‘There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process’ Paul O’Neil
Brenda Montgomery reports from Lough Sheelin July 2nd to July 9th
High water levels and heavy rain dominated the scene on Sheelin for this week and this in turn seriously affected the numbers of anglers fishing the lake. The lake is at winter status and the water looked black and cauldron like.
This unseasonable weather is not enticing fishermen out and Sheelin’s trout are having an unplanned rest but it must be emphasized that it is the anglers having the rest and not the fish as on some days the lake was alive with movement of trout, with huge numbers reported ‘springing’ in all parts.
There were tremendous hatches of sedge but also as was the case last week there are huge quantities of perch fry and the trout are predominantly feeding on them which makes fishing this lake even more challenging.
Tuesday was the best fishing day with great ‘sport’ particularly around the Long Rock, some anglers that were more than happy with Tuesday’s performance ventured out on Wednesday expecting the same enjoyment only to experience a deadness across the lake and nothing moving but this is typical of fishing – no two days are the same, it reminds me of a quote from Theodore Gordon ‘ It is impossible to grow weary of a sport that is never the same on any two days of the year’.
Wet fly fishing proved to be more successful than the dry fly for this week and a stimulator using a top dropper seemed to be the most successful method.
Youth Angling Day
The L.S.T.P.A will be running a ‘not to be missed’ Youth Angling Day on Saturday July 14th at Lough Sheelin. This day is open to all 8 – 18 year olds. The day will include fly tying, casting and then fishing, finishing with a Bar-B-Q. Everyone must bring a life jacket and eye protection and of course lots of enthusiasm and energy.
Contact E.Ross @ 087 9436655 or Thomas Lynch @ 087 9132033
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…….
The McDonald Cup
The Lough Sheelin Trout Protection Association will be hosting The McDonald Cup on Sunday August 12th from 12 noon to 6pm starting from Kilnahard Pier, entry fee is €20. In line with this club’s strong conservation policy this annual competition will be changed this year to become a Catch & Release Competition – each boat will be supplied with a measure board and it is the angler who catches the longest fish who will win this coveted cup. As a gesture of thanks to all members and non members who support this club and all its past and ongoing development and conservation work for this lake and its catchment all other prizes with be presented on the basis of a draw. This competition will be followed by a Bar -B -Q on Kilnahard pier. For further details please contact Eamon Ross @ 087 9436655 or Thomas Lynch @ 087 9132033
Sympathies to Frank Kelly
Our sympathies go to Frank Kelly, Chairman of the L.S.T.P.A on the recent death of his father – Thomas (Tommy) Kelly
Number of Catches
Total number of catches recorded: 15
Best catches were by Peter McArdle from Dundalk with 4 fish on Tuesday July 3rd averaging 1½ – 2½ lbs, all caught on stimulators around the Long Rock/Inchcup area of the lake from 2pm onwards.
Brenda Montgomery IFI
