Camping at the site.

    TO GET THERE: Take the N 61 North out of Athlone for about 6 kms, following the sign posts for Roscommon. Take the second right after the Texaco Garage and follow the road over the railway track into Hudson Bay Hotel, and then continue to the Camping Site.

    Gailey Bay Lough Ree

    Depths average about 10 feet. This is a noted Pike Fishing Bay and has the potential to produce large fish to 20lbs+

    FACILITIES AND ACCESS: Access is good. The shore is rocky and a levelling platform is recommended for comfort. Boats can be hired from the owner of Gailey Bay Caravan and Camping which will be of particular interest for the Pike angler wishing to troll this bay. He also offers Caravan and Camping for those interested Contact Mr Pat Naughton, Gailey Bay Caravan & Camping Park, Gailey Bay, Knockcrokery, Co Roscommon. See our Service Providers and select Co Roscommon for further advertisement details

    TO GET THERE: From Athlone take the N61 Roscommon road north to the Athlone side of the village of Knockcrokery, and then take the right turn immediately before the ‘level railway crossing’. Continue down this narrow road to a cross-roads and turn right. This will lead you past the camping site to the lake. The pegs are situated in front of the old derelict castle located there.

    Inner Lakes Lough Ree

    These lakes contain all the main species of coarse fish. Shore fishing from Coosan point can be excellent and has good access. The channel between the main Lough and Coosan Lough is deep (20 – 30 feet). This is a very good area for Pike fishing from a boat which can be hired locally. There is a boat launching slipway available.

    FACILITIES AND ACCESS: The inner lakes are best fished from a boat which can be hired locally. See right hand column  for advertised listings.

    TO GET THERE: Coosan Point: Coming into the town turn right at the traffic lights before the main bridge in Athlone, follow the sign post for Coosan. This will lead you right in to the fishing point.

    Barrymore Point Lough Ree

    The lake at Barrymore point is deep and is quite snaggy in places. To avoid the snags it is advisable to fish about 40 meters out.

    FACILITIES AND ACCESS: Access is very good, requiring very little walking. The fishing area is very rocky and a levelling platform is recommended for your comfort. There are three stone jetties opposite the ‘Dutch House’ where fishing is possible. A boat is necessary to fish some of the more inaccessible ‘hidden’ areas, and can be hired locally

    TO GET THERE: Take the N 61 North out of Athlone for about 5 kms, following the sign posts for Roscommon. Take the first right after the Texaco Garage and follow the road to the point and car park.

    Portrunny Lough Ree

    All main coarse fish species are present here. Boats can be launched from the shore. Pike fishing can be very good producing fish to 20lbs+ in suitable conditions, especially good  in early springtime. A noted stretch is at the mouth of the River Hind which flows into the Bay. Excessive weed growth can become a problem tfrom June on, limiting fishing here.

    FACILITIES AND ACCESS: Access is excellent on the lake with a road running parallel to the shore.

    TO GET THERE: From Athlone take the N61 Roscommon road north to the village of Knockcrokery and take the right turn immediately before the ‘level railway crossing’. Continue down this narrow road to a cross-roads and turn right. This will bring you past the camping site to the lake. The pegs at Galey Bay are situated in front of the old derelict castle located there. Continue on to the next bay which is Portrunny.

    Inny Bay Lough Ree

    Permit required , can be bought online.

    Inny Bay can be one of the most prolific waters in the region. The Bay itself is quite large with average depths of about 15 feet at normal water level. The bay is heavily reeded and there is a ‘cut’ through the weeds that runs for several hundred meters from the mouth up to ‘Bethlehem’. For ease of access, a boat would offer a distinct advantage and can be hired locally from Mr Tom Foxe. Tom has developed a private access road which leads to the lake shore and river and requires permission.

    The stretch of river known locally as Tom Foxe’s is slow moving and deep. It has high banks making it a particularly suitable venue during high water levels and offers shelter during windy weather.

    Farther upstream you have the stretch known as the ‘Red Bridge’. This stretch is similar in characteristics and profile to Tom Foxe’s. There is another bridge upstream of this again called White Bridge or sometimes referred to as Shrule Bridge. The river is shallow and fast flowing and regarded as a good trout fishing stretch. In early May roach often congregate in large shoals.

    FACILITIES AND ACCESS: From Athlone take the N 55 north through the village of Glasson until you meet a ‘Top’ garage on your left, take a left turn at the next cross roads and then take the next right, continue for approximately 5 kms until you meet a sign for a ‘B&B River Inny Fishing’, turn left here. This leads directly into Tom Foxe’s farm. This is private property and you will require permission to gain access. Call at the farm.

    TO GET THERE: To get to White Bridge take the N55 to Tang Village and take the second left after the school. The river is about 1.5 kms down this road. You can fish downstream on the right bank to the bend where it veers to deeper water.

    To get to the Red Bridge continue past White Bridge and take a left at the T junction, follow the signpost for Red Bridge. When you pass over a cattle grid, fishing is on both banks and there is a good carpark here.

    Map