Gradually Lough Sheelin is moving from the mayfly and spent towards the sedge – reputed to be the cream of fishing on the lake, according to fisheries officer Brenda Montgomery.
The sedge season usually gets into full swing from mid-June, but this year is behind schedule and only beginning to happen now. Some nice fish were caught last week on various imitations, including a small, light-brown pattern.
Brenda explains the best tactics to adopt during a sedge hatch: “The most important thing to remember is that the fly must resemble the local hatch. Size and colour are of top importance.”
The murrough or red sedge is starting to appear and, for now, is best fished from 9pm onwards. Some anglers only fish a single murrough dry while others are successful with the murrough and a balling buzzer on the dropper.
According to Sheelin’s past records, some of the largest fish are taken on the murrough and the most likely places are behind Stony Island, Gaffney’s Bay, Ross Bay, Rusheen, the bottom of Goreport Bay and Bog Bay.
Shoals of perch fry around Bog Bay and Goreport have prompted trout to lash the fry with their tails in an apparent effort to stun the tiny fish and then feed on the dead fry. Silver and gold-bodied flies or white lures, fished slowly or even stationery, can get results.
Sheelin also experienced serious hatches of caenis during the week. The best time to fish this small white fly is early morning (5-7.30am) in sheltered corners close to the shore. Goreport Bay, Sailor’s Garden and Chambers Bay are particularly good locations.
“A small nymph will sometimes work, but most success is achieved with an imitation fished dry on a fine leader,” says Brenda.
In general, anglers are fishing both wet and dry, the top flies being the Spent Gnat, Green Mayfly, Sedge and Murrough with the Silver Invicta, Wickham’s Fancy, Cinnamon Sedge dry fly and Black Gnat dry fly getting a look in.
I fished Sheelin on four occasions over the past four weeks and caught seven trout, best 1.5kg, on wet mayfly and spent. On each occasion, I enjoyed the dinner special in Crover House Hotel (noon-4.30pm, midweek) of soup and choice of two main courses for just €10
For ghillies/guiding services, visit loughsheelinguidingservices.com
Good run on Currane
Salmon fishing on Lough Currane has been excellent so far this season, according to Rod Robinson. The spring run was better than for a number of years, with more than 100 fish landed up to end of May. The last two weeks produced good numbers of both summer salmon and grilse, with fish running through the system to the upper lakes.
Sea-trout fishing also picked up following the recent flood and fish to 2.5kg are being caught daily. The Cummeragh has fished particularly well for the wormers, with one local rod reporting four salmon up to 4.5kg last week.
Note for your diary: The Currane annual sea trout catch and release competition will be held this year on August 9th and 10th. More details later.
Big days on Blackwater
Blackwater Lodge and Salmon Fishery recorded 22 fish for 57 rod days in just one week. Of these, 17 were taken on the fly. "Our June total is already the third best since 2005," said Ian Powell. "Even more encouraging was the quality of the fish, 10 of which were double-figure salmon." For booking details, tel: 058-60235 or 0844-2023333 (UK).
On the fly
The fly (below, left) is a variant of the Connemara Black and one of the most popular wet flies to come from these shores. It was probably tied originally as a sea trout pattern but is equally good for salmon and brown trout in different sizes on river and lough.
“It’s a great pattern to put up when there is not much going on and works well when the weather warms up and plenty of black buzzer about,” says Jimmy Tyrrell. E-mail irishflycraft@gmail.com or call 086-8451257.
Finnish site complete
The fishing travel website of Finland was launched recently in three languages, English, Finnish and Russian. Fishing in Finland is a guide for travelling anglers in the Land of a Thousand Lakes, and includes details on regions, waters and species, along with articles, pictures and videos. Relevant services can be found on a detailed map, with information on the licence system, fish dishes and diverse Finnish fishing culture. Log on for what may be the fishing holiday of a lifetime. fishinginfinland.fi
Click for salmon funds
It is now possible to raise money for Atlantic Salmon Trust (AST) if you shop online – and at no extra cost. AST has registered with givingabit.com, which is partnered with more than 1,200 shops that will pay a donation each time you make a purchase. Simply sign up with givingabit.com, click on "find a charity or community" from the quick links box, and choose Atlantic Salmon Trust.
angling@irishtimes.com
