Fishery: River Shannon, Meelick Salmon Fishery, Co Offaly & Galway

OPEN SEASON TROUT: March 1st  - September 30th

OPEN SALMON SEASON: Meelick Salmon fishery is closed in  2010.

DAILY BAG LIMIT TROUT: Not Applicable 

ANGLING METHODS: Trout - all legal methods apply.

ACCESS: Access is via road on the Co Offaly bank near Lusmagh outside Banagher and the Co Galway bank  near Eyrecourt.

FACILITIES: Open bank fishing into fast steamy water and pools, a boat offers a distinct advantage to access many hidden waters inaccessible by land

ANGLING FEES: A Share Certificate from the North Shannon Development Co-Operative Society is voluntary to fish  the Shannon at Meelick as it lies downstream of Banagher bridge.  A Share Certificate can be purchased from most of the larger tackle dealers which are advertised on this site.  SEE ROD FEES  

FISHERY DESCRIPTION:  Meelick is a known angling location when the salmon are running and has some lovely varied and interesting waters ranging from fast runs to glides and pools to slow deep stretches. There are islands separating an Artificial cut on the Co Offaly bank with the main River Shannon at Meelick on the Co Galway bank. Both sides of the river have ideal waters for salmon and trout fishing. It has a very small spring salmon run best time April into mid  May. Grilse, summer salmon arrive generally from mid June in normal years and fishing is best up to mid July and its at this time that anglers tend to fish the area. Runs are moderate and variable from year to year. There are no official catch statistics but feedback would suggest that up to a couple of hundred salmon could be caught here on rod and line on a good year.  If you hit it right when fish are moving and you can expect to get a salmon or two in a session. Worms, Fly and Spinning are best methods, prawn and shrimp are prohibited as per ESB policy for fishing the Shannon

SALMON FISHING CO OFFALY BANK: On the Co Offaly bank access to the river involves a drive along country roads from Banagher into Victoria Lock, a distance of about 4 to 5 miles. Bank fishing is possible off the bank at the point of the Artificial Cut or the CUT as its known locally. Other than this bank fishing is extremely limited, a boat is required to get to all the known hotspots up and down river. At the top end of the Cut is generally fast streamy water, flow is controlled by sluices at Shaughnessy's Weir and flow rate  depends on the number of gates that are open at a given time. If water levels get very low, the gates can be closed by the Board of Works, so water flow will affect fishing prospects here, check conditions if you have local contacts. When a few gates are open this is a salmon fishing hotspot when the fish are running and bank space at these times is at a premium and well competed for. Again to fish and explore all the pools and runs along the river a boat is required. Boats are not generally available for hire locally and visiting anglers are advised to enquire locally to try and arrange a resident boat if possible (generally moored in the canal adjacent to the mouth of the Little Brosna River), otherwise you will have to be content to compete for the limited bank space with other anglers.

TROUT FISHING CO OFFALY BANK: Trout fishing can be good with dry fly in the summer months as the Croneen (lake trout start to migrate) and also for local native stock. Native trout are about 8 to 12 ozs with larger specimens possible to about 2lbs. Generally anglers wade down the pools in chest waders using dry sedges and wet flies, various olives.  Due care should be exercised while wading these or any local waters.

SALMON FISHING CO GALWAY BANK: Access is from Banagher on the Eyrecourt road, about 6-7 miles by road from Banagher. Follow the signs to Meelick or ask for local directions to Meelick Church. This requires driving along about three miles of small narrow country roads. At Meelick there is about 200 to 300 m of bank fishing in total. The more upstream sections are the fast runs ideal for fly fishing and spinning. You will need waders here to fish properly . Flies such as Garry Dog and Hairy Mary are popular for salmon. Spinning a brass or copper spoon or Flying C will work well. To access all hotspots a boat offers a distinct advantage to get to  those more hidden waters of which there are many.

TROUT FISHING CO GALWAY BANK: Fast runs at the upstream side of Meelick church and the far bank if you have a boat to access the bank below the weir at what's called locally as the Queens gap are good trout waters, producing trout averaging 8 to 12ozs generally with fish to 2lbs possible. Wet flies, Olives and sedges during the summer will work. 

Please Observe Our Country Code and Fisheries Laws.

Anglers are requested to always observe our country code

• Seek permission from landowners before crossing private lands or property

• Do not park cars in fields except where permission is granted and it is safe to do so.

• Leave no litter

• Keep our countryside clean

Normal access is over footbridges and stiles or where public access is provided.

Become a Reporter: If you wish to contribute to these guides, please use OUR ONLINE FORM

Regional  Map
Circle indicates relative location

LISTED LOCAL ACCOMMODATION 2010

• The Lime Kiln Self Catering

• The Old Forge B&B

LISTED ANGLING SERVICES

• Mr Raymond Duthie, Angling Services Banagher

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