FISHING ON THE RIVER ILEN
Also very popular in Skibbereen is Salmon & Sea
Trout Fishing on the Ilen River.
The River Ilen is a medium sized spate river about 21 miles (33kms.) long and flows
through some of the most beautiful scenery in West Cork. A large part of the river is
managed by the River Ilen Anglers' Club based in Skibbereen. The season for Salmon &
Sea Trout opens on February 15th and closes on September 30th for Salmon and on October
12th for Sea Trout.
SALMON
Spring Salmon begin to move into the river during March. The main runs of
Salmon occur in April, May, June. From June continuing on through July, August and
September there are steady runs of grilse known locally as peal. In August and September
the Autumn Salmon appear. Salmon average about 8-10 lbs (4 kgs) and grilse 4-5 lbs (2
kgs). Salmon at 10-15 lbs (5-7kgs) are not uncommon and larger fish up to 21 lbs(10kgs)
have been taken. As with sea-trout, the best runs and fishing is when the river is in pate
and the Spring tides are on.
SEA-TROUT
Runs of sea-trout into this river have remained steady over recent years. They
begin to move into the lower beats during March. During April, May and June there are runs
of fish averaging about 2 lbs(1 kg) with some up to 4 lbs (1.8 kgs). July, August, and
September sees the run of 'juniors' as they are known locally, fish averaging 1 lb (.4
kgs) with superb fighting qualities.
METHODS
For Salmon and Grilse,  spinning and worming is favoured by local anglers. On
some stretches and following a spate, the fly can be very effective. The use of prawn and
shrimp is not permitted. Worm fishing begins on March 1 st until September 30th.
During the day sea-trout are taken on light tackle with worm and small spinners. The fly
is most effective on a windy day. However, the cream of sea-trout fishing is with the fly
from dusk onwards. There is a great variety of suitable pools and no restrictions as to
night fishing are imposed on visitors.
FREEDOM TO
WANDER
Angling on the River Ilen has its own special charm. The river has great variety
and beauty. Not confined to beats, the angler can relax and wander freely, surrounded by
nature. Sightings of heron, duck, kingfishers, various song birds, bats, mink and otters
are quite common, and the fox and badger are never far away.
ABOUT SKIBBEREEN
If angling is to be combined with a family holiday, Skibbereen is an ideal centre
from which to explore scenic West Cork. As a town it is goahead and welcoming, well
provided with amenities and sevices, inviting shops, attractive restaurants and bars, a
public library, indoor sports-centre, golf links, children's playground and of course the
beach is only a few miles away.
Full details of the wide range of holiday activities available in West Cork holiday
centres such as Skibbereen and Baltimore are available from the Tourist Office,
Skibbereen, Co. Cork.
STATE LICENCES AND
CLUB TICKETS
Both the above are required to fish salmon and sea-trout. There is no brown trout
fishing on the river.
OTHER ANGLING
Also available in the area is brown and rainbow trout fishing and sea and course
fishing.
INFORMATION ABOUT ANGLING
State licences, club permits, maps, club angling regulations, information about the
river and angling methods and other fishing in the area is available from Mr. Tony Kelly
of Fallons Sports Shop, North Street, Skibbereen, Co. Cork. Tel: 028-22246
The Sports Shop is not open on Sundays. Anglers expecting to arrive late on a Saturday are
advised to purchase the State licence and club permit in advance by post from Fallons
Sports Shop.
Further information about angling in Co. Cork and Kerry is available from the South
Western Regional Fisheries Board, 1 Neville Terrace, Macroom, Co. Cork. Tel: 026-41221/2.
TOURIST OFFICE
This is located next to the Town Hall in
Skibbereen.
Phone: 028 21766.
Fax: 028 21353.
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