Angling Centre: Athlone, Co Westmeath

Fishery Location: Lough Ree (Inny Bay & Lower River Inny - Eastern Shores Co Longford)

RATING CHART

Pike Fishing Rated - excellent **** very good *** good ** fair * . N/P Species not present P - Species present

Coarse Fishing Rated - excellent **** very good *** good ** fair * . N/P - species not present - P - Species Present

THE FISHERY

Click on thumbnail map to view a larger map of the fisheries in the area 

Inny Bay can be one of the most prolific waters in the region. In late April and early May the venue can be one of the best fishing areas for roach in Ireland. 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'. Here you can catch Bream, Hybrids, Roach and occasional Tench. For ease of access, a boat would offer a distinct advantage and can be hired locally from Mr Tom Foxe (See right hand column for details)  Tom has developed a private access road which leads to the lake shore and river and requires permission.

The Inny River has varying physical characteristics and caters for all styles of fishing i.e. pole, stick float, waggler and feeder. 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. Fishing the pole to hand at about seven meters should get the best results here. Feeder at 20 ft or float also works well. As fish tend to shoal here particularly in late spring April/May, heavy feeding is advisable for best results. Fish maggot as hook bait for roach and worm for bream, feed hemp and sweetcorn through your ground bait. Very good fishing was had over recent years early in the year April/May

Farther upstream you have the stretch known as the 'Red Bridge'. This stretch is similar in characteristics and profile to Tom Foxe's and the same style of fishing applies. 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. During this time a stick float works well or use the pole holding it back.

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.

LINKS TO LOCAL FISHERIES GUIDES & CHARTS - ATHLONE AREA

Note: Below is a list of the main angling venues/hotspots in the area. If you wish to review how we rate each fishery in terms of target angling species, please click the link below. Fisheries marked * are in the ShRFB group of managed waters and anglers require a fishing permit,

TO VIEW FULL SPECIES RATING CHARTS TO FISHERIES LISTED BELOW CLICK HERE

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Regional  Map
Circle indicates relative location

BROWSE AND SELECT  NEAREST ACCOMMODATION LISTINGS  2010

click on providers name below

• Ganly's Self Catering Cottage, Glasson, Athlone

• Lough Ree House Self Catering Glasson Lough Ree Athlone

• Inny Bay  B&B, Lough Ree and Inny Mouth

• Shannon Side Guest House Athlone

LISTED ANGLING SERVICES

• Lough Ree Cruisers & Lake Boat Hire with accommodation

• Tom Foxe Inny Bay Boat Hire with accommodation

• Irish Bait & Tackle Services Ballyconnell, Cavan,  Ireland

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Angling Support: If you are planning a fishing trip to our region and need assistance please contact  Brian Mc Manus, Angling Section Tel 057 9121777 Fax: 057 9121756 or email info@shannon-fishery-board.ie