Coarse Angling Cootehill

Cootehill sits in the east of County Cavan, in a stretch of Ireland’s northern lakelands well known to coarse anglers. The town lies between the Rivers Dromore and Annalee, both tributaries of the wider Erne system, and is ringed by a large number of small lakes. Roughly 26 lakes are within ten miles of the town, some of them close to neighbouring Shercock and over the border in County Monaghan, which makes Cootehill a convenient base for a fishing trip.

The waters here hold a good head of coarse fish, with bream, roach, rudd, hybrids, perch, tench and pike all recorded across the various lakes and rivers. Anaghmakerig and Drumgole Lakes, to the north of the town, are among the better-known venues and hold quality bream, perch and pike. Anaghmakerig Lake is set within forest and is noted for reasonable access, including some platforms suitable for anglers with disabilities.

Coarse angling involves fishing for species such as bream, roach and tench rather than salmon or trout, using bait and float or feeder tactics, and the mix of slow rivers and sheltered lakes around Cootehill suits this style of fishing throughout the season. Anglers planning a visit should check current access, permits and local conditions before travelling, as arrangements can vary from water to water.