Fishing

Some say fishing in Ireland is better than anywhere else. Nowhere is this truer than at Sheen Falls Lodge, where a fishing lodge has stood on these grounds for hundreds of years. Given our centuries-old connection to these lands, you won’t be surprised to learn that we hold exclusive fishing rights for the River Sheen, the tumbling river and waterfalls that lend their name to our five-star hotel.

Of course, Kerry is rich with abundant waterways, with the sparkling lakes of Gleninchaquin, Barfinnihy and Cloonee, all a short drive away. You’ll find plenty of excellent opportunities to catch trout and salmon here, as well as countless sheltered bays and inlets for beach fishing.

Brendan, our resident ghillie, is on hand to share his years of expertise and local knowledge. A dab hand with a rod, he can arrange guiding, equipment and licenses.

And, should you be so lucky to land a big one, we invite you to bring it back to the lodge, where our Executive Chef, Cormac, will happily cook it up for your dinner. Better still, let him smoke it for you in the lodge’s very own smokehouse!

Fish or no fish in hand, you’ll be able to enjoy our very own freshly caught wild Atlantic salmon, cooked or house-smoked to perfection and served in our restaurants.

To find out more, please call + 353 (0)64 664 1600 or email guestservices@sheenfallslodge.ie

THE RIVER SHEEN

Rising in Kerry’s Caha Mountains and flowing in a northerly direction for 15 miles, the energetic River Sheen tumbles dramatically past the lodge before entering the sea at Kenmare Bay.

Fishing on the entire river is controlled by the Sheen Falls Estate, with all legal methods allowed. It’s a wonderful spot to learn or master fly fishing or to take your children with their first rods. Shrimp is particularly effective in low water and spinning/worming in a spate, while fly fishing is productive in medium water.

As a spate system, the Sheen is subject to violent floods, so please do take care.

SALMON FISHING

Salmon fishing is mostly concentrated on the first five to six miles of the Sheen River, up to Dromagorteen Bridge (just north of Bonane on the N71). However, the first four miles up to Dromanassig are considered the best. The finest pools are Sheen Pool, Flat Pool, Sand Pool and Weir Pool, just above the Sheen Falls.

Other notable pools run up to Releagh Bridge (N71), but do bear in mind that the water runs very quickly off the upper river. The Coomeelan River, which joins the Sheen from the East above Dromogarteen Bridge, also has a few pools worth fishing.

THE FISHING SEASONS

A decent run of spring fish often starts the season, but it can be May before it’s worth wetting a line. The impressive grilse run – Atlantic salmon returning to the river after just one season – starts at the end of May and continues through until the end of August, with June and July being peak season.

Sea trout can also run from May, but like many other rivers, their numbers have been in steady decline. Brown trout fishing can be good too, with resident fish weighing up to 3lb.

LAKE FISHING

Gleninchaquin Lake is set in a stunning mountainside location, not too far from Kenmare. It’s jaw-droppingly beautiful here and delightfully secluded. You can fish for brown trout in the two lakes without additional charge. Surrounded by high, rugged cliffs, Cummeenadillure Lough is a tranquil beauty spot popular with walkers and hikers.

Barfinnihy Lake is located 6 miles from Kenmare with breath-taking views of Molls Gap. Stocked monthly by the regional fisheries board, you’ll find rainbow trout in abundance with spinning and fly fishing the most popular methods.

Cloonee Lake, part of the Cloonee System, is 8 miles south of Kenmare and contains large stocks of brown trout and sea trout from late July onwards. This picturesque fishing spot attracts international anglers and there are boats for hire in the area.

Download further details of our fishing packages from our activity brochure