Dan O’Neill reports again from Southern County Fishing Resort where he was back fishing after all the Rain from Storm Ellen…
With storm Ellen leaving plenty of water behind during the week the river was a little dark, I decided to go to my usual spot when the river I usually fish is out of order. So a trip to southern county Fishing resort it was.
Taking some of the information and knowledge from my recent visit there i spent most of the evening before at the fly vice tying up some new creations. Having found that pheasant tailed nymphs work quite well here I tied some with various different colour beads, some damsel nymphs and the good old trusty bubble head caddis. The bubble head caddis can be very good here; stripped back fast or just cast to feeding fish.
I got to the fishery early and there was plenty of activity on the surface so it was the bubble head caddis up first. In another first for me was I had 3 fish in 5 casts which hasn’t happened to me here before. They were all nice fish from perhaps 2 pounds up to 5 pounds – great fighting fish and in beautiful condition.
It was time for mid morning coffee in the clubhouse and a chat about tactics to try for maybe a larger trout this time. After a chat to Chris and gaining some more information it was time to head for a larger fish.

Using the tactics that Chris had advised and fishing deeper it took only 10-15 mins to meet a larger trout, the fish held bottom just swimming around for a while until it realised it was hooked , after all hell breaking loose for 5-8mins it was nearly time to try and net the fish , seeing brief glimpses of the trout I knew he was larger than most in there , eventually the trout laid on his side and glided towards the bank admitting defeat ,

Some more fish follwed mostly to cdc sedges / bubble head caddis and pheasant tail nymphs. Another great day in Southern County, a place that I find myself getting more frequent cravings for.
Go fishing…
Angling takes place on over 10 acres of water on 3 different lakes and Southern County Fishing Resort prides itself on its Rainbow Trout. The lakes are stocked on regular basis with high quality fish reared in an onsite hatchery. The fresh river water which feeds our lakes supports the life of a range of insects which is a source of natural feeding for the fish. Fish size range from 1.5 lb to 10 lbs.
Southern County Fishing Resort
Milltown, Garryhill, Bagenalstown, Co.Carlow.
For booking enquiries please contact Chris on 0892550585