Lanesborough

Lanesborough is one of the most storied coarse fishing venues in Ireland, situated where the River Shannon meets the northern end of Lough Ree in County Longford. For decades the town was synonymous with its famous hot water stretch — a warm water discharge from the adjacent Lough Ree Power Station that attracted enormous concentrations of coarse fish and made Lanesborough a destination for visiting anglers from across Europe.

The ESB peat-fired power station closed permanently in December 2020 and warm water is no longer discharged into the river. However, the fishery itself remains productive, with established populations of bream, roach, hybrids, perch, and pike still present in good numbers. The old hot water stretch, The Cut, and Kilnacarrow continue to offer quality coarse fishing.

The Cut is a particularly notable stretch located downstream of Lanesborough near Lough Ree, with an island in the centre of the river. Depths range from 20 to 40 feet, and large bags of bream are possible using feeder tactics with heavy groundbaiting. The Cut is accessible by boat only and can be especially productive from April to early June, including during night sessions as bream patrol between Lough Ree and the river.

Lanesborough also serves as the primary northern gateway to Lough Ree itself, where pike fishing to 20lb and beyond is available from the extensive bays and shorelines. The town provides tackle shops, boat hire, and angling accommodation.

Anglers should be aware that the invasive Asian Clam is present at Lanesborough. A strict prohibition on personal keep-nets is in place — approved keep-nets are available from two designated outlets only, and must be returned treated at disinfection stations. This measure is critical to prevent the spread of the Asian Clam to other waterbodies.