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FISHERY DESCRIPTION:
The River Fergus rises in the heart of the Burren Region in
North Co Clare, flowing through about 7 lakes before it reaches Ennis
town and tidal water. This is a sizable angling district and good fishing for brown trout both on the
river and some of the lakes in the Catchment.
TROUT FISHING: With a limestone base the river
produces nice brown trout fishing with fish
averaging about 1lb. Many fish of over 2lbs and larger
are caught each year. Dry fly fishing is a very popular
method with flies used as associated with rich limestone
rivers. The best trout waters are up river of Ennis on
the lower stretches of the river particularly around the
vicinity of Knox's Bridge. The river tends to weed up in
mid summer limiting fishing at these times.
Many of the lakes in the Catchment are
primarily coarse fisheries but trout can be taken on
some, especially Inchiquin Lake and Ballyline
Lake. Shore fishing is limited on most lakes and a boat
is necessary to access these waters. See our section below on the Lakes
on the Fergus system. Access to the river is at the road
bridges.
LAKES - RIVER FERGUS SYSTEM: There
are a number of lakes on the system which are well worth a visit. They
are generally brown trout fisheries.
LOUGH INCHIQUIN
Lough Inchiquin is located about
one kilometre outside Corofin village, 10 kilometres from Ennis. The
lake is currently being developed by the Shannon Regional Fisheries
Board as a trout fishery. This is primarily an early season lake and
fishes best from March to May. This is a deep lake and consequently the
most productive areas are along the shore line or adjacent to the
islands. Popular stretches are Bog Bay (opposite the carpark) and also
the bay where the River Fergus enters the lake. The best times to fish
are from open season mid February to May and again in September.
Over recent years excessive weed growth can limit fishing during high
summer in some areas of the lake. The best time to fish Lough Inchiquin
is during late evening with wet flies such as the Cock Robin, Olives and
Greenwells Glory, Hares Ear, Peter Ross and Claret & Mallard, these
being among the better flies. Midge chironomids are often prolific and should
be in your fly box in April. Other flies associated with limestone
waters also work well. The lake can fish particularly well after a flood
and is well worth a visit for a day or two on a dropping flood.
The river as it flows into
Inchiquin has some very nice deep pools where trout lie and are worth
fishing. Further downriver there are fast flowing sections which are
productive trout waters and are especially good for fishing dry fly during the
summer. Weed can be a problem in low flow conditions.
Trout fishing is free and no permit or
licence is required to fish the lake or the river. For more information
on fishing the area contact Mr
DROMORE LAKE (
and Black and Ballyline Lakes)
These lakes which are linked
together are located on the Fergus system near the village of Ruan,
north of Ennis. They hold a small stock of good sized trout. The River
Fergus and the Millbrook River flows into Ballyline Lake. Both of these
are good spawning waters and anglers have a good chance of encountering
wild brown trout here. Trout range from about 1lb to 3lbs, with
occasionally larger fish present. Fly hatches are similar to those earlier described. It
too tends to fish best earlier in the year from open season up to the
end of May or early June. Midge chironomids are often prolific and is
recommended you have a supply in your fly box in April. Other flies are
similar to those mentioned for Lough Inchiquin.
To get there - from Ennis town centre take the
old N18 for about 2 kilometres. Turn left at 'Ennis Supply Shop' and
take the local road to Ruan village. From here follow the signposts.
Access to Dromore Lake is via the nature reserve which leads to the
car park beside the lake.
For those visiting the area, there
is an Interpretive Centre adjacent to the car park at the lake. Entry is
free and information on wild life is available.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS: In the Burren Region, there are the Ailwee Caves, Poulnabrone Dolmen,
Cliffs of Moher, Lahinch Beach and Seaworld. For more info contact Ennis
Information town website at
www.ennis.ie
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