Angling Centre: Banagher, Co Offaly

Fishery & Location:  River Shannon - Meelick Pumphouse

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

This is a popular fishing location situated close to the ESB Pumphouse on the road into the Meelick Match stretches. It is situated at the bottom of the Salmon Runs at Meelick. The only limiting factor is that only a few anglers can fish here comfortably and is therefore ideal only for a small party of anglers fishing together. This is a fairly shallow (rocky in places) section with depths ranging from 3 to 9 ft, deepest further out towards the centre of the river. River flows can be strong on the main channel except at very low water levels. There is a backwater off the main run which can offer more comfortable fishing conditions and suits float or light feeder, which has a silty bottom. You can encounter roach, rudd, perch, hybrids and some bream here. If you are lucky to meet a large shoal of bream you can have very good fishing. It is regarded as a good venue for mixed fish. If you have access to a boat there are other areas around the islands which are well worth exploring as they are virtually unfished and can offer some exciting alternatives to more' hidden' waters for the more adventurous angler. If you opt for this do respect local Salmon anglers and avoid the faster fords upstream of here where salmon anglers fish during peak periods in June and July and again in September.

This is a very good area for the Pike angler. Bank angling is limited on the lower deeper stretches of the river. For best results and to cover the waters adequately, a boat is highly recommended. Good areas to concentrate on are around the deep water near Victoria Lock and near the 'gaps' further downstream. Another good area is at the bottom of the artificial cut at the mouth of the Little Brosna River. Try float fishing with deadbait using mackerel or roach for the larger fish or spinning with spoons or plugs for the smaller fish in the lighter water. The mouth of the Little Brosna river is a particularly good spot for the coarse angler also, especially for rudd and occasional bream

FACILITIES AND ACCESS

Open Bank - Eyrecourt Bank. Boat desirable to explore

TO GET THERE

From Meelick Weir continue for another couple of kilometers until you meet a fork on the road. Take the left on the fork and continue until you come to a number of houses on both sides of the road. There is a sharp turn right here. Do not take the right turn, rather take a short left and you will see a silver gate to your right which leads down a track to the river beside Meelick church. Continue on this track closing all farm gates behind you until you come to a pumphouse at the side of the river. The fishing section is downstream of the pumphouse to your left. You can park your car here.

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

• Explorer Charters Ireland - will service anywhere in the region or in Ireland on request

• 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