The Grand Canal flows westward from Edenderry, through Tullamore to Shannon Harbour in Co Offaly where it joins the main River Shannon. It has a width of 12 meters and an average depth of about 1.5 meters. Bream average 2lbs with some to 4lbs or more. Perch are generally very small averaging from 0.25 to 0.5lbs. Pike of moderate size are quite plentiful averaging 2lbs to 6lbs with some larger fish present
The salmon fishing at Meelick on the Shannon is about five miles downstream of Banagher, County Offaly. This fishery is heavily fished at the peak of the season. The fishing is in two parts: the right bank or Eyrecourt side and the left bank or Offaly side. The salmon fishing begins at Meelick around the third week of May, with the peak in the last week of June or early July.
Fishing is free on the River Shannon but a permit is required for the River Suck. The hot water section below the town produces some wonderful big tench along with good catches of bream. The backwaters at Cappeleitra, Mickie’s Pond and Clonfert can provide excellent fishing in quiet surroundings.
There are numerous still water fishing lakes in Lough Boora Discovery Park and the Shannon Fisheries Board has designated Kilcormac village as a new coarse angling centre. Most of the lakes do not have a closed season but best results can be achieved between the months of April and October. The only lake with a specified open season is Loch Clochan, which is only available between 1 May and 12 October, from 8am to 10pm.
