This lake is the largest reservoir (5,000 acres) in Ireland and is 19 miles from Dublin. It has 50 miles of shoreline with many inlets and bays which offer the angler excellent game and coarse fishing. The lake is controlled and managed by the Electricity Supply Board and a permit for all types of fishing is required. This lake is open for coarse angling all year round. Fishing with white maggots only is allowed.

Trout Angling
There is a small stock of wild brown trout in the reservoir. The ESB annually stock the lake in the Russborough and Tulfaris areas with brown and rainbow trout averaging over 1lb. Some ferox trout to over 10lb have been recorded in the Valleymount area. There are good seasonal hatches of duckfly, buzzers and sedges with occasional falls of terrestrial flies during the summer. Most anglers fish from boats using the launching facilities at Russborough, Tulfaris and Burgage Bridge. All legal fishing methods are permitted on the lake and an ESB boat permit and number is required.

Coarse Angling
Roach is the dominant species in the lake with a good stock of pike and some perch also available. The best areas are at the rowing course below Blessington Bridge, Russeltown, and the mouth of the Kings River and at the overflow below Blessington Village. In recent years some roach catches over 100lbs have been recorded. The Dublin & District Angling Club run many competitions at the rowing course. Swimfeeder tactics work all year round and waggler fishing is best in the summer months. Pole fishing can occasionally be productive during the warmer months from the deeper pegs.

Pike Angling
In recent winters there has been an increase in pike angling activity along the lake shore with several fine specimens (over 30lbs) recorded. From January to March (spawning period) the largest fish are often taken in shallow weedy areas. These are located at Russelstown, the mouth of the Kings River and at the overflow below Blessington Village. Other areas to try are Ballyknockan, Lackan, Tulfarris, Burgage Bridge and Blessington Bridge. Spinning and dead-baiting and trolling are the most successful methods. Recommended dead-baits include herring, mackerel, smelt and sprat and a range of spinners, spoons and plugs. 

Regulations
Trout Season: 1 March- 30 September
Bag Limit: Four Brown Trout per day
Trout size limit: Nine Inches
The lake is open for coarse angling all year round except in the month of October.
White Maggots only. All fishing by permit. Please observe Pike By-laws.
Anglers should report incidents of illegal fishing or pollution to lake warden on tel: 087 254 0237

Permits
Members of the Dublin Trout Anglers' Association or the Kilbride Angling club have permission to fish the lake for trout. All other trout anglers require an angling permit from the ESB. An ESB coarse-angling permit is required to fish the lake. All angling is by permit only. Permits can be obtained from Charles Camping, The Candy Store, in the village, Tougher's filling station, Poulaphuca, and from the outlets in Dublin: Rory’s, Southside Angling, Henry’s, Tallaght Gun & Rod Shop and Anglin & Shooting centre. Boat permits are available from the E.S.B. Fisheries Conservation, Hydro Group, Ardnacrusha, Limerick, Tel: 061 345588

Access to Fisheries
Access does not imply a right of way and anglers should ensure that they have the necessary permission to enter to cross private lands. Where possible, anglers should walk along the river bank.

Country Code
Anglers should ensure that gates are closed and that fences are not damaged or broken. Care should be taken with crops and livestock. Litter must not be discarded and no fires are allowed. Vehicles should be parked in designated areas and in such a manner, as not to cause obstruction.

Further Information
Eastern Regional Fisheries Board,
15a Main Street,
Blackrock
Co. Dublin
Tel: 00 353 1 2787022
Fax: 00 353 1 22787025
Email: info@erfb.ie
Website: www.fishingireland.net