Angling Centre: Mullingar, Co Westmeath

FISHERY & LOCATION: Royal Canal, Mullingar

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 , R/D - Refer to Duchas Coarse Angling Guide for the Canals.

THE FISHERY

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There are coarse fish in all sections of the Canal. The most predominant species are Tench of 3lbs to 4lbs with the occasional larger fish present. There are also Bream, Perch and Pike. Noted areas around Mullingar are Kilpatrick's Bridge, Ballinea Bridge, the Harbour at Pipers Boreen.  Fishing can be especially good in the harbour areas. Around Ballinea Bridge is generally a good stretch. There is a possibility of a Specimen Rudd at the 'Deep Hole' off Patrick's Street in the direction of Athlone. There are good stocks of pike, some to double figures.

A stock survey was conducted by the Central Fisheries Board on the Canal over recent years. Based on this information a Coarse Angling Guide was constructed to highlight the stretches which have a good distribution of fish. This guide was published in association with the CFB by Waterways Ireland  Entitled "Coarse Angling Guide to The Grand and Royal Canals of Ireland".  Contact   17-19 Lower Hatch Street, Dublin 2 at Tel: Outside Ireland +353 1 6613111; Inside Ireland 01 6613111 Fax: Outside Ireland +353 1 6761714 Inside Ireland 01 6761714.  This is highly recommended as the best source of all information you will need, including 'where and how to fish', species distribution, best tactics and access points with full supporting map systems. 

FACILITIES AND ACCESS

Access is generally excellent. At Kilpatrick's Bridge there are suitable stands available for disabled anglers. A map of the Canals may be obtained from your local Tackle Dealers in Mullingar, Use the local contacts list right and check the Services Finder for Co Westmeath and Mullingar

TO GET THERE

Ask for local directions from the town at your local tackle shops or obtain a map locally, or purchase the Guide recommended above to access all the various points and best fishing spots.

Date of contribution: November, 2006

Contributor: Colm Dunne: Leixlip, Co. Kildare Mobile: 0876835437 Name of Fishery: Canal Behind the pewter factory in Mullingar.

I've fished this venue for the last 4 years and every year produces bags  to 74lb of primarily Tench. The biggest so far of 5lbs and each year gets better. Don't forget to try even further up that stretch as have had big bags from the bowl section about 1km up from the main gate on the Mullingar side. Pole or float fishing works best with sweetcorn and red maggot but next year going to try pellets to see if they'll take them.
Enjoy.

Date of Contribution: August 5th, 2002

Andy Clements:   Evesham , UK  Tel  44 1386 4108  Email andyc@espuk.com
provides some practical hints and tips to those interested in fishing the Royal Canal in this area
 " Three notable areas always worth a try around Mullingar .

1) At the new bridge on the outskirts of Mullingar when approached from Ballymahon. Try the town side of the bridge along the main channel from the bridge to the bowl for good size Tench and plenty of them. Red maggot and a little groundbait work well . Also the bowl area for Tench and plentiful Pike.

2) In town at the old harbour . Head out of town toward the N4 taking signs for the hospital. After crossing the canal turn left into the hard standing area of the harbour . It's a large rectangular harbour area with the main channel running across the top at around 20yds. Some very large Roach here on the edge of the channel on a feeder rig , you may think they are Hybrids but I can assure you they're not ! . The main harbour area itself has a deep hole on the inside far right as you approach , worth trying for Tench if you can forget about the Roach .

2) Behind the Pewter factory . Head away from Mullingar towards Dublin on the N4 . About a mile or so out of town the road becomes a dual carriageway . Stay in the right hand lane , you'll see the factory on the right. Turn right before the factory and follow the lane to cross the canal . After crossing the canal enter the towpath on your left .
Anywhere from 20 to 200 yds along is good for bigger than average Tench . They sometimes take a little while to get going but when they do its worth it !
Also worth a try about half way between the bridges towards Dublin is a mini harbour area with a floating boat shed , stories of some really big Tench from here .

A note for the Bream heads , we've never caught so much as a skimmer in five years from the Royal , perhaps we're using the wrong bait !

LINKS TO LOCAL FISHERIES GUIDES - MULLINGAR 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 LINKED BELOW CLICK HERE

River Inny & Brosna System Mullingar Area
* Lough Patrick	* Ballinafid Lake
* Slevin's Lake	* Lough Derravaragh
* Sheever Lake	* Doolin Pond
* Mc Evoy's Lake	Royal  Canal
* River Inny

BACK TO MULLINGAR ANGLING CENTRE

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Regional  Map
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BROWSE AND SELECT FROM LISTED LOCAL ACCOMMODATION 2010

click on providers name below

• Annebrook Hotel and Self Catering Mullingar

• Bloomfield House Hotel, Leisure Club and Spa, Mullingar

• Beechpark Self Catering, Collinstown Co Westmeath

• Lough Owel Lodge Mullingar

LISTED ANGLING SERVICES

• Lough Derravaragh Boat Hire

• Lilliput Boat Hire Lough Ennell

• Irish Bait & Tackle Services Ballyconnell, Cavan,  Ireland

________________

Support - Shannon Regional Fisheries Board contact Assistant Fisheries Inspector Mr Dermot Broughan ,  Tudenham Lodge, Mullingar. For further information Tel: 044 48769 morning time only or Mobile No: 087 2595286. Email: dbroughan@shrfb.com Tel: 044 9348769 Fax: 044 9344644

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