South Longford's Lough Ree poised for biggest ever international pike fishing festival
Anglers from around the world to compete for €13,000 'King of the Lake’ prize fund.
It has been announced that the 2026 Lough Ree International Pike angling festival on the full body of the lake will have its largest field of competitors yet - with an additional prize fund added to make it one of the most lucrative events in Europe this year for pike anglers.
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The event, previously known as the Pike Classic, is now rebranded as the 'King of the Lake International Pike Festival', after support from Failte Ireland, Roscommon County Council, Longford County Council, Ciarán Mullooly MEP and Inland Fisheries Ireland.
The festival will open with an official launch in Ballyleague on Friday, September 25, to be followed by two days of competitive fishing on the entire lake of Lough Ree between the Bypass Bridge in Athlone and the lock at Tarmonbarry in county Roscommon as the search for the 2026 ‘King of the Lake’ begins.
The prize fund has also been extended to over €13,000 with new sponsors coming on board, more cash prizes and the opportunity to win a prestigious International title.
"We are delighted with the huge entry for the competition," outlined Philip Gordon of Lough Ree Angling Hub.
He added, "This is what pike anglers have been looking for. It's a vast lake from Athlone town to Tarmonbarry. Hundreds of anglers from all over Ireland and abroad want to come here and compete, so from now on, there will be no frontiers."
The Lough Ree Angling Hub has also extended thanks to Roscommon and Longford County Councils and Midlands North West MEP Ciarán Mullooly for their support for the festival this year. "We have received vital support to promote the festival as one of Ireland's finest events - and that’s what it is,” remarked Mr Gordon.
King of the Lake competitors will be able to moor their boats safely at the Waterways Ireland marina in Ballyleague overnight on Saturday night, September 26 as there will be a professional security firm in attendance at the venue.
On Saturday and Sunday mornings, competitors can launch their boat from either the old harbour slipway in Lanesboro (just south of the duck pond) or from the Waterways Ireland marina in Ballyleague but each competitor must come to the marina in Ballyleague to collect their pack and measuring board and the very latest edition of the rules.
Entry fee is €200 per boat with just four rods allowed on each boat – a full copy of the rules and details of registration is available from Laith - the festival officer administrator at [email protected]
To enter call Joe at (086) 862 3838 or e-mail Laith at [email protected]
Special thanks to Frank Casey and the Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club for their support in assisting in the safe running of the festival.