Ballin Lough fishery

Ballinlough is a shallow, limestone lake of 22 hectares located 3.2km north of Westport and is managed by IFI. It is a rich lake with a marl bottom and has been stocked with rainbow trout and brown trout. The fish are known to be free rising, and are encouraged by hatches of olives, sedges and wind-blown terrestrials. Trout can be taken on traditional wet flies including Peter Ross, Bibio, Invicta to mention but a few. Streamer patterns such as the Minkie and nymphs can also work well. Dry flies, however, can also provide great sport particularly during evening times and during sedge hatches.
Angling is permitted from boats only, as the lakebed can be deceptively soft in places. Permits are available on an evening or full day basis and include the hire of a boat (excluding engine). There are 4 boats available, and engines should be thoroughly cleaned before and after use to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Season: 01 May to 31 October
Bag Limit: 4 trout per day per angler (day permit), 2 trout per day per angler (evening permit)
Minimum Size: 30cm (measured from fork of tail to tip of snout)
Angling Regulations: No bank fishing/no wading, fly only/no trolling
Life jackets or floatation devices must be worn at any time
Please leave boats secured after fishing
Catch returns must be made after fishing and put in letterbox (forms available on site)

Permits:
Day permit (9.00am – 6.00pm) €45.00 (boat & 2 anglers)
Evening permit (6.00pm – dusk) €25.00 (boat & 2 anglers)

Permits are available online or by contacting Gerry Hoban +353 (0)87 9028418, Alan Cusack +353 (0)87 2518689
or Tom Gill +353 (0)86 6096514