Lough Macrory — Days Out NI

A working trout fishery you fish yourself

This is self-drive boat hire on a stocked fishery, not a skippered cruise or a sightseeing trip. You take out one of the 6 Sheelin boats (19ft) or 2 Morris boats (17ft) and fish the 55-acre lough on your own. The water is stocked with rainbow trout and also holds wild brown trout, perch, pike and eels, so a catch is likely but never guaranteed. Fly fishing is the norm from the boats, with bank fishing available too from single, double and large-group platforms. All boat users must wear life jackets, and under-18s must be accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. There are disabled-specific fishing areas, accessible parking and toilets, and guide dogs are welcome.

Self-drive boat hire 55-acre trout lough Near Carrickmore, Tyrone Brown & rainbow trout Permit & licence needed Cafe & accessible facilities

Good to know before you go:

Fisheries like this run on season dates, stocking and permit rules that change year to year, and conditions on the water are weather-dependent. The association posts updates and visitor-permit details on its own channels, so check there for current dates, prices and any closures before you set out.

What to bring

🧥Warm, windproof layersIt is always cooler and breezier out on the water — dress for it.

🧢A waterproofA bit of sea spray is all part of the adventure.

📷A cameraFor the wildlife, the coast and the castles seen from the sea.

🎫Your bookingMost trips need booking ahead — have the confirmation ready.

Everything before you go

Type

Self-drive boat hire on a stocked trout fishery (not a skippered cruise)

Departs from

Loughmacrory Road, Loughmacrory, near Carrickmore/Omagh

Duration

Self-paced day or session on the water

What you may see

Stocked rainbow trout, wild brown trout, perch, pike and eels - catches never guaranteed

Season

Open fishing season; weather-dependent - check current dates with the association

Booking

Reserve a boat ahead; Loughs Agency rod licence plus day permit required

Cost

Check current permit and boat-hire prices with the operator

Suitable for

Anglers and families; under-18s must be accompanied; disabled fishing areas, accessible parking and toilets; life jackets compulsory on boats

Parking

On-site standard and disabled parking

Address

Loughmacrory Road, Loughmacrory, Omagh, Co. Tyrone BT79 9LF

Questions

Before you go

Do I need to book?

Reserve a boat ahead; Loughs Agency rod licence plus day permit required

How much is it?

Check current permit and boat-hire prices with the operator

How long is the trip?

Self-paced day or session on the water

What might we see?

Stocked rainbow trout, wild brown trout, perch, pike and eels - catches never guaranteed

When does it run?

Open fishing season; weather-dependent - check current dates with the association

Getting there

Lough Macrory departs from Loughmacrory Road, Loughmacrory, near Carrickmore/Omagh. On-site standard and disabled parking. Tap below for directions to the departure point.

Directions on Google Maps Official website See it on our map

Nearby

Make more of the day

More days out around CarrickmoreSee what else is close by More boat trips across NISea, lough and river cruises

The story

About the fishery

Lough Macrory is a 55-acre natural lake managed by the Loughmacrory & Murrins District Angling Association, which maintains the boats, stocking and bank platforms. The water is part of the Foyle catchment under the Loughs Agency, which is why a Loughs Agency rod licence is required alongside a club day permit.

The association keeps a fleet of Sheelin and Morris boats for hire and has built accessible facilities including disabled-specific fishing areas, an on-site cafe and a shelter, making it one of the more family- and access-friendly small fisheries in the Sperrins region.