It has been a quiet start to the season on Corrib, with only local anglers living within 5km legally allowed to fish. Understandably, this has meant very few boats out, with most people adhering to public health advice and looking out for everyone.

We did get a report in from Robert Moloney, who with his dad Paul has been out fishing the lower lake on a few occasions. With the cold start to the season, trolling small Rapala lures was the order of the day, they met a nice fish between the Friar’s Cut and Sca Island.

Robert Moloney with a cracking 20-inch trout from the lower lake.

Almost at the same time, the second rod went, and they were into two fish! Robert’s fish measured 20 inches, and they estimated it to be 5.5-6lbs, a fine trout! Paul’s fish was not a lot smaller – 5lbs estimated – and taken on a Tasmanian Devil. Both fish were in great condition, and went back strongly.

Paul Moloney with a fine 5lbs fish

 

Like two peas in a pod! Anyone familiar with the lower lake will know these are typical fish for that part of Corrib.

On Saturday they were out again and Robert had a lovely fish of 3lbs 12oz trolling near the Friar’s Cut.

 

A plump torpedo. Look at the condition of that trout!

Robert also mentioned that they saw small hatches of fly on the islands behind Fly Island with sparse olive coloured flies around in the evening, a good sign for the duckfly which should be making an appearance soon.

Well done Robert and Paul. Hopefully we will get a few more reports in over the next few weeks, and with luck the restrictions on travel will be eased and more anglers will be able to fish the lake. Myself included!