A total of 52 rods fished the Ballinlough Fishery over the past four weeks catching over 100 trout many of which were released. Amongst the successful anglers were Dan O’Donavan and Mike Shanks who had a phenomenal 18 trout for their day’s fishing including a fine rainbow trout at 3.75 lbs. The biggest rainbow trout for that period, however, was caught by the P. McGuinness party weighing 5 lbs., while David Duffy and boat partner recorded the heaviest brown trout at 4 lbs.
Most successful flies included Green Peter, Boobies, Daddys, Invicta, Dabblers and Buzzers as well as several nymph patterns such as Daiwl Bach and Montana. Fishing dries also worked well for some particularly later in the day or during evenings. Dry sedge patterns were most successful.
Go Fishing
Permits are available online at https://permits.fishinginireland.info/product-category/mayo/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.
Further information on day tickets and bag limits is available here.
