The dollaghan is a variety of brown trout, unique to Lough Neagh, and “islanded” there since the last Ice Age. This is my latest Country Diary, in which they are the key that unlocks a mysterious world, constantly under threat, and even more so given the current crisis at Lough Neagh.

The Six Mile Water River

Many thanks to: David Kennedy, Development Officer of Crumlin & District Angling Association (and addressing some of the issues that anglers are contesting in the second letter here); Jim Gregg of the Six Mile Water Trust, who took me under his wing, allowing me to experience a magical evening; as well as Micheal Martin, with Andy and Ethan. The dollaghan are such a beautiful fish. Here’s the one that was caught that evening in all its freckled gunmetal and gold.

A dollaghan, weighing about one and three quarters pounds

Many thanks also to the Country Diary editor, Paul Fleckney