Peter Driver of Piscari Fly is back with his weekly roundup of the fishing scene
How’s The Fishing?
River Nore
Fishing the Nore at the hurling field for the first time this season was Ricky Croke. The level has dropped right down to 0.5, but is still very cold and holding some of the power caused by the spring floods. The trout are still sitting deeper, but seem to be on the margin of the holes as they come into their summer lies in the faster runs. I was swinging wets, using a sinking tip floating line to bring the flies to the fish, paired with a blue bottle and a beaded kill devil. I had 14 measured to the net within the last hour and a half before dark.
With this warm patch the rivers should really start to pick up.
Pike Fishing on the Shannon – Watershed Report
It was a very busy time off the water this week at Watershed Fly Fishing with final preparations for officially launching the guiding business falling into place.
On Thursday evening I must have had a haggard look about me, or was just poor company in general, as I was ordered to go fishing by my better half. So I did for the last hour of light. The Litttle Brosna called again, and this time I concentrated specifically on dry dropper fishing, varying up bead sizes and distance between the dry and nymph quickly in the beginning until I found a working combination. The fish were in slightly slower water. The combination of visual stimulus and casting an actual fly line makes this method extremely enjoyable.
On Sunday I practiced my tour guide skills on a friend with the historical sites and natural history of the middle Shannon. She and her partner had never fished in their lives, despite this and after a little practice (and me convincing them they actually wanted to try fishing), they were getting out perfectly reasonable casts. 2 pike brought a nice conclusion to a short but enjoyable day on the water.
Monday it was back to hardcore fishing, with two friends joining me in the boat on the Shannon. We hit spots quickly with fly and lures and covered water. I was mildly frustrated with finishing the day with 12 pike landed. Upon reflection it was a bit petulant. We turned a lot of fish and dropped a couple of the nicer ones, if those had come as far as the net it would have been a different story. The guys of course took it in their stride and gave me good natured abuse about the impending 1 star reviews. Time spent with friends on the water is always time well spent.
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 085 7386944 or https://scanner.topsec.com/?d=142&r=show&u=www.watershedflyfishing.ie&t=dd8fed5aa838cbb9528b337dade0a57bf3da4afc
Oughterard 50 Competition
Over the weekend Mark & Roger Fowler travelled to Lough Corrib in Galway for the competition out of Oughterard that’s held every year at the end of March. Mostly focusing on duck fly fishing. Its a 2-man 2 day competition. One person boats whilst other is an angler. The guys planned to go up Friday to practice but were informed of bad weather for Friday. So they travelled up just for the competition days. Mark got a good draw with another angler, where they spent Saturday pulling rather than buzzer fishing due to the very strong gusty winds and big waves. Mark met 5 fish but only fully connecting with 1 fish to bring it to the boat. This was on a Claret Bumble Muddler Hopper. Whilst turning the other fish on fry dabbler patterns and orange style bibio hoppers to represent the duckfly. Roger was drawn with a boatman but had very little luck for the day only finding a small area with fish showing themselves but had no joy connecting with fish. Same report for the day for a lot of anglers with fish hitting hard, but not following and not connecting.
Though a rough day on the lake, still fish were caught with close to 30 fish between 44 anglers caught. Mostly on buzzers for those that found safe fishing grounds away from the wind.
Sunday was final day, Mark drew another good local angler and set out in hunt of big fish to have a chance of doing well in the competition. Heading to a local spot known for minimum 3.5lb trout and bigger. But after many hours in an area with no fish caught, with small hatches of duckfly and odd fish showing themselves, they moved to another bay known for good fish. Mark and his partner fished here for the remaining 2.5hrs and met 4 fish, landing one each in the 2.5lb to 3.5lb class, finding them in the margins on beaded buzzers on the point to combat the winds that picked up later on Sunday. Roger drew the same boatman again and this time headed down the lake towards Annaghdown where they got on Buzzer holes and landed one fish with few other takes to no success.
Great weekend, learning more of the lake according to Mark, seeing old friends and making new ones. A really well-run event and plenty of fun amongst anglers. Great to get an early season competition under the belt and they will definitely be attending again next year. Congratulations to all the prize winners and to Darren Maguire & Gene Haran on their fantastic 1st place win. Well deserved for the time and practice they put in.
River Suir
Luklasz Ryz got out with his Piscari-Fly Venator last week on the fabulous river Suir. Got a couple of lovely trout.
The river is beginning to fish with this lovely weather we are having. So time to get out the rods and get out on the water and enjoy the fishing while we have it.
What’s Coming?
Experience the Magic of Angling at the Irish Spring Angling Fair!
Looking for the perfect way to spend your May Bank Holiday weekend? Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, the Irish Spring Angling Fair at Ardaire Springs Angling Centre , May 3-4, 2025, is an event you won’t want to miss!
Family-Friendly & Fun for All Ages! Bring the kids along for an unforgettable introduction to the world of angling! With plenty of activities designed to inspire young anglers, this is the perfect chance to get them hooked on a new outdoor adventure.
Expert Demos & Talks Learn from some of the best in the business! Get hands-on with live demonstrations, expert talks, and insider tips on everything from fly tying to casting techniques.
Visit the Piscari-fly Stand! Based in Kilkenny, Peter Driver & Mark Driver bring their vast experience from the world of competitive fly-fishing to share with you. From top-quality competition nymphs, Irish lake flies, streamers, and lures, to expert casting instruction and fly-tying knowledge, their stand is a must-visit!
Whether you’re looking to refine your skills, pick up new gear, or introduce the next generation to the joys of fishing, this two-day angling extravaganza has something for everyone! https://irishspringanglingfair.com/
https://irishspringanglingfair.com/
Piscari-fly Club
Back Live this Saturday night at 8.30pm. Tying some more top patterns and sharing top tips so make sure you check it out on Piscari-fly club.
With the seaon opening up we will be back with videos from rivers and lakes and so on during the season. Stay tuned.
Also if you are in the market for some new fishing gear for this coming season we have great discounts for our club members on all fly tying and fly fishing gear.
Check it out at https://club.piscari-fly.com/
About us
Based on the River Nore just outside Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, Ireland. Piscari-Fly is a growing Fly Tying and Fly-Fishing business with a vast amount of experience and knowledge. If there is ever anything I can do to make my service better for you please feel free to suggest it to me and I’ll gladly try my best to accommodate your requests. Thanks again. Peter Driver.
As a small business we depend on the satisfaction of our customers and their word of mouth reference, google reviews are important to our online presence and we sure would appreciate your review. Just head over to this link and give us a quick review.
Thanks for the support, its greatly appreciated.
Peter Driver.
Piscari-Fly, Woolengrange, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, R95 Y860, Ireland, 0879787040
