February 1st saw the Munster Blackwater open. Unfortunately the river was high and rising on the day. The was heavy and colour was was deep brown. Never the less a good number of anglers turned out to their favourite haunts. Fishing was done in respect of opening day rather than in any real hope of catching a salmon. For most it was all about the ceremony and marking the moment.  Many toasted the river with a nip of something strong while others took a moment to pray for a good season, old friends and safe returns of both salmon and fishermen alike.

Blackwater
Fort William’s Senior House Ghillie Chris Coady with his first casts of 2019.

Conditions improved over the weekend and the water levels fell back and the sun shone brightly.  A few kelts were met and landed at Blackwater Salmon Fishery and Ballyduff Bridge and Paul Hanely reported losing a fresh springer at Ghaira (http://salmonfishingireland2012.blogspot.com/) but in the last couple of days rain has brought the river back up and fishing has become difficult again.

kelt
Noel at Blackwater Fishery about to release a well mended kelt.

Go Fishing…

Fortwilliam Fishery & Self-Catering Cottages

Fortwilliam Fishery offers two miles of double bank salmon and trout fishing over five beats on the river Blackwater.
Our salmon include – Springers, May Salmon, Grilse, Back End Salmon, and in Summer sea trout.
Our beats provide a wide variety of water, suitable for both beginners and the more experienced fishermen.
Fortwilliam Fishery, Glencairn, Lismore, Co. Waterford, Ireland
Web: www.fortwilliamfishing.ie Email: [email protected]
Tel: (00353) 87 8292077 or 058 75299

Blackwater Salmon Fishery

Blackwater Salmon Fishery has 3 beats downstream of the weir and 2 upstream of the weir. Blackwater Salmon Fishery offers fishing on approximately 5 miles of the river Blackwater. The fishing is spread throughout the middle section of the river to offer good sport throughout the fishing season. Due to the location of the beats, fishing can still usually be offered in low or high water.
Contact Glenda Powell: Lismore, Co Waterford,
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: +353 (0) 872351260 Telephone: +353 (0) 5853929
Web: www.blackwatersalmonfishery.com

Ballyduff Bridge Salmon Fishery
Ballyduff Bridge fisheries control a number of beats of the Munster Blackwater. The Ballyduff Bridge beat is almost a mile long offering a huge variety of water and is particularly suited to fly fishing. Upstream near the village of Ballyhooley (a few miles outside the town of Fermoy, Cork) we have two beats. The Ballincurrig Beat is one of the most beautiful locations along the river and has an excellent piece of fly water flowing into a deep pool. Just downstream on the opposite bank we have a short but productive beat, called Magners. This beat fishes also well in high water.

Contact  Conie Corcoran:
Ballyduff, Co. Waterford.

Tel: +353 (0)586 0146
Mobile: +353 (0)87 720 5690
Web: www.blackwatertroutandsalmon.ie

The Munster Blackwater…

For more information about salmon fishing on the Munster Blackwater please see the following page with a list of all the fisheries