Yesterday may have been St. Valentine’s Day, but for many anglers in the west of Ireland, it might as well be called Fishmas Eve. Because February 15th is the eagerly-awaited traditional opening day of the season on Lough Corrib. Four and a half months after the last season finished, but it can seem an awful lot longer! Today is the day trout anglers have been looking forward to all winter…
To mark the day, we dug out an old video – Corrib Seasons: Spring (Part 1) tells the story of spring fishing on the lough. Well-known angler and guide Roy Pierce is the main protagonist, and duckfly fishing in March is the main focus.
It’s an old video so of you may notice the lack of lifejackets – in these more enlightened times that’s a much rarer sight, and not a welcome one! If you’re going out on the lough this year, don’t forget yours. It’s the law now!
Conditions this year were relatively benign, a mild overcast day with light to moderate southwest breezes and the odd passing shower. Perfect early spring fishing conditions.
What a start
Angling guide Jasper Mathews was on the lough this morning with friend Ian, and by 11.30 they had probably the fish of the season in the net! Trolling for ferox is particularly productive in early spring, and this cracking fish took a trolled lure after just an houor or so of fishing. Estimated at 15lbs+, just look at that beautiful specimen. No, not you Jasper!
So, we’re off! A new year, a new season, and we wish all anglers good luck and tight lines. Reports and photos are always welcome here at [email protected] so please feel free to send on any good news.
