Lower Lough Erne

Address

Enniskillen, UK

Fishery Information

Lower Lough Erne is located around the town of Enniskillen and spans an area of 15,303 hectares. This fishery is known for its diverse species including Pike, perch, rudd, bream, roach, salmon and brown trout. The season for brown trout is from 1 March to 30 September, while pike and other coarse fish can be caught all year round. Anglers can fish from both mechanical and non-mechanical boats. Various regulations are in place including a daily bag limit of six trout per rod per day and four coarse fish per day or one pike per person. All salmon are catch and release. Licenses and permits are required for fishing different species, which can be obtained from DAERA.

What size do the fish go to?

Anglers at Lower Lough Erne can catch trout weighing up to five kg and sometimes heavier. The minimum takeable size for trout is 30cm. Pike weighing 4 kg (8.8lb) and over and coarse fish longer than 25cm must be returned to the water.

What tactics work well?

All lawful methods are accepted at Lower Lough Erne, with some restrictions on the use of ground bait and maggots in certain areas. Trolling from a boat is a popular method for catching fish, especially pike. Additionally, fly fishing for pike is a fast-growing method in this fishery. The lough is well-stocked with roach, bream, pike, and perch, making it one of the finest coarse fishing waters in Europe and a popular competition venue for anglers.

What facilities are on site?

Lower Lough Erne provides a number of facilities for people with disabilities. A disabled hoist is available at Garvary and Innishclare to allow wheelchair users or other anglers with disabilities to fish from boats. Access is generally good elsewhere around the lough for anglers who find walking difficult, although there are no special wheelchair facilities. There are areas with level paths close to car parks at Cornagrade, Trory and Dolan’s Ring. Six stands suitable for wheelchairs are available at Queen Elizabeth Road, Enniskillen. Two accessible stands are at Broadmeadow at the rear of the Lakeland Forum and one accessible stand is at Coradillar Quay on Upper Lough Erne.

Is parking available?

Yes, parking is available near several fishing locations. These include areas with level paths close to car parks at Cornagrade, Trory and Dolan’s Ring, Broadmeadow at the rear of the Lakeland Forum, and Coradillar Quay on Upper Lough Erne.