Despite the rather low temperatures and even though it is still very early in the season, there has been a trickle of large dark olives on the Rye over the last week.  While it would be stretching things to call it a ‘hatch’ in the strictest sense it is a very welcoming sight & hopefully a sign that Mother Nature is starting to gear up for spring.

My own 1st choice with the current conditions would be a weighted GRHE with or without a gold head.  Also worth consideration is a PTN – I usually tie mine with a bit of sparkle on the thorax, this is especially worth a go when any olives are seen to hatch.

The Rye Water showing a bit of colour on a cold March day.
The Rye Water showing a bit of colour on a cold March day.

The river is currently running low and clear so stealth is required when approaching any pools as the trout can easily be spooked by anglers on the bank & excessive false casting etc.

Floating lines of 3, 4 or 5 weight are ideal – anything heavier can tend to spook the beautifully marked resident brownies.  Fishing is strictly by fly only and all fish caught must be returned.

Permits should be purchased at the hotel main reception (where maps are available) prior to fishing.  Parking is at the hotel car park or by the boathouse on the Rye Lake.

Rob Love
Carton House Fishery

If you have any queries about fishing at Carton House please contact Guest Relations on (01) 5052000 or me on 087
1947811.  You can also see the other activities on offer at Carton House by checking the Carton House website www.cartonhouse.com

Tickets / permits should be purchased at the hotel main reception prior to fishing.  Parking is at the boathouse on the lake.  Please respect the wishes of golfers and stay off greens and Tee areas as they can become badly cut up when fishing activity takes place on them.