BREAM FISHING ON INNISCARRA LAKE

Inniscarra Lake is one of two lowland lakes created by the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) in 1956 which span an area of over 530 ha. Both Inniscarra and Carrigadrohid Lakes form an integral part of the River Lee system and offer the coarse angler excellent fishing in a panoramic setting

The River Lee itself has attracted anglers for centuries and offers some of the best game and coarse fishing in Ireland. From its source in the rugged countryside above Gouganbarra it flows due east through beautiful contrasting scenery, varying from wild mountain, to moor land, and later through the two lowland lakes. The Lee then flows on down through the historical city of Cork that received its first charter in 1185 AD and out into the Atlantic ocean.

The River Lee offers coarse fishing for Bream, Rudd, Hybrids, Pike Tench, Carp and Eels, however it is the Bream fishing that has made Inniscarra one of Irelands premiere coarse fisheries.

History of the Inniscarra Bream

The South Western Regional Fisheries Board introduced 200 adult Bream into the Carrigadrohid Lake in 1974, however it was not until 15 years later that large stocks of Bream were discovered in Inniscarra Lake. Today excellent shoals exist throughout Inniscarra with catches in excess of 100 lb. and fish weighing in at over 7 lb. not uncommon. Much of Inniscarra Lake still remains to be explored and this is pioneering angling at its best.

A licence for coarse fishing is not required and there is no close season. A nominal permit fee is charged for fishing Inniscarra and Carrigadrohid lakes and these permits are available from ESB at Inniscarra generating station, Mrs Mary Murphy at Innisleena, Tagh Lyons at Carrigadrohid and from our offices.

Bait is available locally and can be obtained from

Tadgh Lyons

Woodleigh B&B

Carrigadrohid

Macroom, Co. Cork

Tel (026) 48119

There is an excellent standard of pike angling to be found on the river Lee and many anglers come back year after year such is the high quality of pike angling. The accompanying map outlines the most productive sites and the main ones are, the Dripsey Arm (2), the Caumruad (5), Coolcower (R) to Maclonaigh Bridge (S) and Dooniskey Culvert (Z). Additional sections are (H), (T), (Y), Coolea section (9) plus sites (O) and (N). At Lough Allua some truly excellent pike angling is to be had and boats are available for hire from Creedons Hotel in Inchigeela (tel 026 49012).

The most popular methods of fishing for pike include ledgering with dead fish (live baiting is illegal), spinning a strip of kipper and spinning with plugs and spinners.

A bye law is in place which prohibits the taking of more than one whole pike in any 24 hour period and the taking or killing of a pike greater than 3 kgs, or parts of weighing more than 1.5 kgs.

Irelands record carp was caught in the Lough in Cork city (10) in 1993 and weighed 27lb 12oz. Ballincollig Reservoir (11) also holds goods stocks of carp and tench and is one of the regions most popular spots.