Angling In County Westmeath - Lough Owel |
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Lough Owel, a large trout lake (2500 acres) is situated 2.5 miles (4kms) North-West of Mullingar, off the N4. Road access is excellent with a slipway and mooring facilities at Tullaghan. There is also a gradual sloping shore line and mooring facilities also at Mullally's Boat House to the south of the lake. Lough Owel is heavily stocked throughout the season with the average size of trout caught weighing nearly 2lbs. Often trout weighing 7lbs. are caught as well. The lough is spring-fed and is remarkable for the clarity of its water with visibility reaching over 20 feet on a bright day. In March/April by spinning off the railway embankment and along by the shallows good trout can be taken. Fishing is very good through May and into early June. trout respond well to the seasonal fly hatches and good fishing can be enjoyed on almost all parts of the lake. There is generally a lull in the trout fishing until the hatch of large sedge known in Ireland as the Green Peter around the second/third week in July. trout angling is at its best and often the biggest trout of the season are caught at this time. The best time is 7-11.30pm in calm water along by the shore and especially along the reeds or bog banks. It is vital to remember that the best fishing is always after dark on LOUGH OWEL. |
