Ronan Cusack says the Mediterranean weather around Mask this week has made angling a bit of a challenge to say the least. The past few days has been a case of being lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time and make the most of what’s hatching in front of the boat. Nymphs and dries have produced the majority of the fish as winds have been light.

Gerry O’Brien from Ballinrobe fished for a day on Saturday last and struggled until late evening. As the sun dropped behind the mountains Gerry had 4 good fish on dries (best fish 2.25lbs, all returned). Ronan Cusack fished for a few days this week with regular visitors from Scotland, John Webb and Mike Donaghy, and had some excellent sport. Again calm weather conditions dominated their stay, but the lads averaged 5/6 good fish each day on buzzers and nymphs (best fish 3.25lbs, all returned). Glen O’Connell from Shannon and local angler Kevin Egan fished both days this weekend and they finished with 7 fish on a combination of dries and buzzer (best fish 3lbs, all returned). Ballinrobe angler Denis Kelleher had 3 fish on wets for a few hours one evening during the week (best fish 1.75lbs). Noel Fay from Kildare fished dry olives and mayfly on Sunday last and he finished with 8 (best fish 1.75lbs, all returned). Noel fished again on Monday with local angler Kevin Sheridan and they had 5 good fish, again all on dries (best fish 2.5lbs, all returned).

Mike Donaghy from Scotland releasing a nice trout from Lough Mask.
Mike Donaghy from Scotland releasing a nice trout from Lough Mask.

Mayfly hatches have been reasonable during the week, mainly around the southern end of the lake. There has also been excellent hatches of sedge this week and trout are responding well.

Margaret Gorman from Isham Self-Catering was in touch to report on good fishing for some of their guests. Kevin Doyle and his son Jake, Switzerland and UK fished with us last week. Kevin caught a fine 6lbs trout on the Cong River which he photographed and returned.

Kevin Doyle with a fine 6lbs trout caught on the Cong Rive, which was sportingly released after the photo.
Kevin Doyle with a fine 6lbs trout caught on the Cong Rive, which was sportingly released after the photo.

Later that evening, Jake caught and returned his first trout on Lough Mask. Boats are available for Hire – with or without engine.  For further information on accommodation and angling advice, please contact Margaret Gorman at 094 9546582 or check www.congselfcatering.com

Jake Doyle with his first trout caught on Lough Mask. Jake has got the fishing bug now and is promising to be back for another visit soon!
Jake Doyle with his first trout caught on Lough Mask. Jake has got the fishing bug now and is promising to be back for another visit soon!