Pike
Fishing
O’Brien’s
bridge is one of the best fisheries in the entire Shannon
region for the ultimate fresh water predator the pike.
All stretches of the river at OBB hold large stocks
of pike. The weedy swims with over hanging trees, lilly
pads and other cover to ambush small coarse fish are
the best area’s to fish.
Bank
fishing is restrictive and a boat opens up a world of
otherwise inaccessible swims to fish. Dead-baiting undoubtedly
produces the bigger stamp of pike and fish to over 20lbs
are not rare. Fresh dead bait is advisable with roach
being the most effective.
Lures
are the other main method. This is particularly enjoyable
during the summer months and provides great sport for
the angler as takes are often spectacular. Rapala’s
and Salmo’s etc.. bring good results.
Fly
fishing for the pike is now growing in popularity and
is proving to be immensely enjoyable. Patterns are not
complicated, plenty of colour and movement being essential.
Game Fishing
Brown
trout aren’t easily targeted at O’Brien’s
Bridge. The occasional brownie falls to maggots and
a bigger specimen to a dead bait. Fly fishing is not
very common here unless a trout is spotted rising, the
mayfly hatch being the most active period.
The
“king” of fish the Atlantic salmon is fished
for at O’Brien’s Bridge with good success.
A license is required to fish for the Salmon here and
this can be obtained from the Shannon fisheries website
(www.shannon-fishery-board.ie) The bridge itself (4th
arch) and Parteen weir being the “hot spots”.
East Clare Lake Lands
The
huge variety of lakes in close proximity to OBB is really
its crowning glory. Excellent tench, pike and coarse
fishing is to be had at most of these lakes. The prime
lakes being Doon, Bridget, Kilgory, Roslara and Clondanagh.
The variety and beauty of these lakes is very special
and many life times would be required to fish them all
extensively! The main centres being Kilishen, Broadford
and Feakle.
