The annual Carrigallen Angling Festival took place last week with 50 anglers taking part. Venues fished included Connolly Shore Garadice, Cullies Lake, Dereskit, Gulladoo Steps and Rockfield.
Storms come and seasons change. Our autumn flips between summer days and wintry evenings. Salmon and trout fishing is all closed for another year. Coarse anglers still getting good time on the water and festival results continue to impress, while sea anglers make the most of the good days. But for pike anglers October is really all about new beginnings…
Inland Fisheries Ireland is reminding anglers to follow safety guidelines when fishing. Three anglers have died in Ireland so far this year as a result of drowning, according to the latest figures from Irish Water Safety.
Last year, a total of 109 people drowned in Irish waters. This equates to nine deaths every month with many drownings happening quickly, silently and in shallow water. Of the 109 drownings last year, 84 were male and 24 were female.
As angling is a water based activity, anglers often have to deal with changing conditions and hidden dangers. Inland Fisheries Ireland is reminding anglers to exercise great care for their own safety and that of angling partners. Anglers are asked to follow some simple safety tips when going fishing:
Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “There are 273,000 domestic anglers in Ireland who enjoy fishing at the many scenic destinations across the country. Many anglers have been fishing for many years and may feel experienced on being near or on the water however we would appeal to anglers to follow these simple safety steps at all times. Although game angling has finished for 2018, angling for other species continues in many isolated peripheral and rural areas and with winter approaching, it is important to stay safe.
Our angling website (www.fishinginireland.info) and information booklet Safety on the Water – Angling Water Safety Guidelines details guidelines around safety on lakes and at sea alongside important information regarding tides and currents, what to wear and the type of boat you should use. We would ask anglers to take some time to familiarise themselves with this safety information and to remember their safety is a priority when angling. ”
Inland Fisheries Ireland has a detailed guide to safety at https://www.fishinginireland.info/safety.htm. You can also download a free copy of the information leaflet Safety on the Water – Angling Water Safety Guidelines at https://www.fishinginireland.info/pdf/AnglingsafetyChecklist.pdf
Safe fishing to all and tight lines, especially here in Ireland.
Myles Kelly
Catch, Photo, Release
If you have an angling story to share with the Irish Angling Update please send it to [email protected].
Mick Flanagan has all the news from Lough Owel…
Lough Owel Anglers were out in force last Sunday October 7th and some cracking trout were caught in blustery conditions. Top Rod was Dublin angler Martin McGorian with a super trout of 5lbs 4.8oz. 2nd place went to John Dooner of Mullingar, with another cracker of 3lbs 8.2oz, and 3rd twas Morris Gorman also of Mullingar.
Stan McKeon of Lough Owel Trout Preservation told us they were quite please with this years fundraising competition, and a total of 16 fish were recorded on the day. Presentation took place in Caffrey’s Lounge and Brendan Murray of L.O.T.P.A. presented prizes and thanked Dinny Caffrey for the use of their premises.
Also on the night the Lakeland Anglers prize was presented. This competition takes place during the May Fly season on Lough Conn, and the top Lakeland Angler prize is sponsored by the Caffrey Family. Tosh Grimes of Ginnell Terrace won last years, and made it a double by winning also in 2018. Dinny Caffrey presented Tosh with his prize. All proceeds from the Fundraising competition goes towards keeping Owel stocked with quality Trout.
On Thursday October 4th members of the Garda Fly angling club were in action on Owel. On the day the Annual DMA Championships took place in conjunction with the Garda Open B&M Cup. Mick Bradley won the open competition with 2 trout for 9lb 5.4oz; this included a beauty of 7lb 2oz. This Trout also won Mick the prize for heaviest Trout in Garda competitions for the 2018 season. Philip Kavanagh finished 2nd in the open with Aidan Kelly taking 3rd place.
In the DMA Coiste Rionne Competition which is confined to Dublin based Gardai, first was Philip Kavanagh with a total of 3 fish, the 3rd fish being released. Second was John Donoghue with one trout for 2lbs 9.2oz and third was Pat Sweeney with a fish of 2lbs 3 oz. The Patsy Doolin memorial shield presented to the best overall Garda angler for 2018 was presented to Damien Barron who had the most combined points over the year and won this award for the first time. Thirty anglers fished on the day and twenty-six trout were recorded.
This coming Saturday night Lough Bane Anglers hold their annual fundraising Social Night. It’s taking place in Teddy’s Night Club in Moylagh, and Legacy will be belting out the hits. If drifting across North Westmeath that night, drop in for a great nights entertainment, and you just might win a spot prize on the night.
Michael Flanagan
Midland Angling
Midlands Angling provide a top class Guiding service covering many of the top coarse and game waters across the Midlands. Visiting fly anglers have landed some fine trout while out with Midland Angling Guides, pike anglers also recorded some net bursting catches including many pike over 20lbs. Top waters include Lough Ree, Ennell, Owel, Lene, Mount Dalton, and Glore Lake just to mention a few.
Michael Flanagan
Midland Angling
Pike and Trout angling guide.
Telephone: +353 (0)44 9348969 or +353 (0)87 2797270
Fax: +353 (0)44 9342781
Email: [email protected] Web: www.midlandangling.com
The annual Carrigallen Angling Festival took place last week with 50 anglers taking part. Venues fished included Connolly Shore Garadice, Cullies Lake, Dereskit, Gulladoo Steps and Rockfield.
Lough Currane and River Inny updates from Vincent Appleby…
26/9/18 Straight to the action at www.lakelandshouse.com we start in their backdate department and we head for the world famous Butler Pool and at www.watervillegolflinks.ie German fly angler Mr. Manfred Yannack, fishing with his Gillie Mr. Frank Donnelly of www.lakelandshouse.com caught a fine 5lbs. Salmon, now we head down stream in the hired out boat department of www.lakelandshouse.com and staying with yesterday fine catches, German fly anglers Stefan and Vernard, caught 10 Juniors. Now back to today’s action at www.lakelandshouse.com US anglers Bill and Lisa Meadal headed out on to Lough Currane with their Gillie Mr. Frank Donnelly of www.lakelandshouse.com and caught two Salmon on the troll, both in the 4 lbs. Class. Now we cut across the Lake and to the North Shore to the Bungalow and at www.oshealoughcurrane.com and at www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com Scottish fly angler, Mr. Ewan McGregor, fishing with his Gillie Mr. Neil O’Shea and at www.oshealoughcurrane.com caught 11 Sea Trout. For the rest of Currane anglers it was all quiet on the SW front. Wind SSW light to fresh with good cloud cover this morning and bright sunshine in the afternoon. Yesterdays weather, maximum air temperature 14.6 c.
27/9/18 Lough Currane witnesses some great Sea Trout fly action today, so straight to action and we start at [email protected] Harbour, renowned Ballyduff fly C&R angler Garry Wotton, fishing out of www.bayviewhotelwaterville.com and fishing with his gillie Mr. Michael O’Sullivan at [email protected] caught 8 Sea Trout yesterday and followed that up with 12 Sea Trout today and Garry’s fish of his trip was 2 ½ lbs. and I can tell you Garry was delighted with all departments and as he said to me in the Bay View Hotel and at www.bayviewhotelwaterville.com this evening I’m going for a pint and even though I say it myself I deserve it after those two great days fly fishing and of course that includes my first class Gillie Mr. Michael O’Sullivan and at [email protected] Staying with the Sea fly department, Mr. Paul Lawton and party saw some great action and in Paul’s own words and I think this sums up a great days manipulations on Lough Currane today, so take it away Paul. Fishing party of Paul Lawton. Mr. peter Muldoon and Mr. Ray Bryne, when the sun went down in the afternoon we had great fishing lost no fish and the best was 3lbs. Wind NW light and Paul as given you today’s weather facts. Yesterdays weather, maximum air temperature 17. 2c.
28/9/18 Today was many happy returns in both Salmon and Sea Trout departments, so straight to the Bungalow and at www.oshealoughcurrane.com and also at www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com Mr. Neil Shiers and Mr. John McGee of the UK, caught two Salmon/Grilse and two Sea Trout on the troll, while fishing with their Gillie Mr, Neil O’Shea and at www.oshealoughcurrane.com Now we head for Mr. Paul Lawton’s Sea Trout Party and their many happy returns and in Paul’s own words, Vincent, We had 15 trout between us today and the best was 1½ lbs. to Mr. Peter Muldoon. Weather, Lough Currane was like a milk pond except for the odd gust which stayed an average of ten minutes then went flat calm again and it was like that all day. Yesterday maximum air temperature 15.9 c.
29/9/18 For starters we go back to yesterday and for good reason the Paparazzi failed miserably in my duties because as I failed to report a fine catch by Mr. John O’Sullivan, while trolling with his Gillie Mr. Terence Wharton, caught a 4 lbs. Grilse and finished their day off with two fine juniors. Now back to today and we start at the Bungalow and at www.oshealoughcurrane.com and also at www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com Mr. Neil Shiers and Mr. John, McGee of the UK, while fishing with their Gillie Mr. Neil O’Shea and at www.oshealoughcurrane.com caught 8 Sea Trout. Now we head downstream to the World Famous Butler Pool and at www.watervillegolflinks.ie there were two Salmon caught today on the pool. Now for the weather Lough Currane was calm all day and overcast. Yesterdays weather, maximum air temperature 14.7 c.
30/9/18 Well as we all know today was the last day of the 2018 Salmon Season on the Waterville Fishery, so straight to the Salmon and Sea Trout action and all the Salmon headlines go to Local Gillie Mr. Bob Priestley and his clients and for good reason, while fly Fishing they caught a fine 9lbs. Salmon and they finished their day off with 8 Sea Trout. Now we head for the Sea Trout fly department, UK and Ireland Angler Mr. Phil Staniforth caught 21 Sea Trout all while fishing with his Gillie Mr. Dominic McGillicuddy of www.fishingwithdom.com Now we head for Nort Shore [email protected] Harbour, Local Gillie Mr. Michael O’Sullivan and at [email protected] and his clients caught 2 Sea Trout and 5 Brown Trout. Staying with the North Shore and the Bungalow and at www.oshealoughcurrane.com and also at www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com Mr. Neil Shiers and Mr. John McGee of the UK, While fly-fishing with their Gillie Mr. Neil O’Shea of www.oshealoughcurrane.com caught 8 Sea Trout. Wind NNW fresh and overcast.
1/10/18 It was all many happy returns in the Sea Trout department today and all the action came from the Bungalow and at www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com also at www.oshealoughcurrane.com Dublin fly Angler Mr. Enrico Fantasia, while fishing with his Gillie Mr. Tom O’Shea of www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com caught 8 Sea Trout ranging from Juniors up to 3 lbs. For the rest of the Currane anglers it was all quiet on the SW front. Wind NNW fresh and overcast. Yesterdays weather, maximum air temperature 12.8 c.
2/10/18 The Currane Anglers were all quiet on the SW front in all departments. Wind NW fresh and overcast and cold. Yesterdays weather, maximum air temperature 14.6 c.
3/10/18 Currane fly anglers were looking for wind first thing today so they could present their selection of flies, but as the day went on they couldn’t make it a point to entice a Sea Trout to their droppers, but after a hard season they are exonerated of any criticism. Wind W then veered SW light to calm at times and overcast. Yesterdays weather, maximum air temperature 14. 3 c
4/10/18 The Currane anglers fly reels were as quiet on all fronts but as I say that, news just in, two Swedish fly anglers, while fishing with their gillie Neil O’Shea of www.oshealoughcurrane.com caught two Sea Trout on the drift. Wind NW fresh then veered South, strong and overcast all day. Yesterday’s weather maximum air temperature 15.4c.
5/10/18 We start in the Waterville Boats and at [email protected] backdate department, in the last few days Mr. Michael Mc. Sweeney caught 20 Juniors on the fly , fishing with his Gillie Mr. Michael O’Sullivan and at watervilleboats@gmail Now back to today. All the action comes from the Bungalow and at www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com and will let the Gillie tell his side on today’s manipulations in their Sea Trout fly department, so take it away Mr. Tom O’Shea and at www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com, Hi Vincent , caught 6 sea trout best fish 1.5lb all C&R while fishing with Mr. Kevin Lavery. Wind Northeast light with good cloud cover. Yesterday’s weather, maximum air temperature 14.5c.
6/10/18 Currane anglers were all quiet on all fronts and that’s not surprising with a light wind chill from the North and bright and sunny , need I say more! Yesterday’s weather; 12 . 4 c.
7/10/18 The Currane anglers had a rough day of it and for good reason, there was a strong SW wind blowing down the lake and I can tell you only the odd couple headed out and going by the phone there was little caught. Wind as already stated and overcast. Yesterday’s weather, maximum air temperature 12 . 3c .
8/10/18 Again the Currane Sea Trout fly anglers were let down by the weather and with a strong SW wind blowing down the Lake, that’s not surprising that their fly reels were in a silent mode on this wild day on Lough Currane and if there were any boats out there, again it would only the odd couple. Wind as already stated and overcast. Yesterday’s weather, maximum air temperature 15. 1 c.
9/10/18 The Currane Sea Trout fly anglers called it a day even before their casts were tied this morning and for good reason, there was a strong SW wind blowing down the lake and with Storm Callum approaches Ireland fast there is a good chance Currane anglers will have another forced bank holiday in the last few days of the 2018 Season. Wind as all ready stated and good cloud cover. Yesterday’s weather, maximum air temperature 15.2 c.
10/10/18 Waterville fishery was at a standstill and the upper Lakes and Lough Derriana were just as wild and in the words of Local Gillie Mr. Tom O’Shea of www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com No good, Strong SE wind blowing and that sums today’s action, you could say it was all wind and staying with the wind,
www.met.ie/warnings
Status Orange – Wind warning for Cork and Kerry
Storm Callum: Southeast winds veering southwest will gust generally between 100 and 130km/h, higher in some coastal areas and on high ground. Along with a spell of heavy rain and high tides there is a risk of coastal flooding and damage.
Issued: Wednesday 10 October 2018 19:00
Updated: Wednesday 10 October 2018 19:00
Valid from Thursday 11 October 2018 22:00 to Friday 12 October 2018 09:00
That is your ration from your Gillie and the Waterville Fishery, no spin no fly’s just facts.
Vincent Appleby
www.salmonandseatrout.com
Eureka Lodge, Caherdaniel West, Co. Kerry.
Telephone: +353 (0)66 9475248
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.salmonandseatrout.com
The Waterville Lakes & Rivers Trust, formed by concerned volunteers in 2016, is one of the new Rivers Trusts to be set up in Ireland and is currently aspiring to Charitable Status. Its remit is to protect the fresh and coastal waters of the Iveragh Peninsula.
Find out more and how you can contribute at
The rivers and lakes of Waterville drain a large catchment and are regarded by many as the foremost Salmon and Sea-Trout fishery in the country. The lake system is well developed with access to boats and guides being readily available to the tourist angler. The Sea-Trout caught here are renowned for their size and quantity. For more details see
Lough Currane and River Inny updates from Vincent Appleby…
26/9/18 Straight to the action at www.lakelandshouse.com we start in their backdate department and we head for the world famous Butler Pool and at www.watervillegolflinks.ie German fly angler Mr. Manfred Yannack, fishing with his Gillie Mr. Frank Donnelly of www.lakelandshouse.com caught a fine 5lbs. Salmon, now we head down stream in the hired out boat department of www.lakelandshouse.com and staying with yesterday fine catches, German fly anglers Stefan and Vernard, caught 10 Juniors. Now back to today’s action at www.lakelandshouse.com US anglers Bill and Lisa Meadal headed out on to Lough Currane with their Gillie Mr. Frank Donnelly of www.lakelandshouse.com and caught two Salmon on the troll, both in the 4 lbs. Class. Now we cut across the Lake and to the North Shore to the Bungalow and at www.oshealoughcurrane.com and at www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com Scottish fly angler, Mr. Ewan McGregor, fishing with his Gillie Mr. Neil O’Shea and at www.oshealoughcurrane.com caught 11 Sea Trout. For the rest of Currane anglers it was all quiet on the SW front. Wind SSW light to fresh with good cloud cover this morning and bright sunshine in the afternoon. Yesterdays weather, maximum air temperature 14.6 c.
27/9/18 Lough Currane witnesses some great Sea Trout fly action today, so straight to action and we start at [email protected] Harbour, renowned Ballyduff fly C&R angler Garry Wotton, fishing out of www.bayviewhotelwaterville.com and fishing with his gillie Mr. Michael O’Sullivan at [email protected] caught 8 Sea Trout yesterday and followed that up with 12 Sea Trout today and Garry’s fish of his trip was 2 ½ lbs. and I can tell you Garry was delighted with all departments and as he said to me in the Bay View Hotel and at www.bayviewhotelwaterville.com this evening I’m going for a pint and even though I say it myself I deserve it after those two great days fly fishing and of course that includes my first class Gillie Mr. Michael O’Sullivan and at [email protected] Staying with the Sea fly department, Mr. Paul Lawton and party saw some great action and in Paul’s own words and I think this sums up a great days manipulations on Lough Currane today, so take it away Paul. Fishing party of Paul Lawton. Mr. peter Muldoon and Mr. Ray Bryne, when the sun went down in the afternoon we had great fishing lost no fish and the best was 3lbs. Wind NW light and Paul as given you today’s weather facts. Yesterdays weather, maximum air temperature 17. 2c.
28/9/18 Today was many happy returns in both Salmon and Sea Trout departments, so straight to the Bungalow and at www.oshealoughcurrane.com and also at www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com Mr. Neil Shiers and Mr. John McGee of the UK, caught two Salmon/Grilse and two Sea Trout on the troll, while fishing with their Gillie Mr, Neil O’Shea and at www.oshealoughcurrane.com Now we head for Mr. Paul Lawton’s Sea Trout Party and their many happy returns and in Paul’s own words, Vincent, We had 15 trout between us today and the best was 1½ lbs. to Mr. Peter Muldoon. Weather, Lough Currane was like a milk pond except for the odd gust which stayed an average of ten minutes then went flat calm again and it was like that all day. Yesterday maximum air temperature 15.9 c.
29/9/18 For starters we go back to yesterday and for good reason the Paparazzi failed miserably in my duties because as I failed to report a fine catch by Mr. John O’Sullivan, while trolling with his Gillie Mr. Terence Wharton, caught a 4 lbs. Grilse and finished their day off with two fine juniors. Now back to today and we start at the Bungalow and at www.oshealoughcurrane.com and also at www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com Mr. Neil Shiers and Mr. John, McGee of the UK, while fishing with their Gillie Mr. Neil O’Shea and at www.oshealoughcurrane.com caught 8 Sea Trout. Now we head downstream to the World Famous Butler Pool and at www.watervillegolflinks.ie there were two Salmon caught today on the pool. Now for the weather Lough Currane was calm all day and overcast. Yesterdays weather, maximum air temperature 14.7 c.
30/9/18 Well as we all know today was the last day of the 2018 Salmon Season on the Waterville Fishery, so straight to the Salmon and Sea Trout action and all the Salmon headlines go to Local Gillie Mr. Bob Priestley and his clients and for good reason, while fly Fishing they caught a fine 9lbs. Salmon and they finished their day off with 8 Sea Trout. Now we head for the Sea Trout fly department, UK and Ireland Angler Mr. Phil Staniforth caught 21 Sea Trout all while fishing with his Gillie Mr. Dominic McGillicuddy of www.fishingwithdom.com Now we head for Nort Shore [email protected] Harbour, Local Gillie Mr. Michael O’Sullivan and at [email protected] and his clients caught 2 Sea Trout and 5 Brown Trout. Staying with the North Shore and the Bungalow and at www.oshealoughcurrane.com and also at www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com Mr. Neil Shiers and Mr. John McGee of the UK, While fly-fishing with their Gillie Mr. Neil O’Shea of www.oshealoughcurrane.com caught 8 Sea Trout. Wind NNW fresh and overcast.
1/10/18 It was all many happy returns in the Sea Trout department today and all the action came from the Bungalow and at www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com also at www.oshealoughcurrane.com Dublin fly Angler Mr. Enrico Fantasia, while fishing with his Gillie Mr. Tom O’Shea of www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com caught 8 Sea Trout ranging from Juniors up to 3 lbs. For the rest of the Currane anglers it was all quiet on the SW front. Wind NNW fresh and overcast. Yesterdays weather, maximum air temperature 12.8 c.
2/10/18 The Currane Anglers were all quiet on the SW front in all departments. Wind NW fresh and overcast and cold. Yesterdays weather, maximum air temperature 14.6 c.
3/10/18 Currane fly anglers were looking for wind first thing today so they could present their selection of flies, but as the day went on they couldn’t make it a point to entice a Sea Trout to their droppers, but after a hard season they are exonerated of any criticism. Wind W then veered SW light to calm at times and overcast. Yesterdays weather, maximum air temperature 14. 3 c
4/10/18 The Currane anglers fly reels were as quiet on all fronts but as I say that, news just in, two Swedish fly anglers, while fishing with their gillie Neil O’Shea of www.oshealoughcurrane.com caught two Sea Trout on the drift. Wind NW fresh then veered South, strong and overcast all day. Yesterday’s weather maximum air temperature 15.4c.
5/10/18 We start in the Waterville Boats and at [email protected] backdate department, in the last few days Mr. Michael Mc. Sweeney caught 20 Juniors on the fly , fishing with his Gillie Mr. Michael O’Sullivan and at watervilleboats@gmail Now back to today. All the action comes from the Bungalow and at www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com and will let the Gillie tell his side on today’s manipulations in their Sea Trout fly department, so take it away Mr. Tom O’Shea and at www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com, Hi Vincent , caught 6 sea trout best fish 1.5lb all C&R while fishing with Mr. Kevin Lavery. Wind Northeast light with good cloud cover. Yesterday’s weather, maximum air temperature 14.5c.
6/10/18 Currane anglers were all quiet on all fronts and that’s not surprising with a light wind chill from the North and bright and sunny , need I say more! Yesterday’s weather; 12 . 4 c.
7/10/18 The Currane anglers had a rough day of it and for good reason, there was a strong SW wind blowing down the lake and I can tell you only the odd couple headed out and going by the phone there was little caught. Wind as already stated and overcast. Yesterday’s weather, maximum air temperature 12 . 3c .
8/10/18 Again the Currane Sea Trout fly anglers were let down by the weather and with a strong SW wind blowing down the Lake, that’s not surprising that their fly reels were in a silent mode on this wild day on Lough Currane and if there were any boats out there, again it would only the odd couple. Wind as already stated and overcast. Yesterday’s weather, maximum air temperature 15. 1 c.
9/10/18 The Currane Sea Trout fly anglers called it a day even before their casts were tied this morning and for good reason, there was a strong SW wind blowing down the lake and with Storm Callum approaches Ireland fast there is a good chance Currane anglers will have another forced bank holiday in the last few days of the 2018 Season. Wind as all ready stated and good cloud cover. Yesterday’s weather, maximum air temperature 15.2 c.
10/10/18 Waterville fishery was at a standstill and the upper Lakes and Lough Derriana were just as wild and in the words of Local Gillie Mr. Tom O’Shea of www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com No good, Strong SE wind blowing and that sums today’s action, you could say it was all wind and staying with the wind,
www.met.ie/warnings
Status Orange – Wind warning for Cork and Kerry
Storm Callum: Southeast winds veering southwest will gust generally between 100 and 130km/h, higher in some coastal areas and on high ground. Along with a spell of heavy rain and high tides there is a risk of coastal flooding and damage.
Issued: Wednesday 10 October 2018 19:00
Updated: Wednesday 10 October 2018 19:00
Valid from Thursday 11 October 2018 22:00 to Friday 12 October 2018 09:00
That is your ration from your Gillie and the Waterville Fishery, no spin no fly’s just facts.
Vincent Appleby
www.salmonandseatrout.com
Eureka Lodge, Caherdaniel West, Co. Kerry.
Telephone: +353 (0)66 9475248
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.salmonandseatrout.com
The Waterville Lakes & Rivers Trust, formed by concerned volunteers in 2016, is one of the new Rivers Trusts to be set up in Ireland and is currently aspiring to Charitable Status. Its remit is to protect the fresh and coastal waters of the Iveragh Peninsula.
Find out more and how you can contribute at
The rivers and lakes of Waterville drain a large catchment and are regarded by many as the foremost Salmon and Sea-Trout fishery in the country. The lake system is well developed with access to boats and guides being readily available to the tourist angler. The Sea-Trout caught here are renowned for their size and quantity. For more details see
‘I think I fish, in part, because it’s an anti-social, bohemian business that, when gone about properly, puts you forever outside the mainstream culture without actually landing you in an institution’
John Gierach
Autumn moved on another notch this week. Cold and fresh south westerly winds swept over Lough Sheelin, chilly nights produced misty mornings and heavy dews, the legacy of moisture-laden air, trapped and exposed on spider webs, draped heavily over shore line bushes. There was a noticeable falling of leaves and their drying on concrete and laneways made good scuffling material particularly heading down to Kilnahard pier.
Sheelin’s western counterparts closed their aquatic doors to anglers on September 30th and this had a knock on effect here by increasing angling numbers substantially for this week. Anglers would appear to be trying to wring out that last bit of fishing before the close of play on October 12th.
The back end of the season – that last chance saloon, where most struggle on a mental see saw between throwing in the towel or keeping going to the very last minute, clinging on to the hope of landing that mystical Sheelin heavy weight.
The fishing on Lough Sheelin this week similar to previous weeks was good and in some incidences very good. The weather influences the movement of the fish and there was a mixed bag of it over the past seven days but still there always seemed to be some gap in the meteorological pattern that was conducive to some excellent action which resulted in wonderful takes and catches of the cream of Sheelin i.e. trout over 4lb with 5, 6 and 7 pounders featuring frequently in the records. Local angler, Andrew McFarlane broke the ‘specimen’ duck for this season by landing himself a stunning trout weighing in at a hefty13lbs 9ozs with a breathtaking length of 76cm, Andrew had been warming up to this trout by catching a 7lb 5oz one a few days before hand. He informed me that a friend of his had caught one of 15lbs 2oz some years before but that record seemed to have slipped through the proverbial angling net.
The heaviest trout for the week and the season was a 13lb 9oz trout caught by Finea angler Andrew McFarlane
Total number of trout recorded: 127
Arguably one of the biggest trout competitions in Ireland was held on Lough Sheelin last Saturday, October 6th successfully hosted by the LSTPA, the Lough Sheelin Stream Rehabilitation Competition attracted a record breaking 242 anglers from all corners of Ireland and some from abroad. Consistently, as compared to previous years, the weather was not favourable to good trout fishing with bright sunny conditions coupled with a bone chilling cold.
Despite the weather god frowning on us, this was a great day with superb trout in excellent condition being weighed in. First prize of a 19ft Sheelin boat was taken by Killeshandra angler David Carney with a 5.798 lb trout caught using a red tailed mayfly type creation, 2nd was Aidan Gonnelly, Dundalk with a 5.648 pounder and third was Paul Lunney with a trout of 5.614lbs. Peter Gleeson came in at fourth with a 5.158 lb trout. There were a large number of 3 ½ and 4lb catches and with a competition limit at 16” 46 cleared that bar with ease.
On Sunday last October 7th the Cavan/Monaghan Garda Divisional Fly Fishing Championship & Open Competition was held on Lough Sheelin. This was a cold day with fresh blustery South Westerly winds relentlessly churning up the water making fishing difficult. Despite the challenging conditions this annual event attracted 78 competitors with Pat Foley sweeping the top prize in the Garda section with his lovely trout of over 3lbs. The visitors section was claimed by Monaghan angler Jim Hughes with a fine fish of 5lbs 2ozs.
Best areas on the lake were very dependent on wind directions which chased anglers all over the place in their search to find good areas for boat control. The most productive areas for fishing was down by Crover, Stony, Merry pt. at the back of Church Island and from Derrahorn down along the Western shoreline.
Lough Sheelin’s trout are on the move, they are undergoing physical and chemical changes along with the most inherit one – their need to migrate to the rivers to spawn. Anglers, throughout the season have seen plenty of fish in this lake but they have mainly been the mixed smaller weights ½ to 4lbs (remembering that a 3 to 4 lb trout is considered small in this lake) but now it seems as if the ‘monsters’ have left the depths and our anglers are catching a percentage of them.
Deep water is where the Daphnia feeders hang out but although plenty of smaller fish were caught in these areas, using brightly coloured flies, it is seldom at this stage of the year that the bigger fellows will be there. Trout of course don’t do a mass exodus to the rivers, rather they gather near certain features year on year prior to running their genetically chosen spawning river. Knowing where these areas are gives the angler a huge advantage as these movements to the exact same spots are repeated year after year, a chemical footprint stamped indelibly in the brain of the trout.
With ‘the end in nigh’ anglers tend to be slightly more loose tongued with their fly tying secrets. From the start to almost the end of the season prising successful flies and fishing locations on this lake has been similar to trying to put trousers on a spider.
Red Sedges, Kate McLaren, the Dabblers (Green, Silver, Gold, Black, Pearly, Peter Ross and Fiery), the Stimulators, Gorgeous George, Bibios, Cock Robin, Muddlers, Golden Olive Bumbles, Black Pennels, Silver Daddies and Red and Green Tailed Peters, along with variants with hopper legs attached. At this time of the year because the fish are travelling and not totally focused in on food, the need to stimulate a feeding response from the trout is of paramount importance and so it’s all about movement and colour. Flies with long hackles, sizes 8 and 10 in silver, pearly, claret and green colours worked. The muddler head is great for a disturbance, a silver or pearly Daddy in a 8 or 10 long shank danced through the waves got results. Small black flies weren’t to be ignored either but in all the patterns that thread of glitter through seemed to be an essential ingredient.
The Kate McLaren which hasn’t really been coming up on my radar bombarded me this week, producing impressive trout of up to 8lbs in weight. This classic Scottish wet fly was originally designed for sea trout but it appears to be better for their brown counterparts. It is designed to be fished below the surface and is tied as a deceiver or attractor. The success of this fly depends far more on its action in the water than on its resemblance to a particular insect. The beauty about this pattern is that it excels itself when trout are preoccupied or need tempting and this is exactly the phase that the trout are in now so for those last few ‘mop up ‘ this is certainly one worth remembering.
The lures are back and working well – minkies and the humungous along with trout patterned lures using intermediate lines.
Putting lures to one side the lines that worked best are still the floating and intermediate ones.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sean Reynolds and his brother in law for rescuing an angler and his young family off Lough Sheelin late last Saturday night. Without their expert knowledge of this potentially dangerous lake there could have been a very different outcome for those concerned.
A permit is required to fish Lough Sheelin. Buy your permit online at: shop.fishinginireland.info or from any of the permit distributors listed here.
A catch & release policy is actively encouraged on the lake at all times
Extra care is needed when playing and releasing trout during periods of high water temperatures as additional stress at these times will decrease the survival rate of hooked and released fish.
BYE-LAW 949 strictly prohibits:
For anyone interested in joining Lough Sheelin’s Angling Club – The Lough Sheelin Trout Protection Association please contact Thomas Lynch @ 087 9132033.
Grey Duster Guiding
Kenneth O’Keeffe
Tel: 086 8984172 Email: [email protected]
Christopher Defillon
Tel: +33 68 596 4369 Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christopher.defillon
Lough Sheelin Guiding Services
Tel: 087 1245927 Web: www.loughsheelinguidingservices.com
D.C Angling & Guiding Services
contact David @ 087 3946989
Michael Farrell
Tel: 087 4194156 or +353 43 6681298
Email: [email protected]
Michael Flanagan,
Trout and Pike Guide.
Email: [email protected] Web: www.midlandangling.com
We would implore anglers and all other users to wear life jackets for their own safety as well as it being the law.
Life jackets are required by law – SI No 921 of 2005 – Pleasure Craft (Personal Flotation Devices and Operation) (Safety) Regulations 2005. Water rarely gives second chances and a life jacket is just that – it saves your life.
Please put on and keep on that life jacket until you are back on dry land.
On a recent patrol on the River Shannon Padraig Carroll met David Nugent from Dublin who had travelled down to Meelick for a day’s pike fishing. David reported that the pike fishing was brilliant with regular doubles being landed.
Sure enough while Padraig was speaking there was the scream of a bite alarm and after 10 minutes of a hard fight between man and pike David landed a beautiful double figure fish. David was fishing mackerel deadbait fished hard on the bottom.
Tommy Lawton of Fermoy AC reports on the hardest festival ever on the Blackwater. Still suffering from the drought the river was still two foot lower than summer levels and running gin clear. This left the fishing conditions very difficult for the 22 festival anglers. But the experience of the festival remains with anglers from the UK and Ireland joining for a social week around three days enjoying the traditional skills of river fishing.
Congratulations to Peter Gilbert of Swindon who won the festival with 21lbs 10oz. Peter is 83 years young and its fantastic to see him win this event and hopefully we can all be doing the same as we get to this age! Well done Peter. In second place was Steve Skelton of Bristol with 17lb 3ozs and third place was shared with Tony Tibble of Reading and Ian Dawson from the Leeds area with 16lb 11ozs.
Those who wanted to fished the intermittent days on Knocknanaig Reservoir in Fermoy. The lake also presented very low water levels and we were fishing for small roach. Match winner was Neil Richards, Swindon with 15lb 8oz and 2nd Tommy Lawton of Fermoy with 13lb 11oz.
Fermoy AC would like to congratulate the winners and all those who took part along with our sponsors and supporters; The Cross Bar, The Wagon, TJ Goodtymes, The Avondhu Bar, The Grand Hotel, the B&B’s, and land and fishery owners.
Visit http://bit.ly/FermoyFest19 for details of the 2019 festivals on the Blackwater.
Tommy Lawton of Fermoy AC reports on the hardest festival ever on the Blackwater. Still suffering from the drought the river was still two foot lower than summer levels and running gin clear. This left the fishing conditions very difficult for the 22 festival anglers. But the experience of the festival remains with anglers from the UK and Ireland joining for a social week around three days enjoying the traditional skills of river fishing.
Congratulations to Peter Gilbert of Swindon who won the festival with 21lbs 10oz. Peter is 83 years young and its fantastic to see him win this event and hopefully we can all be doing the same as we get to this age! Well done Peter. In second place was Steve Skelton of Bristol with 17lb 3ozs and third place was shared with Tony Tibble of Reading and Ian Dawson from the Leeds area with 16lb 11ozs.
Those who wanted to fished the intermittent days on Knocknanaig Reservoir in Fermoy. The lake also presented very low water levels and we were fishing for small roach. Match winner was Neil Richards, Swindon with 15lb 8oz and 2nd Tommy Lawton of Fermoy with 13lb 11oz.
Fermoy AC would like to congratulate the winners and all those who took part along with our sponsors and supporters; The Cross Bar, The Wagon, TJ Goodtymes, The Avondhu Bar, The Grand Hotel, the B&B’s, and land and fishery owners.
Visit http://bit.ly/FermoyFest19 for details of the 2019 festivals on the Blackwater.
