The fish of Lough Allen
Lough Allen is well known for its trout. Trout in Lough Allen can weigh from 1·5 to 12·5 pounds. The best trout fishing is in August and September. The area from Cormongan to the mouth of the stony river is often called “Murder Mile” because of the number of trout that cornered the baits. Trout of between 5 and 10 pounds did not grow to the size unless they were fit and cunning. You can often hook them but you might not land them.
Pike are the largest of the freshwater predators in Irish lakes. Irish pike grow quickly and can weigh 20kg (over 40lbs). They are quite common in our lakes and rivers. Pike are opportunistic feeders and prey on small fodder such as roach, rudd, eels and hybirds.
Lough Allen has a reputation for housing the most ferocious fighting pike in Europe. In 1902 a man called “Old Harry” is reputed to have captured the grandfather of them all. He hooked him on a set line but could not land him, so he tackled him up to a large float and watched his travels around the lake for two weeks before he finally got him. The scales measured a staggering 92lb. The knuckle of the pikes backbone is still in existence and measures some three inches in diameter. The more leisurely angler can put his skills against the big bream, perch and roach also found in Lough Allen.