Kevin O’Boyle reports from Loughs Conn & Cullin…
Cold and windy weather throughout the week made for some difficult fishing. Persistent south easterly cool winds or north westerly winds hampered fly life on both lakes. Mayfly hatches are slowing down with some Caenis hatches noticeable.
From Murphy’s Boat Hire in south Conn, two groups of anglers had some good fishing while dodging some unpleasant weather. John Flanagan, Austin Finnerty and Mike Sweeney from Loughrea, had some reasonable fishing over two days along the Massbrook Shore and Victoria Bay. A large proportion of the fish were smaller with the biggest approximately 1.5 lbs., all caught on wet mayfly patterns. All trout were released. Liam Mc Hugh and Tom Cooley from Edenderry had approximately 6 trout each to the boat on wet mayflies, all released.
In Cloghans Bay, from Kelly’s Boat Hire, a party of 8 anglers from Cork, led by Reg O’ Keefe, had a mixed few days angling. Tough weather conditions impacted their sport, but overall, they had a good few trout to the boats. The heaviest fish caught was a trout for almost 5 lbs., on an Olive Bumble. All fish were released. One of the party also hooked and lost a salmon after a few minutes. Boats can be hired from Kelly’s Boat Hire by contacting Carmel or Padraig on +353 (0)96 27010.
In North Conn, Ian Wise and John Warren from Crossmolina had some fair fishing along the islands outside Bog Bay. Ian commented that winter is not gone yet with that cold nip in the air. They had a few trout to the boat, best 1.5 lbs. on olives and dabblers.
Ken Mc Loughlin from Castlebar had a trout in Inishlea Bay on a Green Peter, while Padraic Kelly, also Castlebar, had reasonable fishing in Castlehill Bay and released one small trout.
Donal Rafferty from Dublin City had two days fishing with local keen angler Peter Roche. They had some fair fishing along the Brackwansha Shore. They both had a few fish to the boat while Donal caught a 3 lbs. trout, and the following day had a trout of 2.5 lbs. on a Claret Octopus. His best visit ever to Lough Conn! All fish were released.
Lough Conn also reports 10 salmon (mostly grilse) caught on the troll.
