Fishing on Lough Derg and the Pettigo Lakes
Fishing on Lough Derg and the Pettigo Lakes – The Pettigo and District Angling Club have a vast amount of fishing to offer from Lough Derg, to a stretch of the River Derg and to numerous hill loughs. The Club issue permits for several lakes in the Pettigo area, the Leaghany River and a stretch along the South bank of the River Derg from Lough Derg to the Owenboy stream.
T: 00353 (0)71 9861519.
The Pettigo Lakes
The Pettigo Lakes are a mixed fishery noted for coarse fishing, mostly roach, perch, bream and pike. There are also good stocks of brown trout. The Leaghany and Derg rivers both have healthy populations of small brown trout. Grilse averaging 4 – 5lb can be caught after a spate from July onwards on the River Derg.
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The principal trout lakes are Bannus Lake, Drumgun Lough, Lough Aveghy and Lough Derg. Trout respond well to the traditional mountain flies such as Bibbio, Claret, Bumble, March Brown and Butcher. The bag limit for trout is 4 and trout fishing is by fly only. The trout fishing in the hill loughs varies from water to water but for the angler who likes a bit of a trek in the mountains this is marvellous country.
Bannus Lake
Bannus Lake is small lough around 3km West of Pettigo that holds stocks of roach, perch, bream and brown trout. Access to the lake has recently been improved with the construction of car parking, stiles and fishing stands. Trout fishing is by fly only and the lake can be fished by a club boat or from the shore. The lake holds a good stock of native brown trout with an average weight of around ¾lb.
Drumgun Lough
Drumgun Lough is situated about 2km west of Pettigo and is around ½ mile long and almost ½ mile across at its widest point. Access to this lake has also been improved with the construction of car parking, stiles and fishing stands. The lough holds stocks of perch and roach as well as a healthy population of brown trout ranging from ¾ – 1lb in weight. The lough is fished from the shore only.
Lough Aveghy
Lough Aveghy is located about 8km west of Pettigo and holds stocks of pike, perch, roach and brown trout. The average weight of trout is around 1½lb but trout of 4lb and over have recently been recorded as they run up the Waterfoot River to their spawning grounds. The lough is fished from the shore only.
Lough Derg
Lough Derg is located about 6km north of Pettigo and is more renowned as a pilgrimage destination than for its fishing. The 2,200-acre lough has stocks of pike, perch and brown trout. Lough Derg often fishes best during April and May with wild brown trout of between one and three pounds. The Derg requires water but in the right conditions it is an excellent salmon and grilse medium sized (5-20m) river providing sport from June to the end of the season. It also has some sea trout during this period.Fishing is from a club boat only and care should be taken, as the lough is very shallow and can be hazardous in windy weather. All legal methods are allowed although there is no maggot or shrimp fishing
This lough is situated within the Foyle Fishery Commission Region.
Licences available from: James Gallagher, Pettigo & District Anglers, Main Street, Pettigo, Co. Donegal.
Fishing Information
Season
The season for Trout is from 1st March to 9th October inclusive.
Permits
Daily permits are available from the following outlets:
James Gallagher, Post office, Main Street, Pettigo, Co. Donegal. Tel: (071) 9861511.
Trina Britton, Britton’s Bar, Main Street, Pettigo, Co. Donegal. Tel: (071) 9861519.
Boat Hire
Trina Britton, Britton’s Bar, Main Street, Pettigo, Co. Donegal. Tel: (071) 9861519.
Note: To prevent the spread of the Zebra Mussel anglers must only use boats provided by The Pettigo and District Angling Association.
Location Map for the Pettigo Lakes
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