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The Bandon River

The River Bandon rises in the Shehy Mountains in west Cork and flows east through Dunmanway, Ballineen, Enniskeane, Bandon and Innishannon to Kinsale Harbour. This is primarily a salmon and sea trout river but there are also plenty of brown trout on all stretches of the river system.

The salmon fishing extends all the way from Innishannon upstream to Dunmanway. There is a good run of spring fish which peaks 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, Silver and Blue and Garry Dog.

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 Bridge. The usual sea trout flies are the most effective - Peter Ross, Teal Blue and Silver and Bloody Butcher.