lough derg

Lough Derg is a large, shallow lough of over 2,000 acres, 4 miles north of Pettigo. This is the lough with the famous island known as St Patrick's Purgatory, with its basilica and penitential exercises, where pilgrims flock every year from June to August. What is less well known is that it holds a stock of nice trout averaging just under a pound and some much better ones too-trout to 4lb have been reported. The fish are pink fleshed and their diet consists mainly of Gammarus-freshwater shrimp. Other forms of fish food and fly life are relatively scarce and consequently the trout are slow to come to the fly. Lough Derg fishes best in May . It has fair hatches of chironomids and sedges and evening fishing gives best results. One favourite area is along by the north east shore where the river flows out. Boats are available for hire from Mr P M Monaghan at the Quay. Private angling boats are not allowed without permission from the Prior. It is worth sounding a note of warning:this lough can blow up very rough and it has many rocky shoals just under the surface. Permission.