Upper Lough Erne

Address

Upper Lough Erne, Enniskillen, UK

Fishery Information

Upper Lough Erne, situated near the town of Enniskillen, is renowned as one of the finest coarse fishing waters in Europe. It spans a massive 15,303 hectares and is home to a variety of species including pike, perch, rudd, bream, roach, and brown trout. The fishing season for brown trout and sea trout runs from 1 March to 30 September, while the season for pike and other coarse fish runs all year. All lawful fishing methods are permitted, with some restrictions on the use of ground bait and maggots in certain parts of the lough. Fishing from both mechanical and non-mechanical boats is allowed. Licences and permits can be obtained from DAERA.

What size do the fish go to?

The minimum takeable size for trout in Upper Lough Erne is 30cm. However, pike weighing 4 kg and over and coarse fish longer than 25cm must be returned to the water. The daily bag limit is six trout per rod, four coarse fish per day, and one pike per person. A catch and release policy is implemented for all salmon.

What tactics work well?

Upper Lough Erne allows all lawful methods of fishing, although certain restrictions apply in some areas. When trolling, the number of rods/lines allowed varies depending on the number of people in a boat. In the warmer months, pike can be caught using spinners, spoons, and plugs in shallow reed bays. Pike, which are found mainly in the weedy and reed-fringed bays, congregate from November to March and spread throughout the lough. Winter fishing is best in deep water, calm areas in river sections.

What facilities are on site?

For anglers with disabilities, a wheelchair-friendly stand is provided at Corradillar. Additionally, there are six fishing stands suitable for wheelchairs at the Queen Elizabeth Road and two more stands at the Broadmeadow section in Enniskillen. Access is generally good for those who find walking difficult, with level paths close to the car parks at Broadmeadow.

Is parking available?

Yes, parking is available. 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 are located at the rear of the Forum, 10m from the Broadmeadow section.