Johannes Bulfin of Watershed Fly Fishing was in touch and sent in a great report…
After a busy time of guiding and teaching on stocked stillwaters, it was time to get out and enjoy some fishing for myself.
The “Croneen” have arrived and there is a real buzz of excitement and anticipation around the town of Birr, as anglers seem to materialise out of nowhere! The early summer floods have helped the fish spread out right through the whole system.
I headed out to find a few shoals, which I did. As I lifted into a fish I immediately judged it to be a good one, it didn’t give an inch, instead it stayed very deep and took off on a determined run. I applied intense side pressure (too much) as it was headed straight for the roots of a tree. My tippet burst and the line came back sickeningly slack and I was reminded why I should beef up the tippet for these fish. It left me wondering what size the fish was, my largest last year was over 20inches, this one felt better than that but then again the ones that get away always do.
I landed several fish up to 14 inches afterwards, including two double shots of smaller resident fish. But I kept replaying the big fish scenario over and over in my mind. The fishing was exceptional and I knew I was acting a bit spoiled by concentrating on the one that got away…
I did head out again soon after, and succeeded in landing two Croneen. There appears to be a lot of exceptionally good sized fish this year.
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 at +353 (0)85 7386944 or info@watershedflyfishing.ie
