The River Fane owes its origins to a series of smaller tributaries, which rise in Counties Monaghan and Armagh. These include the Frankfort and the Mullaghaduff and they flow into Lough Muckno. Between Lough Muckno and Lough Ross this river is known as the Clarebane, which is deep and slow flowing. The Fane proper originates from Lough Ross which straddles the border between Monaghan and Armagh. In total the Fane flows in a S.E. direction for 60 kilometers before entering the Irish sea at the sea-side village of Blackrock, Co. Louth.
The Fane and its tributaries hold good stocks of wild brown trout and the best of the fishing is to be found in the upper stretches from Knockbridge to the border. This beautiful stream gets hatches of large dark olives, blue winged olives, various sedges including the grey flag, midges and there are plenty black gnats and smuts as well. Riparian owners and a number of angling associations, some of which have day permits available, control fishing.
Location
The River Fane runs through Co. Louth, Monaghan and Co. Armagh. The main towns and villages are Dundalk, Blackrock, Knockbridge, Iniskeen, Culaville and Castleblaney.
Season
Brown Trout: March 1st to 30th September
Fishing methods
All legitimate methods are allowed subject to the salomn and seatrout regulations. Catch and release is encouraged and fishing must be consistent with the rules and regulations of the club.
Angling Clubs
Dundalk Brown Trout Anglers also control waters on the Fane and further information on the club is available from Secretary Paddy Tennyson, Green Acre Road, Newtownbalregan, Dundalk, Co. Louth. Tel: +353 86 8405653 email: [email protected] web: www.browntroutanglers.com
The Village Anglers in Iniskeen also control stretches of water on the Fane.
Permits for the Village Anglers and further information can be obtained from :Paddy Keenan, Tel: +353 (0)87 2746755 email: [email protected]
Dundalk Salmon Anglers are by far the biggest club and control a large section of water with the majority of angling being mainly for salmon and sea trout. Further information on this Association can be obtained from the Secretary, Mr. Warren Corry.
email: [email protected] web: https://dundalksalmonanglers.weebly.com/ or Follow them on Facebook
There is also a club, which controls the Ballintra fishery below Iniskeen, but this is strictly private.
Guide Services
For details of guided fishing on the Fane and fly casting tuition please contact
- Eamonn Conway,
APGAI, Ireland
Telephone: +353 (0)86 1242966
Email: [email protected] and [email protected] Web: www.tainflyfishing.com - Matt Campbell
Tel: +353 87 6757550 - Paddy Keenan,
Mill Pond House, Iniskeen, Co. Monaghan.
Tel: +353 (0)87 2746755 email: [email protected]
Angling Tip
Try sight fishing a nymph on the bright clear days, polarized sunglasses are essential but it is fun fishing this technique. If you cant see the nymph watch for the flick of the trouts mouth.
Local tackle dealers:
Fishing permits
Day permits to fish the following waters on the River Fane are available from
Dundalk Brown Trout Anglers http://www.browntroutanglers.com/membership.html
Dundalk Salmon Anglers Association https://dundalksalmonanglers.weebly.com/contact.html
Accommodation
Gleneven Guesthouse, Iniskeen, Co. Monaghan.
Tel: +353 (0)42 9378294 Fax: 353 42 9378294
email: [email protected] web: www.gleneven.com
Other trout fishing waters in this area
Further information
For further information please contact,
Inland Fisheries Ireland,
3044 Lake Drive
Citywest Business Campus
Dublin 24
Tel: +353 1 8842693 email: [email protected]