Fishing & Angling in Laois

Laois is a secret haven of wily brown trout all of whom are wild rather than stocked. Our secret trout fishing tradition has created beautifully maintained river-banks that are as manicured as an Ascendancy Lawn and as secret as the best illicit affair. Stay with us at Midlands Park Hotel and explore an array of locations to enjoy fishing & angling.

Here we introduce a troika of delight.

Portarlington Angling Club

Chiefly famous for the beautiful Derry-ounce lakes, two lakes nestled in bog-land with sandy beaches to rival anywhere abroad.

Fly-fishing only, when you are in Derry-ounce with its wooded hinterland and deep mysterious waters where big Rainbows lurk waiting to be hooked, you could be in Tibet. Club permits are available from knowledgeable and friendly members at Portarlington Auto Parts, Main Street and Finlay’s Lounge, Bracklone Street, Portarlington, Co Laois.

Mountmellick Angling & Conservation Club

Nestled under the shelter of the Slieve Blooms, three mysterious rivers, the Triogue, the Owenass and the Barrow merge to create an anglers melody. No stocking occurs here because there are enough wily native brown trout for all. Well bridged and styled it is accessible to everyone.

Permits available at the friendly knowledgeable tackle shop of Victor Cox at O’Connell Square Mountmellick. The club has hosted Leinster and Interprovincial Championships and always welcomes new members.

Durrow and Cullohill Anglers

Deep in the rolling heart of Laois yet only twenty minutes from your hotel, Durrow anglers have created another wild trout fishery. Fast running water pours itself into deep pools where huge pike lurks beside their trout companions. In woods covered with the primrose and wild garlic, the hopeful angler can fish the Nore, Erkina, Goul and Gully.

Afterwards, take a stroll on the gravelled avenues that surround Durrow Castle. Day or year tickets can be purchased at Lawlor’s Gala Shop the Square Durrow or Bobs Bar at Durrow Bridge.

Laois is an angling democracy so we provide for the coarse angler too.

Gills Pond Ballinakill

It is a nice sized lake containing nice sized fish containing roach and perch and tench.

A landscaped bank provides the angler with comfort to go with the excellent fishing. Tickets can be purchased from Ballinakill Angling Club.

The Grand Canal

Coarse fishing connoisseurs love canals more than any other location. In Laois, stocks are rich in the Barrow Line of the canal running through Rathangan, Monasterevin, Vicarstown and Athy.

Granstown Lake

Is somewhat off the beaten track, being located between Rathdowney and Ballacolla, but, is well worth the journey.

This haven consists of 24 acres of spring-fed water, in places reaching up to 12 metres in depth.