Ireland Fishing: Lough Erne and Lough Melvin

Early season fishing starts in the shallows around the rocky areas where the trout are feeding on hog louse and shrimp. This is then followed in early April with the duck fly hatch and then the olives begin to hatch towards the end of April and start of May. Then comes the high-light of the season – the mayfly – Ephemera Danica – for which Lough Erne is justly famous. The mayfly hatch lasts three to four weeks and fantastic sport can be had pulling wet flies through the waves as well as fishing dries. Then in the evenings it can be even better, fishing spent mayfly patterns.

In July and August fishing can be challenging but fishing early morning and late evening with sedge patterns can be excellent. From mid August to the end of the season traditional wet fly is the best as the fish turn on to daphina. Also available on the Erne, when trout fishing is slow, is the chance to catch pike on the fly. These are Ireland's largest fresh water predator and can provide excellent sport with the possibility of catching some very big fish, with 20lb plus fish a distinct possibility.

Lough Melvin complements Lough Erne due to the fact that it not only fishes throughout the season but it can fish well due to the fact it holds four separate brown trout species as well as salmon and char. No artificial stocking has ever taken place on Melvin and the trout have not changed since the Ice Age, making this Lough a must for the wild trout enthusiast. Apart from the normal wild brown trout there are three other wild brown trout species, sonaghan, gillaroo and the ferrox. So different genetically are these that scientists have suggested that they be regarded as separate species.

Sonaghan are shoaling fish renowned for their fighting ability and can be found all over the Lough following the clouds of daphina. They can be caught on a variety of flies but traditional Irish dabblers or bumbles can be very successful.

Gillaroo are an impressive fish found along rocky shores and islands and are the most beautifully marked trout you will ever see. They are covered in red spots from head to tail on a golden body. They normally feed on shrimps and hoglouse amongst the rocks but a good fly hatch will bring them to the surface where they can be caught on a variety of patterns.

The ferrox trout are true predators that feed on fish including other trout. They are not old trout that have turned cannibal but a true separate species that grow very quickly due to their diet. Commonly a fish of 10 lbs may only be five years old. These trout are normally taken trolling but can sometimes be caught on the fly.

Atlantic salmon enter Lough Melvin through the Drowse river from January each year but the fishing on the Lough does not start until 1st February. They are frequently caught while trout fishing and add a bit of spice to your days fishing throughout the year.

Lough Melvin is about eight miles long and two miles wide and is only seven miles from the sea, so the wind can whip up a good wave. Our qualified guides are essential not only to control the boat but to put you on the best drifts and ensure you have the correct flies. Local farming has not changed much for hundreds of years and little or no fertilisers are used thus keeping pollution to a minimum, and ensuring pristine water quality.