📍Tipperary · Midlands📐130 km²📋IFI (Republic of Ireland)Season Open
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Lough Derg is the great southern expanse of the River Shannon — a vast inland sea stretching 22 miles from Portumna to Killaloe, where limestone shallows, wooded islands, open basins and sheltered bays combine to create one of Ireland's most storied angling destinations. This is a water of genuine scale and character, demanding respect from those who fish it and rewarding those who take the time to understand it.
Spanning the borders of Counties Tipperary, Clare and Galway, Derg covers roughly 130 square kilometres of mostly open water, broken by island groups, rocky outcrops and the shallow shelving margins that define its most productive fishing areas. The limestone base historically supported abundant aquatic insect life — the foundation of Derg's reputation as a mayfly lough.
The trout fishing here is traditional Irish drift fishing in its purest form. Wild brown trout average in the 1–2 lb class, with larger specimens present, and during the Mayfly they feed with a confidence that makes Derg unforgettable. The hatch typically begins in the shallow sheltered bays in late April before spreading across the lake, and when conditions align — a moderate westerly, broken cloud, and a good flush of duns — fishing can be exceptional.
Beyond trout, Derg has emerged as one of Ireland's premier pike waters. Extensive shallow weedy margins and the presence of large baitfish shoals create ideal conditions for big predators, and double-figure fish are a realistic target from autumn through early spring. Roach, bream, hybrids and perch provide quality coarse fishing, with the statutory coarse season running from mid-June to mid-March.
Derg is not a water for the timid or the unprepared. It is big, open and can build dangerous wave systems within an hour of a wind change. A boat is strongly recommended for trout and pike fishing, and boat handling competence is as important as fishing skill. But for those willing to engage on its terms, Derg offers some of the most rewarding mixed angling in Ireland.
The towns of Killaloe, Dromineer, Mountshannon, Terryglass and Portumna provide excellent bases, with boat hire widely available and local knowledge easy to access. Whether you come for the Mayfly, the pike, or simply to fish a piece of Irish angling history, Lough Derg will not disappoint.
Species present
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Brown Trout
Lough Derg wild brown trout average in the 1–2 lb class, with better fish present and occasional specimens above 4 lb. The population is entirely wild, sustained by the lake's natural insect life. During the Mayfly in May and early June, trout feed with a confidence and surface commitment that has made Derg legendary among Irish fly fishers. The buzzer period in late April and the autumn season in September offer rewarding alternative windows.
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Pike
Lough Derg is widely regarded as one of Ireland's finest pike waters. The lake's extensive shallow bays, weedy margins and strong baitfish populations support a healthy population of large predators. Double-figure fish are a realistic target, and the Shannon system's pike are typically in excellent condition. Autumn and winter are peak season, with October through February producing the most consistent results on deadbaits and large lures.
Trout: February 15 – September 30
Salmon: February 15 – September 30
Best times
Pike: October, November, December, January, February
Brown Trout: April, May, June, September
Coarse Fish: June, July, August, September
Difficulty
Intermediate
Access & bases
Access to Lough Derg is excellent and well distributed around the lake. The main access hubs are Killaloe/Ballina at the southern end, Dromineer on the Tipperary shore, Mountshannon and Scarriff on the Clare shore, Terryglass in the north, and Portumna at the northern tip. Boat hire is widely available seasonally from local operators in most of these towns. The N52 runs along the eastern shore and the R352 along the western shore, with slipways and marinas accessible from both. Shore fishing is possible in certain sheltered bays but a boat is strongly recommended for serious trout or pike angling.
Signature features
The Mayfly Tradition
Lough Derg has been a celebrated Mayfly lough for generations. The hatch of Ephemera danica typically begins in the sheltered shallows in late April before spreading lake-wide through May. Traditional Irish wet Mayfly patterns, Grey Wulff and spent gnat are the classic tools, fished on long drifts across the productive shallows. When wind, temperature and hatch timing coincide, this is among the finest dry fly fishing in Ireland.
Limestone Influence
The Shannon system's limestone geology historically made Derg one of Ireland's most fertile loughs. The lake supports Mayfly, chironomid and sedge hatches that underpin both the trout and coarse fish populations. Understanding which hatch is current — and matching it — is central to consistent success.
Big Water, Big Wind
Derg's 22-mile open fetch means wind conditions can change rapidly and dramatically. The lake can build dangerous wave systems within an hour of a wind shift. Productive drift fishing depends entirely on wind direction, and safe boat handling is a prerequisite for fishing here. Wind direction defines which areas fish well on any given day.
Pike Stronghold
The combination of extensive shallow weedy bays, large baitfish shoals and the connectivity of the Shannon system makes Lough Derg a genuine specimen pike venue. Large pike are present throughout the lake, with the best winter fishing focused on drop-offs near bays where baitfish concentrate in cold water.
Season by season
February – March
Early season trout fishing in cold water. Fish are sluggish and hold deep. Slow wet fly drifts along rocky margins can produce, but sport is typically modest. Pike fishing is excellent throughout this period as water temperatures remain low and baitfish are tightly shoaled.
Late April
The buzzer period. Chironomid hatches begin in the warming shallow bays and trout start feeding actively. Black and olive buzzers fished static or on a slow figure-of-eight retrieve in calm conditions can produce good sport before the Mayfly arrives.
May – Early June
The defining period on Lough Derg. The Mayfly hatch begins in sheltered bays in late April and spreads across the lake through May. When conditions align — a moderate westerly, broken cloud, a good hatch of duns — trout feed with extraordinary confidence and the fishing can be exceptional. This is the time serious trout anglers plan their Derg visit around.
June – July
Post-Mayfly sedge fishing. Evening sessions along wind lanes and island lee shores can produce good sport on sedge patterns. Coarse fishing comes into its own as the statutory season opens on June 16. Pike fishing in summer requires early morning or late evening sessions.
September
A rewarding secondary trout window. Fish feed confidently before winter and sport can be surprisingly good in favourable conditions. Wet fly teams and buzzers work well. The lake is quieter and the fishing more contemplative.
October – February
Prime pike season. Water temperatures drop, baitfish shoal near drop-offs, and large pike move into predictable ambush positions. Deadbait ledgering and large jerkbaits are the primary methods. This period consistently produces the biggest fish of the year.
Best conditions
Based on 0 reports, these conditions consistently produce the best fishing on Lough Derg:
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Westerly Force 3–4
Best wind
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Overcast with breaks
Best sky
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12–16°C
Water temp
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10am–4pm during Mayfly; evening for sedge
Best window
Seasonal fly & tactics guide
Early Season – February & March
Patterns
Green PeterClaret BumbleDunkeldSmall Dark Wets
Slow wet fly drifts along the rocky margins and sheltered bays. Water is cold and fish are lethargic — fish deep and slowly, allowing the flies to work at low speed. A drogue is essential in any breeze to control drift pace.
⚠️Common mistake: Fishing too fast. In cold water trout will not chase — the flies need to be almost hanging in front of them.
Late April – Buzzer Period
Patterns
Black Buzzer (size 12–14)Olive BuzzerDiawl Bach variants
Fish static or with a slow figure-of-eight retrieve in shallow warming bays where chironomids are hatching. A floating line with a long leader works well. Position the boat upwind of productive shallows and fish methodically.
⚠️Common mistake: Retrieving too actively. Buzzers should be fished almost static — the trout are intercepting ascending pupae, not chasing them.
Classic Derg drift fishing across the shallows. Position upwind of productive bays and drift naturally, fishing a team of two or three Mayfly patterns. Target the transition from shallow to slightly deeper water. In calm spells, switch to dry fly and watch for rising fish.
⚠️Common mistake: Rushing drifts in good wind. Trout take time to intercept — allow the flies to work the zone fully before repositioning.
June – July (Sedge Season)
Patterns
Brown SedgeBlack SedgeSmall WetsEvening Dry Fly
Evening sessions are key — sedge hatches occur as light fades. Target wind lanes and the lee shores of islands where sedge concentrate. Fish a single dry sedge on the top dropper, wet patterns below.
⚠️Common mistake: Finishing too early. The best sedge fishing often happens in the last 30 minutes of light.
September (Autumn Trout)
Patterns
Small Olive WetsSilver WetsBuzzers
Autumn fish feed aggressively before winter. Work the same productive shallows as Mayfly season but adjust depth — fish are not always on the surface. Wet fly teams fished at medium pace on an intermediate line can be productive.
⚠️Common mistake: Assuming the fish are on top. September trout often feed sub-surface even in calm conditions.
Core technique
Drift Fishing on Lough Derg
1Position the boat upwind of the chosen drift — identify your line from the productive shallows upwind before you start.
2Deploy a drogue if the wind is above Force 3 to slow the boat to a comfortable fishing pace.
3Cast across the wind at roughly 45 degrees, allowing the flies to swing naturally across the drift path.
4Maintain contact with a slow figure-of-eight retrieve — just enough to keep the line from going slack.
5Target the transition zones between shallow and deeper water, and the edges of any structure such as rocky outcrops or island margins.
6At the end of each drift, motor back upwind quietly and reset — avoid motoring through the water you intend to fish next.
💡 Slower is almost always better on Derg. In a Force 3–4 westerly, an unassisted drift can be faster than fish prefer. Use a drogue as standard practice rather than as a last resort.
What works here
Flies and methods reported most successful by the community.
Where to fish
Northern Basin (Portumna)
The river-influenced northern end of the lake. More mixed character with both trout and coarse fishing. Productive for pike throughout the year and accessible from Portumna harbour.
Luska Bay
Classic shallow Mayfly ground on the western shore. One of Derg's most productive areas during the hatch, with good structure and reliable drifts in a westerly wind.
Holy Island Area
The island group creates feeding lanes and sheltered water that concentrates trout and baitfish. Productive for both trout drift fishing and pike angling around the margins.
Dromineer Bay
A major launch and fishing area on the Tipperary shore. The bay itself provides sheltered conditions and is particularly accessible for visiting anglers using the marina facilities.
Mountshannon to Scarriff
Traditional trout country on the Clare shore. Good structure, reliable Mayfly fishing and established drift lines make this one of the most productive stretches on the lake.
Southern Basin (Killaloe)
The river transition zone at the southern end of the lake. Mixed species fishing with roach, bream and pike. The river narrows here and provides different conditions from the open lake.
Suggested trip formats
🎣 Mayfly Trout Trip (3–4 Days)
Plan for late April to mid-May. Base in Mountshannon or Dromineer, hire a boat with an experienced local ghillie for at least the first day, and allow the remaining days for independent fishing once you understand the lake's character and the current drift lines.
🎣 Pike Weekend (2 Days)
October to February is prime time. Base in Dromineer or Killaloe, hire a boat with sonar for locating baitfish and drop-offs, and mix lure fishing with deadbaiting. A local guide for the first session pays dividends on a lake of this size.
🎣 Mixed Coarse Summer Trip
June through September. Base near Portumna or Scarriff and target bream and roach on feeder tactics through the day, switching to evening pike sessions on soft plastics. The most accessible format for anglers new to Derg.
Conservation & stewardship
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Lough Derg's wild trout population is a natural resource that deserves careful handling. Practice catch and release for all trout, particularly during the Mayfly when fish are at their most visible and accessible. For pike, use barbless hooks and return all fish carefully — large pike are slow-growing and irreplaceable. Avoid transporting live baitfish between waters to prevent the spread of invasive species. Support IFI regulations and report any concerns about water quality or fish kills to the emergency line.
Main access: Local ghillies and boat guides available seasonally through Dromineer and Mountshannon — enquire locally or through the relevant angling associations, Lough Derg Angling Centre, Dromineer, Co. Tipperary — boat hire and local information, Lough Derg Angling Association; North Tipperary Angling Association
