Paul Waghorne, of www.lanesboroughangling.ie, got out one last report out before he had to cut short his trip to Ireland this year. We wish him a speedy recovery…
26 May: Those who met me in the last two weeks may have realised I was suffering with a virus resulting in a severe cough*. Some say sleeping in a tent didn’t help, but I enjoy waking up to the sound of nature.
The fishing was difficult to say the least. I know I keep going on about water temperature, but until it went past 13.5C the tench just didn’t seem willing to move in from their winter home to the relative warmth of the stretch. My solitary tench for the week had the bonus of being the best so far this season, although numbers were increasing. Tim Collyer recorded a grand total of 8 with Keith and Clifford Moreley had a combined return of about 8 as well. They may well have caught more after I was forced to go home due to my ill health.
Since returning home, the water on the lake has risen to over 16C, so not surprisingly more tincas have gathered prior to spawning which will probably happen this coming week.
Most visitors to Lanesborough would be happy with 1 specimen, but Keith Moreley was fortunate enough to get two;  rudd of 2lbs 7oz and a tench of 6lbs 4oz.
Specimen rudd
Keith Moreley had a Rudd of 2lbs 7oz
Specimen tench
Keith also had a Tench of 6lbs 4oz. Two Specimens!

Normally, I fish only rivers in Ireland, but last weekend ventured out to explore four very small lakes close to Lanesborough.

These lakes are not on google maps and only visible by google earth or from local knowledge. Everyone of the lakes may produce something special, in fact they probably already have!

If access was a bit easier, these four venues would have been known to many, but on one, it took us the best part of an hour before finding the (only) route to a swim. I can’t wait to get back here to fish again, I convinced they hold special fish? In fact after vacating the swim on the first lake, this was caught.

Rudd or Rudd/Roach Hybrid
Tommy McGee’s Rudd or Rudd/Roach Hybrid weighed in at 4lb 3oz and 3/8oz

Tommy McGee caught this Rudd which was only ounces away from an Irish record. The location will remain a secret to protect the venue from over fishing. There is concern as to whether the fish is 100% Rudd, I believe it is because, as far as we are aware, Roach and Bream are not present in this land locked lake which is of less than 3 acres. Either way, it is still a superb fish and worthy of ‘catch of the year’.

Keep up to date…

For daily updates on the fishing at Lanesborough see Paul Waghorne’s website: http://www.lanesboroughangling.ie/

Biosecurity

Due to the biosecurity risks posed by the Asian Clam populations anglers can only use the specially provided keep-nets, available both sides of the bridge – from the Daybreak Filling Station, Ballyleague and Bridie Holmes Fishing Tackle Shop, Lanesborough.

* It’s not the cough that carries you off, it’s the coffin they carry you off in!