River Feale & Smearlagh Listowel, 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 been 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. The “North Kerry Anglers Association” issues daily & weekly permits for fishing on 9 miles of the Feale & Smearlagh rivers.  FACTFILE  Methods All, except Shrimp/Prawn Flywater Approx 75% Flywater Approx 75% Season 1st March/30th September SPECIES - BEST MONTHS Spring Salmon March/May Sea Trout June/August Grilse June /August Courtesy Jim Horgan Set in serene surroundings with only the occasional sound of traffic to break the spell! this flat expanse of water just above Listowel’s main bridge and adjacent to Listowel Town Park. Easily accessible for young and not so young anglers, bench seats are available while waiting for the water to be just right. It offers fantastic fishing in high water conditions to those who are willing to put in the time. When the water is right they can be up to six or seven salmon on the day bagged or released. Any spinning lure is best in these waters A rapid stream to the west of Listowel Bridge and adjacent to the town is ideal fly water for the discerning angler in medium to low water conditions. Start fishing in this stream and move westward to the next pool then on to the four stub groins and if you haven’t a salmon or two in the bag, you should consider alternative fly One of the most prolific pools in our fishery it is estimated that up to 200 Salmon (spring and grilse) are taken from this pool every season. Situated adjacent to the centre of Listowel Town and at the rear of the Listowel Arms Hotel, it should be the first stop for visitors. This pool fishes best in medium to low water conditions. Suitable for fly, spinners or worms. Just a little west of Race Company's foot bridge, Naughton’s stream and flat offers great fishing in high and medium water conditions. Bordered to the north by an enchanted wood and to the south by a high bank - this produces a micro- climate and it is very pleasant to fish when harsh spring winds are blowing. Chest waders are a must for this stretch of fishing This pool is fished best from the south side and in high to medium water, suitable for a fly or spinning bait. The only sounds you’ll hear here is the sound of milch cows chewing the cud or the crow of a randy cock pheasant. Set  just below an acute bend on the river with a natural rocky bottom make it a natural place for fish to rest and relax. Bordered on the north by a sloping wood and on the south by rich grazing land. Upstream you have Stack’s Cliff and “The Point Pool” ,  downstream you have “The Joinings”.  Best fished from the south side if you are fishing a fly or spinning and from the north side if your worming. Can be fished in most heights of water but better in high to medium water heights Joinings -   The meeting between the Feale and Smearlagh rivers - this is the junction where salmon and sea trout take a breather in their relentless journey upstream to spawn.  Here in this melting pot - they analysis the juices from both rivers and then decide whether they have to travel east up the Feale or south up the Smearlagh. Best fished in high to moderate water with a fly or spinning lure.  Peaceful and tranquil area to fish in - it will melt all your troubles away and send you home feeling ‘it’s good to be alive’. Just  a little more than a stone  throw below Listowel main bridge and adjacent to Kerry Ingredients Factory. It offers a good fly run past 3 stub groins and into the Powleen Pool. Best fished in high to medium water with fly or a spinning lure.  If you don’t mind the noise  emanating from the adjacent factory it can be a prolific fishing area and a safe area for apprentice  juvenile anglers. The stub groins work well  - speeding up the water flow and giving protection to fish chilling out from the main flow back to top Our Waters Home About Us Photos Nucleus Download Fishing Fees Contact us click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge