Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
A stocked put-and-take game fish found in Cork's managed trout lakes at Lough Bofinne (Bantry) and Shepperton Lake (Skibbereen) — not naturally present in Irish wild river systems, but excellent sport on fly.
How to identify it
Recognised by the distinctive pink-to-crimson lateral band running from gill to tail, blue-grey back, and profuse small black spots across the body, fins and tail. More heavily spotted than a brown trout; lacks the orange-red spots. Stocked fish in Cork's put-and-take lakes typically run 1–3 lb; fisheries may stock larger specimens.
How to catch it
Where to find it in Cork
Rainbow trout are not native to Ireland and do not establish naturally in Irish river systems. In County Cork they are present only in managed put-and-take fisheries, where they are regularly stocked to provide sport. The principal venues are Lough Bofinne near Bantry and Shepperton Lake near Skibbereen, both in West Cork. These fisheries are ideal for anglers new to game fishing, as access is straightforward on a day-ticket basis and the stocked fish are responsive and catchable.
Behaviour and Fishing
Stocked rainbow trout are active and willing to take a fly, making them excellent for learning fly fishing technique. Unlike wild brown trout, which may require careful presentation and a good knowledge of hatches, rainbows in a put-and-take lake are often competing for food and will respond to a well-worked wet fly or lure pattern stripped back through the water column.
Lures (large, flashy attractor patterns in orange, gold, black or white) are consistently effective on put-and-take fisheries. Traditional wet flies such as the Soldier Palmer, Bibio, or Invicta also work well when fish are feeding closer to the surface. A floating or intermediate line covers most situations, though a sinking line can be useful when fish are holding deeper.
Access and Permits
Both Lough Bofinne and Shepperton Lake are day-ticket fisheries — no club membership is required. Bag limits and rules (fly only, barbless hooks, etc.) vary by fishery and may change seasonally; check with each fishery directly before fishing.
No State salmon rod licence is required to fish for rainbow trout in put-and-take lakes. You will need a valid day or season ticket from the fishery.
Rainbow trout are not present in the Lee reservoirs (Inniscarra, Carrigadrohid) or in the Blackwater, Bandon or other natural Cork river systems — those waters hold wild brown trout and migratory salmon and sea trout, which are subject to separate licensing and regulations.