ESTABLISHMENT OF INLAND FISHERIES IRELAND - SEE PRESS RELEASE DATED JULY 1st, 2010

ANGLING CENTRE: Athlone, Co Westmeath

FISHERY AREA: Mid Shannon Athlone to Clonmacnoise, Inny Bay & Lough Ree south of Lanesboro.

LOCATION

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. 

Photo: Well known angler Nick Parry with this fine specimen Tench of 6lbs plus caught on Lough Ree in August 2008

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, see Angling Fees section below

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

WHO TO CONTACT

You can browse and  book local angling services and accommodation in advance of your trip to this area - see right column. If you feel you need further assistance, contact the Angling Section Tel: 057 9121777 or email Brian Mc Manus. Email:  info@shannon-fishery-board.ie 

Useful Local Web Resources

• www.athlone.ie

OPEN SEASON

There is no close season for Coarse and Pike fishing  but there are best times for individual species. SEE MORE INFO ON INDIVIDUAL COARSE FISH SPECIES

FISHING ADVICE

To facilitate anglers, particularly those of you who are less experienced or those coming to Ireland for the first time, we recommend you review and follow tips and advice on COARSE AND PIKE FISHING IN IRELAND

FISHING REPORTS

We feature weekly fishing reports for the region during the main part of the season. In addition we archive all our past fishing reports. View our  CURRENT FISHING REPORT. You can become a reporter to add value to these reports every week, we would like  to hear from you and don't forget to send us a photo which we will feature as well. If interested complete our FISHING REPORT SUBMISSION FORM or simply email us with your report and contact particulars to info@shannon-fishery-board.ie

ANGLING FEES

There is no rod licence for coarse or pike fishing on the River Shannon or Lough Ree.

Fisheries listed in this guide mostly cover the River Shannon and Lough Ree. However, the lower River Inny Catchment as described is part of our MIDLAND FISHERIES GROUP  of managed waters. The rates for 2010 season are Adult Annual €39.00; Pensioner Annual €20.00;. Juvenile Annual €14.00 Juvenile 1 Day €2.00 Day Permit €12.00 Visitors 21 Day: €20.00. If you wish to fish these fisheries you can ORDER YOUR FISHING PERMIT ONLINE NOW - which can be printed immediately to take fishing with you -  please get your credit or laser card ready MORE INFO SEE COARSE ANGLING ROD FEES SECTION

Nearest Fishing Permit Distributors are:

• Teresa Heery, Shannon Regional Fisheries Board Mullingar Office, Tudenham Lodge, Mullingar Tel: 044 9348769e

• Edward Denniston, Centenary Square, Longford Tel: 043 46435 

• Scully Guns & Tackle, 3 Pearce Court, Athlone Co Westmeath Tel: 090 64 92486 

• David Mc Bride, Southside Angling Centre, 80 Lower Clanbrassil St, Dublin 8 Tel: 01 4530266 or 01 4737847. Fax: 01 4737839