Lough Ree The largest lake in Westmeath. |
|
|
Teeming with Tench, Rudd, Bream, Hybrid and also with the finest brown trout, Lough Ree however is noted for its large pike. The Inny Bay area and just above Charlie's Island hold ood stocks of specimen fish. Excellent fishing stands have been built on the western bank at Charlie's Island and just above the railway bridge in Athlone. The Burgess park and Meadow Competition stretches are noted for bream as is the area immediately south of Athlone town, including the Three County Pile. The Barrymore shore, south of Hodson Bay also fishes excellent bream and is one of the few areas on Lough Ree where it is possible to fish from the shore. The rocky shores and wide reed beds can make bank fishing difficult. Lough Ree is an inland sea and weather conditions can deteriorate quickly. Anglers should therefore be experienced in boat handling and have the necessary safety equipment. A ghillie is advisable for first timers. Slipways are available at Hodson Bay, Jolly Mariner, Coosan and at the Lakeside Hotel at Ballykeeran. Best pike areas include the area from Killeenmore right around to Pollagh Point ans also the eastern shore of Elfeet Bay, Galwy Bay and north from Portrunny Bay to Lanesboro. Pike fishing is allowed all year - best bait are the trolled, traditional copper spoon and the Archer rig with dead bait. Most of the PIKE are fished for by trolling the margins of the banks and many islands. |
