Angling at Upper Lough Erne
Lough Erne is one of the finest coarse fishing waters in Europe and is a popular competition venue for anglers.
Key information about Upper Lough Erne
| Nearest town | Enniskillen |
|---|---|
| Area/length | 15,303 hectares |
| Species | Pike, perch, rudd, bream, roach and brown trout |
| Season | 1 March to 30 September for brown trout, sea trout all year for pike and other coarse fish |
| Methods |
All lawful methods, although the use of ground bait and maggots is not allowed in that part of Lower Lough Erne west of an imaginary line from the nearest point of Pollaginnive on the east shore of Boa Island to Hare Island and from that point on the west shore of Hare Island to the most easterly part of Tully Point. When trolling, fishing rods and lines or hand lines only a maximum of:
|
| Daily bag limit | Six trout per rod/four coarse per day/one pike per person Catch and release for all salmon |
| Size limit | Minimum takeable size for trout 30cm Pike weighing 4 kg and over and coarse longer than 25cm must be returned to the water |
| Boats | Fishing from mechanical and non mechanical boats is allowed |
| Licence |
DAERA game rod licence is required when fishing for trout and salmon: DAERA coarse rod licence is required when fishing for pike and other fish: |
| Permit |
DAERA game angling permit is required when fishing for trout and salmon: DAERA coarse angling permit is required when fishing for pike and other fish: |
| Facilities for people with disabilities | See below |
| Further guidance |
Find out about angling at Lower Lough Erne.
Bream, roach, perch and pike fishery
Pike are found in the mainly weedy and reed fringed bays. They congregate from November to March and spread throughout the lough. Winter fishing is best in deep water, calm areas in river sections.
Ballinaleck Quay is a popular angling area. During warmer months pike are taken on spinners, spoons and plugs in shallow reed bays.
Fishing in the upper lough is concentrated between Enniskillen and Newtownbutler. The Broadmeadow, Scotch Store and Schools stretches are popular. For the specialist angler, tench can be found in the weedy areas in the summer. Roach are everywhere and there are plenty of bream, pike, perch and eels.
There are some productive areas in the upper lough for trout but the lower lough is the main fishing area.
Facilities for people with disabilities
A stand suitable for wheelchairs is provided at Corradillar.
For those who find walking difficult, access is generally good. There are areas with level paths close to the car parks at Broadmeadow.
There are also six fishing stands suitable for wheelchairs at the Queen Elizabeth Road and two suitable stands on Broadmeadow section, Enniskillen.
There is a car park at Corradillar Quay. The shopping car park is 40m from the Queen Elizabeth Road site and two disabled access parking places at the rear of the Forum 10m from the Broadmeadow section.
How to get there
Enniskillen is the best starting place. There is a visitors' centre and tourist information office on Wellington Road.
- phone: 028 6632 3110
Boat hire is available at various locations. Ask for information about ghillies in any tourist office.