Dan O’Neill reports from Mount Juliet on the River Nore…
The last few months for all were dark unknown times. The light at the end of the tunnel seems to be getting brighter for us as a nation at the moment. My trusty fly rod was re-placed with a paint brush throughout the times of the 2km, and indeed the 5km travel restriction, although once the 20km came in I was lucky enough to be able to fish solo on the River Nore. One thing about the lockdown was I was able to tie up enough flies and nymphs to last a small army of people quite easily through the next few seasons.
The water levels have been quite low dropping to .23 and remaining there for 12-14 days. Rain was quickly taken in by the dry ground, not being given the chance to get into the water systems that needed it just as much. Trout fishing became pleasantly challenging on the long slow flats. Stealth was the only way to go. Treading carefully, watching the position of my shadow became quite enjoyable in a game of cat and mouse with the wary trout of Mount Juliet.
Dry dropper was my method of choice over the past few weeks, again aiming at the flats. A size 22 PTN on a 2.5mm dark nickel tungsten bead worked wonders for me. When overcast I would perhaps go to a size 20 PTN with the same particulars as the size 22. I did use a size 22 olive nymph also which had its days of production. Some lovely trout came to hand mostly on these smaller flies, all released to fight again another day.
Overall this season the trout are in great condition. Fly and nymph life on the river seems to be in a good place. Average trout catches good at the moment with some trout touching 2 pounds showing up.
Limited day tickets are available for morning and evening sessions.
Any advice needed on the fishery feel free to contact me on my details below,
Dan O’Neill
Mount Juliet Estate.
Go fishing…
Mount Juliet House is set on a large estate, which offers private fishing on 2.5 miles of the middle to lower reaches of the River Nore. Mount Juliet Estate offers fishing of the highest quality, just a short stroll away from the Manor House. There is a fishing room on site in the Manor House for your convenience i.e. for storage and drying of fishing equipment. Mount Juliet Estate can also provide the necessary equipment on site if needed.
https://www.mountjuliet.ie/fishing-on-the-estate.html
For any information contact Dan,
Tel: 085 7652751
