Vincent Appleby reports on the first salmon of the season from Lough Currane to take a fly…

06 February:  There’s two sides to every story and today was a perfect example as the Currane anglers put their skills to the test. We start on North side as the 48 Bells rang out for Local Gillie Mr. Dominic McGillicuddy as he set out for a spot of fly fishing and hoping he would catch the first Salmon on the fly on his 48th birthday. Well his birthday wish was granted with a cracker of a 12 lbs. salmon. So congratulations on the first Salmon caught on the fly in 2019 and Many Happy Returns from all the Currane Anglers and all the good people of Waterville. As Dominic left the Lake he said, “So let the celebrations begin with a few pints in the Lobster Bar” and by all accounts the Beer was flowing faster than the Commeragh River.

Now we head over to the South side, Currane Angler Mr. Paul Hyland of Caherdaniel, was in cracking form, and Paul tells his own story in his words. “Took this great 12 ½ lbs. Salmon on the troll on the South side of the lake in a big wave. I had a mighty fight and  it took me an hour to get it in the boat. It’s not easy when your on your own in those conditions.” And I will say there is no argument to that.

Wind NNW fresh to strong with heavy showers all day. Yesterdays weather, amount of rainfall 15.4 mm. Maximum air temperature 10. 3 c.

That is your ration  from your Gillie and the Waterville Fishery, no spin no fly’s just facts.

Vincent Appleby
www.salmonandseatrout.com

Go fishing…

Vincent Appleby

Eureka Lodge, Caherdaniel West, Co. Kerry.
Telephone: +353 (0)66 9475248
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.salmonandseatrout.com

Waterville Lakes and Rivers Trust

The Waterville Lakes & Rivers Trust, formed by concerned volunteers in 2016, is one of the new Rivers Trusts to be set up in Ireland and is currently aspiring to Charitable Status. Its remit is to protect the fresh and coastal waters of the Iveragh Peninsula.

Find out more and how you can contribute at

Find out more about Lough Currane…

The rivers and lakes of Waterville drain a large catchment and are regarded by many as the foremost Salmon and Sea-Trout fishery in the country. The lake system is well developed with access to boats and guides being readily available to the tourist angler. The Sea-Trout caught here are renowned for their size and quantity. For more details see