Ballynahinch Lake

Located in Co Galway, on the Ballynahinch Castle Hotel Grounds

Ballynahinch Lake (lower) lies immediately north of the hotel of the same name and south of the T71 recess – Clifden road. It is 3/4 mile long and varies in width fro 1/2 mile to a few hundred yard. It is noted mainly for its salmon and sea-trout fishing. Spring salmon are taken from the shore at Sna Beg early in the season and this is a good lie for grilse right to the end of the season, especially in high water. The outflow can be fished from both banks and this area is noted for the quality of its sea-trout fishing and has produced sea trout to over 7 lb in recent years. A dozen can easily be taken by an angler in a day, and the night fishing off the stands above the ridge is sheer magic in July, August and early September. There are two boats available and the north shore along by the road and around the Castle Island provides the best drifts.

There is a particularly productive area along by the little island where the stream flows in past the youth hostel. The lake fishes best in a west or south-west wind. It is in a lively setting, with the woods to the south and Ben Lettery towering over it to the north. It is a good fishery, too, for through it must pass all the fish that run the entire Ballynahinch River system. Flies to use to tempt the trout are Delphi, Bibio, Butcher, Duckfly, Black Pennell, Peter Ross, Bloody Butcher, Silver Doctor and Daddy.

Excerpts taken from "Trout & Salmon Rivers of Ireland, an angler's guide" by Peter O'Reilly.