FISHING AT KILCOLMAN

Salmon and Trout Fishing on The Bandon River, County Cork

Kilcolman is situated on The Bandon River which flows through some of the most scenic countryside in the South West of Ireland. For centuries it has been recognized as one of the best game fishing locations in County Cork. The Bandon River rises in the Sheehy Mountains in west Cork and flows east through Dunmanway, Ballineen, Enniskeane, Bandon and Inishannon to Kinsale Harbour. This is primarily a Salmon and Wild Brown trout river, but there are good runs of sea Trout from July onwards.

There is a good run of spring fish, the peak being in April.

The grilse run occurs at the end of June and water levels can be critical for good fishing. There is also a very good run of big fresh fish in August and September, and this is again dependent on good water. The most popular local flies are the Hairy Mary, Silver Wilkinson, and most Irish shrimp patterns.

The river gets an excellent run of sea trout commencing in early July and lasting through August. A large number of sea trout are taken on the free waters of the estuary right up to Innishannon. The usual sea trout flies are the most effective - Peter Ross, Teal Blue and Silver and Bloody Butcher for example.