Best Fishing Lakes in County Cavan
The Best Fishing Lakes in County Cavan: A Fisherman’s Paradise
County Cavan, known as the “Lakeland County,” is a haven for anglers, boasting an impressive array of lakes, rivers, and streams teeming with fish. With its picturesque landscapes, serene waters, and abundant fish species, Cavan offers some of the best fishing experiences in Ireland. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, the lakes of County Cavan provide the perfect setting for a memorable fishing adventure.
1. Lough Ramor
Key Species: Pike, Bream, Roach, Perch, Hybrids
Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer, though fishing is good year-round.
Facilities: Parking, boat ramps, and nearby accommodations.
Lough Ramor, located near the town of Virginia, is another top fishing destination in County Cavan. This large, shallow lake is known for its excellent coarse fishing, with an abundance of species including pike, bream, roach, perch, and hybrids. The lake is also popular for pleasure boating, so anglers should aim to fish early in the morning or late in the evening for the best experience. Lough Ramor’s easy access and well-maintained banks make it a favorite among local and visiting anglers alike.
2. Lough Sheelin
Key Species: Wild Brown Trout
Best Time to Visit: May to September, with Mayfly season being the peak time.
Facilities: Parking, boat hire, and fishing guides available.
Lough Sheelin is one of the most famous trout fishing lakes in Ireland and is renowned for its wild brown trout. This 4,000-acre lake is situated on the borders of Cavan, Westmeath, and Meath, making it easily accessible from multiple counties. The lake is especially popular during the mayfly season, when anglers from all over the world flock to its shores for the chance to catch trophy-sized trout. With its crystal-clear waters and rich aquatic life, Lough Sheelin is a must-visit for serious trout anglers.
3. Lough Oughter
Key Species: Pike, Perch, Bream, Roach
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with pike fishing being particularly good in the autumn and winter months
Facilities: Boat hire, fishing guides, and picnic areas.
Lough Oughter is a unique and expansive waterway system that is part of the larger Lough Oughter complex, including over 365 interconnecting lakes. This lake is located near Killykeen Forest Park and is well-known for its pike fishing. The lake’s maze of islands, peninsulas, and bays offers anglers numerous secluded spots to fish in peace. In addition to pike, Lough Oughter is home to perch, bream, and roach, making it an ideal location for mixed-species fishing
4. Brackley Lake
Key Species: Bream, Roach, Perch, Pike
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn.
Facilities: Parking, fishing stands, and picnic areas.
Brackley Lake is a picturesque lake near Bawnboy, offering excellent coarse fishing opportunities. The lake is known for its large stocks of bream, roach, perch, and pike. The lake’s peaceful setting and beautiful surroundings make it a perfect spot for a quiet day of fishing. Brackley Lake is also part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, adding a geological interest to the area. The well-maintained fishing stands around the lake provide easy access for anglers of all abilities.
5.Lough Sillan
Key Species: Pike, Perch, Roach, Bream, Hybrids
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with early morning or late evening being the best times to fish.
Facilities: Parking, boat hire, and fishing stands.
Lough Sillan, located near the town of Shercock, is another excellent coarse fishing lake in County Cavan. Known for its plentiful stocks of pike, perch, roach, bream, and hybrids, Lough Sillan is a favorite among both local and visiting anglers. The lake is easily accessible, and its relatively shallow waters make it an ideal spot for fishing from the shore or by boat. The scenic surroundings and peaceful atmosphere add to the charm of this fishing destination.
6. Lough Gowna
Key Species: Pike, Bream, Roach, Tench, Perch
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn, with tench fishing at its best in early summer.
Facilities: Parking, boat hire, fishing stands, and nearby accommodations.
Lough Gowna, straddling the border of County Cavan and County Longford, is another prime fishing destination. This large lake system is renowned for its diverse fish population, including pike, bream, roach, tench, and perch. Lough Gowna’s extensive network of bays and inlets provides ample opportunities for anglers to find their perfect spot. The lake is particularly known for its tench fishing, which attracts anglers from far and wide.
7. Annagh Lake
Key Species: Roach, Bream, Perch
Best Time to Visit: Spring to early autumn.
Facilities: Parking, fishing stands.
Annagh Lake, located near the village of Butlersbridge, is a small yet productive fishing lake. Known for its healthy stocks of roach, bream, and perch, Annagh Lake is a popular spot for coarse fishing. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a peaceful and scenic environment that’s perfect for a relaxing day of fishing. The fishing stands around the lake are well-maintained, making it easily accessible for anglers of all abilities.
8. Lough Acurry
Key Species: Pike, Bream, Roach, Perc
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with pike fishing peaking in autumn.
Facilities: Limited parking, boat access.
Lough Acurry, located near the town of Killeshandra, is a hidden gem for anglers seeking a quieter fishing spot. The lake is known for its excellent pike fishing, with numerous large pike caught here every year. In addition to pike, the lake also holds stocks of bream, roach, and perch, making it a versatile fishing destination. Lough Acurry’s secluded location ensures a peaceful fishing experience, away from the more crowded spots.
9.Lough Drumlane
Key Species: Tench, Bream, Roach, Pike
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn, with tench fishing peaking in early summer.
Facilities: Parking, fishing stands, picnic areas.
Lough Drumlane, located near Milltown, is another fantastic fishing destination in County Cavan. This lake is well-known for its healthy stocks of tench, along with bream, roach, and pike. The lake’s tranquil setting and rich fish population make it a favorite among local anglers. Lough Drumlane is particularly popular during the early summer months when tench fishing is at its best. The lake also offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, enhancing the overall fishing experience.
10.Upr Lough Skeagh
Key Species: Roach, Bream, Perch, Pike
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with summer being particularly good for coarse fishing.
Facilities: Parking, fishing stands.
Lough Skeagh, near the town of Bailieborough, is a mid-sized lake known for its excellent coarse fishing. Anglers can expect to catch roach, bream, perch, and pike in these waters. Lough Skeagh is relatively shallow, which makes it ideal for shore fishing, and its quiet surroundings provide a serene environment for anglers looking to escape the crowds. The lake’s well-maintained fishing stands and easy access make it a great choice for a day of fishing.
11.Lough Kinale:
Key Species: Pike, Bream, Roach, Perch
Best Time to Visit: Pike: Autumn and winter. Bream and Roach: Late spring to early autumn. Perch: Year-round, with a peak in summer and autumn
Facilities: Parking available nearby. Limited facilities, but quiet and serene
Lough Kinale, located on the border between County Cavan and County Longford, is a tranquil fishing destination known for its diverse fish population and scenic beauty. Part of the Lough Kinale and Derragh Lough Special Protection Area, it offers excellent coarse fishing opportunities in a peaceful setting.
12.Milltown Lough
Key Species: Pike, Roach, Perch, Bream
Best Time to Visit: Pike: Autumn and winter months. Roach and Bream: Late spring to early autumn. Perch: Year-round, with the best conditions in summer and early autumn.
Facilities: Limited parking available nearby. Basic facilities, but natural beauty
Milltown Lough, situated near the village of Milltown in County Cavan, is a small yet serene fishing lake that offers anglers a peaceful and productive environment. Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling countryside, this tranquil spot is ideal for those looking to escape into nature while enjoying a day of fishing.
13. Lough Inchin
Key Species: Bream, Roach, Pike
Best Time to Visit: Spring to early autumn.
Facilities: Limited parking, fishing stands.
Lough Inchin, located near Ballyjamesduff, is a small yet productive fishing lake, particularly known for its large stocks of bream and roach. The lake’s size makes it easily fishable from the shore, and its quiet, rural setting is perfect for those looking to enjoy a peaceful day of fishing. The lake is relatively lesser-known, providing a more secluded experience for anglers. In addition to bream and roach, pike are also found in the waters, offering opportunities for mixed-species fishing.
14. Bracklagh Lough
Key Species: Bream, Pike, Tench, Hybrid, Perch
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn.
Facilities: Parking, fishing stands.
Bracklagh Lough is next to Kilgolagh and is located in An Cabhán, Ulster, Ireland. Bracklagh Lough has a length of 1.37 kilometres. natural: water …
15. Lough Macnean
Key Species: Pike, Bream, Roach, Perch, Tench
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with summer and early autumn being particularly productive.
Facilities: Parking, boat hire, fishing stands.
Lough Macnean, which straddles the border between County Cavan and County Fermanagh, is a large lake known for its diverse fish population. The lake is split into Upper and Lower sections, both offering excellent coarse fishing opportunities. Anglers can expect to catch pike, bream, roach, perch, and tench in these waters. Lough Macnean’s scenic surroundings and ample fishing spots make it a favorite for both local and visiting anglers. The lake is also popular for its well-organized fishing competitions throughout the year.
16. Lough Garty
Key Species: Roach, Perch, Pike
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn.
Facilities: Limited parking, fishing stands.
Lough Garty, situated near the village of Stradone, is a small but charming lake known for its peaceful atmosphere and excellent fishing. The lake is stocked with roach, perch, and pike, making it a great spot for a varied fishing experience. Lough Garty’s relatively secluded location ensures that anglers can enjoy a quiet day of fishing away from the more crowded spots. The lake is also a popular spot for fly fishing, especially during the summer month
17. Mullagh Lough
Key Species: Pike, Roach, Perch, Bream
Best Time to Visit: Pike: Late autumn to winter. Roach and Bream: Late spring to early autumn. Perch: Year-round, with peak conditions in summer and autumn.
Facilities: Limited parking is available near the lough. Basic facilities are present
Mullagh Lough, located near the village of Mullagh in County Cavan, is a charming and peaceful fishing destination that attracts anglers looking for a quiet, scenic spot to cast their lines. The lough is surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, offering a serene environment perfect for a day of relaxation and fishing.
18. Lough Tacker
Key Species: Roach, Perch, Bream, Pike
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with summer being particularly good for coarse fishing.
Facilities: Parking, fishing stands.
Lough Tacker, located near the village of Kilnaleck, is a small lake that offers a great fishing experience, particularly for those interested in coarse fishing. The lake is home to roach, perch, bream, and pike, making it a versatile fishing spot. The calm and peaceful setting of Lough Tacker, combined with its accessibility, makes it a popular choice for both local and visiting anglers. The lake is particularly picturesque, surrounded by rolling hills and woodlands.
19. Castle Lake Bailieborough
Key Species: Pike, Roach, Perch
Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer, though fishing is good year-round.
Facilities: Parking, accessible fishing spots, and nearby accommodations
Fishing on Castle Lake in Bailieborough, Ireland, offers anglers a peaceful and scenic experience. The lake is well-known for its abundance of coarse fish, particularly pike, roach, and perch. Its tranquil setting, surrounded by lush greenery, makes it a popular spot for both local and visiting fishermen. The lake provides accessible fishing spots, making it a great location for anglers of all levels.
20. Bailieborough Lough
Key Species: bream, roach, hybrids, perch, pike and eels
Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer, though fishing is good year-round.
Facilities: Parking, large number of fishing stands on this water and there is access for disabled anglers
Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Co. Cavan, Bailieborough Lough offers a tranquil fishing haven for anglers of all levels. Renowned for its abundant fish stocks, the lough provides an excellent opportunity to catch a variety of species in peaceful, natural surroundings. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, Bailieborough Lough is an ideal destination for a relaxing day of fishing amidst the beauty of Ireland’s lush countryside.
21. Lough Naglare
Key Species:: pike, perch, and bream. The lake’s diverse ecosystem supports a variety of aquatic life,
Best Time to Visit: The optimal time to visit Lough Naglare for fishing is during the spring and early summer months, from April to June,
Facilities:There are accessible parking areas close to the lake, and clear, well-maintained paths suitable for walking
