River and Lake Fishing Baltimore, West Cork, Ireland
Ilen River upstream from Skibbereen holds sea trout and salmon. Much of the fishing is controlled by the River Ilen Anglers Club who issue daily and weekly permits to visitors. A state licence is also required. Season for salmon and sea trout: 15th February to 30th September. A few spring salmon start to enter the river in April and May. They average about 10 lbs 4.5 kg , though larger fish have been recorded. The run of peal grilse begins in June and continues through July and August. As the Ilen is a spate river the runs of salmon, especially, are dependent on adequate water levels.
Fly fishing, spinning and worming are the usual methods. Prawn and shrimp are not permitted.
In April and May there is a small run of good sea trout up to 5 lbs 2.3 kg , followed in July and August by an excellent run of smaller fish of about lb 230 g , known as juniors . During daylight sea trout may be taken on light tackle with worms and small spinners worming is not permitted before 1st March . However, the cream of the fishing is with the fly from dusk onwards. Shepperton Lakes on the Cork Road, 3 miles beyond Skibbereen are regularly stocked with rainbow trout during the season 1st April to 30th September . The lakes also hold wild brown trout and pike, as well as small rudd. Successful methods for trout are fly, worm with a float and spinning. Fly fishing is best from a boat. For pike, spinning and deadbait are effective. Permits and boat hire are available from the waterkeeper whose house is signposted off the Cork Road opposite the lake. No licence is required. Other stocked lakes in the area include Schull Reservoir Schull , Driminidy Lake and Garranes Lake both Drimoleague. Rivers and lakes near Baltimore have fishing for salmon, sea trout, brown trout, rainbow trout and pike.