Angling guide Johannes Bulfin reports on some super Croneen fishing in the midlands:
“The Croneen fishing has been really good this summer. I’ve put a lot of time into finding the subtle things that have turned out to make an enormous difference. A hotspot colour, bead size/colour or even just the spacing between flies can make a remarkable difference. Not to mention obvious elements such as leader length, tippet diameter, water levels and time of day. Success is rarely random.
I’ve been fortunate to be able to guide many people to their first Croneen on the fly this summer, and the usual reaction is “Wow!!”. A comparitively large fish hooked in tight spaces on a fly rod doesn’t always end in the angler’s favour though! But when it does, there is a sense of admiration and awe.
I had a few days’ break in guiding and made the most of it by getting out fishing myself. A good sign that I enjoy what I do is when I turn up to “work” even on my days off. The fishing was exceptional, with many good fish landed on several different methods. I also hooked and lost an absolute dream Croneen, which must have been over 5lbs. Having landed several fish over 3lbs this year, I believe I have my bearings in terms of guestimating its size. The fish took the fly right in front of me and, after several head shakes, left me trembling in shock.
Im looking forward to getting out again as soon as possible.
Watershed Fly Fishing is a full time professional guiding service specialising in pike fly fishing operating from Banagher, Co. Offaly. In season we also guide for trout on the Shannon tributaries. Get in touch to make your own memories.
