Fishing Lough Ennell: A Local Angler's Guide

Planning to fish Lough Ennell? Season dates, permits, LETPA membership and the flies that work, from the tackle shop in Mullingar.

FISHING

David O'Malley

5/10/20263 min read

Lough Ennell fishing is some of the best wild brown trout angling in the Irish midlands, and the lough is only a few minutes' drive from Mullingar town. Its trout are hard to fool, but they are big, thick-shouldered fish, and the lake holds Ireland's record for the largest rod-caught brown trout.

At O'Malleys Mullingar we sell fishing tackle, flies and Midlands permits to Ennell anglers all season long. This guide covers where the lough is, the best times to fish it, the permit and membership you need, and the flies and tackle that work.

Where Is Lough Ennell?

Lough Ennell lies just south of Mullingar in County Westmeath and covers about 14.5 km². Its shores include Tudenham and Lilliput, and Belvedere House and Gardens sits close to the water (Ask About Ireland).

Home of Ireland's Record Brown Trout

Lough Ennell holds the record for the largest rod-caught brown trout ever recorded in Ireland, at 26 lb 2 oz (Inland Fisheries Ireland). Today's trout are not prolific, so expect to work for them. The reward is a fish in good condition, often well above the size you would catch on smaller waters.

Boat fishing usually covers more water and produces more fish than fishing from the shore.

When to Fish Lough Ennell: Season and Hatches

The trout season on Lough Ennell runs from 1 March to 12 October (Ask About Ireland). Unlike most Irish trout lakes, which peak in May, Ennell is at its best from the second week of August to mid-September.

  • March to April: Duckfly (chironomid) hatches on calm days. Fish buzzers and small dark wets.

  • May to early June: Olives and the mayfly. Fish wake up and feed near the surface.

  • June to July: Evening sedges and buzzers. The best fishing is often late in the day.

  • Mid-August to mid-September: Ennell's peak. Big fish feed hard before the season closes.

  • Late September to 12 October: The last weeks of the season. Quieter water and a chance of a big fish.

Hatches vary with the weather each year, so call in or ring us for what's working this week.

Lough Ennell Fishing Permits and LETPA Membership

Every angler on Lough Ennell needs a valid Inland Fisheries Ireland Midlands permit. It also covers Lough Owel, Lough Sheelin, Lough Derravaragh and other controlled waters in the region (Fishing in Ireland). You can buy your permit over the counter at O'Malleys in Mullingar.

We also recommend joining LETPA, the local angling association that looks after the lough. Membership rates for 2026:

  • Adult: €40

  • OAP: €30

  • Junior: €10

  • Bay Membership: €40

Bay members keep their boat at an assigned berth inside a locked gate. Keys cost €5 each for paid-up members. To ask about a berth, call David O'Malley on 044-9348300.

See our membership page for full details on joining.

Best Flies and Tackle for Lough Ennell

Traditional lough-style fly fishing from a drifting boat is the classic way to fish Ennell. A simple setup covers most days:

  • Rod: a 10 ft rod rated for a 6 or 7 weight line.

  • Lines: a floating line for calm days and hatches, plus an intermediate for wind and cold water.

  • Leader: 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon. Ennell trout are heavy, so don't go too light.

  • Flies: buzzers and small dark wets early in the season, mayfly patterns in late May, and sedges such as the Green Peter and Murrough for late-summer evenings. Bumbles and Sooty Olives are worth a try all season.

  • Lifejacket: wearing one is required by law when fishing from a boat on Irish loughs.

We stock all of these in the shop, along with lures and spinning gear for anglers who prefer other methods. Browse our fishing tackle range before you call in.

Lough Ennell Fishing FAQs

Do I need a permit to fish Lough Ennell?

Yes. Every angler needs a valid Inland Fisheries Ireland Midlands permit. You can buy one at O'Malleys in Mullingar.

When is the trout season on Lough Ennell?

The season runs from 1 March to 12 October. The best fishing is usually from mid-August to mid-September.

What is the biggest trout caught on Lough Ennell?

Lough Ennell holds the Irish record for a rod-caught brown trout, at 26 lb 2 oz.

What flies work best on Lough Ennell?

Buzzers and small dark wets in spring, mayfly patterns in late May, and sedges such as the Green Peter and Murrough on late-summer evenings.

Do I need a lifejacket to fish from a boat?

Yes. Wearing a lifejacket is required by law when fishing from a boat on Irish loughs.

How do I get a boat berth on Lough Ennell?

Berths in the bay are for LETPA Bay members. Call David O'Malley on 044-9348300 to ask about one.

Visit O'Malleys Fishing Tackle Shop in Mullingar

O'Malleys Mullingar has been fitting out local anglers for years. Call in for your Midlands permit, your LETPA membership and the flies that are working this week. We also sell jewellery and watches and repair watches, so there's something for the rest of the family too.

Phone us on 044-9348300, or drop into the shop in Mullingar. Tight lines!