FISHING in Ireland’s county FERMANAGH

Upper Lough Erne: A vast, interconnected lake system in southeast Fermanagh, renowned for its coarse fishing, particularly for pike, bream, roach, and perch, with some brown trout. Anglers can expect excellent coarse fishing, with pike up to 30 pounds and large shoals of bream and roach. Boat fishing is popular, with rentals available from operators like Erne Angling or Lakeland Marine in Enniskillen. Bank fishing is accessible at spots like Kesh and Belleek. A DAERA rod license is required, and permits can be obtained from local tackle shops. The serene, island-dotted lough, surrounded by rolling hills, offers a tranquil experience, with nearby attractions like Devenish Island for non-anglers.
Lower Lough Erne: The northern part of the Erne system, stretching from Enniskillen to Belleek, famous for coarse fishing (pike, bream, roach, perch) and game fishing for brown trout. Expect productive fishing for large pike and coarse species, with brown trout in shallower areas. Guided trips and boat hire (e.g., through Erne Angling) provide access to prime spots like the deeper channels near Boa Island. A DAERA license and permits are needed, available at tackle shops in Enniskillen (e.g., Erne Tackle). The lough’s scenic beauty, with views of the Blue Stack Mountains, enhances the experience. Wheelchair-accessible jetties are available at some locations.
River Erne: A river connecting Upper and Lower Lough Erne, flowing through Enniskillen, known for salmon, brown trout, and coarse fish like roach and bream. Anglers can target salmon and trout in the river’s faster-flowing stretches, particularly from spring to autumn, using fly or spinning methods. Coarse fishing downstream yields roach and bream. Expect easy bank access in Enniskillen and quieter rural stretches near Belturbet. A DAERA license and permits from local angling clubs are required, available at tackle shops like Home, Field and Stream in Enniskillen. The river’s urban and scenic settings make it versatile for a day’s fishing.
Lough Melvin: A border lake near Garrison, shared with County Leitrim, famous for its unique game fishing, including brown trout, gillaroo, sonaghan, and salmon. Anglers can enjoy fly fishing or trolling for trout and salmon, with gillaroo (a rare trout with distinctive red spots) being a highlight. Spring and autumn are peak seasons, with wet-fly fishing effective during hatches. Expect a serene, less crowded fishery with stunning views of the Dartry Mountains. A DAERA license is needed for the northern shore, and permits are available from Garrison Angling Club or local tackle shops. Boat hire is recommended for deeper waters.
Lough Macnean (Upper and Lower): Two connected lakes near Belcoo, known for coarse fishing (pike, perch, roach, bream) and some brown trout. Expect excellent coarse fishing, with pike up to 20 pounds and plentiful perch and roach. Bank fishing is accessible, but boats (available locally) allow access to deeper areas. A DAERA license and permits are required, obtainable from tackle shops in Enniskillen or Belcoo. The lakes’ tranquil setting, near the Marble Arch Caves, makes it ideal for a combined fishing and sightseeing trip. Disabled access is limited, so check ahead.
Killyfole Lough: A smaller lake near Rosslea, managed by the Killyfole and District Angling Club, stocked with rainbow and brown trout for fly fishing. Anglers can expect a peaceful fly-fishing experience with well-stocked trout, best from spring to autumn. The lake is accessible by car, with bank fishing and some platforms suitable for disabled anglers. A DAERA license and day/season permits are required, available from local tackle shops or the angling club. The surrounding countryside offers a quiet retreat, with nearby villages for amenities.
Permits and Licenses: A DAERA rod license is mandatory for freshwater fishing in county Fermanagh, available online at www.nidirect.gov.uk or from tackle shops like Erne Tackle (Enniskillen, +44 (0)28 6632 2000) or Home, Field and Stream (Enniskillen, +44 (0)28 6632 2114). Local permits are required for most fisheries, obtainable from angling clubs or shops.
Guided Fishing: Operators like Erne Angling (+44 (0)77 2020 6478) offer guided trips for coarse and game fishing, with boats, equipment, and tuition provided. Contact local tackle shops for recommendations.
Accessibility: Upper and Lower Lough Erne have wheelchair-accessible jetties at some locations, while smaller lakes like Killyfole offer limited disabled access. Always confirm with fishery managers.
Tackle Shops: Enniskillen is a hub for angling supplies, with shops like Erne Tackle and Home, Field and Stream offering bait, tackle, and permits. Online suppliers like Wildhunter.ie also serve Fermanagh.
Conservation: Strict regulations apply, including bag/size limits and mandatory tagging for salmon and sea trout. Catch-and-release is encouraged for some species.

County Fermanagh:

Ireland’s county Fermanagh is a county of lakes and historic charm, with Lough Erne’s waterways offering boating and fishing amidst serene islands. Enniskillen Castle and its museums explore local history, while the Marble Arch Caves, part of a UNESCO Geopark, showcase stunning underground caverns. Other attractions include the historic Florence Court estate and its gardens. Fermanagh is Ireland’s 20th largest county by size (1,876 square km) and fourth smallest by population (63,585). Population peaked at 156,481 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 49,886 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Fermanagh is Ireland’s 28th most visited tourist county with around 43,000 international visitors per year.

Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets– Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –