📍Kerry · South West📐19 km²📋IFI (Republic of Ireland)Season Open
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Lough Leane — the Lake of Learning — is the largest and most fished of the three famous Killarney lakes, sitting at the heart of Killarney National Park in County Kerry. At 4,700 acres it dominates the landscape beneath the Macgillycuddy Reeks, and its combination of free fishing, wild brown trout, spring salmon, and one of Ireland's most spectacular settings makes it a destination that rewards every kind of angler.
The lake is a broad, island-studded water fed by the River Flesk and several mountain streams, draining westward into the River Laune. Its limestone-influenced shallows support prolific insect life, while the deeper basins hold ferox trout that can exceed double figures. The ruins of Innisfallen Abbey sit on one of the lake's islands — a reminder that this water has drawn people for over a thousand years.
Lough Leane is best known for its free-rising wild brown trout. They average around half a pound but are wonderfully abundant and eager, making for fast sport on light tackle during the right conditions. Small dark flies — Bibios, Black Zulus, Watsons Fancy, and Kate McLarens — fished on a 4 or 5 weight rod across a good wave will keep you busy all day. The lake also receives a small mayfly hatch, and evening sedge fishing can be exceptional when conditions settle.
Salmon fishing begins in January and Lough Leane is renowned for early spring fish taken on the troll. Big springers are a real possibility, with fish running from the sea through the Laune system into the lake. Trolling with spoons and Rapalas is the most productive method for salmon, particularly in the early months. Sea trout enter from April onwards, with the best of the larger fish arriving between April and June.
The lake also holds Arctic char, the unique Killarney shad — a landlocked sub-species of twaite shad found nowhere else in the world — perch, tench, and eels. This extraordinary biodiversity reflects the lake's ancient origins and the diverse habitats created by its islands, bays, and varying depths.
Access is excellent, with boat hire available from several operators at Ross Castle and around Killarney town. Shore fishing from the pier near the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club can produce good bags of trout and perch on calm evenings. The town of Killarney itself provides every amenity an angler could need, from tackle shops to accommodation, making Lough Leane an ideal base for exploring the entire Kerry fishery.
Species present
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Brown Trout
Lough Leane holds an excellent stock of wild brown trout that average around half a pound but are wonderfully free-rising and abundant. They respond best to small dark wet flies fished across a wave on light tackle. A 4 or 5 weight rod is ideal — anything heavier and you are overgunned. The lake also holds ferox trout in the deeper basins, with specimens exceeding 16lb taken on the troll.
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Atlantic Salmon
Lough Leane receives a good run of spring salmon from mid-January, with fish entering from the sea via the River Laune. Trolling with spoons, minnows, and Rapalas is the most productive method. Big springers are a real possibility, and the early months often produce the best fish. Salmon can be caught through the season but numbers tail off after April on the lake itself.
Also present: Sea Trout, Ferox Trout, Arctic Char
Methods
Fly FishingTrollingSpinningWorm
Venue details
Season dates
Trout: 17 Jan – 12 Oct
Salmon: 17 Jan – 12 Oct
Best times
Sea Trout: April, May, June
Brown Trout: April, May, June, September, October
Sedge Fishing: June, July, August
Salmon Trolling: January, February, March, April
Difficulty
Intermediate
Access & bases
Excellent access from Killarney town. Boat hire available at Ross Castle and from several operators around the lake. Shore fishing possible from the pier at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club and at various points around the shoreline. Well-signed approach roads from the N22, N71, and N72. Ample parking at Ross Castle and other launch points.
Signature features
Free Fishing in a National Park
Trout fishing on Lough Leane is completely free — no permit or day ticket required. This, combined with its location within Killarney National Park and the spectacular backdrop of the Macgillycuddy Reeks, makes it one of the most accessible and scenic fishing venues in Ireland.
The Killarney Shad
Lough Leane is home to the Killarney shad (Alosa fallax killarnensis), a unique landlocked sub-species of twaite shad found nowhere else on earth. Listed under the EU Habitats Directive, this fish is a living connection to the lake's post-glacial origins and a reminder of the extraordinary biodiversity these waters support.
Spring Salmon Tradition
The early season salmon trolling on Lough Leane is a long-established Kerry tradition. Opening day on January 17 sees a flotilla of boats on the water, all hoping for the first fresh fish of the year. Big springers are a real possibility, and the excitement of the opening weeks draws anglers from across Ireland.
Season by season
January – March
The salmon season opens on January 17 and this is prime time for spring salmon on the troll. Conditions can be cold but the prospect of a fresh-run springer draws anglers to the lake early. Trout fishing is generally quiet until mid-February when the brown trout season opens.
April – May
The lake comes alive as water temperatures rise. Brown trout begin feeding actively on hatching flies, and the first sea trout appear. Trolling for salmon remains productive. Late May can bring the beginnings of the mayfly hatch. This is arguably the best all-round period on Lough Leane.
June – August
Summer brings warm evenings and excellent sedge fishing for trout. Sea trout are present throughout. Salmon catches slow on the lake but the connecting rivers fish well. Evening sessions from the shore can be highly productive for trout and perch.
September – October
Late season offers some of the best brown trout fishing of the year, with fish in prime condition before the close. The lake quietens as salmon and sea trout seasons end. Brown trout season runs to October 12.
Best conditions
Based on 0 reports, these conditions consistently produce the best fishing on Lough Leane:
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SW or W Force 3-4
Best wind
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Overcast with breaks
Best sky
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12-16°C for trout
Water temp
⏰
All day in a good wave; evenings for sedge
Best window
Seasonal fly & tactics guide
Early Season (January – March)
Patterns
Silver SpoonRapalaTobyMepps
Trolling is the dominant method for spring salmon. Work the deeper channels between islands and along drop-offs at slow speed with a combination of spoons, Rapalas, and minnows. Vary your depth — fish can be anywhere in the water column in cold conditions. A medium-weight trolling rod with 15-20lb line is standard.
⚠️Common mistake: Trolling too fast or too shallow. In cold water, salmon sit deeper and prefer a slow-moving lure.
Spring Trout (April – May)
Patterns
BibioBlack ZuluWatsons FancyKate McLarenDuck Fly
Fish small dark wet flies on a floating line across a good wave. A team of three flies on a 4 or 5 weight rod is ideal. Size 12-14 flies work best — Leane trout prefer smaller patterns than many other Irish loughs. Work the wave-swept shallows around islands and along the windward shore.
⚠️Common mistake: Using flies that are too large. Leane trout respond to small, dark patterns — go down to 14s and 16s for the best results.
Summer Evenings (June – August)
Patterns
Sedge patternsMurroughGreen PeterSpent Gnat
Evening sedge fishing can be outstanding when conditions settle. Fish dry sedge patterns or pull a wet sedge through the surface film as dusk approaches. Shore fishing from the pier near the Golf Club can produce excellent bags of trout and perch on calm evenings.
⚠️Common mistake: Leaving too early. The best sedge fishing often happens in the last hour of light when most anglers have gone home.
Core technique
Wet Fly Fishing on Leane
1Rig a 4 or 5 weight rod with a floating line and 12ft tapered leader.
2Set up a team of three flies: point fly (Bibio or Black Zulu size 14), middle dropper (Watsons Fancy size 14), top dropper (Kate McLaren size 12).
3Position the boat broadside to the wind and drift across likely ground — shallow areas around islands, weed edges, and stony shallows.
4Cast across the wave and retrieve in a figure-of-eight, keeping the top dropper bobbing in the surface film.
5Strike firmly when you see or feel a take — Leane trout hit hard and fast.
💡 Light tackle is essential. Leane trout average around half a pound — a heavy rod will rob you of all the sport.
What works here
Flies and methods reported most successful by the community.
Where to fish
Ross Castle & Islands
The area around Ross Castle and the nearby islands is the most accessible section of the lake, with boat hire close by. The shallows around Innisfallen Island and the smaller islands to the north offer excellent trout drifts in a westerly or south-westerly wind.
Killarney Golf Club Pier
The pier near the Golf Club offers comfortable shore fishing and can produce surprising numbers of trout and perch on calm evenings. An excellent option for those without a boat, or as a relaxed evening session after a day on the water.
Western Shore
The western and south-western shoreline below the Reeks provides some of the most scenic drifts on the lake. Deep water close to shore makes it productive for trolling, while the shallower bays hold trout during hatches.
O'Sullivan's Cascade Area
The eastern arm of the lake towards Muckross offers quieter water and good trout fishing. The transition zone between Leane and Muckross Lake can hold sea trout, particularly in the early season.
Suggested trip formats
🎣 Spring Salmon Day
A full day trolling for spring salmon with a local guide. Covers the main trolling lanes and drop-offs. Best January to April. Boat, tackle, and local knowledge included.
🎣 Trout Fly Fishing Half Day
A morning or afternoon session drifting for wild brown trout on wet flies. Ideal from April to October. Perfect introduction to Irish lough-style fly fishing.
🎣 Evening Shore Session
A relaxed evening fishing from the pier or shoreline, targeting trout and perch as the sedges hatch. Free fishing, no boat required. Bring a light rod and a box of small dark flies.
Conservation & stewardship
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Lough Leane is part of Killarney National Park and supports several protected species including Arctic char and the unique Killarney shad. The lake has experienced eutrophication issues in the past, and anglers should support conservation efforts by practising catch and release where possible, particularly for larger trout and any Arctic char encountered. Salmon must be tagged and any regulations regarding bag limits strictly observed.
Main access: Local fishing guides including Killarney Fishing Tours (Mick O'Brien) offer guided trips on all three lakes covering trout, salmon, and sea trout., Several operators offer boat hire at Ross Castle and around Killarney. Boats available with or without engines. Ghillie services also available., Killarney has multiple tackle shops selling permits, licences, and local flies. O'Neill's and other outlets in town centre are well-stocked.
