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Top class tench despite low temperatures and safari adventures

By
Myles Kelly
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Paul Vicary with Tench of 6lb 12oz
Paul Vicary with Tench of 6lb 12oz

Paul Waghorne reports once more from annual fishing pilgrimage to Ireland…

I honestly consider May 2026 to be the coldest I’ve experienced in 35 years of visiting the Irish Midlands. Since my main focus of Roach on the former hot stretch at Lanesborough finished a couple of weeks ago, my intended plan was to target a bag of Bream on the rivers entering the Western Loughs of Mask and Corrib. These smaller waters such as the Cloon River and the Robe all see huge shoals of fish moving into the running water to spawn. The unfortunate downside is the very long drive and keeping bait fresh for a visit.

I had two bashes at the Robe, both unsuccessful with the prolonged wind and rain forcing an early exit from the Cloon. If I were younger and perhaps more disciplined, I would have seen out a four day session bringing Castlegrove Lake near Tuam into the equation. This lake has huge potential, but the very long walk (almost ½ mile) to the best swims is a deterrent to all but the most athletic angler. Steven Keogh and myself both blanked there so it was back to the relative safety net of the Strokestown Lakes to boost morale.

Our next target was a largely reed fringed and potentially virgin water in the Midlands. Getting a boat out proved to be extremely difficult. After a three hour reconnaissance trek around the margins, we opted for two swims which ultimately saw some of the best Tench fishing I’ve ever experienced.

Paul Vicary with Tench of 6lb 12oz
Paul Vicary with Tench of 6lb 12oz

Youtuber Paul Vicary from Kent and Kevin Fawcett from Yorkshire joined up with myself and some friends from Tuam for a joint effort to which most of us caught our intended species. One area produced several fish averaging a little over 3lbs, but the other deeper swims saw many specimens over 6lb with three going over 7lbs. Paul Vicary had the best weighing in (on two sets of scales) at 7lb 12oz, and along with Kevin’s 7lb 2oz, there were about 6 or 7 over 6lbs plus a male of 5lb 15oz which is the biggest Male I’ve seen in Ireland.

The water temperature is barely 14c, so I’m confident that there is a potential record breaking ‘tinca‘ in this water come spawning time. Unfortunately, we will be long gone so will have to see what next year brings.

Whilst fishing, I also note the bird life, and this year I’ve heard (and seen) a Cuckoo at over ten locations. The one missing is the ‘Swift’ which has seen numbers declining at an alarming rate in recent times. At this point of writing (May 14th) I’ve yet to see one!

Onwards and upwards, for my final few sessions, I’m hoping the Inny will see a Roach run worthy of its former glory.

www.youtube.com/paulvicaryfishing

Go fishing…

Lanesboro Angling Centre

Steady hatches and good fishing on the Nore

By
Myles Kelly
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A Nore trout
A Nore trout

Dan O’Neill reports from the River Nore…

In recent days the River Nore has thrown up some nice trout. There were a couple of days where we had some great dry fly fishing. There were many steady hatches, mostly around 11.30pm till 3.30pm then the fishing slowed down a bit. I did find that patterns needed to be small and fished mid to the end of the runs mostly, if the wind picked up we would switch to wet fly tempt some takes that way.

Georges Milan with Trout
Georges Milan with Trout, River Nore

I have mentioned before about watching what’s around you, let nature teach you. Check under the rocks in the river, check riverside cobwebs. I got asked quite a lot over the past week how I decide what size nymph or fly to use. Once you see what’s about then try as best you can to match the size of the fly you’re using with what you see. I do find trout will take a little more freely when the morsel your offering is slightly smaller. I have seen anglers trim a fly a little bit and catch trout that earlier refused that fly. I believe it taps into their inquisitive side.

It also can add to success when we check out water temperatures and what time during the day they peak; this can really narrow down the feeding windows and give you the best chance of success.

Where do I start!!

With the season well under way ! get quite a few people asking me where to start in relation to flyfishing or fishing in general really. It doesn’t have to be expensive but certainly can be if you want it to. Over the past 12 months I have been working with Cadence on an entry level beginner fly rod. I did showcase them at the Irish spring angling fair and will be posting out some more videos in the coming weeks where we will take a closer look. For beginners also there is what I call the experimental route where we can get on the water cost effectively to see if this is what we want to do. As mentioned, these videos will be going out over the next couple of weeks on my Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok accounts.

Matchin what’s Hatchin with Matthew Cooper

I recently spoke to Matthew Cooper. Matthew, like myself, loves all things fly fishing. I sent Matthew some pictures of flies and nymphs to see what he thought, and he sent back a nice simple pattern that we could quite easily tie at home. Mathew will soon be releasing his own newsletter so be sure to check it out

Matthew Cooper's nymph
Matthew Cooper’s nymph

The Hare’s Ear Nymph is one of those tried and tested patterns that simply put fish in the net. Its buggy appearance imitates a wide range of aquatic nymphs, making it effective on almost any trout water.

I usually tie mine on a size 16 wide gape hook. I keep a range of sizes in my box but a 16 has served me well. I don’t add a bead to my fly. If I need extra weight for faster or deeper water, I’ll add some wraps of lead adhesive foil to the shank which allows me to keep the natural buggy look.

Recipe
  • Hook: Size 16 wide gape hook
  • Thread: 8/0 Classic Waxed in tan or dark brown
  • Tail: Pheasant tail fibres
  • Body: Hare’s ear dubbing
  •  Rib: Fine gold wire
  • Thorax: Hare’s ear dubbing
  • Legs and Thorax Cover: Pheasant tail fibres
Find out more about Matthew’s fly tying

Guiding and angling courses

Over the coming months I will be holding classes on fly fishing and course fishing from beginner level up. Fun ways to get involved in fishing, learn more so that you can get out there and catch some fish.

Everything is supplied so if you don’t have the gear and would just like to see if you like fishing before you make the commitment of buying your first fishing rod then contact me on the below details for availability and times.

Trout Fishing Ireland

Address Thomastown Kilkenny Ireland Mobile Phone: +353857652751 Website: Trout Fishing Ireland
More information
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Drama at Kiltybarden for IASCaire Anglers

By
Paul O'Reilly
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This report on a thrilling end to the Spring League from the IASCaire Feeder Fishing Club:

What a way to end the season! Going into the final round, the leaderboard was razor-tight: Sarunas on 6 pts, with Max and Romas breathing down his neck on 7 pts. We knew it would be close, but we didn’t know it would come down to the very last seconds!

The story of the day has to be Samuelis Navickas. At just 14 years old, he drew a peg no one fancied and absolutely smashed it, taking his first-ever league win with over 5 kg. He showed the “older lads” exactly how it’s done—huge congratulations, Sam! Well in, lad!

The margins for the overall title were incredibly slim. Romas managed to pipe Max by just 40g to secure the title, while only 100g separated Max and Sarunas. A tough one to take for those who missed out, but easily one of the most entertaining leagues we’ve ever fished!

TOP 3 OVERALL:

  • 1st Place: Romas Na – 9 pts (15.400kg)
  • 2nd Place: Max Novak – 10 pts (15.130kg)
  • 3rd Place: Sarunas Zenkovas – 10 pts (13.190kg)

A Massive Thank You

As always, a huge shoutout to our main sponsors: Fishing Tackle and Bait.

They are hands-down the best tackle shop in Ireland! David and the team work tirelessly every single day to make sure every angler has exactly what they need. They are true legends of the sport. Make sure to pop in and show them the support they deserve!

Next stop: American Paris 2026 this August! It’s shaping up to be a massive event with over 33 teams and 66 anglers already booked on. See you all there!

Coarse Fishing

 

Charter Fishing in Donegal picking up

By
Shane O'Reilly
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We have a couple of reports of good charter boat fishing in the Donegal area this week:

The guys from Killybegs Fishing Trips report write:

“Great fun out chasing a few species today and yesterday. Great run of cod showing today, and 13 different species today, which included pollock, coalie, pouting, ling, cuckoo wrass, ballan wrass, goldsinney wrass, poor cod, whiting, grey gurnard, dragonet, cod, dab”.
While up in Burtonport, North West Charters write:
The north wind had a bite, a sharp reminder that May in these waters doesn’t always mean warmth. But beneath that restless, grey chop, the sea was alive. Silver flashes of mackerel tore through the swell, running alongside heavy-shouldered pollock and deep-hued coley. Even the stubborn, painted wrasse were out in force. The salt spray stung, and the cold seeped into bones, but the hauls were heavy enough to make a man forget the shiver. By the time the boats turned for home, the crates were overflowing—once again, the ocean had paid its debts in full. How about we lean into the atmosphere of the harbor next, or should we focus on the hectic energy of the catch?

Go Fishing…

North West Charters

Address Burtonport Donegal Ireland Mobile Phone: +353 87 366 7625 Phone: +353 74 9543891 Website: NorthWestCharters.ie
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Killybegs Fishing Trips

Address Killybegs Donegal Ireland Mobile Phone: +353 87 2540190 Website: killybegsfishingcharters.ie
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Five salmon to 10lb off the Bandon last week

By
Eileen Carroll
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River Bandon

The River Bandon saw another few salmon caught last week. Conditions on the river were described as good for the week and 5 salmon were reported caught on spinner and shrimp. The best of these was a 10lb fish.

Go fishing…

River Bandon

Mayfly well up on Lough Arrow

By
Shane O'Reilly
-
Fly are up on Arrow

This post was compiled from angling reports shared on the Lough Arrow Anglers Facebook page:

 

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.

A full report and more photos can be viewed on the Lough Arrow Anglers Facebook Page.

Go Fishing…

Trout fly fishing on Lough Arrow

 

Gerry Madden wins the Malone Cup on Lough O’Flynn

By
Myles Kelly
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Malone Cup, Lough O'Flynn
Malone Cup, Lough O'Flynn

Ryan Cummins, PRO with Lake O’Flynn & District Anglers Association reports on their latest competition…

We had a  great turn out of anglers and we would like to thank all who travelled to attend the competition.

Despite the grim chill of a north wind that swept down the water at daybreak, which looked as if we were in for a quiet and unproductive morning, the fish proved surprisingly cooperative as the hours unfolded, with a few boats getting action from the outset.

As of lunch time there was mixed reviews with some happy faces and some not so but most had smiles all around come the end of the competition with many anglers for filling their quota and most boats wetting their nets by the end of the day.

Heaviest Fish

1st Gerry Madden (2lbs 8oz)

2nd Micheal McDermott (2lbs 4oz)

3rd Ronan Baggot (1lb 8oz)

Heaviest boat catch
  • 1st  Gerry Madden & Feichin McMorrow.
  • 2nd Micheal McDermott & Mark Malone

A massive thanks to Mark Malone and the Malone family for sponsoring this this competition as they have for so many years.

Go fishing…

Lough O’Flynn, Co. Roscommon

Only 1 salmon reported from Currane so far this month

By
Myles Kelly
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Sunrise on the Currane River
Sunrise on the Currane River

Vincent Appleby tells us that after a quite start to the month of May when it seemed the salmon were taking a long bank holiday of their own that a salmon was eventually caught on the 6th of the month. The lucky angler did very well for himself considering that “conditions were pure kat. The sun was blazing down on the lake like it had a personal grudge, and the variable light‑to‑gentle NE wind wasn’t exactly inspiring the fish to rise and shine.”

After that it was quiet again and the sun was the main thing to be reported on…

10/5/2026. Straight to the action, and the action was mostly in the sunscreen department. Just three Currane boats were out today, each one manipulating their skills from the North Shore to the Point of the Grassy, drifting on to the Gray Rock, sliding past the mouth of the Commeragh, and trolling by Holly Island with the bow pointed at the ledge before swinging gently toward the Bull Rock and finally slipping into the Sound. From there it was a straight run for the Major — but sadly, the only thing major was the suntan. By all accounts, the Currane anglers caught nothing but rays and a touch of humility.

Now for today’s Currane anglers weather chart: wind fresh and variable from the NE, accompanied by blazing sunshine that left no mercy for man nor salmon. Yesterday’s weather: rainfall none, maximum air temperature 13.6°C, and 7 hours and 1 minute of pure, unfiltered sunshine.

And I will finish on a fitting note: One Currane angler said he saw a salmon today — but only because the heat had him hallucinating.

In recent days the winds have come up and the lake has been wild at times. Needless to say, we’ve not heard word of another salmon yet. as Vincent put it,

“Just for the record, there were still no reports of any C&R Wild Atlantic Salmon—clearly the fish were taking a day off while the anglers were earning their sea legs.”

For more information on the daily conditions on Lough Currane, all the craic and news be sure to check out Vincent Appleby’s Salmon and Sea Trout blog for regular reports with back dates, petitions, public consultation notices, readers letters and videos and more of what’s happening in Waterville and beyond

Sea Trout – Catch and release only

Inland Fisheries Ireland wishes to remind anglers that the Conservation of Sea Trout (No.7 or Kerry District) Waterville Area Bye-Law No. 971 of 2019 remains in effect. This Bye-law prohibits the retention and possession of any sea trout (Salmo trutta L.) taken by any fishing engine or by rod and line in the Waterville area i.e. that part of the sea eastward of a line drawn from the most westerly point of Bolus Head to the most westerly point of Lamb’s Head and to all the waters discharging in to it.

The Bye-Law mainly affects seatrout fishing on :-

  • the river Inny (Knockmoyle) and its tributaries
  • the waters of the Waterville system, including the Waterville River, Lough Currane, the Cummeragh River and all their tributary rivers and lakes
  • the waters of Ballinskelligs Bay

Go fishing….

Guides and boat hire

Fishing with Dom

Address Spunkane Waterville Kerry Ireland Mobile Phone: +353 87 2051515 Website: https://fishingwithdom.com/
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Fly Fishing on Lough Currane

Address Termons Waterville Kerry Ireland Mobile Phone: +353(0) 87 922 8659 Phone: +353(0) 66 9474146 Website: flyfishingatloughcurrane.com
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Lakelands Farm

Address Lake Road Waterville Kerry Ireland Mobile Phone: +353 87 4160200 Website: lakelandshouse.com
More information
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Neil O’Shea

Address Caherbarna Waterville Kerry Ireland Mobile Phone: +353 87 9942792 Phone: +353 66 9474527 Website: oshealoughcurrane.com
More information
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Old Daly’s Supermarket & Filling Station

Address Murreigh Waterville V23 X459 Ireland Mobile Phone: +353669474842 Website: dalysfoodstore.ie
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Salmon & Sea Trout Fishing

Address Eureka Lodge Caherdaniel West Waterville Kerry V23 XD63 Ireland Mobile Phone: +353 87 2074882 Website: salmonandseatrout.com
More information
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Waterville Boats

Address Spunkane Waterville Kerry Ireland Mobile Phone: +353 (0)87 2202355 Phone: +353 (0)66 9474800
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Brackers draw blank on barren Wicklow beach

By
Shane O'Reilly
-

This post was compiled from angling reports shared on the Ballybrack SAC Facebook page:

Ballybrack SAC fished the third leg of their Master Angler competition on Wicklow North Beach on Sunday, 12th April. A total of 21 senior anglers and three juniors attended, although expectations were low on arrival due to the small tides, excellent weather and the challenge of Wicklow beach fishing in April.

As expected, fishing was tough throughout the day. However, these slower sessions are all part of sea angling and remind anglers of the patience and perseverance required on difficult venues. Wicklow can fish very well, just not ideally in April on small tides — a lesson learned for the organisers. Despite the conditions, some anglers managed to overcome the crabs, test different rigs and land quality fish.

In Zone A, Peadar Taite made the most of an end peg and showed his experience by landing an early plaice along with two more scoring fish to secure the overall win. Sean Hickey finished second with a fine flounder, also winning the flatfish pool, while Martins Matisovs took third place.

Zone B proved even slower, but Ramunas Butkus landed an excellent 54cm bass to win the zone and the round fish pool. In the juniors, Jesse Murphy narrowly beat Sean Keane after both landed sizeable fish. Despite the slow fishing, it was still an enjoyable outing for the Brackers.

A full report and more photos can be viewed on the Ballybrack SAC Facebook Page.

Go Fishing…

Sea Angling on the East Coast

New Ross SAC holding Three Day Open Competition on Hook Head

By
Shane O'Reilly
-

The New Ross & District SAC are hosting their annual three-day open competition on Hook Head at the end of the month. Full details are in the graphic below:

Go Fishing…

Sea Angling from Bannow Bay to Dunbrattin Head

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