The fishing on Carrigavantry is outstanding, due to massive hatches of lake olives, starting around 10 am and continuing till around 3 pm. The weather seems to make no difference. On the weekend bags of a dozen fish were caught by competent fisherman in gale force winds. Amongst the olives were beetles,hawthorn flies and buzzer pupa, heart stopping rises as 3 lb trout slashed through the waves.
Waterford chef Kevin O’Leary caught these trout, one of which, was too big for a cormorant to swallow. Cormorants are one of the biggest problems that Irish fisheries face. No amount of restocking our rivers could equal the damage that these black invaders are doing to our salmon and trout stocks. They work in teams of 10 or more in the lower reaches of the rivers, each one eating seven or more salmon par a day. It is soul-destroying to see the numbers increasing each year and nobody making an effort to amend our legislation to deal with the problem.
The lake olives hatch later on Knockaderry. Because of the depth the water is colder, so the next month will see some brilliant fishing. The last of the spring stocking will take place next week, before our open day on the 23rd May. All are welcome!
American Kyle was fishing with guide Jason O’Riordan and they were planning on a days salmon fishing but due to all the recent rain the river was out so they switched to plan B – lake trout on the Waterford Reservoirs. The forecast was simply dreadful. Strong north east winds and persistent heavy rain. However Jason tells us, “I was undeterred as after years of experience I knew we would have shelter from the wind in Knockaderry lake and there had been a good buzzer hatch there lately. So off we went in search of some hard fighting trout. Despite the weather we had a good start with Kyle nailing a decent rainbow early on. The fight from that rainbow was exceptional, even on the powerful 10ft 7wt Mackenzie rod.”
Jason can be contacted on +353 (0) 87 296 5712
FLY FISHING ON KNOCKADERRY CARRIGAVANTRY BALLYSCANLON
Carrigavantry – This 30 acre reservoir is hidden in the hills behind Tramore. The lake can be fished from the dam and road and the rest of the lake shore needs waders. The deepest part is the island at 10 feet.Prolific hatches of lake olives and damsels occur. Stocking is with both browns and rainbows. You could loose your catch here to a 20lb Pike!
Knockaderry – The deepest part of the lake is 24 feet at the dam tower, the average depth is 6ft and this results in good weed growth. Trout fatten fast in this fertile water on caddis, snails and stickle backs, while lake olives,buzzers sedges and damsels bring on prolific rises. This 80 acre reservoir is a traditional top of the water drift fishery.
New members are welcome and an active programme of fly tuition is pursued to encourage beginners and get our youth out into the countryside.
For Information about Wheelie Boat, day permits and membership ‘Click here for information’Here For Information
To place a booking…
David Tantrum,
Waterford City and County Trout Angling Association
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.waterfordflyfishing.ie
Phone: 051-384428 – Pat Smith (Treasurer) + Wheelie Boat Bookings
