The sunshine and heat of the past few days has seen an abundance of midge hatching on these two mid – Ulster rivers. Olive hatches are not as prevalent and it will take a change in weather to see them flourish again. But the fishing has been good for those anglers prepared to fish small midge patterns down to size 22. Some fine trout up to 38cm have been recorded in both rivers from the more shaded areas of the rivers, where pods of fish are sipping down midge. This can take perseverance as the fish can be somewhat fussy as they are sitting high in the water and can see all. Nymphs can still account for a fish or two but March tactics this year have not been the norm, scratching the bottom with heavy nymphs has been superseded with dryfly a good month earlier than usual. After the brilliant start to fishing local anglers are full of anticipation for April and May – bring on the black fly!
Brian Russell
