Lough Corrib Trout Fishing
Lough Corrib is a vast limestone lake covering over 41,600 acres, dotted with hundreds of islands and extensive shallow bays. Its exceptionally clear water supports a healthy population of wild brown trout, averaging 1½ lbs, with fish in double figures regularly taken by trolling.
Fly fishing is productive throughout the season, with each period offering something unique.
Early Spring can deliver outstanding sport as the first chironomids (duck fly) begin to hatch. Trout are targeted in shallow areas using light buzzer patterns, while small dry flies are effective in sheltered bays. Evening fishing can be exceptional when adult duck fly return to the water to lay their eggs, often triggering heavy surface feeding.
This hatch is closely followed by lake olives, providing exciting top-water action. The best olive fishing typically occurs from mid-April to mid-May, using small nymphs or dry flies.
The first week of May marks the most famous period on Lough Corrib—the Mayfly Hatch. Anglers from around the world descend on the lough to experience this legendary event. Fishing during this time is exceptional, with trout taken on traditional wet flies, dry flies, and Mayfly nymphs. Large bags of trout are common, and due to high demand, early booking is essential.
At the same time, the lake’s largest chironomid hatch—the Campto Buzzer—takes place, usually beginning in shallow bays during the third week of April and continuing throughout May. Depending on where trout are feeding in the water column, we fish either light or heavy buzzer patterns.
During the warm summer months, we pursue the lake’s wild, elusive brown trout as they feed on caenis in the early mornings. This technical fishing demands finesse: light rods, 6X or finer leaders, and size 18–20 dry flies. Casting to pods of trout sipping flies on a calm Corrib can be challenging, but the reward of connecting with a powerful 4lb+ fish is unforgettable.
Mid-summer also brings a second, less-pressured Mayfly hatch, along with excellent sedge fishing. With luck, anglers may even encounter large trout feeding aggressively on flying ants.
As autumn arrives, many trout move into deeper water to feed on planktonic daphnia, creating exciting opportunities for traditional wet-fly fishing. September sees a second, smaller hatch of olives, when trout rise freely to size 16–18 dry flies on light tackle.
There is also the chance to troll for ferox trout, which can exceed 20 lbs, while Lough Corrib is equally renowned for producing some of Europe’s largest pike, with many fish over 30 lbs landed each season.
Our experienced guides operate boats on trailers and launch daily in the areas fishing best. Careful consideration of wind direction, hatch timing, and decades of local knowledge ensures you spend more time fishing—and less time travelling.
A day on Lough Corrib offers access to one of the world’s premier wild trout fisheries, set among hundreds of islands, rugged limestone shorelines, and rolling hills. Time spent on the water with our professional guides delivers not only superb fishing, but lasting memories of laughter, scenery, and truly magnificent trout.
