Lough Carra - Co. Mayo
Lough Carra, often referred to as “The Poor Relation” of it’s bigger neighbours Corrib and Mask, is a true beauty in appearance but also in the quality of its fishing. A smaller Lough of 4,000 acres it is divided into two parts; the front and the back lough. Most anglers don’t give the lough much attention until the big Mayfly hatch, generally in late April or early May but this is a big mistake as there is some explosive action to be had on buzzer, and then again on olives early in the season. The summer months produce huge hatches of sedge (Murragh) which late at night can draw those big pensioners of trout to the surface.

Lough Carra is definitely the safest of the western Loughs. The Lough is predominantly shallow, with most of the water 8ft deep or less, and it’s rocky shorelines are few and far between. Because of the marl bottom, the lough can remind you of a scene from the Caribbean with its white shoreline and turquoise waters. To see a Carra trout charge at your fly in crystal clear water is something special. So when next planning a trip to Lough Corrib or Lough Mask, “ Please Remember The Poor Relation”.