Description
The Eske fishery consists of the 5km River Eske, the 900-acre Lough Eske and its tributaries. The Lough and its tributaries are amongst the most picturesque in Donegal, set among the Blue Stack and Tawnawully Mountains. The fishery is noted for its spring salmon, sea trout and char and it is also a productive brown trout fishery. Sea trout angling is at its best from late July onwards.
The Eske fishery is closed to salmon angling in 2009 however as part of the implementation of the recommendations of the National Salmon Commission. Sea trout up to 40cm may be fished, as can brown trout. Any sea trout over 40cm that are caught must be returned to the water. As this is a sea trout fishery anglers must hold a salmon and sea trout licence if they intend to fish on the river.
The sea trout fishing begins in earnest from July and continues to the end of the season on both river and lough. The sea trout average ¾lb and can be as big as 5lb. The brown trout average ½lb but there are numerous better trout caught up to 4½lb on the fly with the record for the lough being 9lb 2oz.
The River Eske is divided into four beats with two visitor rods permitted on each beat. The river is best fished from Timony's Turn to the Mill Pool on the outskirts of Donegal Town (Beat 4), below and above Miss Jenny's Bridge in the Middle section of the river (Beat 2) and at the Eel Weir Turn downstream of Lough Eske Bridge (Beat 1). Fly fishing and spinning are the most popular angling methods on the fishery depending on water heights. Popular flies include the Fiery Brown, Jacob's Ladder, Donegal Blue, Dark Mackerel or any of the shrimp patterns. Flying Cs or a Blue Devon are the most effective baits on the river and a Silver Toby is a popular lure on the lough.
With ongoing development work catches have improved in recent years. There has been extensive work on the fishery such as the construction of a fish counter and the creation of a fish pass on the Lowerymore River which has virtually doubled the available spawning habitat for salmon. The Lowerymore River above the pass has been seeded with unfed salmon fry for a number of years. In 2005 a number of these salmon returned and salmon redds were recorded on the Upper Lowerymore River for the first time.
Disabled Access
The Eske Anglers and the Northern Regional Fisheries Board (NRFB) have provided access along the river and have also provided wheelchair friendly access at the Mill Pool.
Lough Eske
Most of the standard lough flies will work well on Lough Eske such as a Clan Chief, Bibbio, Dabblers, Daddies, Connemara Black, Claret Bumble & Fiery Brown. The brown trout often show a liking for flies with orange or yellow in their makeup. The NRFB have constructed a purpose built angling centre and jetty on the shores of Lough Eske from where permits and licenses are issued and boats are hired for fishing the lough.
Boat angling only is permitted on the lough. Five boats are available for hire and are limited to two anglers per boat. In the interests of safety all anglers must wear a floatation device. Anglers are not permitted to launch their own boats.
Season
The season on the Eske fishery opens on 1 April and closes on 30 September. As this is a sea trout fishery anglers must hold a salmon and sea trout licence if they intend to fish on the river.
Licences
National Annual Licence €134
District Licence €64
21-day Licence €50
One-day Licence €36
Juvenile Licence €20
Permits
Permits are available from http://www.donegalanglingholidays.com/.
Permits are available for collection from the Eske Angling Centre, Lough Eske Demesne. Tel: +353 (0)74 9740781.
Daily Adult Permit €30
Daily Juvenile Permit €12
Weekly Permit (seven day’s fishing) €150
Boat Hire for Lough Eske
Boat hire is €80 per day including two angling permits. Boat hire and one angling permit is €50 per day. Boat hire for non-anglers is €35 per day. Maximum of two people per boat. Boat hire does not include an engine.
For more information in-season (1 April to 30 September) contact:
Northern Regional Fisheries Board, Eske Angling Centre, Lough Eske Demesne. Tel: (074) 9740781.
For information off-season contact:
Northern Regional Fisheries Board, Station Road, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal. Tel. 071 9851435
To book your angling holiday online go to the Donegal Angling Holidays website.