Mayfly well up on Lough Arrow

Mayfly fishing is now well underway on Lough Arrow, with strong hatches reported across the lake throughout the week. While cold northerly winds made conditions challenging at times, anglers still enjoyed some productive fishing.

Fishing out of Dodd’s Boats, Gerry Coyle landed three trout, Michael Martin also had three, while Padraig Kelly caught two and Paddy McGarvey one. From John Hargadon’s boats, Neil Burns from Cavan caught a fine 2lb trout on a Sooty Olive. John Hargadon and his son-in-law Brian Drury also enjoyed success, landing trout up to 2lbs on wet mayfly patterns. They reported excellent mayfly hatches around Lyttle’s, although few fish were rising consistently.

In Ballindoon, Jimmy Frazer and his daughter Sarah Maxwell enjoyed steady sport while dapping, catching fish each day. Meanwhile, caravan park visitors Ken Murray and Graham Brown also experienced good fishing during the week, with Graham landing what was likely the trout of the week — a fish estimated between 5lb and 6lb.

Evening spent-fly fishing has been limited so far due to the persistent cold winds, with many flies remaining in the shoreline trees rather than making it onto the water. However, anglers are hopeful that improving conditions over the coming week will lead to better spent fishing.

Attention now turns to the club’s annual Mayfly Competition, which takes place next Sunday, 17th May.