📍Co. Galway · West📐176 km²📋IFI (Republic of Ireland)Season Open
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Lough Corrib is Ireland's largest lake in the Republic and one of the most celebrated game fisheries in Europe. Stretching almost 50km from the outskirts of Galway city northward to Maam Bridge in Connemara, the lough covers roughly 176 square kilometres and contains over 1,000 islands, ranging from tiny limestone outcrops to substantial islands with their own bays and shallows.
The lough divides into two distinct sections. Upper Corrib, roughly north of the Oughterard–Cornamona axis, is characterised by large open water, extensive island-dotted shallows, and the famous western shore from Oughterard up through Cornamona and on towards Maam. Lower Corrib, from Galway city to Annaghdown and across to the eastern shore, is generally deeper, with a different character and, by local tradition, trout that average slightly larger.
Corrib is renowned above all for its wild brown trout fishery, and in particular for the annual mayfly (Ephemera danica) hatch, typically running from mid-May through early June. During this period the lough attracts anglers from across Ireland and Europe. A full season of fly life — chironomids and duckfly from mid-March, lake olives in April, the great mayfly in May, spent gnat in June, grasshopper and daddy long-legs from late July, and sedges into September — means that a skilled angler with a boat can find fish on the surface for much of the six-month season.
Salmon and grilse enter the lough via the Galway River and run through Lower Corrib before spreading to the upper reaches and the feeder rivers. Spring salmon arrive from February onwards, with grilse runs from June. Trolling with spoons and plugs is the traditional method for early-season salmon; fly and bait both take fish once they spread across the lough.
Pike are present throughout the lough, particularly around the mouths of river channels and in the shallower island bays. Large perch also occupy the limestone bay areas of Lower Corrib, where some record-class fish have been taken.
Species present
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Wild Brown Trout
The defining species of Lough Corrib. Average trout commonly range from 1–2 lb, with consistent fish above that weight during productive periods. Corrib trout are entirely wild, shaped by limestone fertility and a vast natural food base.
Access to the lough is excellent, with dozens of public car parks, piers, and slipways around the shoreline. On Upper Corrib, the main angling centres are Oughterard (with a large pier and multiple tackle shops), Cornamona, Clonbur, Cong (on the Mayo border), and Headford on the eastern shore. Knockferry, Birchall, Rinnaknock, Derrymoyle, and Greenfields are among the well-known access points on the western shore north of Oughterard. On Lower Corrib, Annaghdown Pier is the main access point, with the Streamers Quay in Galway city also used. Boats are available for hire at most angling centres, and ghillies can be arranged through local operators and tackle shops. Parking is generally free at all public piers.
Signature features
The Mayfly Hatch
Lough Corrib's Mayfly hatch is internationally recognised. Beginning typically around mid-May, it lasts roughly three weeks. During this period trout feed aggressively in shallow limestone bays. Dapping the natural Mayfly is historically one of the most effective approaches. Large trout move confidently into shallow feeding areas.
Duckfly & Early Chironomid Activity
From mid-March, sheltered bays produce heavy chironomid hatches locally known as duckfly. In calm conditions, pupa patterns can be effective; in breeze, traditional wets in sizes 10–14 often outperform.
Limestone Shallows & Reef Systems
Upper Corrib is characterised by extensive limestone shelves, sudden drop-offs, island clusters and submerged reefs. These structures create ideal trout feeding habitat and demand skilled boat handling.
Trophy Trout Potential
Corrib's combination of forage fish, deep water refuge and vast habitat allows certain trout to reach exceptional size. It remains one of the few Irish loughs where a genuinely large wild trout is always possible.
Season by season
Mid-February – March
Early trout fishing begins. Duckfly (large chironomids) hatch in sheltered bays with 4–12 ft depth and weed growth.
April
Olive hatches build. Trout feed freely on wet fly, nymph and occasionally dry fly in calm spells.
Mid-May – Early June
The Mayfly hatch — Corrib's most famous event — peaks.
Corrib is a wild, self-sustaining trout fishery. Particular care should be taken with larger trout (minimal air exposure), proper release technique, respect for spawning tributaries, and biosecurity (Check, Clean, Dry). The lake's long-term quality depends on responsible angling.
