Angling Centre: Banagher, Co Offaly

Fishery & Location:  River Shannon - Meelick - Match Stretch

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

There are two match angling stretches on the Shannon located at the bottom end of Meelick, well downstream of Victoria Lock. These stretches are back to back, and separated by a car park and turf boat canal inlet. Both stretches are used for the Portumna Classic and the Banagher International Festival every year 

These stretches are renowned for their good Bream and Hybrid fishing in suitable conditions. Other species include rudd, roach, perch and eels and tench downstream of the canal inlet. There are 40 natural swims (20 upstream and 20 downstream) which are frequently maintained by the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board. The upper section or upstream section is low lying but can get marshy during wet weather. Banks are generally solid though except when subject to flooding  and the depths vary from 20 to 25ft in normal conditions. The lower section  fishes very well towards the middle and top end pegs There are a lot of Lilly roots off the first two pegs and anglers should avoid these if loss of gear is to be avoided. Both sections have a double shelf, the first shelf is very close in and the second shelf is about 6 feet out from the bank. A pole to hand works very well here.

Pike abound these waters and we frequently get reports of coarse anglers losing gear due to snatch takes,  particularly on the upper stretch near the 'gaps' downstream of Victoria Lock

FACILITIES AND ACCESS

Access is good by road and there is an existing  public car park separating the two angling stretches at a turf canal inlet. A new access road was constructed back in 2000 under the TAM programme and runs alongside the ESB embankment downstream of the main car park for nearly 300 meters. There are 10 stands altogether (5 downstream and 5 upstream) of the canal inlet. There are over 20 swims on both sections and 2 catwalks are available downstream to assist anglers. The gate leading to the downstream section is only open during competitions to enable cars to access their swims where there are a number of  parking bays. At other times anglers are required to walk to access swims.

TO GET THERE

Continue on past the pump house described above. You will come to a car park and dead end beside the river and old turf canal inlet.

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 9974

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