(FISHING PERMITS are compulsory on Lough Ennell).
The lake measures approximately 4.5 (7Km) miles long by 2 miles (3Km) wide, with an area of about 3540 acres. It is mainly a shallow lake, with nearly two thirds of it being less than 8m deep, and almost half of it being under 3m. A PH value of 7.5, means that the lake has the ability to produce high quantities of feed, and therefore hold a large population of quality fish.
The average size trout, being taken recently is about 2lbs (0.9Kg), but is also known to produce much larger. The largest trout taken in recent years exceeds 6lbs (3.3Kg). Lough Ennell does also hold the record for the largest ever lake brown trout taken, at 26lbs (11.8Kg).
This map includes the locations of the major hatches on the lake
Lough Ennell is renowned for its stock of wild brown trout. The trout in Lough Ennell have a uniquely remarkable shape and colour, and are seen to be shaped more like a summer salmon, and coloured more like a sea trout. They are also widely known for their strong fight.
The trout fishing season on Lough Ennell is from March 1st to October 12th, with numerous hatches of fly during that time. The following table has the recommended flies that do well during the season, as recommended by Inland Fisheries Ireland.
| Season | Hatch | Recommended Flies |
|---|---|---|
| Early(Mar – mid Apr) | Duckfly | Orange Bibio, Watsons Fancy, Sooty Olive and March Brown |
| Early-mid (April) | Red Tag Peter | Connemara Black, Blae Sooty Olive, Fiery Brown, Mallard & Claret, Duckfly |
| Mid(May – June) | Lake Olives | Golden Olive, Sooty Olive, Raymond & Cockrobin |
| - | Mayfly (Around May 19th) | Green Peter |
| - | Midge (May 20th) | Sooty Olive, Blae Sooty Olive, Black & Peacock spider |
| - | Sedge (Late May, early June) | Black Pennell |
| High(Mid Aug – Oct12th) | Lake Olives(second hatch; mid August – mid Sep) | Greenwells Spider, Green Olive, Green Peter, Claret Mourrough (small), Raymond, Bibio, Invicta, Black Pennel(wet) |
Recent times have also seen good sized trout being caught by spinning or trolling from a boat. Three-quarter size Rapalas (pictured right) are the bait of choice for trout fishermen.
Three-quarter size Rapalas
Lough Ennell is also highly recommended for pike fishing, with large sizes regularly being taken. Pike thrive in large, undisturbed waters, where there is a plentiful supply of food, such as roach, bream, perch etc. During the summer months, the best results are achieved on Lough Ennell by trolling or spinning near the surface of the water around weed banks. We recommend Tasmanian Devils (below), Rapalas or any good sized spoon spinners for catching pike.
Tasmanian Devils
In the winter, deeper fishing produces good results. Another method which has proven to be successful on the lake, is dead baiting from a drifting boat.
The lake also has some stocks of perch, bream, and roach.
Inland Fisheries Ireland: Rules and Regulations
- Open Season: March 1st – October 12th
- Species: Brown Trout from 1.5 lbs to 6lbs+, averaging 2lbs+ (Pike and Coarse fish)
- Size Limit: Fish smaller than 30cm (12 inches) must be put back.
- Daily Bag Limit: 6 trout
- Angling Methods: All legal methods within the regulations .
- Pike Angling: All legal methods, all year round. Allowed to take one pike less than 50cm. Anglers can only fish one rod per angler. Rods must not be left unattended.
Inland Fisheries Ireland reserve the right to refuse and revoke a permit to anyone violating these regulations, or acting in a manner detrimental to the fishery, fishing or the surrounding countryside.
Anglers who are found to have acted in an ‘unsporting manner’ may have their permit revoked.
