Lough Arrow

Lough Arrow is one of the outstanding brown trout fisheries in Ireland.  It is famous for the quality of its trout and it was here that the technique of spent knat fishing with dry flies was pioneered in the early 1900's.  The wild trout average 1lb (.45kg) and fish up to 6lbs (2.7kg) are a possibility on the fly due to rich feeding in this very productive limestone water.

The lough lies fifteen miles south east of Sligo town, four miles north west of Boyle, Co. Roscommon.  Ballymote is six miles to the west and the village of Ballyfarnon lies three miles to the east.

Access:

There is public access at Brick Pier on the eastern shore, Ballinafad Pier on the southern shore and Rinn Bán Pier on the western shore.  There are also various private access points some of which may be used with the owners permission.

The Angling Season:

The season opens on 1st April and the early season fishing is done mainly with the wetfly, using sinking tip or intermediate lines, in shallow areas and close inshore.  Trolling is also practised at this time of year but this method of fishing is not generally encouraged - See Regulations.

Fishing Tackle:

Fly rods are a matter of personal choice.  Floating, intermediate and sinking tip lines will all be required at certain times.  Clear monofilament is preferred for making leaders (casts) and it should be fine and degreased for fishing the dry fly and pupa.

Angling Regulations:

Open Season:  1st April - 30th September
Size Limit: 12 inches
Bag Limit: Four Trout
Trolling: An angler may use only one rod while trolling.  Not more than two trolling rods may be used from a boat.

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