There are countless tales of the awesome Irish pike, many of which are well founded. And it's not unreasonable to assume that much bigger fish exist in Irish waters than have ever been caught on rod and line. 

So, when the angler is afloat on a big lough or on the banks of a slow deep river, the anticipation in tangling with a big Irish pike is unparalleled in freshwater. Pike is a fish that fascinates both the specialist and amateur angler alike, because one never knows precisely when that big “double” will grab a bait or lure.   

• The big lakes, such as Loughs Erne, Derravarragh, Ree or Derg are good starting points as they offer large numbers of free taking pike. Some of the smaller lakes such as Lough Ramor in Virginia, County Cavan, or Lough Beg at Bellaghy, County Londonderry, also offer strong possibilities for good fishing. A boat trip on a quieter lough, such as Macnean in Fermanagh, Muckno in Monaghan and the Lakes of the Dromore River system in Cavan, may even turn up the elusive specimen. 
• It is said, though, that some of the best and most accessible pike fishing annually – for specimens over 9kg -is on the rivers Shannon, Erne, Suck, Barrow, Inny and Bann.
• Fly fishing has become an increasingly popular method for taking pike in Ireland and gives exciting sport with fish of all sizes. 
• In Dublin, you can fish for pike along the canals: the Grand and the Royal, and the Barrow Canal in Carlow, and Newry Canal in County Down.
• In order to ensure the future good quality of Irish pike fishing, anglers are requested to observe all conservation bye-laws.