All hands on deck

At the end of each season the boats have to be taken out of the lake and safely stored for the winter. Today was the day for this task on the Glenisland Coop side of Lough Beltra. Yesterdays heavy rain had passed and the evening was cool and bright as the club members gathered onContinueContinue reading “All hands on deck”

Saltwater fly patterns

There is still time to enjoy a few casts in the sea before the winter gales arrive in earnest, so here are some of my favourite fly patterns for chucking into the briney. I don’t tend to go in for very complex patterns and even my range of colours is limited, but all the fliesContinueContinue reading “Saltwater fly patterns”

Ballina

Herself wanted to pick up a few things in Ballina so we drove up there yesterday. For those who don’t know this area Ballina is a bustling little town on the River Moy and the famous Ridge pool is right in the middle of the town only a few yards from the main street.Helen wentContinueContinue reading “Ballina”

Three flys from my table

I was trying (unsuccessfully I might add) to tidy up the mess of feathers, hooks and other assorted odds and end which have accumulated on my fly tying bench. In amongst the detritus I found some flies so I thought I would share them with you. First up is a Grey Winged Salmon Gosling. Goslings areContinueContinue reading “Three flys from my table”

Successful flies for Carrowmore lake

Here are some patterns which have worked for me and my boat partner over the years on Carrowmore lake, Co. Mayo. Claret bumble is the first choice on a dark day with low cloud. The standard dressings works just fine but I like mine to have a Muddler head in either claret or blue. TheContinueContinue reading “Successful flies for Carrowmore lake”

Casting practice

Friday morning and the weather vane on top of Lagduff Lodge is still firmly set in a Northerly airflow. Dry again today so the fishing will be little more than casting practice, leaving me less than overjoyed I fished from pol Garrow down to the Rock Pool but the only fish I saw was aContinueContinue reading “Casting practice”

Sticks and stones

Day 2 on Lagduff and the drought continues. There was some mist in the morning which we all prayed would develop into a deluge but it petered out without making any difference to the water level in the Owenduff river. I elected to try fishing down at the bottom of the beat and set ofContinueContinue reading “Sticks and stones”

Gone for a Burton

There was a small tin box in my fly tying cabinet which caught my eye today. I don’t remember where it came from or why it was lodged under some squirrel tails, it just seemed to appear there. I must have used it ages ago and forgotten about it but today I opening it upContinueContinue reading “Gone for a Burton”

Beltra seeing an increase in sport

The high water earlier this week has allowed a run of both salmon and sea trout to come up the Newport River and into Lough Beltra. I have not been out yet but you can follow reports on the Genisland Coop FB page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lough-Beltra/380982678740593?fref=nf At this time of year smaller flies will work better, soContinueContinue reading “Beltra seeing an increase in sport”

Sea trout in the Moy estuary

Killala in North Couty Mayo is a pretty little place with windy roads and old stone buildings.It’s a pleasant place to visit at any time, but yesterday we were in Killala on a mission – to catch some sea trout in the Moy estuary. Three amigos  gathered on the quay, Ben, Ronnie and yours truely.ContinueContinue reading “Sea trout in the Moy estuary”