County Cavan · Westmeath · Meath

Protecting Ireland's finest wild brown trout lough.

For over 130 years, the Lough Sheelin Trout Protection Association has worked to safeguard the wild brown trout, the rivers, and the angling heritage of one of Europe’s premier dry-fly fisheries.
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Our Story
Welcome to the LSTPA

Caring for the wild trout, the rivers, and the lake of the fairy pool.

Lough Sheelin – from the Irish Loch Síodh Linn, “lake of the fairy pool” – is a limestone freshwater lough straddling the borders of Westmeath, Meath and Cavan. Many anglers consider it the best wild brown trout lough in Ireland.

The Lough Sheelin Trout Protection Association is charged with the protection and conservation of our fishery – both the trout and the habitats they depend on. The brown trout is a major resource for tourists and recreational anglers, and an irreplaceable part of Irish biodiversity.

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€450k+
Invested in lake and stream conservation
130+
Years of Stewardship
Decades
Of angling and community engagement
€50
Annual Membership
Explore the Club

Information, resources & ways to get involved.

From understanding the lough itself to finding your way onto the water, here’s everything you need to know.
About Lough Sheelin

About Lough Sheelin

The history, geography and natural character of one of Ireland's most storied trout fisheries.
Catch & Release

Catch & Release

We urge all anglers to use best practice techniques for handling, photographing and releasing wild trout, to ensure they survive and thrive. We also urge all clubs running competitions on Sheelin to consider catch and release - "measurement rather than mortality" rules.
Fund Raising

Fund Raising

Every October our stream rehabilitation competition brings anglers from around Ireland to support our conservation initiatives and, of course, have a chance of a fantastic new boat from Declan, our long-time supporter at Sheelin Boats.
Stream Rehabilitation

Stream Rehabilitation

Sixteen years of competition and conservation work restoring the spawning streams that feed the lough.
Youth Angling

Youth Angling

Encouraging the next generation of anglers and conservationists with mentored days on the water.
Bye-Laws & Rules

Bye-Laws & Rules

The current Conservation of Trout bye-laws governing trolling, bag limits and seasonal restrictions on Sheelin.
From the Bank

Latest News & Events

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Support the Lough

Every membership protects a piece of the lake.

It’s not enough to fish Sheelin – we have to fight for it. Government grants are tighter every year, and the lake’s future depends on the members who fund stream rehab, monitoring and habitat work. Annual membership is just €50.

Join Today

Annual Membership

€50

One-off Donation

Any

Stream Rehab Sponsor

€100+

Kilroy and McDonald Cup

TBC Yearly

Stream Rehab Competition (October)

TBC Yearly

We will be rolling out a new online payment option for membership, donations and competition entry in the coming weeks.  

Lough Sheelin Anglers Trout Protection Association