Lough Sheelin Angling Report By Brenda Montgomery, IFI
September to September 16th, 2012
Nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught. ~Author Unknown
Sheelin fished well this week for some of its anglers but for too many, blanks were drawn as anglers struggled to cope with bright sunlight, blustery conditions and cold autumnal nights and mornings where temperatures dropped to the undesired sub 10 degrees.
The fact is that Sheelin is full of trout but we have moved into a section of the fishing season where they appear elusive and disinterested in what our anglers are offering, they don’t seem hungry.
Fishing on Sheelin is predominantly not all about what fly you use but the conditions that surround you, anglers must tune in to the ‘sway’ of this lake, they must study and understand what is happening in order to catch fish. Start with the top and work down – the ideal colour for the sky would be a milky grey with not too much blue, wind is important and whatever strengths are blowing the angler must go to the ‘butt’ of the wind and look for a calm area with a corduroy like ripple. Unlike other lakes (for example Melvin) Sheelin requires a short cast and often, the fly of course is important but again the angler needs to look at the hatches and insects around him and base his fly tying on that. The fly he uses must have a ‘trigger’ in it to catch the trout’s attention, to get it to look up.
This week saw hatches of sedge and a smattering of olives, the drop in temperature does have a reducing affect on fly life. Wet fly fishing dominated although some dry fly fishing did achieve good results.
It was interesting to see some of the old fly patterns re- emerge and stamp their authority back on the lake resulting in some good catches of trout some up to 4 lb. in weight. The dunkeld, the raymond, the cock robin, the fenian, the paisley (based on a buzzer) gorgeous george and the oldest pattern of them all – the ‘ould’ fly featured this week. Other patterns used were the stimulator, the daddies, hoppers and small dry sedges.
The Dunkeld
A traditional fly very much in the attractor category. The trout version is cut down from an older salmon fly named after the town on the mighty Tay. A bright warm looking fly and is best used on those cold brassy days. A good point fly fished on a 3 fly cast.
Also it is nearly always wild trout that are being caught this year with their thick bodies from head to tail and their well defined spots raising the spirits of any flagging angler.
The Lough Sheelin Trout Protection Association will host their end of season Lough Sheelin River Enhancement/Rehabilitation fly fishing competition on Lough Sheelin on Saturday October 6th.
For further details please contact Eamon Ross at +353 (0)87 9436655 or Thomas Lynch +353 (0)87 9132033
The McIntyre/Guider Cup – September 29th, starting at Kilnahard 11.0am to 6pm, please contact Thomas Lynch @ 087 9132033.
The Cavan/Monaghan Garda Divisional Fly Fishing Championship and Open Competition – Sunday October 7th from Kilnahard Pier, fishing from 11am to 6pm. Competition is for the heaviest fish (visitors) and the heaviest fish (Cavan/Monaghan Garda members), presentation of prizes and refreshment dinner at Crover House Hotel at 7pm sharp. Any queries please contact Dessie McEntee after September 24th on 047 77216 or 086 8937568.
A catch and release policy is actively encouraged on this lake
Please remember anglers that the size limit on this lake is 35.5 cm (14 inches) – we need our small fish alive…….
Total catch recorded for the week was 35
This week’s heaviest trout was a 6½ lb. trout caught wet fly fishing at Goreport on Thursday September 13th by John Murphy, Crover.
Selection of Catches
John Murphy, Crover – Tuesday September 11th dry fly fishing at Orangefield 1 trout at 5½ lb., Wednesday September 12th at Sailors Garden 3 trout at 4½ lb. and 2 at 1½ lb. each, Thursday September 13th fishing in Goreport, 2 trout at 6½ and 2 lb., wet fly fishing.
Gary McKiernan – 1 trout at 1½ lb.
