Lough Mask
Lough Mask is a large limestone lough of approximately 22,000 acres in the west of Ireland. It holds an excellent stock of wild brown trout, averaging over 1lb. Compared to its neighbour, Lough Corrib, Mask has fewer islands and is generally deeper, meaning fly hatches tend to start later. However, this should not deter anglers—fishing on Mask can be frenetic and highly rewarding, set against some of the most magnificent scenery in the west of Ireland.
Many anglers consider Lough Mask to be Ireland’s finest wet-fly lough, and while this reputation is well deserved, it also offers exceptional dry-fly fishing during the summer months.
Early-season fishing on Mask is predominantly traditional wet-fly fishing. From late April into early May, olives, buzzers, and the Mayfly begin to appear. During this period, buzzer patterns are fished in a small number of selective bays. If trout are reluctant, we target fish feeding on adult Mayfly or olives. Evening fishing in May can be exceptional, with quiet areas coming alive as trout chase adult buzzers well into darkness.
Lough Mask has a reliable hatch of caddis (sedge) throughout the summer, often producing large trout in excess of 4lb. Early-morning caenis fishing is also available, though this hatch is less prolific due to the average depth of the lough. That said, several bays along the eastern shore can come alive in early summer mornings, with trout gorging on caenis.
August and September have become the busiest months on Mask due to the quality of wet-fly fishing for daphnia-feeding trout in deep water. This style of angling allows anglers to drift vast expanses of water in good company, relaxed and waiting for that follow or take in the middle of the wide open lough. On many September days, anglers can expect boat catches reaching double figures.
Mask is often referred to as “the dangerous lough” due to its hazardous shoreline and deep waters. In reality, it is just as safe as its neighbour, Corrib—particularly when fishing with the services of a local guide or boatman.
