Evan McGovern reports on the Cork Small Boats Festival…
Cork small boats festival was fished over the space of a week, from the 15th till the 22nd with 4 day’s fishing. The weather wasn’t on our side but we still managed to get out each day being blessed with the shelter that Cork harbour provides.
Trigger Fish
The first day was a nice one so some high scores came in, with Fair Game winning the day on 17 species. This doesn’t include baitfish such as mackerel, sand eel, and launce. Over the space of the week, there were 32 scoring species captured in total. The winning boat “Skua” finished the week with 24 species, narrowly beating “Nauti Lass” by weight. There were a few more boats up in the 20s.
Porbeagle
There were a few odd species captured that don’t make a show in Cork too often including smooth hound, triggerfish and red mullet.
Prizes for everyone!
The presentation night was in Trabolgan and there was a fine prize table with every boat getting a few picks, and cash prizes for the top 5 boats, with the winner taking away €1000 cash as well as table prizes and more.
There were many more cash prizes for nominated species, heaviest flat, heaviest round, longest bass (catch photo and release) and many many more.
Contender for longest – big conger
We’ve already started work on organising next years competition which will be fished out of Lower Aghada in Cork from the 13th till the 20th of September.
Damien Culliney of Anglers Paradise Ireland had honeymooners Sam and Randy out on Lough Derg last week. The newly weds had travelled all the way from the USA. They had a great day out with Anglers Paradise and landed six fish to the boat. There were some good pike in the haul including a smashing fish of 103 cm.
Sam with a Lough Derg pikeSam and Randy with another fishRandy with on of his fish
Go fishing…
Anglers Paradise Ireland
Trout and Pike Guide
Anglers Paradise Ireland is owned and managed by Damien Culliney, a well known angler and chef in the Clare region and a man passionate about the inland waterways and natural history of County Clare. At Angler’s Paradise, we love the thrill of Game fishing and Pike fishing in equal measure and can take our clients to some of Europe’s most unspoilt rivers and lakes in search of trophy predators and the realisation of their angling dreams.
There has been little salmon angling effort it seems but Melvin has been fishing well for trout, (mainly Sonaghan) over the past few weeks. On the 23rd to 26th of August, the Garrison & Lough Melvin Anglers Association held their 39th Melvin Open try fly competition. Thursday to Saturday were qualifying days with Sunday being the final. The competition was won on the Sunday by Robert Reilly and Hubert Smith with 12 fish. In 2nd place were Pat Carson & Ronnie Child with 9 fish and in 3rd place were Geoffrey Hylands & Tom Byrne with 8 fish.
On the 16th, the Seamus O’Doherty Memorial Cup pairs competition was fished out of Garrison. This was well attended with 50 boats venturing out. The competition was won by Basil Shields & Tommy O’Loughlin with 6 fish caught. In 2nd place came Patsy Treacy & Peter Diver and in 3rd place were Stevie Clarke & Stevie McSherry.
For info/Guides/boat hire on Lough Melvin contact Sean Maguire’s Tackle Shop, Main Street, Garrison. Tel: 0044 7871443304
For bookings/guides etc on the Rossinver Fishery contact Bill McNeary, Tel: 071 9854930 or Jim Hoye, Tel: 0831197428
For info see http://www.rossinverfishery.com/
Richard Blanche caught 9 trout to win the Dick Doyle competition
David Tantrum reports on the Dick Doyle competition…
Richard Blanche caught 9 trout to win the Dick Doyle competition
Only 9 senior anglers took part and a total of 35 trout were caught and released. Keith Moore had the largest rainbow at 52 cms and Mark Rogan took the prize for the largest Brown which was 54 cms. Overall winner with 9 trout was Richard Blanche. A very strong and gusty east wind made for difficult fishing conditions and traditional flies fished deep gave the best results.
The lake has a large population of trout and the colder weather should see a good rise to Lake Olives and terrestrials. Members have reported large trout fry bashing. This could be the downfall of some of the educated 6 lbs trout. The water is crystal clear but you will still need 9 lbs cast to to net these grown on fish
Special arrangements can be made to accommodate groups of anglers. Check with Michael at 086 1073086 for info and available dates.
Waterford Flyfishing club
Carrigavantry – This 30 acre reservoir is hidden in the hills behind Tramore. The lake can be fished from the dam and road and the rest of the lake shore needs waders. The deepest part is the island at 10 feet. Prolific hatches of lake olives and damsels occur. Stocking is with both browns and rainbows. You could loose your catch here to a 20lb Pike!
Knockaderry – The deepest part of the lake is 24 feet at the dam tower, the average depth is 6ft and this results in good weed growth. Trout fatten fast in this fertile water on caddis, snails and stickle backs, while lake olives, buzzers, sedges and damsels bring on prolific rises. This 80 acre reservoir is a traditional top of the water drift fishery.
New members are welcome and an active programme of fly tuition is pursued to encourage beginners and get our youth out into the countryside.
Gary releases his big salmon - estimated at 21lb #CPRsavesfish
The late season has seen a huge improvement in catches on the Munster Blackwater…
19 September
Fortwilliam Fishery: Tim Luddy landed and released safely a beautiful fish est 12lbs and 2 more of 5lbs off the Glenmore beat. Terry McDermott and the lads landed 4 fish so far off the Castle beat while Mark Dempsey and Sean Power landed 2 each of the Ellis beat. Chris Coady just reported in a cracking fish of 14lbs released. 12 in total and all released safely. Super day
20 September
Ballyduff Bridge: 9 fish hooked and 4 landed today. Jason Corcoran landed 2 this morning on a red shrimp at Cable Island 4lb and 8lb respectable. Gavin Wishart landing another one also on Cable Island 6lbs but along comes Kealan O’Toole after a cracking battle landing a fish estimated 15lbs at the Bridge Beat on a bann shrimp tied by Owen Thrill from Galway.
Christian returns his salmon
Blackwater Salmon Fishery: 9 salmon caught today. Christian from Austria with his first Atlantic Salmon caught this morning and another two offers. Some coloured and fresh fish caught over the past couple of days. It is pouring down with rain so looking forward to a good ending after a very dry year.
22 September
A salmon is released on the Ballyduff Bridge Fishery #CPRsavesfish
Ballyduff Bridge: After another rise in the water this morning with a bit more colour. We had 7 fish hooked with 3 making it to the bank. Leonora Carney on of the best female anglers to grace our river banks landed 2 at Ballyduff today guided by Connie. Gavin Wishart brought a nice grilse to the picturesk banks of Ballincurrig on the fly. All fish released to carry on.
23 September
Gary releases his big salmon – estimated at 21lb #CPRsavesfish. This fine fish wins Gary Catch of the Week.
Blackwater Salmon Fishery: Well done to young Liam Davis with his fish and to Gary Lamont with his 21.5 lb fish today followed by a 4lber. Day finished with 8 salmon caught and released.
Ballyduff Bridge: Another good today at the fishery with 8 fish hooked and 5 landed. Gavin Wishart with 2 fish of 4lb and 13lb estimated from the bridge. Leonora Carney with 2 fish biggest 7lbs from Cable Island and Andrew o Reilly with a cracking fish estimated 15lbs from the bridge also, all fish returned.
24 September
Ballyduff Bridge: Another 7 fish landed today with 2 lost. All beats produced activity today. Most fish averaging 5/6lbs but the best catch of the day goes to Jason and Valerie Corcoran with a 7lb healthy SON born today 12.07pm congratulations and we welcome a new angler to the Blackwater.
A quick photo and back she goes #CPRsavesfish
Fortwilliam Fishery: Best day of the season so far with 20 fish landed on the fishery. After the recent rise in water levels a lot of fish are on the move. Everyone had action on the beat so well done to all. Tony Hines landed 5 fish and kept one. Pete Woodley landed 4 all released. Chis Coady landed 2 and released safely.
Noel Power landed 4 fish and 3 released, Kevin O’Connell and Charlie Dolan had a fish each. Ciaran O’Driscoll landed 2 fish and released 1 safely. Mossy Browne landed and released and nice fish of 6lbs.
25 September
Stuart with his first Blackwater salmon #CPRsavesfish
Blackwater Salmon Fishery: 24 fish landed today. Well done to Rob Green who caught 9 salmon.
There were 2 first ever salmon for Ross and Conor and a second salmon for Stuart.
Fortwilliam Fishery: Another good day on the water yesterday with 12 fish landed and all but one released. That makes for 32 fish in the last 48 hours. 5 days left in our 2018 season and counting.
Limited availability between now and Sunday.
Go Fishing…
Fortwilliam Fishery & Self-Catering Cottages
Fortwilliam Fishery offers two miles of double bank salmon and trout fishing over five beats on the river Blackwater.
Our salmon include – Springers, May Salmon, Grilse, Back End Salmon, and in Summer sea trout.
Our beats provide a wide variety of water, suitable for both beginners and the more experienced fishermen.
Fortwilliam Fishery, Glencairn, Lismore, Co. Waterford, Ireland Web: www.fortwilliamfishing.ieEmail: [email protected] Tel: (00353) 87 8292077 or 058 75299
Blackwater Salmon Fishery
Blackwater Salmon Fishery has 3 beats downstream of the weir and 2 upstream of the weir. Blackwater Salmon Fishery offers fishing on approximately 5 miles of the river Blackwater. The fishing is spread throughout the middle section of the river to offer good sport throughout the fishing season. Due to the location of the beats, fishing can still usually be offered in low or high water. Contact Glenda Powell: Lismore, Co Waterford, Email:[email protected] Mobile: +353 (0) 872351260 Telephone: +353 (0) 5853929 Web: www.blackwatersalmonfishery.com
Ballyduff Bridge Salmon Fishery
Ballyduff Bridge fisheries control a number of beats of the Munster Blackwater. The Ballyduff Bridge beat is almost a mile long offering a huge variety of water and is particularly suited to fly fishing. Upstream near the village of Ballyhooley (a few miles outside the town of Fermoy, Cork) we have two beats. The Ballincurrig Beat is one of the most beautiful locations along the river and has an excellent piece of fly water flowing into a deep pool. Just downstream on the opposite bank we have a short but productive beat, called Magners. This beat fishes also well in high water.
Evan McGovern reports on the Cork Small Boats Festival…
Cork small boats festival was fished over the space of a week, from the 15th till the 22nd with 4 day’s fishing. The weather wasn’t on our side but we still managed to get out each day being blessed with the shelter that Cork harbour provides.
Trigger Fish
The first day was a nice one so some high scores came in, with Fair Game winning the day on 17 species. This doesn’t include baitfish such as mackerel, sand eel, and launce. Over the space of the week, there were 32 scoring species captured in total. The winning boat “Skua” finished the week with 24 species, narrowly beating “Nauti Lass” by weight. There were a few more boats up in the 20s.
Porbeagle
There were a few odd species captured that don’t make a show in Cork too often including smooth hound, triggerfish and red mullet.
Prizes for everyone!
The presentation night was in Trabolgan and there was a fine prize table with every boat getting a few picks, and cash prizes for the top 5 boats, with the winner taking away €1000 cash as well as table prizes and more.
There were many more cash prizes for nominated species, heaviest flat, heaviest round, longest bass (catch photo and release) and many many more.
Contender for longest – big conger
We’ve already started work on organising next years competition which will be fished out of Lower Aghada in Cork from the 13th till the 20th of September.
Damien Culliney of Anglers Paradise Ireland had honeymooners Sam and Randy out on Lough Derg last week. The newly weds had travelled all the way from the USA. They had a great day out with Anglers Paradise and landed six fish to the boat. There were some good pike in the haul including a smashing fish of 103 cm.
Sam with a Lough Derg pikeSam and Randy with another fishRandy with on of his fish
Go fishing…
Anglers Paradise Ireland
Trout and Pike Guide
Anglers Paradise Ireland is owned and managed by Damien Culliney, a well known angler and chef in the Clare region and a man passionate about the inland waterways and natural history of County Clare. At Angler’s Paradise, we love the thrill of Game fishing and Pike fishing in equal measure and can take our clients to some of Europe’s most unspoilt rivers and lakes in search of trophy predators and the realisation of their angling dreams.
There has been little salmon angling effort it seems but Melvin has been fishing well for trout, (mainly Sonaghan) over the past few weeks. On the 23rd to 26th of August, the Garrison & Lough Melvin Anglers Association held their 39th Melvin Open try fly competition. Thursday to Saturday were qualifying days with Sunday being the final. The competition was won on the Sunday by Robert Reilly and Hubert Smith with 12 fish. In 2nd place were Pat Carson & Ronnie Child with 9 fish and in 3rd place were Geoffrey Hylands & Tom Byrne with 8 fish.
On the 16th, the Seamus O’Doherty Memorial Cup pairs competition was fished out of Garrison. This was well attended with 50 boats venturing out. The competition was won by Basil Shields & Tommy O’Loughlin with 6 fish caught. In 2nd place came Patsy Treacy & Peter Diver and in 3rd place were Stevie Clarke & Stevie McSherry.
For info/Guides/boat hire on Lough Melvin contact Sean Maguire’s Tackle Shop, Main Street, Garrison. Tel: 0044 7871443304
For bookings/guides etc on the Rossinver Fishery contact Bill McNeary, Tel: 071 9854930 or Jim Hoye, Tel: 0831197428
For info see http://www.rossinverfishery.com/
Richard Blanche caught 9 trout to win the Dick Doyle competition
David Tantrum reports on the Dick Doyle competition…
Richard Blanche caught 9 trout to win the Dick Doyle competition
Only 9 senior anglers took part and a total of 35 trout were caught and released. Keith Moore had the largest rainbow at 52 cms and Mark Rogan took the prize for the largest Brown which was 54 cms. Overall winner with 9 trout was Richard Blanche. A very strong and gusty east wind made for difficult fishing conditions and traditional flies fished deep gave the best results.
The lake has a large population of trout and the colder weather should see a good rise to Lake Olives and terrestrials. Members have reported large trout fry bashing. This could be the downfall of some of the educated 6 lbs trout. The water is crystal clear but you will still need 9 lbs cast to to net these grown on fish
Special arrangements can be made to accommodate groups of anglers. Check with Michael at 086 1073086 for info and available dates.
Waterford Flyfishing club
Carrigavantry – This 30 acre reservoir is hidden in the hills behind Tramore. The lake can be fished from the dam and road and the rest of the lake shore needs waders. The deepest part is the island at 10 feet. Prolific hatches of lake olives and damsels occur. Stocking is with both browns and rainbows. You could loose your catch here to a 20lb Pike!
Knockaderry – The deepest part of the lake is 24 feet at the dam tower, the average depth is 6ft and this results in good weed growth. Trout fatten fast in this fertile water on caddis, snails and stickle backs, while lake olives, buzzers, sedges and damsels bring on prolific rises. This 80 acre reservoir is a traditional top of the water drift fishery.
New members are welcome and an active programme of fly tuition is pursued to encourage beginners and get our youth out into the countryside.
Lough Currane and River Inny updates from Vincent Appleby…
19/9/18 Storm Ali brought Ireland to a standstill but the same couldn’t be said for Currane South side fly anglers. They ventured out as Ali was crossing the SW this morning and fair play to them they stuck it out all day and rose a good few for their efforts as reported to me by local Gillie Mr. Frank Donnelly of www.lakelandshouse.com and that sums today’s action and Storm Ali. Staying with www.lakelandshouse.com yesterday Luxemburg Angler Ernie fishing out of www.lakelandshouse.com caught a fine 5 ½ lbs. Salmon on the fly on the world famous Butler Pool and at www.watervillegolflinks.ie Wind SW and stormy with reasonable cloud cover. Yesterday’s weather, maximum air temperature 17.5C.
20/9/18 We start on the Big Lake / Lough Currane. Cahersiveen angler Mr. Steven Donnelly takes all the Sea Trout headlines. While trolling with his Good friend Mike he caught 3 Juniors and for the rest of the Currane anglers it was all quiet on the SW. So now we head for the World famous Butler Pool and at www.watervillegolflinks.ie and to say the Pool exploded would be an understatement and for good reason, Luxemburg Angler, Ernie and his Gillie Mr. Frank Donnelly of www.lakelandshouse.com caught nine Salmon and lost just as many and rose a good few more and in the words of Mr. Frank Donnelly, I would say it’s a long time since anybody has seen action like today’s. All I could say was it reminds me of the sixties on the Butler Pool, electrifying! So congratulations to both anglers. Wind South East and veered E light to calm and very cold and rained for the majority of the day. Yesterday’s weather, maximum air temperature 15.8C.
21/9/18 Straight to the world famous Butler Pool and at www.watervillegolflinks.ie and their backdate department, yesterday, Mr. Graham Kennedy while fly fishing with his Gillie Mr. Michael O’Sullivan and at [email protected] fishing out of www.butlerarms.com caught a fine Grilse on the fly. Back to today, The O’Neil Golf and Fishing Party of 16 from Dublin and fishing and golfing out of www.butlerarms.com had some great sport in all departments today so straight to the action. On the World Famous Butler Pool and at www.watervillegolflinks.ie Mr. Simon Lutr, while fly-fishing with his Gillie Mr. Michael O’Sullivan and at [email protected] and fishing out of www.butlerarms.com caught a fine 7 lbs. Salmon on the fly. Now we head for Lough Currane and the Salmon and Sea Trout departments and at [email protected] Harbour, Staying with the O’Neil Party, David, fishing out of www.butlerarms.com and fishing with his Gillie Mr. Dominic McGillicuddy of www.fishingwithdom.com caught two Sea Trout on the fly of which the biggest was 4 lbs. Staying with the O’Neil party Mr. Donal O’Neil and fishing out of www.butlerarms.com was Currane angler of the day and for good reason while fly fishing with his Ghille and at [email protected] caught two Salmon ranging from 4 lbs. up to 7 ½ lbs. and caught 6 Sea Trout and lost a good few good fish, a mixture of Salmon and Sea Trout. Again a member the O’Neil party, fishing with Mr. Bob Priestley and fishing out of [email protected] and at www.butlerarms.com caught 3 Juniors on the troll. Late this afternoon French fly angler Michael fishing with his Gillie out of www.butlerarms.com had a cracker of the day and for good reason, he caught a 7 lbs. Salmon and followed that with 4 Juniors and finished his day off with a fine Brown Trout. Now we head for the Bungalow, Mr. Rupert Symonds and Gooding party, caught a 6 lbs. Salmon on the troll and finished their day off with two C&R Sea Trout both in the 1 ½ lbs. all while fishing with his Gillie Mr. Tom O’Shea and at www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com Wind NW fresh with a good cloud cover. Yesterday’s weather, maximum air temperature 11.7C.
22/9/18 Currane anglers and the O’Neil Golf and Fishing Party fishing with [email protected] and fishing out of www.butlerarms.com were in good form again today and for good reason and we will start with Mr. Donal O’Neil fishing with his gillie out of [email protected] and staying at www.butlerarms.com caught a fine 5 lbs. Salmon on the fly. Staying with the O’Neil fishing party, a member of the O’Neil party fishing with his Gillie Terence Wharton and at [email protected] and fishing out of www.butlerarms.com caught 4 Juniors and 5 Brown trout on the troll. Now we head for the Bungalow, Mr. Niall Sayers of Waterville and Jersey and his good friend Mr. Richard Amy, caught 15 Juniors on the fly and their fish of the day was in the 2 ½ lbs class and also had a good catch of Brownies, 20 to be precise and yesterday they caught 6 Juniors and 10 Brownies. Now we stay with the Jersey Lads because on Thursday they were on the upper Lakes and Lough Derriana, again they came up trumps in the fly department with 18 Juniors. Now back to today, French angler fishing with his Gillie and out of www.butlerarms.com caught 1 Junior and 1 Brown Trout on the fly and that raps up today’s action. Wind ENE light to calm with good cloud cover. Yesterday’s weather, maximum air temperature 14.4C.
23/9/18 The Currane anglers were battling more with the bright sunshine and the lack of wind which eventually came up after lunch from the NNE and very cold. So as you can imagine the wild Atlantic Salmon and Sea Trout kept a low profile. On that negative note lets go to a positive note and head for the World famous Butler Pool and at www.watervillegolflinks.ie where the O’Neil Golf and Fishing Party fishing out www.butlerarms.com were in good form again as you can see. Mr. Donal O’Neil while fly-fishing with his Gillie and at [email protected] caught a fine 4 lbs. Grilse. Wind as already stated. Yesterday’s maximum air temperature 13.3C.
Tonight as the sun falls on Skelligs!
24/9/18 Currane Anglers were all quiet on the SW front but as I say that, this evening I was talking to a Currane fly Angler Mr. Paul Hyland, he was telling me that in the past few days he has had some good action both in the Sea Trout and Brown Trout department. Wind E then veered ESE light to fresh and bright sunshine all day and the forecast is much of the same for the rest of the week? Yesterday’s weather, maximum air temperature 13.3C..
25/9/18 All the news comes from the North Shore and the Bungalow and at www.oshealoughcurrane.com and at www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com so straight to the Sea Trout fly department, Scottish angler, Mr. Ewan McGregor, while fishing with his Gillie Mr. Neil O’Shea and at www.oshealoughcurrane.com caught 9 Sea Trout and considering the wild squally and cold conditions and the wind coming from all directions mainly South and veered SE then veered SW and back Southerly again and overcast, you could say their day was beautifully executed. Just for the record there was rain this evening. Yesterday’s weather, maximum air temperature 14.2C.
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.
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
