📍 1. Lough Oughter & Killykeen Forest Park (County Cavan)
Fishery Type: Coarse / Pike / Mixed
Main Species: Bream, roach, hybrids, perch, pike
Key Access Points:
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Killykeen Forest Park shoreline – excellent bank access, paths, parking
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River Erne “Cut” at Killykeen – flowing water, productive for roach and perch
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Inishconnell & Rann shorelines – roadside access, quieter pegs
Directions:
From Killeshandra, follow the R189 and L1530 to Killykeen Forest Park. Walk from car parks to multiple shoreline swims.
Best Notes:
Boat fishing opens up the full system. Bank fishing is very productive in spring and autumn.
📍 2. Lough Sheelin (County Cavan / Meath border)
Fishery Type: Game
Main Species: Wild brown trout
Access Points:
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Multiple public shore access areas
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Virginia side access near local sports grounds
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Slipways available (check local rules)
Best Notes:
World-class mayfly lake. Best fishing late May to June, but good sport throughout the trout season.
📍 3. Other Key Cavan Waters
Lough Ramor (Virginia)
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Species: Bream, roach, hybrids, perch, pike
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Access: Multiple car parks, good bank fishing, some boat access
Castle Lake (Bailieborough)
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Species: Bream, hybrids, perch, pike
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Access: Easy town access, popular with match anglers
Cootehill Lake District
Includes Annamakerrig, Lisnalong, Drumsaul, Drumshiel and nearby lakes
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Species: Coarse fish and pike
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Access: Many roadside or short-walk pegs
River Erne (Cavan stretches)
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Species: Roach, bream, perch, pike
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Access: Lay-bys and informal riverbank access along local roads
📍 4. Upper & Lower Lough Erne (County Fermanagh)
Fishery Type: Mixed coarse and game
Main Species: Pike, bream, roach, perch, brown trout, seasonal salmon
Upper Lough Erne
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Popular areas: Ballinaleck, Broadmeadow, Scotch Store
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Numerous fishing stands and bank pegs
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Boat fishing very effective
Lower Lough Erne
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Popular areas: Cornagrade, Trory, Dolan’s Ring
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Good shore access near Enniskillen
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Consistent bream and pike fishing
Best Notes:
One of Europe’s finest coarse fisheries. Excellent for specimen and match fishing.
📍 5. Upper & Lower Lough MacNean (Fermanagh / Cavan border)
Fishery Type: Mixed
Main Species: Pike, roach, perch, brown trout
Access:
Road runs close to eastern shoreline with multiple pull-in points. Boat fishing improves coverage.
Best Notes:
Less pressured than Erne. Can be wild in poor weather.
📍 6. Lough Melvin (County Fermanagh)
Fishery Type: Game
Main Species: Gillaroo, sonaghan, ferox trout
Access Notes:
Shore access available in designated areas. Some sections require local permits.
Best Notes:
Famous, technical trout fishery. Best suited to experienced game anglers.
📝 Licence & Permit Reminder
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County Cavan (Republic of Ireland): Local permits or club tickets required for most waters
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County Fermanagh (Northern Ireland): Rod licence plus permits required for many lakes and rivers