We are stocking these wild brown trout from Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland. They are fish that spend most of their lives in the vast Lough but then run into the rivers to spawn, like sea-trout.

These fish are also known as Dollaghan and their black spots distinguish them. They feed heavily on freshwater shrimps and it is the calcium in their shells which gives them such a strong pink/orange coloured flesh. They are Salmo Trutta, which is the same fish species as Sea Trout but these feed in the vast Lough before returning to the rivers to spawn. They are large specimens with individual fish weighing 600g – 1kg. Perfect for a fine meal, they can be cooked in similar ways to salmon or sea trout.

Lough Neagh

Lough Neagh is a freshwater lake in Northern Ireland and is the largest lake on the island of Ireland and in the United Kingdom. It has a surface area of 151 square miles and is about 19 miles long and 9 miles wide. It is a sustainable fishery monitored by DEFRA with strict size limits and undertaken by licenced boats.

Wild Trout Season

The season starts on March 1st and ends on August 19th. Quite a short season so make the most of it while we have them on our counter!

Family Fishing Business

We are sourcing these fine wild brown trout from Edgewater Foods who are a family fishing business (which as the name suggests are based right on the edge of Lough Neagh). Generations of the Mc Elroy family have been fishing the lough for freshwater fish. The family has owned and operated the business for 50 years. They fish with drift nets set at first light and pulled in after 3 hours. At this time of the morning, the trout rise to the surface to feed so it is a very selective fishing method and the fish are alive when landed. They are gutted, packed in ice and dispatched right away.

The company prides itself on providing the highest quality products that are sustainably harvested from Northern Irish waters. By dealing directly with the source Walter Purkis & Sons are able to provide customers with the very freshest fish. Fish caught one day is delivered to our shops the next, ensuring the very best flavour and texture.

You can find some cooking inspiration that would work well with these wild brown trout here >>