The Loughs

Each of the Great Fishing Houses of Ireland has access to superb fishing. Some offer private, exclusive waters, while others are located on the great free lakes of Ireland. Some restrict fishing to fly only while others permit a variety of methods. Good fishing requires the right conditions, but if nature is not being kind, you will find our atmosphere, warmth and cuisine more than compensate.

Some of the best trout and salmon are caught from large rowboats using the traditional lough fishing method. This style of drift fishing takes advantage of the windy conditions so common on the lakes. Almost every ghillie who specializes in traditional lough fishing will provide you with this specialized tackle. You can cover a lot of water as your ghillie maneuvers the boat to drift over the best holding areas, which are typically no deeper than "the length of an oar". Strikes can be quite explosive – and very exciting because they occur so close to the boat, especially when you consider that many loughs hold native trout that average 3 to 4 pounds – and salmon much bigger than that.