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Fishing in Laois

The rivers, lakes and canals of Laois offer some of the country’s most unspoilt fishing spots. From salmon, bream, perch and eels there is a fish out there to capture the imagination of every angler. Our quiet and pristine waters are waiting with fish that may have never seen an anglers hook before. So grab your rods and head to one of our perfect pitches.

Grantstown Lake

Grantstown Lake is located between Ballacolla and Rathdowney and is 24 acres of spring fed waters. It is home to tench, large rudd and perch. There are ten fishing stands and one which is set up for anglers with special needs.

Ballaghmore Lake

Ballaghmore Lake is situated in a pastrol setting. It is privately owned and comprises of 3.5 acres of excellently stocked carp, rudd, perch, pike and tench with some trout and eel present.

Ballinakill

There are two excellent lakes in Ballinakill. The Mass Lough is one of the most scenic lakes in the country and Gill’s Pond, which is actually a large lake with large fish in it. You will find roach, perch and some large tench, up to 3lbs, in its waters.

Little Bog Lake

Not far from Portlaoise in the historic Heath landscape, you will find the 6 acre Little Bog Lake filled with carp, perch and roach.

Derryounce Lake

Derryounce Lake is just two kilometres from the bustling town of Portarlington. If you are after brown or rainbow trout, this is the lake for you.

Brittas Lake

At the foothills of the Slieve Bloom mountains you will find Brittas Lake. This 5 acres coarse fishing lake is home to tench, carp, rudd and bream.

If its rivers that are more your thing, the River Barrow produces more award winning fish than any other fishery in Ireland. Bream over 9lb, Pike over 25lb as well as many other prize winning specimens have been fished near the Laois/ Carlow border.

Stock of fish along the Barrow line of the Grand Canal are abundant and the canal is especially known for its perch. There are endless spots along the canal that will offer the perfect place to spend a few hours enjoying the quiet and peaceful pace of the Laois scenery.

And if you haven’t had enough after all that fishing, why not visit the Irish Fly-fishing and Shooting Museum in Attanagh. The only one of its kind in Ireland it is a haven for those who have an interest in fishing and hunting. Walter, the curator and owner has an excellent collection and knowledge truly remarkable. It is hard not to get lost in this treasure trove of fishing and hunting curiosities.

From fly-fishing to coarse, lake to river and then canal you are sure to find the perfect angling spot for you in Laois.