📍Roscommon · West📐8.44 km²📋IFI (Republic of Ireland)Season Open
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Lough Key is one of Ireland's most beautiful and historically significant lakes, a sprawling island-studded water in northwest Roscommon that forms part of the Shannon navigation system. Set against the backdrop of the Curlew Mountains and framed by the magnificent Lough Key Forest Park — once the Rockingham Estate — this is a lake where natural beauty, medieval history, and exceptional fishing converge in a landscape that has captivated visitors for centuries.
The lake is renowned among pike anglers as one of Ireland's premier pike waters. Lough Key produced what was at the time the Irish record pike — a magnificent fish of 39lb 3oz taken by Michael Egan on 11th April 1993 — and continues to yield specimen fish exceeding 20lb with regularity. The pike thrive in the lake's diverse structure of rocky islands, reed-fringed bays, submerged weed beds, and deep channels, all of which provide ideal ambush territory for these apex predators.
Beyond pike, Lough Key holds excellent stocks of coarse fish. Bream to 5lb shoal in the deeper bays around Doon Shore and the Knockvicar side of the lake, providing consistent sport for match and pleasure anglers. Roach and roach-bream hybrids are abundant, with good-sized fish feeding over the limestone-influenced lakebed. Perch, rudd, and tench add further variety, making this a genuine mixed fishery.
What often surprises visiting anglers is Lough Key's trout fishing. The limestone-rich water supports a healthy population of wild brown trout that come into their own during the mayfly season. Fish averaging 2–4lb are regularly taken during the hatch, with specimen trout exceeding 8lb recorded — comparable to the celebrated hatches on nearby Lough Arrow. When the mayfly is up, the dry fly fishing on Key can be truly exceptional.
The lake is fed by the Boyle River, which flows from Lough Gara through the historic town of Boyle before entering Key at its western end. The outflow continues eastward to join the River Shannon just above Carrick-on-Shannon, making the lake accessible by cruiser from the Shannon navigation. This connectivity means Lough Key attracts both bank anglers and those fishing from pleasure cruisers moored at the Forest Park marina.
Lough Key Forest Park on the southern shore is one of Ireland's premier outdoor recreation destinations, offering tree canopy walks, adventure activities, historic ruins, and scenic boat tours among the lake's islands. For the angling visitor, this means that non-fishing family members have plenty to enjoy while the angler explores the water — making Key an ideal choice for a fishing holiday that keeps everyone happy.
Species present
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Pike
Lough Key is one of Ireland's most celebrated pike waters. The lake produced the former Irish record pike of 39lb 3oz in 1993 and continues to yield specimen fish to 20lb+ regularly. Pike thrive in the lake's complex structure of rocky islands, weed beds, reed margins, and deep channels. The annual Easter Pike Festival on Lough Key attracts anglers from across Ireland, the UK, and Europe, testament to the lake's reputation. Bank fishing from Doon Shore is popular, but boat fishing allows access to the most productive island channels and weed-lined bays.
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Brown Trout
Lough Key's limestone-rich water supports an impressive population of wild brown trout that punches well above its weight. During the mayfly season (late May through June), trout averaging 2–4lb rise freely, with fish exceeding 8lb recorded. The lake's mayfly hatch is comparable to nearby Lough Arrow and offers exceptional dry fly fishing for those who time their visit correctly. Outside the mayfly, trout respond to sedge hatches and traditional wet fly patterns fished from a drifting boat.
Pike: October, November, December, January, February, March, April
Trout Mayfly: May, June
Match Fishing: May, June, July
Coarse Fishing: May, June, July, August, September
Difficulty
Beginner friendly
Access & bases
Lough Key is located approximately 3km east of Boyle, Co. Roscommon, just off the N4 Dublin–Sligo road. The main access point is through Lough Key Forest Park (signposted from the N4). Doon Shore on the north side of the lake provides bank fishing access and is reached by taking the N4 west from Boyle for 2 miles and following signposts. The Knockvicar side of the lake (northeast) is accessed via the Knockvicar road from Boyle. Boat access is available from the Forest Park marina and Doon Shore. The lake is also accessible from the Shannon navigation via the Boyle River. Boat hire is available locally.
Signature features
Former Irish Record Pike
Lough Key's place in Irish angling history was cemented on 11th April 1993 when Michael Egan landed a pike of 39lb 3oz — the Irish record at the time, which stood until 2002. The lake continues to produce specimen pike to 20lb+ each season, with the complex island and weed structure providing ideal habitat for large predators.
Island-Studded Lake
Lough Key contains a dozen islands of varying sizes, including Castle Island with its 19th-century folly and Trinity Island with the ruins of a 12th-century abbey. These islands create a network of channels, bays, and sheltered water that hold fish in all conditions. Boat fishing around the islands is one of the most productive approaches.
Forest Park Setting
Lough Key Forest and Activity Park on the southern shore is one of Ireland's premier outdoor destinations. The tree canopy walk, adventure playground, zipline, underground tunnels, and boat tours mean that non-fishing family members are well entertained — making Key an exceptional choice for a family fishing holiday.
Shannon Navigation Access
Lough Key is connected to the Shannon navigation via the Boyle River, meaning the lake is accessible by cruiser from Carrick-on-Shannon and the wider Shannon system. This attracts anglers on cruising holidays who can moor at the Forest Park marina and fish the lake directly from their boat.
Season by season
February – April
Pike fishing is excellent as water temperatures begin to rise. Pre-spawn fish feed aggressively in the shallower bays and reed margins. Dead-baited fish and lures both produce well. The annual Easter Pike Festival is a highlight. Trout season opens February 15 with early wet fly fishing from boats.
May – June
The highlight of the year. The mayfly hatch transforms Lough Key into a trout angler's paradise, with fish rising to spent mayfly patterns across the lake. Bream move into shallower water for spawning, and coarse fishing picks up throughout. Pike fishing can be slower during the warmer weather but early morning and late evening sessions remain productive.
July – September
Summer brings the best coarse fishing, with bream, roach, perch, and tench all active in the warmer water. Trout respond to sedge hatches in the evenings. Pike fishing improves through September as water temperatures begin to fall and predators feed more aggressively ahead of winter.
October – January
Prime pike season. Cold water concentrates baitfish in deeper areas, and pike follow. Dead baits fished on the bottom or under floats in the deeper channels between islands are the most consistent method. Bank fishing from Doon Shore is popular during this period. Coarse fishing slows but is still possible on milder days.
Best conditions
Based on 0 reports, these conditions consistently produce the best fishing on Lough Key:
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Light to moderate SW for trout; pike fishing productive in all conditions
Best wind
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Overcast with mild temperatures ideal for trout; pike feed well in low-light conditions
Best sky
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8–10°C for pike; 14–18°C for mayfly trout; 15–20°C for coarse species
Water temp
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Pike: early morning and late evening; Trout: when the mayfly hatch is active; Coarse: mid-morning onwards
Best window
Seasonal fly & tactics guide
Pike Fishing (Year-round, best October – April)
Patterns
HerringMackerelRoachSavage Gear 4Play
Dead baiting is the most consistent method on Lough Key. Fish herring or mackerel halves on ledger rigs in the deeper channels between islands, or under float in 6–10ft of water along reed margins. Pop-up dead baits (buoyant rig lifting the bait off the bottom) are effective over weed. From boat, trolling with large lures covers water effectively. Wire traces are essential.
⚠️Common mistake: Ignoring the islands. Lough Key's pike concentrate around island structure — fishing open water is far less productive than targeting the channels, drop-offs, and weed lines adjacent to the islands.
Mayfly Trout (Late May – June)
Patterns
Spent GnatGrey WulffGreen DrakeStrung Buzzer
Fish from a drifting boat along windward shores where mayfly are being blown onto the water. Use a floating line with a long leader (12–14ft) and a single dry fly imitating the spent mayfly. Watch for individual fish rising and cast accurately to them. Trout in the 2–4lb class are common, with the possibility of much larger fish during a good hatch.
⚠️Common mistake: Using too heavy a tippet. Lough Key's trout can be selective during the mayfly — drop to 4–5lb fluorocarbon tippet to get more takes, and play fish carefully on the lighter tackle.
Coarse Fishing (May – September)
Patterns
MaggotWormSweetcornBreadcrumb groundbait
For bream, choose a swim on Doon Shore or the Knockvicar bank and build a bed of groundbait to attract fish. Ledger with a method feeder or waggler float at range. For roach, lighter float tackle with maggots fished over loose feed is effective. Perch respond to small lures and worms fished around rocky structure and weed edges.
⚠️Common mistake: Neglecting groundbait. Lough Key is a big water and bream shoals need to be drawn to your swim. Regular groundbaiting throughout the session keeps fish in the area and builds the catch.
Core technique
Dead Baiting for Pike from Boat
1Position the boat quietly near island structure, weed beds, or deep-water drop-offs using an anchor or electric motor.
2Set up two or three rods with half-mackerel or herring on ledger or float rigs, spaced to cover different depths and distances.
3Use a pop-up rig on at least one rod to lift the bait above any bottom weed.
4Keep rods in rests with open bail arms (or baitrunner engaged) and watch for runs indicated by line peeling or float movement.
5On a run, allow the pike to turn the bait (typically 10–15 seconds), then engage the reel and strike firmly to set the hook.
💡 Always carry an unhooking mat, long-nose forceps, and wire cutters when pike fishing. Handle pike carefully with wet hands, support their weight horizontally, and return them quickly. Pike over 6.6lb (3kg) must be returned by law.
What works here
Flies and methods reported most successful by the community.
Where to fish
Doon Shore
The principal bank fishing area on the north side of the lake. Offers good access for pike, bream, and coarse fishing from shore. Fishing stands and car parking are available. Depth reaches 10–20ft within casting range. A popular match fishing venue and the base for the annual Easter Pike Festival.
Erris Bay
A productive bay on the lake for coarse fish, particularly bream and roach. Sheltered from the prevailing wind and holding good fish year-round. Best accessed by boat for the most productive swims.
Knockvicar Side
The northeast shore of the lake near the village of Knockvicar offers good bank fishing for pike and coarse fish. The Boyle River exits the lake nearby, and the deeper water around this outflow holds pike and bream. Access via the Knockvicar road from Boyle.
Island Channels
The channels between Lough Key's dozen islands are prime pike territory. The combination of deep water, structure, and abundant baitfish creates ideal ambush points. Best fished from a boat drifting or anchored in the channels. Castle Island, Trinity Island, and the smaller wooded islands all have productive surrounding water.
Forest Park Shore
The southern shore along the Forest Park offers bank fishing in a beautiful woodland setting. The marina provides boat access to the wider lake. Shore fishing here can produce pike from the deeper water off the park's rocky points, and coarse fish in the sheltered bays.
Suggested trip formats
🎣 Pike Fishing Day
A day targeting Lough Key's famous pike from boat or bank. Boat hire is available locally with or without outboard engines. Bank fishing from Doon Shore requires no boat. Bring dead baits (herring, mackerel) and lure fishing tackle. A ghillie service can be arranged through local angling services for guidance on the best marks.
🎣 Mayfly Trout Session
During late May and June, target the mayfly hatch from a drifting boat with dry fly tackle. This is exciting visual fishing for wild brown trout averaging 2–4lb. Boat hire from Lough Key Boats. Timing is everything — contact locally to confirm whether the fly is up before travelling.
🎣 Coarse Fishing Day
Bank fishing from Doon Shore or the Knockvicar side for bream, roach, perch, and other coarse species. No boat required. Bring a selection of float and ledger tackle, groundbait, and hookbaits (maggots, worm, sweetcorn). Fishing stands are provided at some access points.
🎣 Family Fishing Holiday
Lough Key Forest Park makes this an ideal destination for a family trip. Fish in the morning, enjoy the tree canopy walk, zipline, and boat tours in the afternoon. Accommodation in Boyle or Carrick-on-Shannon (12km). Boat hire and angling guide services available locally.
Conservation & stewardship
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Lough Key is subject to Irish pike conservation bylaws. Pike over 6.6lb (3kg) caught on rod and line must be returned alive to the water. It is illegal to use live fish as bait anywhere in Ireland — dead baits only. Trout should be handled carefully and returned where possible, particularly during the spawning season. The Boyle and District Angling Club actively manages the fishery and organises the annual Easter Pike Festival on strict catch-and-release principles. Anglers are asked to respect the natural environment of the Forest Park and leave no litter.
Main access: Lough Key Boats, Lough Key Forest Park — boats with and without outboard engines, ghillie service available, Boyle and District Angling Club — local permits, fishing information, and organisers of the annual Easter Pike Festival, Angling Services Ireland, Boyle — guided fishing trips, tackle advice, boat hire, and packages covering Lough Key, Lough Gara, Lough Arrow, and the Boyle River
