Why fish the Feale and Smearlagh rivers
The area
Situated along with Wild Atlantic Way, the River Feale is rated as one of the outstanding Salmon and Sea Trout rivers in Ireland. In a good season it is estimated to produce at least 1,500 Salmon and Grilse and well over 2,000 Sea Trout to rod and line. The river rises in the mountain region of county Cork and in it’s meandering 46 mile journey to the Atlantic ocean it flows through a picturesque landscape of bogland, fertile valleys and rolling hills. In the middle to lower regions it is a big river mostly gravel bed, dominated by large deep fishing pools with natural bank vegetation for cover. Wading is necessary in most stretches, especially when fly-fishing. However a fairly competent angler equipped with a 14' rod, a pair of chest waders and a wading staff will find that practically every part of the river is accessible. Nine miles from the estuary the Feale dissects Listowel town, capital of north Kerry. The town waters has 4 main Salmon pools which have recently been re-developed. This offers tourist anglers a choice of fishing in a rural setting or the convenience of fishing in the recently refurbished town waters. This stretch also provides very good Sea Trout fishing. Over the past few years the local angling club the “North Kerry Anglers Association” has invested in the region of £100,000 on in-stream development works.About 2 miles upstream of Listowel town the largest tributary the Smearlagh river joins the Feale. This is a fast flowing river of about 10 miles in length with good Salmon and Sea Trout fishing. It offers a challenge to those anglers who will change their tactics to suit the prevailing conditions. With the right water conditions it will give a rich reward and bring the visiting angler back time and again. North Kerry Anglers Association issues daily & weekly permits for fishing on 9 miles of the Feale & Smearlagh rivers
The fishing
The best of the fishing on the rivers Feale and Smearlagh is controlled by North Kerry Anglers Association. These rivers have been described as Ireland’s best kept secret when it comes to salmon fishing, because the salmon run is large and has held up relatively well in recent years. Brown trout and sea trout are also present in decent numbers, presenting the angler with good sport and a challenge even when the salmon are not running. The season opens on March 1st and closes after September 30th.
