📍Leitrim · North West📋IFI (Republic of Ireland)Season Open
8Species Present
County
Leitrim
Region
North West
Type
River
Species
Bream, Roach, Hybrids, Perch, Pike, Tench +2 more
Carrick-on-Shannon is Ireland's undisputed coarse fishing capital. Situated on the Upper Shannon in County Leitrim, this compact town serves as the hub for one of the most extensive coarse angling systems in Europe, with over 40 fishable lakes within a 10-kilometre radius and miles of productive river stretches on the main Shannon and its tributaries.
The area has been developed for visiting anglers over decades, with Inland Fisheries Ireland installing stiles, boardwalks, international match-standard pegged swims, and footbridges across the network. The result is a system that offers everything from easily accessible bank fishing for beginners to challenging specimen hunting for experienced anglers. National and international match competitions are regularly hosted on the Shannon stretches around Drumsna and Jamestown.
The dominant species are bream, roach, and roach-bream hybrids, with strong populations of perch, tench, rudd, and pike throughout the system. A 2003 fish stock survey covering the Shannon from Drumsna to Rooskey confirmed a large and healthy coarse fish population. The nearby lakes hold similar species in varying proportions, with some noted for specimen tench and others for pike.
Brown trout fishing is available on the upper river above Carrick, from below Lough Allen down to Battlebridge near Leitrim village. This is free fishing with trout commonly reaching 2lb and occasional fish to 7-8lb recorded.
The town of Carrick-on-Shannon itself is well equipped for visiting anglers, with specialist angling accommodation, tackle shops, boat hire, and experienced local guides. The nearby villages of Drumsna, Jamestown, Rooskey, and Drumshanbo each serve as bases for different parts of the system. Drumshanbo sits at the southern tip of Lough Allen, one of Ireland's premier pike waters where fish over 30lb have been recorded.
Coarse Fishing Capital · Match Fishing · 40+ Lakes · Free Fishing · Year-Round
Difficulty
Beginner friendly
Access & bases
Carrick-on-Shannon is well connected by road (N4 from Dublin, approximately 160km) and rail. Extensive bank access is provided by IFI across the main river stretches and many lakes, with stiles, boardwalks, and footbridges. Some stretches cross private land — seek permission from local landowners. Boat hire is available locally for accessing Lough Boderg, Lough Forbes, and river stretches inaccessible from the bank. Key access points include Jamestown Weir (signposted off the N4), Drumsna match stretch (boardwalks), Hartley Bridge, and Battlebridge (via Drumshanbo road through Leitrim village).
Best conditions
Based on 0 reports, these conditions consistently produce the best fishing on Carrick-on-Shannon & Upper Shannon:
💨
Sheltered conditions preferred on river stretches
Best wind
☁️
Overcast days produce best results for coarse fishing
Best sky
🌡️
Best sport from April to October, though fishable year-round
Water temp
⏰
Dawn and dusk for bream; spawning migration in May-June is peak
Best window
Seasonal fly & tactics guide
Spring (March – May)
Spring sees roach and bream beginning to migrate for spawning, making Battlebridge and the upstream stretches particularly productive. Feeder fishing with red maggot on the pegged stretches. Float fishing in shallower areas. May and early June is peak as large shoals concentrate. Trout fishing begins on the upper river.
⚠️Common mistake: Not pre-baiting sufficiently. The Shannon responds to a proper feeding regime — arriving without groundbait on these stretches will produce fewer fish.
Summer (June – August)
Peak coarse fishing period. Feeder and pole with red maggot, corn, worm, and cocktail baits. Night fishing for bream can be exceptionally productive on the main Shannon. Lakes may experience weed growth which limits some venues. Pike fishing slows in warm water.
⚠️Common mistake: Ignoring night fishing opportunities. Bream patrol between Lough Ree and the river at night, particularly around the Lanesborough-Tarmonbarry stretch.
Autumn & Winter (September – February)
Pike fishing comes into its own from October onwards. Lough Allen, Lough Boderg, and the main Shannon all produce quality pike. Dead-baiting, lure fishing, and trolling all effective. Coarse fishing remains productive through autumn, tapering off as water temperatures drop. Stick float fishing for roach on the river stretches.
⚠️Common mistake: Fishing too light when pike are active — visiting coarse anglers regularly lose gear to snatch takes. Carry suitable pike trace and unhooking equipment at all times.
What works here
Flies and methods reported most successful by the community.
Where to Fish at Carrick-on-Shannon & Upper Shannon
Jamestown Weir
One of the most popular stretches on the Shannon, located about 6km east of Carrick off the N4. Twenty swims upstream and twenty downstream of the weir. Quality roach, bream, and hybrids on both sides. The fast water below the weir is a noted spot for wild brown trout to 6lb+. IFI has installed 5 access stiles in the area.
Drumsna Match Stretch
A dedicated match fishing venue about 8km east of Carrick on the main Shannon. IFI has installed two continuous boardwalks servicing 25 international match-standard pegged swims. Holds bream, roach, hybrids, and other coarse fish. Regularly used for national and international competitions.
Battlebridge
Located on the Shannon northwest of Leitrim village, about 5km from Carrick via the Drumshanbo road. A productive spawning ground with 40 bank pegs fishing into 6-10 feet of water. Especially good in May and early June as roach and bream migrate to spawn. Also a notable trout fishery early and late in the season. IFI has installed 6 stiles, 7 footbridges, and stairs.
Hartley Bridge
On the Shannon about 3km from Carrick via the Drumshanbo road. Twenty swims into 6-10 feet of water. Productive in May as roach shoals migrate upriver. Holds bream to 3lb, hybrids, and rudd. IFI provides 1 access stairs and 1 stile.
Rooskey & Lough Forbes
Rooskey village lies about 10km south of Carrick. The weir island has about 8 pegs with good float fishing for roach, hybrids, bream, and perch. The 'Aquarium Stretch' about 5km downriver on the Rooskey bank is highly rated for both coarse fish and pike. Lough Forbes, a small lake downstream, is noted for pike but requires boat access.
Drumshanbo & Lough Allen
Drumshanbo sits at the southern tip of Lough Allen, about 13km north of Carrick. Lough Allen is one of Ireland's premier pike waters with fish exceeding 30lb recorded. Several shore venues around the lake including Heron's Shore and Barney's Shore. Surrounding lakes include Acres Lake, Lustia Lake, and Drumgorman Lake.
Frequently asked questions
Before You Go — Key Regulations
Jurisdiction
Republic of Ireland (IFI)
Season
January 1 – December 31
No licence is required for coarse fishing in the Republic of Ireland. Brown trout season runs from March 1 to September 30.
Main access: Boat hire available in Carrick, Rooskey, and Tarmonbarry, Several tackle shops in Carrick-on-Shannon town centre with bait, tackle, and local knowledge, Specialist angling accommodation throughout the area including guesthouses, B&Bs, and self-catering cottages. Many providers offer tackle storage, bait delivery, and guided tours of the lakes
