Angling Centre: Banagher, Co Offaly

Fishery & Location:  River Shannon - Bullock Island Backwater

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

The backwater is connected by a channel which has plenty of water for boat navigation, even large cruisers. Boats should keep to the left hand bank travelling upriver. The north end is best for fishing. This is a short sandy section. This stretch can accommodate 3 anglers with comfort and is on a firm sandy bottom. It has depths ranging from 7 ft to 14 ft. There are small trees growing at that corner. This is a good spot of tench and bream fishing and for other coarse fish also. Many other sections of the backwater are unsuitable for fishing due to high reeds and marshy margins - a boat is necessary to fish the area properly. Angling is also possible where the canal joins the Shannon for large bream when the shoals are in transit, but is more noted for smaller fish such as roach, rudd. and perch.

During dry weather there is access near Shannon Harbour across the callows. There is a track located beside the railway bridge. It requires a drive of about 2.5 kms to a dead end at a gate. The river is located about 70 meters from here. Adjoining lands are private property and anglers are asked to seek permission from the local landowners to fish here.  In addition, this is Corn Crake meadow land, so please stick to existing pathways and avoid walking on new tracks during the breeding season from May to July. Some of the banks are fenced off and therefore can be difficult to access the bank side. Recommended -  you could take a boat upriver from Banagher which can be hired locally from Mr Paddy Kelleher or Ray Duithie. During wet weather the callows are liable to flooding making access by track difficult or impossible, a boat is absolutely essential in these conditions.

TO GET THERE

From Banagher, take the Cloghan Road in the centre of the town. Continue for about 3 kms to a crossroads. At the crossroads take a left turning in the direction of Shannon Harbour village. About 1.5 kms from the cross you will cross a railway bridge. Immediately across the bridge you will locate a gate and track on your left which leads down to the river. 

LINKS TO LOCAL FISHING GUIDES IN THE BANAGHER 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

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

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Regional  Map
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BROWSE AND SELECT   LISTED ACCOMMODATION 2010

click on providers name below

• The Old Forge B&B & Angling Centre Banagher

• The 4* Lime Kiln Self Catering Lusmagh Banagher

LISTED ANGLING SERVICES

• Mr Raymond Duthie, Angling Services Banagher

• Irish Bait & Tackle Services Ballyconnell, Cavan,  Ireland

Support - Shannon Regional Fisheries Board contact  Brendan Mundy, Assistant Fisheries Inspector Mob: 087 9974521

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