Coarse Fishing - Castleblayney

Lough Muckno
Is located off the N2 on the eastern side of Castleblayney. This lake covers an area of 325 hectares with depths to 20m. There are a number of well established fishing locations on the lake including White Island, Black Island, Concra Wood, South Lodge and Toome Point. Lough Muckno holds huge stocks of fish including bream, rudd, roach, hybrids, tench, perch and pike.

White Island
Is accessed through the gates to Hope Castle to the east of the town. This is by far the most popular coarse fishing venue on the lake and produces many 100lb bags annually. Waggler, pole and feeder methods all produce results at this location. The most popular swims are to be found below the wooded area on the eastern shoreline of the island. Fishing in this area is to about 6m but there is a shelf which can snag the feeder so fish it short. There is excellent parking available in the field but anglers must be aware that the access road is liable to flooding during certain periods of the year.

Black Island
Is accessed as for White Island. Stay left on the roadway and you will find parking for your vehicle next to the wooden bridge across the river. There is a walkway (approx. 1 mile) through the wooded area that leads to a number of swims. Anglers can expect to fish into depths of 5m to 7m in this area.

Concra Wood
Is located by turning right off the N2 onto the N53 as you enter Castleblayney. After approximately 1.5km there is a signposted laneway to the left which indicates the way to this location. There are many swims in this area and it is a popular competition venue. Fishing is generally into depths of 3m to 4m along the stretch. This area produces great catches of quality roach but all the other species listed are regularly taken. Check locally with regard to access.

South Lodge
Is accessed, as for Concra Wood except the left turn is located 2.5km along the N53. This turn is signposted and takes you directly to the lakeside. This is an excellent fishing venue located close to the road and is suitable for disabled anglers or those with reduced mobility. Fishing on the inside of the islands is to around 5m to 6m. South Lodge regularly produces good catches of roach, bream and hybrids. There is excellent roadside car parking in this location. There is also a slipway here where boats can be launched. A newly developed angling stretch and the addition of 40 new coarse angling pegs along the shoreline can now cater for large number of anglers and a new access point to the Lough has also been developed incorporating 500 metres of road access, a vehicular access track beside the lake shore and new car parking spaces.

Toome Point
Is directly across from south point and is best accessed from the same direction. Access is through a gateway at the end of the promontory. Car parking is very limited between the road and the first gate. Care must be taken not to block the gate. This shoreline is clear and anglers can expect to locate depths from 3m to 8m. Feeder methods are effective and good catches of skimmers and roach are recorded at this location. Fishing by permission only so please check locally.

The Gas Lake
Is located on the northern end of Castleblayney on the R181 Keady road and is really an extension of Lough Muckno to which a short river connects it. Access is best from the western side from the Keady road. Bank fishing is limited. Care must be taken as the angler is faced by relatively deep water and very soft bottom.

Smith's Lake or Drumcrew Lough
Lies south of Castleblayney near the junction of the N2 and the N53. The lake covers an area of 2 hectares with depths to 2m. Its margins are soft and the lake gets a growth of lilies during the summer period thus indicating the shallow nature of the water. Parking is limited and swims are located on the eastern shoreline. Anglers are advised to restrict themselves to this area. This is a popular pole-fishing venue.

Malone's Lake or Corrinshigo Lough
Is located 1.9km north west of Castleblayney. Take the N2 Castleblayney to Monaghan road turning left at the junction with the R183 Ballybay road. The lake is situated less than 1km on the right side of the road. This small lake covers an area of 4 hectares with depths to 4m. Parking is off road on a hard surface. Anglers should take care on this busy road. Swims are located close to the road and all methods produce results.

Killygola Lake
Lies approximately 2km north of Castleblayney on the R181 Keady road. Parking is very limited on this road and anglers should exercise great caution. The margins of the lake are very soft and treacherous in places and access is limited. The best chance of access is on the Eastern Shore from the Keady road. This lake contains a large stock of rudd to specimen size 1.021kgs.

Lough Ross
Lies about a mile west of Crossmaglen and is accessed on the Southern side off the Castleblayney/Cullaville (Dundalk) road. Angling for bream, roach, or pike is done mostly from the lakeside amenity area. The border bisects the lake.

Note: Anglers who are fishing this lake from the Northern side are advised that a coarse rod licence and permit are required to fish.

Lakeside Angling Fishing Shop, Main Street, Castleblayney

Contact info:
Tel. 00353 (0) 87 1718572, 00353 (0) 89 4430971
Email. lakesideangling7@gmail.com