Introduction
In 2007 we started developing Lough Waskel as a Rainbow Fishery. Access to the lough was improved, new boats were acquired and facilities put in place for disabled anglers. Even before the development fishing was thoroughly recommended with native trout ranging from 0.25 pounds up to 4 pound in weight. The abundance of sticklebacks is most likely the reason the native fish are bigger on this lake. Native fish of 0.75 to 1 pound in weight are quite common.
To further develop the lough we introduced Triploid Rainbows which are in excellent condition and are well known for their fighting spirit. These range in size from approximately 1.5lbs to 12lbs weight and it has been well argued that pound for pound these fish are stronger than a salmon or even the mighty sea-trout.
Fishing the shoreline has always been the most productive where the water is clearer and shallower. Lighting of fires on the shore is strictly forbidden and we ask all to remove their litter when leaving. There is also catch and release policy on all sea trout which are limited in number but can be caught on occasion. Best flies are the Butcher, Daddy Long Legs, Alexander, Green Peter, Watson’s Fancy, Invicta, Bibio, Teal Blue and Silver, Black Pennel, Cow Dung, Zulu’s, Connemara Black, Dunkeld, Olive and Claret Bumbles, Hare’s Ear, Sedges, small olives (14’s) fished dry, Blue Daddy and the Doobray, generally size 12 and all rainbow patterns.
How To Get To Waskel?
To get to Waskel then head towards Burtonport on the Dungloe road but do not take the Burtonport cut off. Carry on driving for approximately 2 miles and on your right hand side you will find the long, deep and narrow Lough Waskel.
Permits\Boats
To fish this water will cost €20 daily for club members and €25 for non members. This includes the boat hire as no shore fishing is permitted. Permits are available from Coastal Locksmiths, Fishing, Shoe Repair and Kayaks, Lower Main, Street, Dungloe (John Paul Baska: Contact John via email click here!!!) or at Charlie Bonner's & Sons Fishing Tackle Shop, Lower Main, Street, Dungloe.
The normal club rules apply with wearing of a lifejacket compulsory. This is a Fly Fishing only water with no other methods permitted. There is a 3 fish limit with catch and release after that. Anybody caught abusing this faces prosecution and an immediate club ban if a member.
Help Us To Help You
If you could contact Daniel Sweeney at daniel.a.sweeney@intel.com with any catch information or how the lake fished, what fished well, etc then we can use this information to ensure the stocking of the lake is kept at a premium. Also we can share the fishing information with other anglers via the web site Fishing Updates page. Photos less than 120K in size and in .jpg format are most welcome
Rainbow Fishery - Lough Waskel
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Fine Rainbow being played on Lough Waskel 2007
