Fishing Overview
Summary
Most of
the better beats are privately owned and used extensively for
tourist angling. Visiting angers are catered for in a well organised
manner with pre-booking of accommodation, fishing and ghillie
(if required) available through Ballyrafter House. Demand for
fishing on this river is high and intending visitors are advised
to book well in advance.
Fishing Licences for Salmon & Sea Trout
A state
license is required by law before one can fish for salmon or sea
trout on any water in Ireland. This is irrespective of any permission
issued by the fishery owner, and is not included in the permission
price unless stipulated. Salmon and sea trout licenses can be
purchased from fishery boards and from approved license distributors.
Ballyrafter House is one such approved licence distributor. So,
there's no need to go hunting around for a licence. The cost of
these licenses is very reasonable and a 21 day license costing
€50 should cover the needs of most visiting anglers.
| License
Type |
Cost |
| Annual |
€134.00 |
| Season: single-district license |
€64.00 |
| |
|
| 21-day license - all district |
€50.00 |
One-day license |
€36.00 |
Beats
In addition to the state license, permission
and permits may be required to fish specific salmon waters.
Ireland's
river and lake waters have been privately owned and managed for
centuries. In the Lismore area it is the Duke of Devonshire, Lord
of Lismore Castle, who owns most of
the river rights. He leases out the best fishing waters for the
day. In the case of salmon, these are stretches of river from
100 to 500 yards long with clean gravel breeding beds. These rented
stretches, called beats, can cover either one or sometimes both
banks of the river.
Depending on the time of
year and the particular beat, prices for a day's rental run between €35
and €150 Euro . Bank fishing or wading is the method allowed.
The beauty
of the system is that it keeps the river from being fished to
death! The beats are well managed, well policed, and stocks are
conserved. The nearest beat is directly beneath Lismore Castle,
a short walk away. The farthest up-stream beat is 25 miles from
the Hotel with twelve others in between. Lower beats provide flexibility
when water levels fall. This combination of upstream down to tidal
beats is important as conditions vary each month.
Arrangements
Joe Willoughby,
owner of Ballyrafter House, can arrange it all. Joe calls
the owner of each beat and arranges reservations. He'll also arrange
a change of beats each day, if you desire.
If the
water is high, Joe will send you upstream. Low, and you'll be
downstream - closer to Ballyrafter House, in fact.
Guests
have access to a Drying room and Rod room with Freezer facilities.
Fly fishing rods are just
too personal an equipment choice to try and stock rental models. A Full Package:Waders,Rod etc.€50.00 per person only rented to clients with Ghillie booked.
If needed,
transport to your day's beat can also be arranged. In fact, car
rental can be arranged through Ballyrafter House when you make
a booking. Just let us know in the comments section of the booking form and Joe will arrange for a car
that you can pick up at the airport.
Additionally, if needed,
Joe will arrange for you to be picked up at Cork Airport and brought to Ballyrafter
House. The cost is €95 each way for up to 4 people.
Ghillie
A Ghillie is a guide -
a man with local knowledge. In past centuries, Lords had their own game wardens
to bait lines, net the fish, and help with the finer points of angling knowledge.
A Ghillie performs the same functions these days and guides you to the best
pools. A Ghillie isn't necessary, but Joe estimates one will increase your chances
of success by about 150%. Charges for a Ghillie are €100 for up to two Rods per day. |
