Lough Owel

Address

Co. Westmeath, Ireland

Fishery Information

Lough Owel, also known as Loch Uail in Irish, is a mesotrophic lake located north of Mullingar in the Midlands of Ireland. It is situated in County Westmeath and has a maximum depth of 21 meters (69 feet). The lake covers an area of 2,547 acres (over 1000 hectares) and is primarily spring-fed, resulting in remarkable water quality and high visibility of over 20 feet (6 meters) on a bright day.

What size do the fish go to?

In terms of fishing, Lough Owel is renowned among anglers. It has a resident stock of wild brown trout with an average weight of about 2 pounds.

What tactics work well?

The fishing season on Lough Owel begins in March and extends into early October. Different fishing techniques and fly patterns are recommended depending on the time of year and the prevalent insect hatches. Trolling is productive in the early season, while wet flies and dry flies are commonly used during specific hatches such as Duckfly, Mayfly, Lake Olives, and Green Peter. The lake also offers opportunities for dapping, with grasshoppers being a favored bait.

What facilities are on site?

Public access and boat berthage can be found at Tullaghan on the southern shore of Lough Owel, accessible from the Old Longford Road (N4).

Is parking available?

Yes, parking is available at the Tullaghan area on the southern shore of Lough Owel.