Ronan Cusack reports a busy week on Mask this week, as the mayfly gets into full swing. Reports indicate that fly hatches are sparse in most areas, yet trout are actively seeking food close to the surface.
Mike and John from Scotland had a day fishing wet flies with Ronan on Saturday last and finished with 6 trout over the limit, plus numerous undersize (best fish 2lbs, all returned). Howard Smith and fishing buddy Mike from the UK also fished with Ronan for two days this week in rough conditions and finished with 19, all on wet flies. The lads also returned as many more undersize (best fish 3lbs). Regular visitor to Mask Jim Connell fished with Kevin Egan on Monday last and they had 4 on wets (best fish 2lbs, all returned). Eddy Gibbons and Simon Hughes from Tourmakeady had 6 for a day on wets in the Gortmore area (best fish 4.5lbs). Kevin Sheridan guided for Michael Kingdom and Antoine Bellanger on Monday of this week and boated 19 trout, with 12 exceeding the limit (best fish 3.5lbs). Kevin fished for a few hours every day this week and reported good fishing most days.
HF McCloy was in touch to report some good fishing also, very dependent on conditions. One outing in the sunshine produced 5 good fish around the 2lbs mark, in contrast a good wave and a dull day brought 14 good fish to the boat – best fish 2.5lb. Their best fishing was from the Caher Bay and Saints Island areas. HF also reports he is getting married this week, so Mask anglers should watch out for some good fishing tackle going cheap soon!
Overall Mask is fishing well and worth a visit.
