Lough Erne is made up of the Upper Lough, east of Enniskillen and the Lower Lough which runs west to Belleek near the Atlantic coast.The lough is a mixed coarse and game fishery.The game angling, in the main, takes place on the Lower Lough although trout are found throughout the system.The Lower Lough is a large expanse of water – over 15 miles long - with numerous islands and bays.These provide vast areas of shallow water and rocky shores making for ideal fishing grounds.Although a limited number of salmon run the lough wild brown trout are the quarry and the lough holds an excellent head of fish. In the recent past their numbers have been further improved by restocking with indigenous Erne trout from the Erne and Melvin Enhancement Company’s modern hatchery at Marble Arch.At the same time an ongoing Salmon Enhancement Programme is running with the aim of restoring the Erne as a salmon fishery. It is hoped that the grilse runs will improve as the Programme progresses. Much habitat improvement has taken place on the feeder rivers and this has meant an increased natural recruitment. The result is an improving stock of wonderful wild trout.These trout can grow to double figures and the larger trout are usually taken trolling.The average with of fish caught fly fishing is in the 1.5 to 2lbs range. However each season will see a good number from 3lbs to 7lbs or more.The best fish taken trolling – some years ago - was 19lbs.