Beat 1 – Upper River (Lough Barra to Croagheen River Junction)
Beat 1 runs 1.7 kilometers from Lough Barra downstream to the junction with the Croagheen River. This is the most remote beat, requiring either access from Lough Barra or a long walk upstream from Beat 2. The effort is rewarded with classic wild river pools including Poll na Locha (The Lough Pool), Poll Francie (Francie's Pool), Na Lúbacha Dubha (The Black Loops), and Min an Chuilinn at the Croagheen River junction. Anglers should be prepared for significant walking on this beat.

Beat 2 – Upper-Middle River (Croagheen Junction to Island Pool)
Beat 2 covers just over 3 kilometers from the Croagheen River junction downstream to just above a large corner pool where the river briefly splits into three channels. Access is via a rough track over the bog from the R254 road near Duffy's Falls — approximately a half-hour walk. Well-known pools and sections include Sratha Uí Dufaigh (Duffy's Holms), Poll an Easa (Duffy's Falls Pool), Leithbhinn (Duffy's Falls), and Poll an Oileáin (First Island Pool). Expect rough walking throughout this beat.

Beat 3 through Beat 5 – Middle River
These beats cover the middle stretches of the 13-kilometer managed section, passing through varied holding water with numerous named pools. The famous Mayo Pool, located where the Cloghanagore River enters the main river, is one of the most celebrated holding pools on the entire system and is a focal point for anglers targeting both salmon and sea trout.

Beat 6 – Lower River (Footbridge to Doochary)
Beat 6 runs 1.5 kilometers from a footbridge approximately 600 meters upstream of the Owenwee River junction downstream to the tail of Poll na mBreac (Trout Pool), just below the bridge in Doochary village. Access is from Doochary Town. Notable pools include Poll an Ghobáin (Joining Pool), Poll Uí Cheallaigh (Kelly's Pool), Poll Uí Bhaoill (O'Boyle's Pool), Poll an Chrosaire (Cross Roads Pool), and Poll na mBreac (Trout Pool). This beat also features a wheelchair-accessible angling section established at Doochary village.

Estuary – Gweebarra Bay
The estuary extends approximately 14 kilometers and offers excellent fishing for sea trout, eels, and flounder. The bank at Illanfad is a particularly favored location. The estuary also provides exciting fly fishing and spinning opportunities for sea trout as they stage before entering the river.