THE Black Oak river flows out of Lough Beltra and runs its 8 mile course through the most exquisite scenic countryside one could imagine. It is renowned for its salmon and sea trout. It has been fished by lords, ladies as well as local fisherman and women alike.
The river has its own named pools such as Upper and Lower Cement Bridge, The Rush, Sheridans, The Junction, Jack Mac's, Brigadiers, The Woods, Upper and Lower Flags, Walshe's and lots more, too many to mention. The river is owned by Kieran Thompson, owner of Newport House, a very keen angler. The fishing season opens on 20th March each year, every one is anxious come 6.00 o'clock to see who has caught the first salmon of the season. Salmon caught weigh an average of 8-12Ibs, but fish of 32 1bs, 24 1s, 22 1bs, 10 lbs have been caught on the rod and line in recent years.
Travelling from Newport on the Castlebar Road one can see spanning the river is the Old Railway Bridge with its 7 arches standing on majestic pillars of red cut Stone, further along the left the river and road run parallel. This beautiful stretch of fast flowing water flows past Martin Carey's Old Mill. Crossing the bridge to the left is the main salmon weir, this stretch of river is truly a fisherman's paradise.
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In the 1960's the Newport anglers formed the Newport Anglers Club. Concessions were granted by Mr. Mumford Smith, then owner of Newport House, to enable the club to hold competitions and to fish the river by obtaining permits from Newport House. As there are very keen anglers in Newport, great interest and excitement was shown in these competitions. It was always nice to see the local anglers on Saturdays and Sundays, especially in the evenings, enjoying the glorious runs of sea trout, alas no longer plentiful.
The Western Fishery Board in conjunction with local interest stocked the Leg of Mutton and Cuilmore Lake with rainbow trout and brown trout, weighing 2 lbs and over to facilitate young anglers as well as the visiting anglers. This gave great sport to the trout anglers.
Permits can be obtained at a modest cost from Peter McGee's local angling shop.
Cuilmore lake is fished from the shore, very safe for children and located out in front of Cuilmore School. Everyone loves and appreciates the river, it's a great talking point in the fishing season, as well as the big fish and little fish and the ones that got away. You know it is harder to land the big one!