I provide professional guiding services on Lough Sheelin, situated on the borders of Counties Cavan, Meath and Westmeath. Lough Sheelin has long been known for its wild brown Trout and rich aquatic insect life, making it a classic fly fishing destination in Ireland, especially at Mayfly time but also for Sedge hatches in Spring and Summer.

Lough Sheelin is a big, shallow limestone lake, of about 4,500 acres, and it has a long reputation for producing hard-fighting wild brown Trout rather than large numbers of easy fish. The average Trout size is about 3/4 lb to 1 & 1/2 lb but Trout of 2 to 4 lb are always possible, and larger ones turn up every season. Throughout the season we typically use the following tactics:
- The early season sees Midge & Olive action, and Buzzers and small dries can be crucial when Trout won’t rise freely.
- Mayfly. On Sheelin the Mayfly can be later such as late May to mid June, and the lake is renowned as a Mayfly destination. The Trout typically cruise the shallow limestone flats sipping duns and spinners as they go. We fish dries during the day and when calm evenings arrive it can be magical.
- June and August are when the Sedges arrive and this can often be more reliable than the Mayfly. Evening Sedge falls produce aggressive surface takes.

The season runs from March 1st to October 12th, and guests can arrange booking with me throughout the year using email (mahonjackie@gmail.com), or through the details on my contact page. Please note that if we don't answer your query straight away, that means we are out on the water guiding and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Once bookings are made, I will contact you a few days in advance to talk about conditions, directions and times.

Where do we meet?
We meet up in the morning at Kilnahard Boat Jetty:
(click to view on Google Maps)

Please note: We fish rain or shine, unless the weather is deemed unsafe by Jackie. In the event of dangerous weather, we will reschedule for a future date. To protect our wild fish this is a catch and release (C&R) fly fishing guide service.

To learn more please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions page.