David Tantrum reports on the opening of the new facilities at Knockaderry…
Waterford Senior hurling manager Derek McGrath on Saturday April 29th opened Waterford City and County Trout Anglers Association’s new harbour complex at Knockaderry reservoir near Kilmeaden Co Waterford. Carrigavantry reservoir was opened in 2012 and Knockaderry was the second part of the development of the Waterford reservoirs for fly fishing.
These modern facilities include a safe harbour with mooring for fourteen boats, club house, canteen, toilets and a mooring for a wheelchair boat. The car park and surrounds have been landscaped and made accessible to people with disabilities. Waterford LEADER, Inland Fisheries Ireland, and the club, co-funded these developments, costing 350,000 euro.
Claire Connors of Waterford LEADER praised the development and said these were the kinds of projects that LEADER was looking to support. Suzanne Campion of Inland Fisheries Ireland pointed out that anglers were the highest spenders of all tourists and was delighted to hear of the numbers of visitors that the two developments had brought to the area.
John O’Leary, Chairman of the Comeragh Council said that developments like this, together with the opening of the M9 to Kilmeaden, the Waterford Greenway and the Copper Coast area project would put East Waterford on the map.
Michael Sheehan, on behalf of the club, used this opportunity to present the Nadine Cancer Trust Fund with a cheque for 3000 euro. This was on top of the 7000 raised last year. Over the last three years the members have raised 18,000 euro for charity. He said that they were delighted to hand back something to the community that had supported their work. Mary Quigley, representing Waterford Council, talking with Gary Falconer, the architect for the development, thought that this project should help to bring more people into the countryside.
Out fishing for the day were Dr Ken Whelan, fishing expert and author, Tony Brown and Brian Green, the well-known Waterford hurlers. Jason O’Riordan, Club IT officer was their guide, and they caught and released trout up to 4 lbs in weight, and said they could not wait to come back again for some more fabulous fishing.
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
To place a booking…
David Tantrum,
Waterford City and County Trout Angling Association
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 051-384428 – Pat Smith (Treasurer) + Wheelie Boat Bookings
