Lough Derg - the place to stay and to fish

Derg is a spectacular water, probably the best in Ireland, with huge shoals of quality bream, roach, hybrids, big pike and tench in quiet backwaters. The lough is huge – over 25 miles long – and whilst there are many places that can be accessed by car, anglers hiring a boat will have the pick of the swims. If you are looking for the best results, you must fish facing into the breeze, and having a boat ensures you can find the right spot.

Imagine your own idyllic cottage on or close to this fabulous lough, the biggest and most picturesque on the Shannon. You just walk to your own private fishing spot or, with some properties, take out your hired boat with outboard to reach those prime fishing places only accessible by boat. Whether you are part of a group of serious anglers, or with your family, there’s nowhere better.

Getting the best results

Pre-bait with around 10 to 15 balls of crumb well laced with wheat or casters. We find the best hookbaits are red maggots, worm and worm/corn cocktails, feeding the swim according to the temperature and bite response. We have enjoyed catches up to 300 pounds, usually feeder fishing on the tip or Polaris into nine to twelve feet of water, 25 to 40 yards out. Waders are essential, and you are best off with a platform. Why does Lough Derg sustain such a
massive head of coarse fish? It’s quite shallow for its size, averaging about 12 feet, so it warms up quickly, also helped
by being in the warmer southwest. Being fed by the Shannon, so many nutrients are washed into the lough, and the limestone bedrock makes the water rich in calcium. Bream, the dominant species, thrive in this environment, growing to over 8 pounds, but averaging 4 to 6 pounds.

Boat hire

Hiring a boat, by the day or week, is a good value route to Derg’s finest fishing-swims that can’t be accessed any other way. Yes, you do need decent weather (don’t venture out in a gale!). But you will find mile upon mile of virgin banks. Put in the effort, pre-bait your selected swims, and you’ll enjoy some of your best ever catches, weather permitting.

Boats can be reserved for you if you notify us when you book, but you pay in Ireland. For your own safety, do not overload your boat. (Boats fitted with an outboard usually take two to three anglers).

Download our Lough Derg Brochure (PDF)