📍Donegal · North West📐3.6 km²📋IFI (Republic of Ireland)Season Open
0Reports this week
0Total reports
4Species present
0Providers nearby
0★Avg rating
Lough Eske — the Lake of the Fish, from the Irish Loch Iascaigh — is one of Donegal's most scenic and productive inland waters. Set beneath the Blue Stack Mountains just northeast of Donegal Town, this 900-acre upland lake combines dramatic mountain scenery with a genuine multi-species fishery that includes spring salmon, sea trout, wild brown trout, and Arctic char.
The lake forms part of the Eske fishery system, which encompasses the five-kilometre River Eske flowing southwest to Donegal Bay. Managed by Inland Fisheries Ireland, the fishery has benefited from significant development work in recent years, including the construction of a fish counter and a fish pass on the Lowerymore River that has effectively doubled the available spawning habitat for salmon.
Lough Eske's water carries a light peaty tint characteristic of Donegal upland lakes. This touch of colour provides trout and salmon with feeding confidence while retaining sufficient clarity for effective fly presentation. The lake is boat fishing only — IFI operates a purpose-built angling centre and jetty on the shores from which permits are issued and boats hired, with five boats available for a maximum of two anglers each.
Salmon fishing can be productive from Easter through the end of the season, with fish to 20 pounds present throughout. The grilse run strengthens from June, and sea trout begin entering in earnest from late July, averaging three-quarters of a pound with fish to five pounds. Brown trout average half a pound but better fish to four and a half pounds are caught regularly on the fly, with the lake record standing at nine pounds two ounces. The char run — a brief, intense period of approximately two weeks around Halloween — is a unique feature that can produce remarkable catches of 30 to 40 fish per day.
The setting alone would justify a visit. The Blue Stack and Tawnawully Mountains encircle the lake, and the surrounding landscape includes forest walks through Ardnamona Wood, the restored Lough Eske Castle (now a luxury hotel), and the historic Friar's Walk along the western shore dating to the Franciscan presence in the 17th century. Donegal Town, barely five kilometres away, provides all services.
For visiting anglers, Lough Eske offers an accessible, well-managed fishery in one of Ireland's most beautiful settings, with the genuine possibility of salmon, sea trout, brown trout, and char in a single trip.
Species present
🐟
Atlantic Salmon
The Eske fishery supports a run of spring salmon alongside good grilse and late salmon runs. Fish to 20 pounds and above are present throughout the season. Salmon fishing can be productive from Easter through September, though water conditions and rainfall heavily influence run timing. The construction of the fish pass on the Lowerymore River has significantly improved spawning habitat and contributed to strengthening returns.
🐟
Sea Trout
Sea trout enter the Eske system from late July and continue through to the end of the season. Average fish weigh around three-quarters of a pound, with specimens to five pounds possible. The sea trout fishing improves through August and September on both the lough and the river.
🐟
Brown Trout
Lough Eske is a productive wild brown trout fishery. Average fish weigh around half a pound, but significantly larger trout are caught regularly — fish to four and a half pounds on the fly, with the lake record standing at nine pounds two ounces. Brown trout often show a preference for flies with orange or yellow in their dressing.
Also present: Arctic Char
Methods
Fly FishingSpinningTrolling
Venue details
Season dates
Trout: March 1 – September 30
Salmon: March 1 – September 30
Best times
Char: October
Grilse: June, July, August
Sea Trout: July, August, September
Brown Trout: April, May, June
Spring Salmon: April, May
Difficulty
Intermediate
Access & bases
Lough Eske lies approximately 5km northeast of Donegal Town, accessed via the R263. IFI operates a purpose-built angling centre and jetty on the lakeshore from which all permits and boat hire are managed. The lough is boat fishing only — anglers are not permitted to launch their own boats. Five boats available, limited to two anglers per boat. Flotation devices mandatory. The River Eske provides additional bank fishing through Donegal Town. Donegal Town offers full services including accommodation, tackle (Doherty's Tackle Shop, Main Street), and dining. Harvey's Point Hotel and Solis Lough Eske Castle Hotel sit directly on the lakeshore.
Signature features
Blue Stack Mountain Setting
Lough Eske sits in one of Donegal's most dramatic landscapes, surrounded by the Blue Stack and Tawnawully Mountains. The mountain backdrop influences rainfall patterns feeding the lake and creates a setting of exceptional beauty. The combination of quality fishing and outstanding scenery makes Eske a genuinely special destination.
Multi-Species Opportunity
Few Irish lakes offer the realistic prospect of salmon, sea trout, wild brown trout, and Arctic char in a single water. This species diversity, combined with good IFI management and boat-only access, creates a well-balanced fishery where multiple disciplines and targets are available throughout the season.
IFI-Managed Angling Centre
The purpose-built Eske Angling Centre provides a professional base for visiting anglers. Permits and boat hire are managed from the centre, ensuring controlled access and sustainable management. Five boats with a two-angler maximum maintain the peaceful character of the lake.
The Char Run
The brief Arctic char run around late October is one of the Eske fishery's most unique features. For approximately two weeks, char become catchable in remarkable numbers — 30 to 40 fish per day is possible during the peak. This glacial relict species adds scientific interest and a completely different angling experience to the fishery.
Conservation Investment
Significant work on the fishery includes the construction of a fish counter and a fish pass on the Lowerymore River that virtually doubled available spawning habitat. In 2005, salmon redds were recorded on the Upper Lowerymore for the first time, demonstrating the direct impact of this conservation effort.
Season by season
March – April
Season opens March 1. Early spring salmon present in suitable conditions. Brown trout begin feeding in warming shallows. Dark wets and small nymph patterns work on trout. Salmon respond to fly and spinning methods depending on water height.
May – June
Spring salmon fishing continues. Brown trout sport improves with active hatches of olives and sedges. Grilse begin arriving from June. Fly fishing becomes increasingly productive as water temperatures rise and insect life proliferates.
July – August
The prime period for multi-species sport. Grilse are running, sea trout arrive from late July, and brown trout fishing peaks with evening sedge activity. This is when a visiting angler has the best chance of encountering all four species in the same trip.
September – October
Late salmon and continued sea trout runs. Brown trout remain active. The season closes September 30, but the char run around Halloween (outside the official season) is a separate fishery event managed by IFI.
Best conditions
Based on 0 reports, these conditions consistently produce the best fishing on Lough Eske:
💨
Moderate SW or W wind
Best wind
☁️
Overcast with occasional breaks
Best sky
🌡️
10–16°C for trout and salmon activity
Water temp
⏰
All day during salmon season; morning and evening for trout
Fly fishing and spinning are the most popular methods, with choice depending on water height and conditions. Silver Toby is a popular lure on the lough. Fish traditional salmon fly patterns across the wind on drifts. Trolling is not permitted for shrimp or prawn but standard lure trolling is practiced.
⚠️Common mistake: Fishing too early in the season without checking water conditions. Salmon need rainfall to move into the system — a dry spring means fish remain in the river rather than the lough.
Brown Trout (April – June Peak)
Patterns
Clan ChiefBibioDabblersConnemara BlackClaret BumbleFiery Brown
Most standard lough flies work well on Eske. Trout show a distinctive preference for flies with orange or yellow in their dressing — the Fiery Brown and Clan Chief are particularly effective. Fish wind-driven drifts across shallows and contour lines on a floating line. Evening sedge activity in calm bays produces quality dry fly sport.
⚠️Common mistake: Ignoring the colour preference. Eske trout consistently favour warm-toned flies. Anglers fishing exclusively with traditional dark patterns miss opportunities.
Sea Trout (Late July – September)
Patterns
Black PennellTeal Blue and SilverConnemara BlackSmall Dark Flies
Sea trout fishing improves from late July onward. Fish smaller, darker patterns in the evening and at dusk. On the lough, drift along shoreline contours where sea trout move during their adjustment to freshwater. The River Eske provides additional sea trout fishing from the bank — key spots include Timony's Turn, Miss Jenny's Bridge, and the Eel Weir Turn.
⚠️Common mistake: Fishing only the lough for sea trout. The River Eske provides excellent complementary fishing, particularly on a dropping flood.
Evening Dry Fly (June – August)
Patterns
Daddy LonglegsSmall SedgesOlive Dun
As wind drops in the evening, switch to lighter tackle and smaller dry flies. Fish calm bays and sheltered shorelines where trout rise to emerging sedges. Light leaders essential in these calm conditions.
⚠️Common mistake: Continuing to fish wet fly teams when trout are clearly feeding on the surface in the evening. Be prepared to change approach as conditions shift.
Core technique
Wind-Driven Drift Fishing on a Donegal Upland Lake
1Identify the windward shore — food concentrates where wind pushes surface life, making windward margins the priority water for both trout and salmon.
2Plan your drift line to cover shallow contours diagonally. Fish the transition between shallow feeding zones and deeper holding water.
3Control boat speed with a drogue in stronger wind. The peaty tint of Eske's water means trout feed with more confidence than on clear limestone lakes, but controlled drift speed still improves contact rate.
4Maintain fly depth just below the surface unless conditions suggest otherwise. A floating line covers most situations on Eske.
5Repeat productive contours. Trout and salmon may hold along specific depth lines throughout a session. When a drift produces fish, motor back and fish it again.
💡 Eske is more forgiving than ultra-clear limestone lakes, but wind direction remains the single most important tactical decision. Read the wind before you plan your drift.
What works here
Flies and methods reported most successful by the community.
Where to fish
Western Shore (Friar's Walk)
The historic western shoreline provides sheltered drifts in easterly winds and good trout water along the tree-lined margins. The Franciscan heritage of this shore adds historical interest.
Island Basins
The cluster of islands — Moylederg, Gull Island, Round Island, O'Donnell's Island, and Roshin Island — create structured drifts and varied depth contours. Fish hold around island margins throughout the season.
Lowerymore Inflow
The inflow area from the Lowerymore River attracts salmon moving into and out of the spawning tributaries. This area can be particularly productive for fresh-run fish after rainfall.
Southern Shore
Near the Eske Angling Centre and jetty. Sheltered in northerly winds, this area provides accessible drifts close to the launch point. Good trout fishing along the contour lines.
Suggested trip formats
🎣 3-Day Multi-Species Trip
Day one: salmon and trout on the lough, working wind-driven drifts with a mix of salmon and trout patterns. Day two: River Eske bank fishing for salmon, followed by evening lough session for trout. Day three: morning lough session targeting whatever is showing, with sea trout focus in the evening if timing is right.
🎣 Mixed Donegal Tour
Combine Lough Eske trout and salmon with the River Eske for bank fishing, coastal sea angling from Donegal Bay, and hill walking in the Blue Stack Mountains. Donegal Town provides an excellent base for a combined angling and outdoor holiday.
🎣 Late Season Sea Trout Focus
An August or September visit targeting sea trout on both lough and river. Fish the lough during the day with wet fly drifts, then move to the river for evening and dusk fishing on specific named pools. The dual-water approach maximises opportunities.
Conservation & stewardship
🌿
The Eske fishery has benefited from significant IFI investment in conservation infrastructure including a fish counter and the Lowerymore River fish pass. Catch and release for salmon applies when stock levels require it — anglers must check current status annually. All salmon and sea trout over 40cm must be returned when catch and release is in effect, with barbless hooks mandatory. Brown trout and char should be handled carefully for release. The fishery's long-term health depends on responsible angling practice and continued habitat protection across the catchment.
Main access: Guided fishing available through local providers. The Eske Angling Centre can advise on guide services for both lough and river., Eske Angling Centre, Lough Eske — IFI-managed centre for permits, boat hire, and local information. Doherty's Tackle Shop, Main Street, Donegal Town., Eske Anglers work alongside IFI on fishery conservation and development. The fish pass and counter projects are joint achievements between the local club and IFI.
