◀ Locations

Lough Bofinne

Near Bantry, West Cork · lake · ⭐ Beginner-friendly

Fish you'll catch here

Rainbow Trout

How to fish it

Fly Fishing

Gear & bait

Fly Rod Setup Flies

When to go

Check with the fishery; typically spring–autumn

Lough Bofinne is a managed put-and-take rainbow trout fishery situated near Bantry in West Cork, set against the scenic backdrop of the West Cork landscape. The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and offers day-ticket fly fishing without the need for club membership, a State salmon rod licence, or prior arrangements beyond purchasing a day ticket from the fishery.

The Fishery

Because the lake is a put-and-take operation, the fishing experience is different from that on wild trout rivers or the ESB reservoirs. Stocked rainbows are active, well-conditioned fish that respond readily to a well-worked fly — making this an excellent venue for anglers who are new to game fishing and want to practise their fly casting and presentation skills. The lake provides a relatively controlled and forgiving environment compared to river fishing.

Typical fish range from 1 to 3 lb, and larger specimens may be stocked periodically. Lure patterns in orange, black, gold and white are consistently productive; traditional wet flies (Soldier Palmer, Bibio, Invicta) also account for fish when they are feeding near the surface.

Permits and Rules

A day ticket is required and available from the fishery. Specific rules — including whether fishing is fly only, whether barbless hooks are required, and the bag limit for the day — vary and may change between seasons. Always confirm the current rules with the fishery before fishing.

No State salmon rod licence is required for rainbow trout in a put-and-take lake. This makes Lough Bofinne straightforwardly accessible for visiting anglers and beginners alike.

Getting There

Bantry is well connected by road from Cork City (approximately 1.5 hours on the N71) and from Skibbereen. Contact the fishery directly for current access directions, as parking and access arrangements may vary.

Where it is