📍Wicklow · East📐20.2 km²📋IFI (Republic of Ireland)Season Open
5Species Present
Blessington Lake (Poulaphouca Reservoir) is an ESB-created reservoir of roughly 20 km² on the River Liffey in County Wicklow, near Blessington and Ballymore Eustace. It holds wild and stocked brown trout, rainbow trout and pike.
County
Wicklow
Region
East
Type
Lough
Surface area
20.2 km²
Nearest towns
Blessington, Ballymore Eustace
River system
River Liffey
Species
Pike, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Roach, Perch
Blessington Lake — formerly Poulaphouca Reservoir — is the largest reservoir in Ireland by surface area, covering 22.26 square kilometres of the Wicklow uplands just 30 kilometres south-west of Dublin. Created by the ESB between 1937 and 1947 through the damming of the River Liffey at Poulaphouca, it has become one of the most accessible and productive angling destinations in the east of the country.
The reservoir stretches across a gently rolling landscape of farmland and forestry, with 44 kilometres of shoreline offering an enormous variety of bank and boat fishing positions. Its size means that sheltered bays and inlets can always be found regardless of wind direction — a practical advantage on the exposed Wicklow plateau. The water is managed entirely by the ESB, and a permit is required for all fishing.
Pike are the headline species. The lake has a well-established reputation as a centre of excellence for pike angling, with fish in the 20 to 30 pound range recorded regularly. The extensive margins, reed-lined bays, and numerous submerged features from the pre-flooding landscape give pike plenty of habitat and food. Lure fishing and trolling from a boat are both productive approaches, with the King's River inlet at the southern end a well-known hotspot.
The ESB stocks the lake annually with brown and rainbow trout, and a small population of wild brown trout is also present. Duckfly, buzzer, and sedge hatches provide good dry fly fishing opportunities during the warmer months. Roach is the dominant coarse species, with perch also present throughout. Roach catches exceeding 100 pounds in a session have been recorded in recent years, particularly at the rowing course below Blessington Bridge and at Burgage Bridge.
Boat hire is available at Ballyknockan on the western shore, and the lake is accessible by car at numerous well-signed points around the perimeter. For anglers travelling from Dublin, it represents an easy half-day or full-day trip with a genuine chance of quality fish across multiple species.
Pike Fishing · Stocked Trout · ESB Fishery · Dublin Day Trip · Boat Hire Available
Difficulty
Beginner friendly
Access & bases
Accessible by car at multiple signed points around the shoreline. Key access points include Blessington Bridge, Burgage Bridge, Russelstown, and the Ballyknockan shore on the western side. Boat hire is available at Ballyknockan. The No. 65 bus from Dublin city centre serves Blessington village.
Season by season
Spring (March – May)
Pike fishing is excellent as fish move into the shallower margins. Trout respond to early-season hatches of duckfly and buzzers. A productive period for boat anglers targeting trout on the drift.
Summer (June – August)
Sedge hatches bring trout activity in the evenings. Roach fishing peaks with waggler tactics. Pike remain catchable throughout on lures and deadbaits.
Autumn (September)
Pike fishing is at its best as water temperatures drop. The last month for coarse fishing before the October closure. Trout fishing winds down toward close season.
Winter (November – February)
Pike fishing continues through winter — often the most productive season for targeting larger fish. Coarse fishing resumes in November after the October closure. The lake can be exposed in strong winds; sheltered bays on the western shore are preferable.
Best conditions
Based on 0 reports, these conditions consistently produce the best fishing on Blessington Lake:
💨
Moderate south-westerly for boat drift fishing
Best wind
☁️
Overcast with mild temperatures for trout
Best sky
🌡️
8–16°C for trout activity
Water temp
⏰
Morning for trout; evening for sedge hatches; all day for pike and coarse
Best window
Seasonal fly & tactics guide
Pike Fishing
Patterns
Soft plastic luresSpinnerbaitsDeadbaits
Trolling is a popular and effective method given the size of the water. Lure casting around the margins, reed beds, and river inlet areas produces well from a boat. The King's River inlet at the southern end is a consistently productive area. A total catch-and-release policy applies — appropriate unhooking equipment is essential.
⚠️Common mistake: Fishing only the open water. The most productive pike lies are tight to structure — reed beds, submerged bank features, and the inflowing river channels.
Trout Fishing
Patterns
DuckflyBuzzerSedgeWet flies
Boat fishing on the drift is the standard approach. Traditional Irish wet fly methods with a team of three flies work well during hatches. Focus on upwind shores and sheltered bays during duckfly and buzzer hatches in spring. Evening sedge fishing in summer can produce surface takes.
⚠️Common mistake: Fishing too deep. Trout in reservoirs often feed close to the surface during hatches — keeping the flies in the top metre of water is usually most productive.
Coarse Fishing
Patterns
SwimfeederWaggler
Roach respond well to swimfeeder tactics with white maggot hookbait throughout the season. Waggler fishing with a light float rig is productive in summer, particularly at the rowing course below Blessington Bridge, Russelstown, and Burgage Bridge. Remember: white maggots only — no other bait is permitted.
⚠️Common mistake: Fishing without the required ESB permit. Enforcement does occur on this water.
What works here
Flies and methods reported most successful by the community.
Where to Fish at Blessington Lake
Blessington Bridge / Rowing Course
The area below Blessington Bridge and the rowing course is one of the most consistent coarse fishing marks on the lake. Well-signed bank access and a productive roach swim.
Burgage Bridge
A popular and proven coarse fishing mark, particularly for roach. Good bank access makes it suitable for anglers without a boat.
King's River Inlet
The southern end of the reservoir where the King's River enters is a noted pike hotspot. The mixing of river and lake water and the resulting food concentration makes this a productive area year-round.
Ballyknockan Shore
The western shore near Ballyknockan is where boat hire is available. A sheltered and accessible part of the lake with good access for trout and pike anglers.
Conservation & stewardship
🌿
A total catch-and-release policy applies to all pike and coarse fish on Blessington Lake. Appropriate unhooking mats and forceps are essential for pike fishing. All coarse fish should be returned promptly and carefully. The water is managed by the ESB as part of the Poulaphouca hydroelectric and water supply scheme.
Frequently asked questions
Before You Go — Key Regulations
Jurisdiction
Republic of Ireland (IFI)
Season
Year-round (trout season varies) – Year-round (coarse closed October)
An ESB permit is required for all fishing — covering trout, coarse, and pike. Permits available from Charles Camping in Blessington and from the ESB directly.
Main access: Blessington Lake Boat Hire, Ballyknockan — guided pike and trout fishing, boat hire. Tel: +353 87 355 2403, Charles Camping, Blessington — ESB permit sales and local fishing information, Dublin Trout Anglers Association and Kilbride Angling Club both fish the lake
