River Lackagh Guide

The Lackagh is one of the shorter rivers in Donegal, totaling only 2 miles of Salmon and Sea-Trout waters. It flows out of Glen Lough and makes it way through traditional Donegal moreland, before emptying into Sheephaven Bay. This river struggled back in the early 2000s but fish stocks have recovered recently due to it being closed for quite a few years. Access to the river is from the R245, moving East from Creeslough.

Tail of the Grilse Pool

The river gets a good run of Spring fish from early February until May or June. The Grilse run starts at the end of June and continues all through July, whilst a small run of autumn salmon appear in September. Sea trout are plentiful during June and July.

The fishery has had a lot of development in recent years, including a Salmon counter and lots of boardwalks along the banks. The Grilse pool at the top of the river offers a good chance of a fish, but the best pool is probably the garden pool. Spring salmon are often tempted by a Willie Gunn half inch tube but as you move into the Summer, the more traditional Irish shrimp flies work best. 

Head of the Garden Pool.

The Eel Weir is a huge pool towards the bottom of the river, with a narrow fast run at its neck. The best of the sea trout fishing is below the Eel Weir and out into the estuary, with the best patterns being, Mallard and Claret, Donegal Blue, Connemara Black or a Peter Ross on a size 10-12.

Eel Weir

The left bank is managed by the Northern Fisheries Management Region. The right bank is in private ownership.

River Lackagh Tributaries

No River Lackagh tributaries listed.

River Lackagh Neighbouring Rivers

River Lennon
River Lurgy
River Owencarrow
River Swilly

Fishing the River Lackagh

River Lackagh Season

Salmon – 1st January – 30th September
Sea Trout – 1st January – 30th September

River Lackagh Methods

Fly Fishing
Spinning

River Lackagh Fishing Authority

To fish in Ireland you need a rod license from the appropriate fishing authority. You can find the details for the River Lackagh at:

Northern Fisheries Management

River Lackagh Permits

As well as a rod license, you’ll need a permit to fish the River Lackagh. You can book online at:

Lackagh – Day fishing

 

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