The heatwave over the last week meant that Corrib was more popular for boating and barbecues than angling. Indeed, I partook in one of the aforementioned barbecues myself, and we enjoyed a leisurely afternoon in the sunshine on one of the many islands on the lake. It was great to see so many families out enjoying the lake in the fine weather, and even more gratifying to see them taking all their litter home again – please always remember to leave no trace – take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints!
Back to angling, and Eamon Walsh reports that the bright warm weather put an end to most of the fishing on the Corrib. The early morning and late evenings proving best for those who ventured out, with Caenis hatches tempting fish to feed on the surface in the morning, while sedge and buzzer hatches are starting to bring trout on the feed later on.
Two UK anglers fishing with Larry McCarthy out of Corrib View Lodge in Glencorrib had some excellent trout between Wednesday and Sunday of last week. While fishing in the Kilbeg and Clydagh Bay area they managed over 50 trout, some up to 4lbs. A father and son combination who previously had some great fishing in the Greenfields area, Adam and Peter Neilson worked hard but were only rewarded with one sizeable fish to dry fly, while returning some undersize fish.
Larry provides boat hire, guiding and accommodation at Corrib View Lodge – to book call 093 31718 or check www.corribangling.com
Tommy Kelly reports that the Oughterard area has been very quiet in the past week, the flat calm water and strong sunshine putting many anglers off. The only suitable days on which there was a stiff enough breeze were Monday and Tuesday, when James and Peter Kelly managed 4 trout for 7lbs on wet fly. John Walsh, fishing with an English friend for the week, had very little joy except on Tuesday when they caught and released a total of 5 trout up to 2.5lbs along the Dooras shore. James McDonough had 7 fish for the opening days of the week in Corrnamona Bay.
Many anglers will be keeping a close eye on the weather as a week of rain is predicted which might help revitalise the lake and bring another hatch of late fly to the surface.
Mike Holian from Bayview Angling Centre and B&B near Cong sent in some returns for his guests. A party of 4 Swiss anglers including Bruno Ruegger and Urs Schwarz stayed for 12 days recently, and spent most of their time trolling on Corrib and Mask , recording 34 trout, best fish 5lbs, and a number of pike, including a fish of 15lbs. Fellow Swiss anglers Peter Walthert , Rolf Bucher and a friend fished over a week and landed 8 good trout, released many more undersize fish while dapping. Willie Schindler and his brother John from Germany landed 3 trout to 3.5lbs for their day, while Robert Holian and Paul Ramsey landed 12 trout averaging 1.5lbs to dry fly and buzzer.
Fintan Walsh from nearby Cross landed 6 “keepers” and released a lot of small trout. Larry O’Dea and Patrick O Malley (Cross ) had 13 “keepers” & released many undersized fish. Patrick had a nice trout of 4 lbs. among their catch. Paddy Nicholson and his son Rory (Galway) had 4 fish over the size limit, releasing a lot of small fish as well.
To book fishing, boat hire or accommodation from Bayview, which is situated on Salthouse Bay at the north-eastern corner of Lough Corrib, contact Mike at 094 9546385, email [email protected] , or check www.bayviewangling.com
