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Dan O’Neill’s advice on early season river tactics for fly anglers

By
Myles Kelly
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fly

Dan O’Neill reports from the Nore:

Wow, so we are well on the way into the trout season here on the river Nore, Water is quite high and has shown sign of being “perfect” however the Irish weather has had some different ideas. Now we all know as anglers the famous saying “The pessimist complains about the wind, the optimist expects it to change, the realist adjusts the sails” now let’s change the word wind to water. We have needed to change our approach a little which is no harm, what did we change to though. As an angling guide it’s my job to “adjust the sails” meaning do what I have to in order to get the client a fish. I have been pulling streamers one day and the very next day swinging wets. I have found switching tactics and moving along the river is key.

fish on

I have had some lovely trout at peak water temperature times. The water was peaking at 1pm and I found 90mins before nymphs worked well and 90mins after wet flies worked well. Streamers were most productive early morning or later in the evening when trout moved into the shallows hitting minnows. Working the river this way ment that I was targeting different fish feeding windows as some were on nymphs/flies and some hitting fry/minnows. Quite a strategy or “Strat” as Anthony says.

trout on fly

For this type of fishing this time of year or when we need to adjust the sails, what do we need? I use the 9ft 5wt Cadence csm rod, it covers me for all the above mentioned. On the reel is a floating line, also Cadence, then a polyleader, for when I’m using streamers. This helps to get them down in the water. The polyleader I mostly use sinks at 3 inches per second. This information will be available on the polyleader packet. I also speak about them on my Facebook and Tik Tok livestreams where we answer questions live on all things fishing.

another Nore trout

So that has been mostly what I have been doing on the fishing front, changing methods and strats to see what the fish would like, each day has been different which is always good, it makes for very interesting fishing.

Something to listen to 

For those of you who listen to podcasts i was lucky enough to be on The Fly Culture podcast with Pete Tyjas,if you’d like to listen then the link is below, I speak about where it started for me and even give some casting tips.

Dan O’Neill – Fishing, Guiding and Life

Upcoming fly fair

The Irish Spring angling fair at Ardaire springs is just around the corner and i am delighted to be demonstrating at the show this year again. I will be showcasing the Cadence Predator range 9ft 9wt and 9ft 10wt as well as an exciting new predator line the predator range was designed by Ian Gordon. I will also be showcasing the new entry level range from 5wt to 7wt.I have been fishing with them for a while now and enjoy using the rods. It was important to keep the versatility in the rods which is something you are all sick of me talking about I’m sure. Hoping to see you all at the spring angling show, feel free to pop by the Cadence fly fishing or Apgai Ire for a chat with me about all things fishing.

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
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Online draw for ‘brown tags’ for Roughty River, Co. Kerry

By
Myles Kelly
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roughty brown tag draw

First 2026 draw open until April 30

Inland Fisheries Ireland is running a lottery for ‘brown tags’ associated with Kerry’s Roughty River.

Brown tag regulations apply to the Roughty River catchment until August 31st, 2026, after which the catchment will revert to catch and release only fishing until the season ends.

Anglers who win a brown tag via the lottery draw can catch and keep a wild Atlantic salmon, or a sea trout, caught at the river.

Entries to the first draw can be submitted until midnight on Thursday April 30, via this webpage. The first draw will take place on Thursday May 5th.

For more information and to enter visit https://www.fisheriesireland.ie/online-draw-for-brown-tags-on-roughty-river-co-kerry

A good spring salmon caught on Sunday, but otherwise quiet on Currane

By
Myles Kelly
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lough currane

Vincent Appleby reports from Waterville:

8/4/2026 The Currane anglers were all quiet in all departments today. Not a stir from fly, troll, or spin — the lake kept its secrets, and the rods stayed silent. Weather on the Day – a gentle, variable breeze moved across the lake, starting WNW, then veering W, and finally settling WSW. There was good cloud cover, with the sun breaking through at times, giving the lake that classic April mix of light and shade.

9/4/2026 Four boats out, not a single Salmon to show for it. When the fishing is kat, the commentary gets even better.

Weather on the Day

  • Wind: WNW, fresh to strong
  • Cloud cover: Good, with occasional breaks
  • Showers: Light and scattered
  • Yesterday’s rainfall: 1.4 mm
  • Max air temperature: 12.4°C

A proper Currane mix — enough wind to ruffle tempers and enough cloud to keep hope alive, even if the fish didn’t get the memo.

10/4/2026 A wild day on the lake. Winds began SSE before veering SSW, blowing hard at 54–59 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 82 km/h. Heavy rain dominated from morning to evening — your estimate of 30 mm or more is entirely believable given the conditions.

As one seasoned Currane angler put it, “Today was a day for the high stool.” Hard to argue with that.

11/4/2026 Just one Currane boat out on this wild day, sadly their lines were slack throughout the day. The Currane anglers weather chart, wind Near Gale to Gale, wind speeds 10 am 47/km/h gust 63km/h, 1 pm 56km/h gust 71km/h, 4pm 59km/h gust 77km/h.

12/4/2026 Celebrated German Angler’s Memorable Catch on Lough Currane. Today Lough Currane was graced by the presence of the well-known German angler, Mr. Axel Zurbrugg. Under the expert guidance of Gillie Mr. Neil O’Shea, Axel added another highlight to his illustrious fishing career by reeling in a magnificent 10-pound salmon. It was a perfect day of finesse and skill on the water, Currane Anglers Weather Chart: A fresh breeze to a moderate wind from the WNW, later veering W. Good cloud cover throughout the day, with bright sunshine breaking through at intervals, followed by classic April‑style showers drifting across the lake.

13/4/2026 Just two Currane boats ventured out today, and sadly their lines stayed slack from start to finish. With no action to report from the lake itself, it’s straight to the Currane anglers’ weather chart.

  • Wind: South, gentle to moderate
  • Cloud Cover: Reasonable throughout, with the sun breaking through at intervals

A mild, mixed day that looked promising at times but didn’t translate into fish movement.

14/4/2026 Just two boats ventured out on the lake today, and despite their best efforts, all lines remained slack. With the fishing quiet, it’s only fitting that we cast our attention to a far more important catch.

On behalf of all Currane anglers from every corner of the globe, heartfelt congratulations to Michael and his good wife Nuala on their 60th wedding anniversary. Now that is the catch of the day — a remarkable milestone and a great achievement by any standard.

May their nets stay full of joy and their boat steady on the waters of life.

Today’s Currane weather chart, wind a Gentle Breeze SSE veered S, followed by light to heavy rain at times.

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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Sea Anglers Community Meet at Inch Beach – All Welcome

By
IFI Staff
-

The Irish Angling Adventure Community is a new group set up by James Raymond of Irish Angling Adventures, with the aim of organising friendly meetups at various fishing venues around the south and west coasts. These are a great opportunity for new, or returning anglers, to meet fellow enthusiasts, pick up some tips and enjoy a few hours fishing in the company of new friends.

The next meetup has now been scheduled for Thursday, April 23rd, at Inch Beach, Co. Kerry. Meeting between 1900-1930, fishing 1930-2330 or so. Details bel;w for anyone interested…
If you have any friends or know anyone that would be interested in joining don’t forget to share the page with them so that they can stay up to date.

Join In

If you fancy joining the community, and fishing a new venue, learning a few new tricks, or just meeting some likeminded anglers, check out the Facebook page here, or for those not on Facebook, check out Irish Angling Adventures, where you can sign up for email updates from James.

Henk Roskam wins The O’Callaghan’s Festival on Inniscarra

By
Myles Kelly
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Inniscarra TDL report on the three day The O’Callaghan’s Festival…

With a full payout prize fund of €1,955 up for grabs, including daily top 3s and section winners, it proved to be a rewarding festival for most involved. Out of the 17 anglers competing, only two were unlucky not to pick up a prize over the three days.

There could only be one winner though and the O’Callaghan’s Festival title goes to ever-consistent Dutch feeder angler Henk Roskam. A well-deserved winner!

Henk secured the win with 39.440kg, finishing an impressive 4kg ahead of runner-up Rimantas Kondrackas on 35.160kg, who also claimed victory in the Saturday Open. Third place went to Marcin Bobka with a total of 30.770kg

Over the three days, anglers experienced variable, mostly overcast weather conditions, with Cable Buoys proving the hardest of the sections.

Go fishing…

With Daily flights from the UK and Holland to Cork, and regular flights from many other countries it no hardship to find your way to Inniscarra.

Inniscarra Lake TDL

Inniscarra Lake TDL are affiliated to the National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland, NCFFI the National Governing body for coarse and predator fishing and casting. www.ncffi.ie

For details of the all the events, venues and more, a downloadable copy of the events calendar, 2020 festival results and a directory of angler friendly accommodation in the local area please visit www.ncffi.ie/inniscarra-angling.

Ciaran Fogarty takes the win at latest South Shore SAC match

By
Shane O'Reilly
-

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

A breezy afternoon set the scene for a Southshore competition at Arklow South Beach, a key venue on the East Coast Match Circuit. Despite seemingly poor conditions for shore angling, including small tides and bright sunshine, the beach produced strong results, with fish appearing from the first cast and anglers regularly landing doubles and trebles, mainly whiting along with some dogfish and flatfish.

In Zone A, Thomas Keogh and Jim O’Brien led a closely fought contest, with Keogh targeting higher-scoring dogfish and O’Brien consistently catching whiting. Both anglers finished with 15 fish, with Keogh taking the zone win, while Dave Cottell secured third place with 11 fish. Rob Moore also remained competitive throughout.

Zone B saw an early lead from Eamonn Bermingham, who successfully targeted dogfish at distance. However, Ciaran Fogarty soon matched and surpassed this effort, consistently landing fish to secure both the zone and overall win with 21 fish. Alby Allan staged a late surge with several double dogfish catches, finishing second in the zone with 18 fish, narrowly ahead of Bermingham.

A notable subplot involved Gordy Hardman, fishing the “Golden Peg” and opting for an unconventional approach using worm bait to target bass and flatfish. His strategy nearly paid off when he landed a 21cm dab, putting him in contention for a pool prize. However, in the closing stages, Tony Kelly landed a decisive 30cm flounder, ultimately claiming the pool and denying Hardman a significant win.

The remaining pool prize went to Dave Cottell with a 26cm whiting. Overall, the competition proved highly successful, with strong catches across both zones and impressive performances despite challenging conditions.

A full report and more photos can be viewed on the South Shore SAC Facebook page:

Go Fishing…

Sea Angling on the East Coast

Darren Connolly wins Upper Erne Predator Challenge

By
Shane O'Reilly
-

The Upper Erne Predator Challenge concluded for another successful year, marking its 13th edition with record participation. Due to high demand, entries were capped at 60 boats, and the growing popularity of the event allowed organisers to extend the prize fund down to 20th place.

Darren Connolly claimed first place, winning £2000 after landing an impressive 114.5cm pike early on the second day—an effort that ultimately secured an unbeatable lead. Cormac Hanna finished second with a 105cm pike, earning £1000, while Dean Connolly took third place with a strong late catch in a closely contested competition.

Improved weather conditions raised the standard, with anglers needing fish over 87cm to compete effectively; more than 25 fish exceeding this length were recorded. Junior angler Brandon Gleeson also stood out, landing a notable 98cm pike and earning special recognition.

In addition to cash prizes, the top three competitors received tackle prizes sponsored by Apex Fishing Tackle. The event’s success was supported by the efforts of Share Discovery Village, Joe McDermott, and the Upper Lough Erne Anglers Club team, whose organisation ensured the smooth running of the competition.

Overall, the event demonstrated continued growth and success, reflecting the dedication of its organisers, participants, and

30 tench for 100lb, great start to an angling holiday

By
Myles Kelly
-
tench

Paul Waghorne is back once again on his annual angling pilgrimage to Ireland…

I’ve

never started my Irish spring campaign with that elusive ‘ton’ but last Wednesday that is exactly what I achieved. Enroute to Lanesborough, I caught 30 Tench to 4lb 11oz plus 52 Rudd on a little fished (un-named) lake near Longford.

Total Tench weight – 100lb 11oz plus about 8lb of Rudd. I weigh and release all fish individually so that total is very accurate.

tench
A small part of Paul’s 100lb haul of tench

It maybe all downhill from now on [Hopefully not – Ed.] but I managed to add a further seven the next morning in a short two hour session before the wind made conditions on the 9m pole very difficult.

On Thursday afternoon, I arrived very tired at Lanesborough to find the water temperature an attractive 9.4°C. I didn’t fish but some friends from the Tuam area were catching Roach up to well over a pound, the best, although un-weighed was probably 1lb 8oz. Pike were quite aggressive taking the Roach whenever possible.

My first Shannon test the next morning saw just 3 Roach and a Trout in horrendous conditions and since then I haven’t seen a fish! The water temperature dropped to 8.8°C and has since recovered to a shade over 9°C. For now at least, I’ll have to wait for the seasonal Roach run to commence.

Spring Fishing Report From Delphi

By
IFI Staff
-

Fishery manager David McEvoy has updated us with news from Delphi on the season to date… 

 

Apologies to all for not updating you sooner. We’ve been flat out here between one thing and another and when you’re in this business it’s not easy for me to get some quiet time to put my writing cap on; I almost need to lock myself away from all outside distractions.

Well, it’s good to be able to report that our off season this year passed off peacefully from a weather perspective, in that there were no massive floods or storms. October, November and December proved to be wet, but nothing out of the ordinary for Delphi. 2025 was a wet one here, with 3056.9mms(120.35”); so, there was plenty of water for fish and particularly Sea Trout to spawn. Despite the poor angling season, our brood stock collection was more productive than expected with just under 400 fish caught, including some lovely MSW females, so thankfully we were able to strip enough 1SW and MSW fish to keep us going. Stripping the fish normally starts the first week in December and continues right up to Christmas Eve and sometimes into the New Year. Once that’s over the process of counting them and minding them begins. We also clip our pre-smolts in January and there are 4 woodcock shoots thrown in just to keep us on our toes.

And then, before we know it the 1st of February is upon us and we’re fishing again. The wet weather from last year has continued into 2026 and we have had plenty of water so far. We had good fishing pressure in February, all on the River, with a few trying the Stream on Finlough. Our first fish was landed on the 12th of February by Westport’s Champion Angler and one of our Ghillies, Toby Gibbons. The fish was approx. 9lbs and was taken in the Waterfall on a Tosh tube. Needless to say Toby was delighted to have landed the first of the Delphi season; well done Toby. There were one or two other fish met but no more landed. Our February total was 1, which was disappointing, given the water conditions but bearing in mind last year’s poor Grilse returns, not totally unexpected.

March turned out to be more productive with 11 landed. Werner had two in the first week, the first of approx. 9lbs from the Meadow on a Night Star and the second From the Rock of approx. 7.5lbs, again on a Night Star. Alan Molloy had  one of approx. 10.5lbs from the Waterfall on the 11th on a Tosh and Russell Whiteman followed this up on the 12th with a fish of approx. 8lbs from the Rock on an Elverine. There was a lull then for 11days till a very experienced group returned in week 13. There were 6 landed for the week, with Werner first on the score sheet on the 23rd with a fish of approx. 14lbs from the Whin Pool on a Nightstar. Heidi had one the following day from the New Island of approx. 9lbs on a Willie Gunn and followed up on the 25th with another of approx. 9.5 from Cooleens on the Willie Gunn. Heinz also had one from the Rock Pool of approx. 8.5lbs on a Collie Dog. Urs landed the first off Finlough on the 27th of apptox 7.5lbs on a Red Francis. Werner finished the week off the following day with another of approx. 8.5lbs on a Delphi Collie.

David Swaine had the 2nd fish off Finlough on the 31st of approx. 10.5lbs from the Stream on a Gary Dog. That brought our March total to 11. We have 2 landed so far in April, with Colin Lynam having the first, of approx. 10.5lbs from the Rock Pool on a Posh Tosh on the 2nd and Mauricio Gordillo had a fish off the Stream on Finlough on the 5th of approx. 5.5lbs on Delphi Collie. We have great water at the moment after Storm Dave, which wind wise didn’t really materialise to anything much here, although rainfall amounted to 50.5mms(1.98”), which has topped the system well up. There’s bits of availability here and there so if anyone is interested just give us a call. Take care all and I’m sure I’ll be updating you in the next few weeks when the Cuckoo arrives.

D.McEvoy

 

Go fishing…

At Delphi Lodge, with many years of experience with the timing of the best runs of fish, we have in place a price system that offers both great value fishing and lets our anglers know when they have the best chance to catch a fresh run spring salmon or a summer grilse or Delphi sea trout.

Delphi Fishery
Delphi Lodge, Leenane, Co. Galway.
Tel: +353 (0)95-42222 Email: [email protected]
Web: www.delphilodge.ie

Delphi

 

Irish Angling Update 🎣 10 April 2026

By
IFI staff
-

The past week gave some of us a taste of the more pleasant side of an Irish spring, as temperatures managed to climb to between 16°C and 18°C on Tuesday and Wednesday in parts of the midlands and east. Light southerly winds and overcast skies completed the mix, making for good fishing conditions for those anglers who could get to the water. Unfortunately, blustery conditions are to return this weekend, as the cold, wet April showers resume once again to hopefully bring us May flowers…

We start with pike fishing this week, where we have some nice reports from around the country. April is normally a fine month for pike fishing, as the water warms up and fish are feeding again after spawning. On Blessington Lakes, lure crafting enthusiast Artem Novikov landed a good pike on one of his many home-made lures. His YouTube channel is well worth a visit to see how to make a makeshift pike lure! Regular visitors to Melview Fishing Lodge enjoyed their pike fishing trips, with water levels finally returning to near normal in Longford and a lot of mid-doubles landed to both deadbaits and lures.

Newbridge District Pike Anglers held their second competition of the year, with 13 fish landed, including two impressive river specimens weighing 21lb 4oz and 21lb 11oz. Bigger again was the super pike landed by Artur Pike Seeker at 112 cm on the measuring mat. In the midlands, Mick Flanagan welcomed regular visitor Stefano back along with his pal, Antonio. The fish were feeding hard, and Stefano’s colourful fly selection was too tempting for any pike to resist!

Coarse clubs fishing their matches found the going tough with the cold, windy weather. The seventh outing of the Leinster Qualifiers 2025/26 took place on Sunday, the venue changing to Daingean due to weather warnings. In Cavan, the CM Lakelands club also found the going tough, but there were some decent skimmers caught in a number of the pegs on Annaghhierin.

In trout fishing news, returning swallows greeted the Lough Arrow Anglers as they departed from Flynn’s Pier on their opening day of April 1st. Conditions were generally favourable during the first half of the day, with several trout caught before the afternoon brought a drop in temperatures. The Loughanure Anglers in Donegal will be hosting their first event of the season this Sunday. The event will be an open competition, with an entry fee of €25, and new members are very welcome to join on the day.

In salmon news, the Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Timmy Dooley, has signed the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations, setting out the rivers on which salmon and sea trout angling may take place for the 2026 season. This legislation came into effect on Friday, 3 April 2026. While we did hear that a salmon or two have been landed on the Munster Blackwater, there have been no more reports of fish caught from Lough Currane.

In saltwater, Killala B&S held the Connaught Open Gold Medal Shore at Lacken Strand, Co Sligo. Eighteen anglers travelled from around the country for the day, but it was Fionn O’Higgins who took the honours after a slow start. In other competition news, Howth Sea Angling Club are hosting the second leg of the Leinster Shore League on Portmarnock Beach on Saturday, 18th April.

Colin Reilly – longest fish

Offshore, young angler and citizen scientist Darragh Wilson caught a Mulroy Bay monster that he surely wasn’t expecting. While fishing for thornback rays as part of the Marine Sportfish Tagging Programme, Darragh managed to land a massive 8 lb 6 oz lobster off Kerrykeel. This fine specimen was returned to the sea alive and Darragh wins our Catch of the Week for this unusual catch!

In other news…

The Munster Fly Fishing Fair will be held this weekend, April 10 & 11, at Clonanav Fly Fishing in Co. Waterford. Fly anglers are invited to come and see fly fishing and fly tying demonstrations from world-renowned anglers and fly tyers.

And now the weather…

The weather will be unsettled over the weekend into early next week, with frequent rain, showers, and strong winds. Friday will be wet and windy with heavy rain at times and a risk of flooding, especially in the south, with cool temperatures of 6 to 10°C. Rain will clear overnight, followed by colder conditions with lows of 0 to 4°C.

Saturday will be windy again, starting bright in the east before turning showery nationwide, with some heavy showers bringing hail, thunder, and possible wintry falls on higher ground and temperatures of 7 to 10°C. Similar blustery conditions will continue through the weekend, with a mix of sunny spells and heavy showers. Sunday night will turn colder with frost and icy patches.

Monday will start mostly dry and bright, but showers will move in from the west before easing later in the day. Overall, it will remain cool, windy, and changeable.

Don’t forget to double-check the forecast before heading off, and if you’re going to sea, check the tides.

Safe fishing to all and tight lines, especially here in Ireland.

IFI Staff
Catch, Photo, Release

If you have an angling story to share with the Irish Angling Update, please send it to [email protected]. 

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