River Ilen Anglers' Club

Salmon & Sea Trout Angling

Fish in an unspoiled spate river in West Cork.
OPEN in 2007 - MEMBERSHIP ALSO OPEN. Visitors welcome. Click
HERE for details.


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Ballyhilty Bridge Pool

Salmon Fishing - OPEN in 2007

All legal methods of fishing are permitted except prawn or shrimp angling. It is prohibited keep more than one salmon up to 12th May. From 13th May to 31st August the maximum number of fish retained per day is three. In September, it will be one fish per day. Any subsequently caught fish must be returned unharmed to the water immediately upon capture.

A few spring salmon usually begin to move into the river in April and May but these have significantly reduced in numbers in recent years.These fish average about 10 lbs.(4.5 kg) but some fish up to 20lbs+(9 kg+) have occasionally been recorded.

It has to be stressed, however, that The River Ilen is a spate river and the runs of salmon and grilse are dependent on there being sufficient water to encourage runs. However, when fish are running there is usually a good chance that they will take quite readily. Salmon runs tend to be enhanced when there are spring and neap tides in addition to any rainfall. However, grilse in particular, will run quite far upstream, even in drought conditions.

Grilse (peal) normally arrive in early June and continue to run through July and August until September. During these months there can also be a steady run of salmon, provided the summer is not too dry.

Sea trout Fishing

A few sea trout usually arrive during March and runs increase in April, May and June. These fish average about 2 lbs.(0.9 kg) with some up to 5 lbs.(2.3 kg). July and August sees the runs of 'juniors', as they are known locally. These are fish averaging about 0.5lbs.(230 grams) have superb fighting qualities.

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Angling methods for salmon & sea trout

All legal methods of fishing are permitted except prawn or shrimp angling. Worm fishing is not permitted before 1st March. Spinning, worming and fly fishing are the methods used for salmon and grilse. In the early part of the year and when the river is in spate, the following give good results for salmon: Flying 'C' in various colours; Devon Minnows - blue & silver, black & gold, brown & gold - sizes: 2" - 21/4"; Abu Toby - copper, blue and silver - sizes: 12 - 20 grams.

Later in the year, smaller baits, Flying 'C' spinners, devons, quill minnows etc. are more effective. When the river level begins to fall after a spate, the fly becomes a realistic alternative to the spinner and worm, on several notable pools. Grilse are regularly taken on the fly at dusk in fast runs and are sometimes hooked by anglers night fishing for sea trout. Consequently, it is recommended that you fish with a leader of at least 8 lbs.(3.5 kg) breaking strain. Also to be taken into account is the fact that there may not be a lot of room to play a fish on some pools. Fly hook sizes of between 8 and 14 doubles and trebles, depending on the water conditions.

In spate conditions, running sea trout are taken on small spinners and worms.

Fly Fishing for Sea trout

Daytime Angling

Fly fishing for sea trout during daylight hours is an extremely delicate art and great care must be taken to avoid disturbing the fish. Use all available cover and fish from as far away as possible. The best conditions are immediately after a spate when the water level is dropping and the colour is becoming clearer. Large showy flies on a sunk line are most effective in those conditions. At normal or low water conditions, a single fly, size 14 -18 should bring success to the angler with a stealthy approach to the lies of the sea trout.

Evening & Night Angling

Night fishing has an attraction all of its own and between dusk and midnight can be a very productive time, particularly when the river is low and clear. Sea trout will continue to enter the tidal pools even in low water particularly around the time of the spring tides and if the incoming or receding tides coincides with dusk, the fishing can be expected to be excellent.

In the colder water of spring, dark flies such as the Teal, Blae and Black, Black Pennell or Bibio account for many fish but as the temperature rises and the river levels tend to be lower, brighter flies such as an Alexandra, Butcher, Ilen Blue, Muddlers, Teal Blue and Silver or Peter Ross come into their own.

Warm evenings with high or rising barometric pressure and light cloud cover are the ideal weather conditions for night fishing.

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Angling Season

The season for salmon and sea trout opens on 15th February and ends for both species on 30th September.

Club Membership & Visitor Tickets

You must have a State Licence and a Club Membership or Visitor Ticket to fish for salmon and sea trout.

Club Membership & Permits (EURO)
Time Period River Ilen Anglers' Club Membership
Annual Membership €125
Annual Membership - Juvenile (Under 18) €15
Adults River Ilen Anglers' Club Visitor Tickets
Day Ticket €25
Weekly Ticket €100
Fortnightly Ticket €170
Monthly Ticket €275
Two Monthly Ticket €350
Juvenile (Under 18) River Ilen Anglers' Club Visitor Tickets
Day Ticket €12.50
Weekly Ticket €15
Fortnightly Ticket €85
Monthly Ticket €137.50
Two Monthly Ticket €175


State Licences 2007 (EURO)
Time Period State Licence
Annual - All Regional Fishery Board Districts €128
Annual - One District €60
All districts - 21 Days €48
All districts - 1 Day ((adult/juvenile) €34
Juvenile - Season (All districts) €20
 
Write to our Honorary Secretary for Club Membership or Visitor Tickets:
 
Bob Cooke
Hon. Secretary
Ballincolla House
Union Hall
Co Cork
Tel. +353 (0) 28 33635
Visitor Tickets are available from:
 
 

Brendan Houlihane 
"Tig na nGaedheal"
North Street
Skibbereen
Co Cork
State licences may be purchased from:
 
 
Mr. Tony Kelly
Fallons Sports Shop 
North Street
Skibbereen
Co Cork













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Tony O'Regan.

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