Weather conditions were pretty grim last Sunday morning when a guest of the hotel Philip McAteer and I set out for fishing the Rye Water. I actually was beginning to wonder if we would be better scrapping the fishing and going tobogganing as the temperature was a fresh 2c and there seemed to be no sign of the snow easing up.
However starting at the lower end of the estate – just upstream of the Black Bridge with a Goldhead Hares Ear, Philip was quickly into his 1st fish of the day. Unfortunately this one did not stick but with the snow starting to ease off we made our way upstream amazed that the odd Large Dark Olive was appearing on the water.
As there was nobody out golfing the next stretch we fished was below the Salmon Weir.
Here, where the river has a nice series of run, riffle and glide we noticed a few fish feeding. After the Hares Ear had been ignored Philip changed to a Goldhead PTN and was quickly playing & landing his 1st fish. A few more were missed before Philip landed another fine fish of about 1lb – again on the PTN.
We moved to the Rainbow fishery after this fish where Philip again had more success – this despite the fact that the temp was now struggling to reach the balmy heights of 4c.
The river is currently running low and clear. A fair degree of stealth is recommended as clumsy or excessive casting can easily spook the fish.
Even though the weather is so cold at the moment – and the forecast has more of the same to come it appears that a weighted Nymph can still produce some good sport. As already mentioned in the report both Goldhead PTN and Hares Ear are worth a try. If the weather improves and becomes milder then there should be some really superb fishing as the Large Dark Olive features more and more.
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.
