The west of Ireland bathed in sub-tropical conditions over the last few days, with the temperature gauge reaching 28 degrees on several days. The hot weather has probably brought mayfly hatches to a gradual finish, after what was generally reckoned to the best mayfly season for many years. Despite cold northerly winds for much of the period, mayfly hatches were very prolific, and angling was excellent for the most part, with some exceptional catches reported.
Eamon Walsh reports that the bright sunshine and warm weather threw up a diverse week from a trout anglers point of view. Certain areas of the lake had rich pickings for those brave enough to battle the sunshine . The best of the fishing was enjoyed at the beginning of the week, prior to the temperatures rising, with some large hatches of mayfly in some areas.
Enda Browne had 2 nice fish in the early days of the week on dry mayfly, Enda also landed a 10.5lbs pike to the same fly pattern! Martin Murphy had 2 fish, the best of which was 2lbs, on the natural mayfly while fishing in the Greenfields area. Frank and Joe Kilfoyle had 4 trout for 6.5lbs to wet fly also in the Greenfields area. Meanwhile, the David Williams party had 11 trout over 3 days, most were released, including a nice fish of 3.5lbs while fishing out of Salthouse Bay near Cross.
Over the weekend there was still plenty of fly life on the water but trout activity had slowed dramatically, with 40 anglers recording a total of 9 trout in the annual Cornamona Mayfly competition on Sunday. Gerry McDonald took first place as well as heaviest fish, with 2 fine trout.
Tommy Kelly reports that fishing in the Oughterard area and on the lower lake is still providing plenty of activity for anglers. The Dublin Amateur Dapping Society had a few great days based out of Lakeland Angling Center, Eden Brophy, Peter Bragain and Peter Kidney each had 9 fish, and David Richards had 5. Noel Kerins and Paddy Curran from Banagher had 8 trout also fishing from Lakelands.
To book fishing or accommodation at Lakeland call 091 552121 or visit www.lakelandanglingcentre.com
Two visiting French anglers, Gabby Bonnaud and Gerald Ratu, clamed to have their best year yet, with 38 trout, the best of which was 3.5lbs, for a week’s fishing at Corrib Wave house, Oughterard.
Corrib Wave can be contacted on 091 552147 or on www.corribwave.com
At Currarevagh House, Paul Coridia and a friend had 14 trout for 4 days, their best day being Wednesday when they boated 9 trout for an estimated 15lbs. Many of these trout were caught in bays which in recent years were unfishable due to the Lagarosiphon Major infestation, but since the removal and covering program was introduced these bays have once again become a hive of activity for trout and consequently anglers.
Currarevagh House is at 091 552312 or online at www.currarevagh.com
At Ardnasillagh Lodge, Basil Shields and Tom Coyle had some excellent fishing, to the extent that both hooked fish of over 7 and 5 lbs at the same time on one outing. Joe Murphy also had 4 fish for one day the best being of 4.5lbs.
Basil Shields can be contacted on 091 552550 for guiding and accommodation.
As the mayfly trout activity may have slowed during the day in some areas, anglers may be more likely to have success with some evening fishing as the sun sets and temperatures drop back. Anglers might be encouraged to try spent mayfly or sedge pattern to lure trout to the surface. A lot of anglers are engaging in trolling for ferox trout during the fine weather to great success.
Salmon fishing is also worth a try during this period as more are reported to be seen in the lake. It is important to remember that a licence is needed when fishing for salmon, any salmon caught and kept must be tagged and details entered into the anglers log book. A daily bag limit of 3 salmon is in operation from the 12th of May to 31st of August. Licenses can be purchased on line at: www.salmonlicences.ie
