The Sneem is a spate river about 8 miles in length. The best fishing pools are within easy reach of the lodge. You may fish both banks, and we recommend that you concentrate on the pools from Jacks down to the sea.

On the sitting room wall, there is a map giving the location of the main pools.

The Fishing Register, which can be found on the sitting room desk, contains a wealth of information and will provide you with advice about which flies to use, the optimum water height, the most prolific pools etc.

There is an excellent Fishing Shop in nearby Kenmare.

Please note that before you start fishing, you must purchase a fishing licence from the tourist office in Sneem.

Dromtine Lake, near the top of the river may be fished for small brown trout and the odd sea trout.

The average annual catch since 1998 is over 50 salmon and grilse.

In January 2009, Mike Henessy of the South West Fishery Board undertook to survey the river during spawning and stated that the results were favourable and the Sneem system to be very healthy.

When the river is low, it is well worth visiting the renowned Waterville Lakes. You should hire a boat with outboard motor, and preferably a ghillie to show you the best places to fish. We recommend Frank Donnelly at Lakelands Farm on 00353 669474303.

Kenmare Estuary and Boat

There is a sixteen foot open fibre-glass fishing boat available to those renting Sneem Fishing Lodge. It is powered by a 7hp outboard engine.

The boat is moored at Oysterbed Pier, which is about 3 kms from the village of Sneem itself.

It is ideal for mackerel and pollock fishing, picnicing and visiting the many islands on the Kenmare Estuary. On a fine day, we recommend crossing the Estuary to the delightful fishing harbour of Kilmacalogue or take a picnic and make the most of the beautiful surroundings.

For those staying at the Lodge, we would ask you to bring your own lifejackets, to ensure your own safety whilst on the water, and always have a mobile phone at hand.