Lough Arrow - Fishery Guide

Address

Ireland

Fishery Information

Lough Arrow, located in County Sligo, is one of the great Irish trout fishing loughs. It is a limestone lough, mainly spring-fed, and known for its rich biodiversity. The lake spans approximately 12.47 square kilometers and is situated 24 kilometers southeast of Sligo town and 6.5 kilometers northwest of Boyle, Co. Roscommon. The landscape around the lake consists of limestone to the East and West, with the sandstone Curlew Mountains to the South. Lough Arrow reaches a depth of up to 30 meters in some areas, providing excellent fishing opportunities during the spring and summer months.

What size do the fish go to?

The trout in Lough Arrow average around 1½ pounds, with some impressive catches weighing between 6 and 7 pounds taken on fly annually.

What tactics work well?

Lough Arrow is renowned for its brown trout fishing. Late evening fishing is particularly popular, and the Mayfly fishing season, starting around the 17th of April, is well-known. Fishing on the lake is free, and anglers can expect quality trout, although the number of catches may be lower due to the scarcity of spawning and nursery areas. The lake offers excellent dry fly, nymph, and wet fly fishing opportunities throughout the season.

What facilities are on site?

Public access is available around the shore of Lough Arrow, with the principal access points at Brick Pier, Ballinafad Pier, and Rinnbawn Pier. Additionally, there are various private access points that can be used with the owner’s permission. Boat hire is available nearby, and Lough Arrow maps can be obtained from reception. If you’re interested in other activities, clay pigeon shooting, horse riding, and bird watching are available in the vicinity. Golf courses can be found in Boyle, Carrick-on-Shannon, and Ballymote, while nearby Lough Key Forest Park offers adventure activities, boat hire, walking trails, and cycle hire.