Cloon Lough

Located in Co Kerry

Permission: Glencar Hotel, Glencar, Co Kerry

Cloon is situated deep in the Kerry mountains between the Craggy Peaks of Knocknacusha and Mullaghanattin. It holds salmon from early April and the grilse run up in June. They take a fly well, particularly along the west shore and at the southern end. The most favoured salmon-fly patterns are Lemon and Grey, Garry Dog, Blue Charm, Claret Bumble and Connemara Black. The trout come three to the pound and a day’s fishing should produce several ½ pounders and the odd one to ¾ lb. Trolling is widely practised for the salmon, with a copper spoon the most popular bait. Very small flies work best for the trout, for example Black Pennell, Orange and Grouse, Butcher, Bibio and Watson’s Fancy in sizes 12 and 14. There are two boats for hire with outboard motors and boatmen, and bank fishing is allowed.

Excerpts taken from "Trout & Salmon Rivers of Ireland, an angler's guide" by Peter O'Reilly.