tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86243681728710836802024-02-18T19:48:17.159-08:00Duán FlyfishingGuided Flyfishing trips in Ireland.
Custom Tied Flies.
Tips, Reports, Articles.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-85749431841993337952015-04-04T23:55:00.002-07:002015-04-04T23:55:53.108-07:00Sunday Morning MusingsWe've had plenty of rain here on the East coast of Ireland. My local rivers all have plenty of fresh water in them so if there's ever going to be a chance of catching an elusive east coast springer, it could well be over the next few days. My fishing buddy, Simon, has already winkled a March fish out of the Boyne and there are reports of springers arriving in many of Ireland's rivers. I intend to avail of the good conditions over the next few days and put the hours in in search of silver. <div>
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A beautiful evening on the Dee.</div>
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The OPW website, www.waterlevel.ie is an excellent source of information for anybody intending to fish and it can make extremely interesting reading. The readings for the River Glyde show that it has been rising steadily for the past seven days, despite the fact that there's been no rain for the past two days. This is due to the fact that there are a large number of lakes at the top of the system and once these are filled, it takes a long time for that water to permeate down through the river. The downside is that the eager angler has to wait a while until the river settles and begins to drop, the plus side is that the river remains at an ideal height for a long period of time. </div>
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Trying an Orange Monkey on my trusty Loop Opti</div>
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Then there's the Dee. The Dee rises and falls at a much quicker rate than either the Glyde or Fane so anglers don't have to wait long before it's fishable. The Dee gets very coloured up while it's in spate and can stay coloured for a few days while it's dropping, which can be frustrating.</div>
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I crossed the Dee while doing an airport run yesterday and found that it was too coloured, yet upon my return in the evening, it has cleared sufficiently to warrant a cast. </div>
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Yesterday evening was beautiful and warm, and to be honest, I found myself sitting on the bank chilling and mulling over a number of things that have been going on in my non-fishing life. This brings me to the question of why do we fish? Is it purely for the thrill of catching something or is the 'getting away from it all factor' more important? I must admit that when things in life get rough or when I feel under pressure, I get a really strong urge to be at the river. I sometimes wonder whether I'm running away from things but in honesty, I think that angling provides a sort of therapy to a cluttered mind. The simplicity and rhythm of cast and step can be a welcome antidote to the complexities of life. </div>
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Sitting at the river yesterday watching a beautiful sunset and pondering on recent and current life events has made me grateful that I'm a flyfisher.</div>
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So today it's back to the river and here's hoping for enlightenment and success.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-81724423768499724112015-04-03T11:12:00.000-07:002015-04-03T11:12:00.090-07:00Springers on the FinnI'm just back from 3 super days after springers on Donegal's River Finn. Easter holidays have arrived for me and this was an ideal opportunity for a few days fishing. The past week had seen a considerable amount of rain so luckily the river was in good ply for most of my trip.<div>
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The view from the Ivy Bridge in big water.</div>
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I arrived at Glenmore Sunday afternoon to a river with 4ft on the gauge so fishing was out. A right few beers and a catch up with new fishery manager, Jarlath Winters and two fellow anglers, Roly and Johnny, made for an afternoon of great craic.</div>
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There was 2ft on the gauge at Glenmore Bridge on Monday morning although it was raining fairly steadily.</div>
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Myself and Jarlath started at Mc Ginty's where I had a solid pull about halfway down the pool. A change to a smaller fly initially and then to a big Frances brought no further response. We had no luck at Keys either but Jarlath received a call from season rod, John Gilfillen to say that he had just landed a fish at Glenmore Pool. There was a super prize and trophy up for grabs for the first Glenmore salmon landed and John was well chuffed with his winnings. Well done John!</div>
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The river subsequently became unfishable due to the rain so we had no choice but to sit it out and hope Tuesday would bring better conditions.</div>
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Prizes for catching Glenmore's first salmon and John Gilfillen's fly that did the damage.</div>
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Sunset at Glenmore Bridge</div>
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Horrific weather was forecast for Tuesday and dawn saw gales and the river sitting at 3'6''. We had the Ivy Bridge Beat at our disposal for the day and there wasn't another person anywhere else on the river. The downstream gale and high water conditions meant that it was gonna be a day for the skagit and 10ft of T14 level tip. There were only a few showers knocking about and the water was clear and dropping steadily. At that height of water, the best option is going to be the bottom of the Graveyard so we started there in the crazy weather conditions. I matched the 510grain skagit switch line to a 11'6'' Loop Goran Anderson Signature Spey which Loop pro team member, Stuart Foxall had kindly sent over for myself and Liam to try. This rod is an absolute cannon and handled the high winds with ease. Usually I need a rod of at least 12'6'' to handle the Graveyard in big water, but the GASS 11'6'' was a revelation and I could cover the entire pool with ease. We had no action however so we headed back up to the top of the beat to try the 'V' which can often throw up a fish in big water. No luck there either so we decided that lunch was now required. </div>
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Throwing the skagit on the V with the Loop GASS 11'6'' #8</div>
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Wading the Graveyard.</div>
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I resumed the search alone at the Graveyard in the early afternoon. The water was now dropping nicely and was striking in its clarity. I decided to try something quite dark in colour and tied on a wee brown foxwing tube with a few turns of yellow grizzle softhackle and grey grizzle softhackle. This looked the part in the water and I got stuck in with renewed confidence. At this stage, I spotted a fish turn beside me and then I got a good take which resulted in a few headshakes before coming off. By this stage, the water had dropped sufficiently for me to be able to wade the top part of the graveyard and it was here that I hooked and landed my first springer of the season; a nice bright fish of about 5lb. After sending the fish on its way, I continued down the pool and got another decent pull right at the very end of the pool. Plenty of action for a March afternoon so I was well pleased to get off the mark for 2015.</div>
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The fly that caught my 1st fish of 2015</div>
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A lovely bright Finn fish.</div>
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Safely landed and about to go back.</div>
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The water had dropped to just under 2ft the following morning. Jarlath and I began by fishing the corner pool and Martin's with nothing to report. Jarlath returned to the lodge to catch up on some paperwork so I headed up to try Mc Ginty's and Key's.The gales of the previous day had abated and I changed from the skagit to a short Zpey float/S5 shooting head. This head is ideal for rivers such as the Finn. The angler can adjust the floating section of the line to fish around rocks and other obstacles while the sinking section really digs in and gets down to those springers lying hard on the bottom. I like to use a long tapered leader with sinking heads. Henrik Mortenson described this method to me at a seminar last year, the theory being that the sinking head drags the long leader and light fly down the water column where the fly is able to waft seductively in front of the fish. On this occasion, the method worked and I tightened into a decent fish in front of a submerged boulder well down the pool. I played the fish, which was really gleaming silver, for about 5 minutes before it threw the fly after some pretty aggressive headshaking. Sickened, I struggled to concentrate sufficiently while fishing out the rest of the pool so I left Mc Ginty's and headed downstream to try Key's, The air temperature had taken a noticeable drop and the constant rain had caused the river to rise so with no action forthcoming at Key's, I returned to the lodge for lunch and a catch up with fellow anglers.</div>
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There were perfect water conditions Thursday morning but unfortunately I had an appointment back in Louth which had slipped my mind so I had to drag myself to the car and head back down the road. Still, three great days of fishing for spring salmon has boosted confidence as the season progresses. I can't wait for my next trip back to the Finn.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-28133051292310681832015-03-21T15:14:00.001-07:002015-03-21T15:14:12.147-07:00Carlingford LoughSpring is no longer just around the corner. The temperatures are on the rise, well during the day anyway, and the clocks change next weekend. Today I planned to meet with Liam for a walk along the Dee with maybe a few casts here and there. The weather, however, was very bright so any notions of trying for salmon were dispelled and I decided to take a run out to Carlingford Lough and try for some early season sea trout.<div>
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During the week I work in Omeath on the shores of Carlingford Lough. My classroom overlooks the stunning lough with the Mourne mountains in the background and I have potentially top class sea trout fishing at my fingertips in the evenings. For some reason, since I started working in Omeath, I haven't really fished the sea lough all that much. I've resolved to fish it a bit more this year, especially during the week. </div>
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Today I fished under very bright sun and had no luck with the trout. The tide was on the way out and the water was nice and clear. I saw one trout leap but as I said, no fish or takes. I'll keep my finger on the pulse though and hopefully it won't be too long until the sea trout fishing picks up.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-52728772119294976732015-02-22T12:26:00.000-08:002015-02-23T10:07:25.423-08:00Looking Forward to 2015 on the East Coast. The 2015 trout and salmon season on the east coast of Ireland draws nearer. The official start of the season on the Dee and Glyde is in February but the local angling club that controls most of the fishing on these rivers delays opening until the 1st March.<br />
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Springtime on the Glyde at Castlebellingham</div>
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Springers do seem to be few and far between on the Dee and Glyde nowadays. Last year I put in plenty of effort in good water conditions in spring without a touch. I do however feel that last year was just an exceptionally bad year in most parts of the North Atlantic. The main run at the backend just didn't materialise, never mind springers. I did hear of at least 3 fish caught on the Dee in May though, so a few did show up. Anyway, this season I am once again determined to put the hours in locally in the hope that last year was just a freak. I think salmon anglers must maintain some sense of optimism otherwise the pursuit would be utterly pointless and perhaps border on soul destroying.<br />
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I have some new kit to try out and plenty of new additions to already crowded flyboxes. Over the past few seasons I have found myself using tubeflies more and more. Since many of the rivers I fish are catch and release, barbless singles are a necessity and it makes sense to use tubes since it allows me to switch to doubles and barbed singles wherever they are permitted. I generally don't use trebles anymore, although I have a guilt ridden urge every now and again to use a Red or Black Frances tied on gold or silver ED trebles. They just look so good and inspire confidence. I only ever use them on rivers where catch and release is not the rule, of course!</div>
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There is one style of tube that I seem to be using more than any other these days. It's a foxwing tube tied on a really small piece of plastic tubing. The body consists of no more than a small blob of dubbing which props up the wing nicely. The wing, tied with fox, is tied in next 'scandi' style. sometimes I add a small amount of flash, sometimes I forget or don't bother. I tie the hackle in front of the wing and set the whole thing off with a mini disk of some sort. Usually a Future Fly Drainer Disk but often a FF UFO Disk or a Frodin Turbo disk. I don't really buy into the whole 'water pushing' theory but the disks look nice and inspire a certain amount of confidence.</div>
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I'll do a wee article on them in the coming weeks.<br />
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One of my mobile foxwing tubes.</div>
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While the season is just getting underway here on the East coast of Ireland, other parts of the country have already started fishing and I took myself up to the Leannan in Donegal for a couple of trips. No springers to report but nice to be back fishing again. I'll do a proper report on my trips in the next while.</div>
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A new piece of kit and a replenished box of tubes.</div>
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Ready to give a Banana a swim on the Leannan</div>
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The Fane season starts on 1st March for trout and salmon. Very few springers run the Fane and it certainly isn't worth a throw until the summer time, if there's water. The trout fishing on the Fane however, can be excellent. The Large Dar Olives usually show up in decent numbers given nice weather towards the end of March and great sport can be had. The Fane has become a popular river for competition anglers and many of the traditional methods of down and across wet fly and even the dry fly have given way to modern nymphing styles such as French long line nymphing. It's not unusual to see local specialists working up the river dressed like they're looking for a hidden skateboarding mecca hidden deep in the drumlins Monaghan/South Armagh. Don't think, however that I'm an anti- kneepad conservative; modern nymphing methods take a huge amount of skill and the Fane is the perfect place to hone ones skills with springtime being the perfect time to start. I intend to do more trout fishing this year and a 10' #3 rod is top of the wish list.<br />
So I have plenty of plans for the blog in the coming weeks. I'll do a few reviews of different bits of kit I've been using. I bought a decent DSLR camera so I'll do some step by steps of various fly patterns and perhaps a few videos also.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-74910166964143500262015-01-09T11:50:00.000-08:002015-01-09T11:50:22.556-08:00Salmon Season 2014<div class="MsoNormal">
Season 2014 Review</div>
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As far as salmon fishing seasons are concerned, last year was definitely a season to forget. This was the case for many salmon fishers throughout the North Atlantic. Norway’s season was poor as was the case for most of Scotland. In Ireland, the rivers I fish had a very poor year.</div>
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River Slaney</div>
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I began my season on the Dee and Glyde and fished fairly hard while we had decent water levels during March, April and May; without success. I had a memorable day on the Slaney with my mate, Simon Cassidy with resulted in a springer for myself and another couple contacted. Simon also lost two fish during the heat of battle; excellent spring salmon action.<br />
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A Slaney Springer taken on a Sunray.</div>
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I didn’t manage to contact any springers on my favourite haunt, the Finn. On reflection, Very few of my visits coincided with good fishing conditions, this coupled with the fact that the river didn’t get the best run of fish. I enjoyed a great day guiding on the Snaa Pool, River Mourne where a guest caught a superb fresh run, 12lb springer.</div>
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I travelled to the Tay at Murthly again this summer. Five of us travelled to Scotland and rented a pretty bungalow in picturesque Dunkeld. In typical fashion, our visit yet again coincidedwith a heat wave, yet Liam managed to winkle a fish out of his favourite Island Pool. The female members of our party did quite well. Caireen lost a fish in the Tronach after an epic late evening battle. Maeve landed here first salmon on the second day at Stenton. The trip to the Tay is the highlight of my angling year regardless of how the fishing turns out. Tony Black, the Ghillie at Murthly is fantastic company and a superb ghillie. Needless to say, Murthly is booked for July 2015 again.</div>
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The Tay at Murthly</div>
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There wasn’t much time to kill at home in Louth after the Scottish trip before I headed north-west to Donegal. Glenmore Rivers fishery manager Sim handed me the reins at the lodge while he attended a wedding in England. There were good water levels during my week at Glenmore, yet there was a mediocre run of grilse. Luckily, our guests from Florida caught fish, nonetheless and enjoyed a great holiday. After my stint as host, I got an opportunity to do some fishing and enjoyed a great day on the upper Finn landing five grilse and losing a few more.</div>
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Kevin is justifiably happy with his Finn grilse taken at Kearney's.</div>
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August saw some rain and I managed a few more Finn fish but the fishing in Louth remained exceptionally poor. The river Dee got a small rise on one occasion but very few fish seemed to run. While there was low water there was no build of fish in the lower stretched of the Dee and Glyde, in stark contrast to the previous season.<br />
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A lovely stretch of the Dee in Co.Louth. A single hander with a no.7 line is ideal.</div>
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Another highlight of 2014 was a day spent fishing in the breathtaking surroundings of Glenveagh National Park in the company of James, who caught a lovely 2.5lb sea-trout in very challenging conditions.<br />
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Breathtaking views on Lough Beagh, Gleveagh National Park, Co.Donegal.</div>
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James Casey with a super 2.5lb Lough Beagh sea trout.</div>
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I spent a few hours on the Boyne at Navan with Frank Doherty and caught a lovely five pound grilse on a tiny turbo disc tube. This, however, was to be my last salmon of the season. September usually sees the cream of the fishing on the East Coast but a combination of low water and no fish prevailed. A small rise in water levels on the Fane in October failed to bring any salmon upriver and so the season simply petered out.</div>
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A welcome fish on the Boyne at Navan. First blood to the Loop Xact 12'6 #8. GDC Float/Inty head.</div>
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The Boyne grilse.</div>
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Looking back, the eternal optimist in me is telling me that surely 2015 can’t be as bad as 2014. Last year I waited until March before wetting a line, this year, impatience has got the better of me. My new salmon licence arrived in the post this evening and it looks likely that I will wet a line in the next week or so.</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Putting the 12'6 Loop Xact through its paces on the Mourne in October.</span></div>
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Lord's Pool on the Mourne at Sion Mills.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-7116715567456023892015-01-02T12:10:00.000-08:002015-01-02T12:10:47.621-08:00A Drive Along the River Leannan System.Myself and angling buddy, James took an exploratory drive today along the River Leannan in Co Donegal. The Leannan is open to angling on a catch and release basis for 2015. The Leannan was always a renowned spring salmon fishery which regularly produced opening day salmon on the 1st of January. It has however, been closed to salmon angling for a number of years. I, personally disagree with closing fisheries entirely because this leaves unoccupied fisheries open to unscrupulous poachers. It's welcome news indeed that the Leannan is open for catch and release hopefully and indication that salmon numbers are on the increase.<div>
We began our trip at the famous Watt's Pool on the Lower River. Watt's Pool is a private fishery below a substantial weir just above the town of Ramelton. Prior to its closure, Watts Pool regularly produced spring salmon in early January; the weir holding lethargic springers back in the large pool itself. Today was my first time seeing the pool, a large inviting looking pool. There's a fast flowing neck which spreads out into a wide pool with a nice steady draw. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Watts Pool</div>
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I have no idea about how to go about purchasing a permit to fish Watts Pool or indeed if it is possible to do so. Perhaps the owners will provide information in the coming season.</div>
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Middle Section of the Lower River Leannan<br />
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We drove upstream along the river towards Lough Fern, Lough Fern divides the upper and lower sections of the Leannan and is a popular destination for trout fishers in Donegal. </div>
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Middle section of the Lower River</div>
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Middle section of the Lower River</div>
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The upper section of the Leannan, above Lough Fern, is considerably longer than the lower river and flows through fairly rough pasture. Many of the fields were flooded in the high water and the river meanders for most of its way from Gartan Lough down to the Fern.</div>
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The Upper River Leannan above Lough Fern</div>
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The Upper River Leannan above Lough Fern</div>
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The Upper River Leannan above Lough Fern<br />
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Lough Gartan and the start of the River Leannan.</div>
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Our tour of the Leannan system ended where the river begins, pictured here at the outflow from Gartan Lough, near Churchill. There is some great trout fishing to be had in numerous loughs in the Churchill area. </div>
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All in all it was enjoyable taking a drive up along the Leannan system, which I had never previously scoped out. Perhaps I'll give it a throw in the not too distant future. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-62737406058801816572014-05-23T14:51:00.000-07:002014-05-23T14:51:23.090-07:00Trout on the Fane<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeN4qN0gqBNplciCcOjCk3vhhH9zZkccUSy7KBoC0ofOLC02DR20zD3LpD68fBG9VCnchZ0Igq6ZdrXQ7cRMrg3P4WxsjINr6alCWZqQk_yKUbzeTasMAFcCaLGlEl1m66xxJqRA-l6Yc/s1600/Fane+Trout+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeN4qN0gqBNplciCcOjCk3vhhH9zZkccUSy7KBoC0ofOLC02DR20zD3LpD68fBG9VCnchZ0Igq6ZdrXQ7cRMrg3P4WxsjINr6alCWZqQk_yKUbzeTasMAFcCaLGlEl1m66xxJqRA-l6Yc/s1600/Fane+Trout+007.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
The trout fishing on the Fane has been excellent recently so my fishing buddy, James Casey decided it was about time he came down from Derry to give it a throw. Typically, the weather turned rough on the Saturday and on Sunday we were faced with a colouring, rising river. Anglers had been enjoying tremendous sport with the trout keyed into hawthorn flies. The best of the hawthorn fishing was now over but we encountered a super hatch of Olive Uprights. For some strange reason, however, the trout failed to rise to these delicate upwings. We did, however, come across some trout which were feeding heavily in prime feeding lies. My brother managed an excellent trout on a dry paradun while myself and James got a couple of beauties, team fishing to a couple of rising trout. Great fun!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvHLBA71FlR73xJlMc_XTnMQqDvtLk-TDIy3z5bC4fQi952KDwsR1m0-DaQ5O_2LB292ntgJGPftk3wFWzPkkg4t0Duh5OBSUDe0gaQoIc-9EqybosMZu87GIfs8LTozjC4Gv2b5l1UY/s1600/Fane+Trout+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvHLBA71FlR73xJlMc_XTnMQqDvtLk-TDIy3z5bC4fQi952KDwsR1m0-DaQ5O_2LB292ntgJGPftk3wFWzPkkg4t0Duh5OBSUDe0gaQoIc-9EqybosMZu87GIfs8LTozjC4Gv2b5l1UY/s1600/Fane+Trout+002.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8GAeeLObog_rj7cPoZ77imnu-E1OjkFulwqN3_xJPWQMINSml7Y_ERjsAzCmOsPDHbBGRIG16jlhLSv2sD2Js3zC5dRUEkC1EtDHiul-iXziWW_wezntC_SJJOpwZJHMQr1CpCtQElI/s1600/Fane+Trout+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8GAeeLObog_rj7cPoZ77imnu-E1OjkFulwqN3_xJPWQMINSml7Y_ERjsAzCmOsPDHbBGRIG16jlhLSv2sD2Js3zC5dRUEkC1EtDHiul-iXziWW_wezntC_SJJOpwZJHMQr1CpCtQElI/s1600/Fane+Trout+004.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
A lovely trout for Darragh.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOA0MOQOx7M91uWL5ZpG1_RD8cjvA2Q4pV8D1HtvDXD_S8JN17q198IJruuWUDQrl2sRccnefnlj5Sbf1qTIcPGK6KNDDRecKc9I4xLN3EkoMFearCHIN9t_LiNrODxL3JqWMiVOrzjw/s1600/Fane+Trout+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOA0MOQOx7M91uWL5ZpG1_RD8cjvA2Q4pV8D1HtvDXD_S8JN17q198IJruuWUDQrl2sRccnefnlj5Sbf1qTIcPGK6KNDDRecKc9I4xLN3EkoMFearCHIN9t_LiNrODxL3JqWMiVOrzjw/s1600/Fane+Trout+013.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Trout acrobatics!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0TY_9xqlLWlF1nR5CCK2X_TLsauMFHyVIssIFv7jBWchUzFL95uPQVJiHsbFdv5HQRgVZIbyOw0g03xOBuJzqMxux2I3BaPutOyiyjPVfOnLwEHTalwDJqOUZ11hAwgOVqE-JKeXEIM/s1600/Fane+Trout+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0TY_9xqlLWlF1nR5CCK2X_TLsauMFHyVIssIFv7jBWchUzFL95uPQVJiHsbFdv5HQRgVZIbyOw0g03xOBuJzqMxux2I3BaPutOyiyjPVfOnLwEHTalwDJqOUZ11hAwgOVqE-JKeXEIM/s1600/Fane+Trout+014.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
James looks pretty pleased with himself!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSwFfafJk4AnV3yq2daD7etOSUXWCMaGUReXEKoub8gRRuaME0zcKam4ZPO9RuMGOwZ_roG0bqepY6NQMW4iY3PeOoErPOT-BSnPwt8eYjHn0xmPk6NCVdEqDJiRQaszDedT70Qc5u-o/s1600/Fane+Trout+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSwFfafJk4AnV3yq2daD7etOSUXWCMaGUReXEKoub8gRRuaME0zcKam4ZPO9RuMGOwZ_roG0bqepY6NQMW4iY3PeOoErPOT-BSnPwt8eYjHn0xmPk6NCVdEqDJiRQaszDedT70Qc5u-o/s1600/Fane+Trout+015.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Stunner!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqi59ix93xEz8pYDkb2ClHaYzYu3ltvbsyVAmS2-LbP2DRhEtpAdQtOvARNWRlxlali8bbtA9lLHq3WxTjwwappm29JWbGTVZPLl9zjRedy0l2eA6cKCs7LlI-DKOHFhUO_CLPw7C2Urk/s1600/Fane+Trout+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqi59ix93xEz8pYDkb2ClHaYzYu3ltvbsyVAmS2-LbP2DRhEtpAdQtOvARNWRlxlali8bbtA9lLHq3WxTjwwappm29JWbGTVZPLl9zjRedy0l2eA6cKCs7LlI-DKOHFhUO_CLPw7C2Urk/s1600/Fane+Trout+017.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
A proper rise!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVIWRmDUOYRgXBezZJysF-mJ-s_6BdNBfa4NR6fduS03NL4xaC5rxgtbVtcgaigfkz0KeCJu5KiJy_Ct1h8kyUWASAORLDP52wTUl1A565dEDFa_wXyEJ7H1n3k6YuFW_0XFh2ctA_Qg/s1600/Fane+Trout+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVIWRmDUOYRgXBezZJysF-mJ-s_6BdNBfa4NR6fduS03NL4xaC5rxgtbVtcgaigfkz0KeCJu5KiJy_Ct1h8kyUWASAORLDP52wTUl1A565dEDFa_wXyEJ7H1n3k6YuFW_0XFh2ctA_Qg/s1600/Fane+Trout+019.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Safe as houses.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNzJDqt7oFHMFqH59Jq4eF8vxf9ymHGYs6BetpRv1p04k0ZWckDs31xQMDqhXlm5xyBBb5UjpPXFF80RmOOyYtVTDhyvwR_XMyTbvwo8S4sYukG54ufMU59rZCHhbNPwDDEYfXPHVHK8/s1600/Fane+Trout+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNzJDqt7oFHMFqH59Jq4eF8vxf9ymHGYs6BetpRv1p04k0ZWckDs31xQMDqhXlm5xyBBb5UjpPXFF80RmOOyYtVTDhyvwR_XMyTbvwo8S4sYukG54ufMU59rZCHhbNPwDDEYfXPHVHK8/s1600/Fane+Trout+022.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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The end of May and June sees the cream of the fishing on the Fane. I usually manage my biggest trout of the year during the course of the next few weeks as the biggest trout key in on sedges. Fishing the hatches of small caddis flies, known locally as 'Grey Flag' can be absorbing and very tricky. The big trout often key in on the pupal stage of the fly and often hunt the swimming pupae just under the surface. If we get warm weather, I won't venture out before 8 o' clock and often stay on the river till after midnight. Luckily the Fane flows from west to east so you're often pitching your dry fly into the setting sun so visibility remains good till late on into the night. Spending a couple of hours in the lonely drumlin country of South Armagh/Monaghan as the night falls is a fantastic way to zone out after a busy days work.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-18569205355744064202014-04-27T01:13:00.000-07:002014-04-27T01:16:53.326-07:00Slaney Silver<div class="MsoNormal">
The River Slaney, in Co. Wexford is one of Ireland’s top
rivers for spring salmon. The Slaney flows through some of the best farmland in
the country; in a county possibly better known for its hurling and its
strawberries. This region is also known as the Sunny South East because it gets
more sunshine than any other part of Ireland. Wexford’s coastline boasts some
superb bass fishing for those in the know, but it was the county’s salmon I was
after, last Saturday.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeruVarg_ox2Lr9QNzNepjznkTT5CCpxbM33rgbAPhk6XO-2E6C7jZNwj8aX7MjlBXwqtkZp87nn9Qx8x1ge_JGqfCMgQSF0l0-J7yBxc3VN26lhy2P3ibfSRxlU45sbSnPplQYsPcD8/s1600/Slaney+2014+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeruVarg_ox2Lr9QNzNepjznkTT5CCpxbM33rgbAPhk6XO-2E6C7jZNwj8aX7MjlBXwqtkZp87nn9Qx8x1ge_JGqfCMgQSF0l0-J7yBxc3VN26lhy2P3ibfSRxlU45sbSnPplQYsPcD8/s1600/Slaney+2014+009.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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While out flogging the Dee during the week, I got a welcome
phone call from fishing buddy, Simon Cassidy, to join him for a day on the
Slaney. Naturally, I jumped at the chance..... I’d be very foolish to turn that
offer down. So we met up down in the Slaney Valley with high hopes for a
successful day. Conditions weren’t exactly what you’d call perfect, with a
bright, warm sun and hardly a cloud in the sky. The forecast, however, was for
cloud to build later on in the aftenoon. </div>
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Most of my spring fishing is done on the Mourne and Finn on
the Foyle system as well as my local Rivers Dee and Glyde. The Slaney is a
different class of a river altogether. For a start, the water is gin clear. A
lot of the pools are fairly deep and there is a strong flow which fishes the
fly beautifully. Many pools reminded me of the Scottish Dee, I once fished at
Deecastle. </div>
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We were fishing a three rod beat, so myself and Simon headed
up to the top section after being shown the pools and likely lies. I started
off on a small pot at the very top of the beat and tackled it with my switch
rod setup and a float/sink3 Zpey Compact head. Fly choice was a small foxwing
tube with a sunburst underwing and a natural grey fox overwing. </div>
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The switch rod
was handy for overhead casting from high banks, while I used the 12’9’ Sage
Z-Axis for wading. We fished hard until lunchtime without a touch, the bright,
sunny conditions not helping our cause. I ended up breaking the tip section of
my switch rod when I was picking it up from where it was sitting against some
bushes. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">After lunch, I tackled the lower section of the beat. I
perservered with a Guideline Sink 1/2 shooting head, a 15’ tapered leader and a
small Black and Orange foxwing tube. I spotted a fish move in a lovely stream
and when I covered the spot, was met with a strong draw on the line but the
fish didn’t stick. I tried a smaller fly and also a Red Frances conehead but
there was no response. Our kind host headed home at 5 O’ clock which meant that
I could go back up to the top of the beat. I meant up with Simon who informed
me that he had lost a double figure fish after a 5 minute battle. Confidence
rising, I fished the pools we had fished earlier that morning, this time with a
Float/Sink1 shooting head and the same long tapered leader. I decided to try a
Sunray Shadow with a white bucktail underwing and fish it quickly through the
pools. In one spot, a fish head and tailed over the fly and as the ling
tightened, I was sure I was in business but surprisingly, I didn’t hook up.</span></div>
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In
another pool, I saw a fish move and when I covered it I got another good take
which didnt stick. By the time I got down to Simon again, he told me that he
had lost another fish after a brief tussle. He encouraged me to try the Sunray
in the place he had lost the two fish. Just as light was beginning to fade, I
hooked into a fish on the Sunray exactly where Simon had lost his fish! The
first fish of the year is always a nervy battle despite Simon’s assurances that
the fish was well hooked in the scissors. The Slaney is open for catch and
release only so barbless singles are the rule. Thankfully, the hook held and I
landed the fish in a quiet backwater. Success on the Sunray; a first for me!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig03qFmRlLnnEaKC0mReOx5QKVak_bj3jirVbH5DmLV5BbVkq-zt5peHJ6qxm_tmnKVuovBQGlrVPJpqZNuoXMdGKsQTZd0ydyIpXpyuGVdMM9_qAJK6DUPH5_hyphenhyphen8EK4lJjyZUk483m5A/s1600/Slaney+2014+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig03qFmRlLnnEaKC0mReOx5QKVak_bj3jirVbH5DmLV5BbVkq-zt5peHJ6qxm_tmnKVuovBQGlrVPJpqZNuoXMdGKsQTZd0ydyIpXpyuGVdMM9_qAJK6DUPH5_hyphenhyphen8EK4lJjyZUk483m5A/s1600/Slaney+2014+015.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDoAkOMchRm0AJJAjy0MugWu5ddgg4rnyReJeiwcd3AkoBuUmEVEfW7zNKSADkDil9inWw4mpfBxOgvzPFCuPfiCSNBDo0EBsFsT3rM7mYivM5Yv5Es5tZlVSJVQzdT-94MleIKTwreU/s1600/Slaney+2014+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDoAkOMchRm0AJJAjy0MugWu5ddgg4rnyReJeiwcd3AkoBuUmEVEfW7zNKSADkDil9inWw4mpfBxOgvzPFCuPfiCSNBDo0EBsFsT3rM7mYivM5Yv5Es5tZlVSJVQzdT-94MleIKTwreU/s1600/Slaney+2014+021.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-zntHgwmO1TnRCmOPFPLcTv4GM41ge9eB4ZbYHp2bT05mT4cGktePQy8kZRo0iSGKuYH2MfCU1PjRPuJsoMj14H4xsmzt1LaWn49-MYTwp5Gj4k4MsbW8UkCDi8YmPy_73ddjfiV6Fs/s1600/Slaney+2014+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-zntHgwmO1TnRCmOPFPLcTv4GM41ge9eB4ZbYHp2bT05mT4cGktePQy8kZRo0iSGKuYH2MfCU1PjRPuJsoMj14H4xsmzt1LaWn49-MYTwp5Gj4k4MsbW8UkCDi8YmPy_73ddjfiV6Fs/s1600/Slaney+2014+026.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsVbTH8qkF9GKqZfL8bIArIg-5Msfi7agTtQoloxQpJawZjG1oeVmpKMLhV4PLC7nqBsxZcc109bqhSRnTz8Ku_pXXaKQ3u6JpN6QeZUmQA8ILQ1f4dDAfSftLpOyrwe_BnHR8GmGwCI/s1600/Slaney+2014+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsVbTH8qkF9GKqZfL8bIArIg-5Msfi7agTtQoloxQpJawZjG1oeVmpKMLhV4PLC7nqBsxZcc109bqhSRnTz8Ku_pXXaKQ3u6JpN6QeZUmQA8ILQ1f4dDAfSftLpOyrwe_BnHR8GmGwCI/s1600/Slaney+2014+038.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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A great days salmon fishing which certainly makes up for all
the blank Dee and Glyde sessions. I’d love to get back to the Slaney sometime.
If not this season, perhaps next season.
A big thanks to Simon for the shout to come down and fish! </div>
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Hopefully we’ll get some rain soon and get on the Finn. The
main run of springers usually arrives at the beginning of May but they won’t
arrive unless there’s water, so fingers crossed!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-498185657243911272014-04-16T03:28:00.003-07:002014-04-16T03:28:51.809-07:00Out and About on the Glyde<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_33WgjMuGfEE9TppRmyC-QJGibE1j48uLNp-JamWo1OH9ZLSgTS18rf8dNyT_rvLV8Y9B6K6XdzTRCCsJ7OYyjYyca07a-SK_KtFMNxgNjvvZWSn6-xHTpsngqmc6pHFuqcM5_SgRQTc/s1600/Glyde+15.04.14+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_33WgjMuGfEE9TppRmyC-QJGibE1j48uLNp-JamWo1OH9ZLSgTS18rf8dNyT_rvLV8Y9B6K6XdzTRCCsJ7OYyjYyca07a-SK_KtFMNxgNjvvZWSn6-xHTpsngqmc6pHFuqcM5_SgRQTc/s1600/Glyde+15.04.14+002.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dee Sheep</div>
The water level has fallen considerably on the Dee. The Glyde
remains at a good height, however and it is on this river I have been
concentrating. I tried Lisrenny, downstream from Tallanstown Saturday night. No sign of a fish here, but it was a lovely calm evening. The Lisrenny stretch of the Glyde is at the end of a long lane and you're almost guaranteed to find peace and quiet.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_4IaBOPIdwbuQkqEZoN7lRnTusdk98xx6SOiVNZFp0BLjCv8mbSvy-YiAEJrQ9Aa1C4sLpPXjLfkWTeCSZnH5HD5MC-OQ3u0SdyfYYNxhbjdwOat-V19Z65mUre5xDHavjFmyymoEJ0/s1600/1024x768_bestfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_4IaBOPIdwbuQkqEZoN7lRnTusdk98xx6SOiVNZFp0BLjCv8mbSvy-YiAEJrQ9Aa1C4sLpPXjLfkWTeCSZnH5HD5MC-OQ3u0SdyfYYNxhbjdwOat-V19Z65mUre5xDHavjFmyymoEJ0/s1600/1024x768_bestfit.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><br />
Lirsrenny<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqgdUXxLuURy1zu_xnQBvPFKSkg1u7OTatorBsASr_mUeqWJX0NgDLuLmgFqJZ1n-OoGnFbNr4Z_BieBJA9lzLCa-Bh5SsUTbINfPkOOlyrk7PHwtLwH3GLAq2pot8pbC5peT56CJWnQ/s1600/1024x768_bestfit+(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqgdUXxLuURy1zu_xnQBvPFKSkg1u7OTatorBsASr_mUeqWJX0NgDLuLmgFqJZ1n-OoGnFbNr4Z_BieBJA9lzLCa-Bh5SsUTbINfPkOOlyrk7PHwtLwH3GLAq2pot8pbC5peT56CJWnQ/s1600/1024x768_bestfit+(4).jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ttHlMQD0xEb4f-lKuFiRjVfYT1dI5xQB-VuAuBOhLCc3n7YE5goip8eGBiXYtw-07USXSKOmu8IiNouwxoimIMXJ2i7ZKASryPVMlIeyY9PziLO0RTouPYR1oCoE3wlwLosFru6ueGU/s1600/1024x768_bestfit+(9).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ttHlMQD0xEb4f-lKuFiRjVfYT1dI5xQB-VuAuBOhLCc3n7YE5goip8eGBiXYtw-07USXSKOmu8IiNouwxoimIMXJ2i7ZKASryPVMlIeyY9PziLO0RTouPYR1oCoE3wlwLosFru6ueGU/s1600/1024x768_bestfit+(9).jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><br />
Rod-cam at Lisrenny.<br />
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I fished the stretch above Tallanstown last night. The days have
been very bright so I’ve been fishing at last and first light. There is some
really nice fly water up here and the trout were certainly keen on my light fox
wing tubes but no sign of a springer.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONkzMi5imxk4UxnthLTr7dlc83DDPGHObAA_Ts83xTRM4ioZvJiuf_AwpuwKbNb107QH3dgOae3znObzu0LweJXSo6NO0Ye6LCIbriNfCBwz8Izv7LVIxz2Ma-Ovhwfc9IXWXoo6-TvU/s1600/April+Hunt+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONkzMi5imxk4UxnthLTr7dlc83DDPGHObAA_Ts83xTRM4ioZvJiuf_AwpuwKbNb107QH3dgOae3znObzu0LweJXSo6NO0Ye6LCIbriNfCBwz8Izv7LVIxz2Ma-Ovhwfc9IXWXoo6-TvU/s1600/April+Hunt+006.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
The track down to the river.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzNefOuJvLGuqv6Dkltmgm496BbEp2-JyZOmFpRqUzlU8uKEdfbxsHJd0FibjoI122E_LAbt_fh0F8OiuJyWa7CDH1JgQ1DuWZ59YCux1tkNcu8MSIZ85WxG0WyYgc-4QkXHAZEr2cz0/s1600/April+Hunt+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzNefOuJvLGuqv6Dkltmgm496BbEp2-JyZOmFpRqUzlU8uKEdfbxsHJd0FibjoI122E_LAbt_fh0F8OiuJyWa7CDH1JgQ1DuWZ59YCux1tkNcu8MSIZ85WxG0WyYgc-4QkXHAZEr2cz0/s1600/April+Hunt+008.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
A lovely evening on the Glyde.<br />
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Lovely streams for the fly.<br />
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The Rising of the Moon<br />
Yesterday morning, I hit the Glyde at Castlebellingham
for a couple of hours. I started off at the Basin pool and fished down to
Wogans. This morning saw me down at Castlebellingham again. The full moon means
big tides and hopefully a fish or two will nose in the rivers. It’s great to
have the opportunity to fish for a fortnight, a welcome break from work.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOzP0Nb9r3mgvq8lrshjVVjSn2IhWBIJBkUZB2vp4KA8sR5XRpPzY2x51k2ngG6Hfw7wEJ89u8RmMxiNveSZP0hK_d5GVAE7QtnPPHVlK1f7ek43uR40b7OIwbvkw6-m30SPipkBNDuc/s1600/Glyde+15.04.14+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOzP0Nb9r3mgvq8lrshjVVjSn2IhWBIJBkUZB2vp4KA8sR5XRpPzY2x51k2ngG6Hfw7wEJ89u8RmMxiNveSZP0hK_d5GVAE7QtnPPHVlK1f7ek43uR40b7OIwbvkw6-m30SPipkBNDuc/s1600/Glyde+15.04.14+003.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I’ve heard reports of a couple of fish being caught down on
the Boyne and further south, there are fish being caught on the Slaney. The Dee
and Glyde aren’t really being fished for salmon at the minute so it’s a matter
of plugging away and hopefully one will turn up. Indeed, I have yet to meet another angler on these rivers this season, apart from my own fishing buddies! I’ll be out again this evening
so I’ll report back later. Liam are on the Finn tomorrow. There is some rain
forecast for the North West later today and perhaps this evening. We’ll have to
wait and see if we get enough to raise water levels on the Finn. So it’s a day
at the vice for me. Some more small mobile tubes for the peaty Finn water on
the menu!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-25643513609941443052014-04-09T14:31:00.000-07:002014-04-09T14:31:12.011-07:00Heavy rain last week have left our rivers here on the East coast in fine fettle. The Dee and Glyde have taken a while to clear but conditions are perfect at the minute. The Glyde drops slowly and should be in good nick for the next week or two. The Dee is dropping quickly with nice clear water, perfect for the fly. I fished Dee hard on Sunday in high water conditions but the water was very coloured and I caught nothing. I ventured out again this evening and expectations rose with the perfect water. Outfit for today was my #8 Orvis Switch with a 416 grain float/S5 Zpey head. I looped a 7ips polyleader on to the head with a short leader and a small light softhackle TD. The Bathing Pool on the Dee is deep and fish often sit in under the banks so it is important that the fly is fished right on to the dangle and allowed to flutter attractively there for an extended period. Halfway down the pool, I got a vicious take which didn't stick. The fish didn't return but confidence levels are now elevated and hopefully it's just a matter of time before myself or one of my fishing buddies connect with an elusive Dee/Glyde springer! I'll be back out tomorrow afternoon so fingers crossed.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-29584020020021967172014-03-30T14:44:00.001-07:002014-03-30T14:45:06.222-07:00First Trip to the Lackagh<div class="MsoNormal">
I spent an enjoyable day on the Lackagh yesterday. Weather
conditions were near enough perfect. Dull, with a nice southerly breeze. I
decided to check out the very top of the river where it exits Glen Lough. The
Lackagh is a very short river and once fish decided to leve the grilse pool, it’s
pretty much boot down till they reach the lake. The pictures show the pretty
spectacular landscape the Lackagh flows through. No fish to report for my trip,
but hopefully it’s only a matter of time before I get one!</div>
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Start of the Lackagh</div>
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Glen Lough</div>
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Glen Lough</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhi9h1uL_a2culwsbCYqyp1KmYFHE_JEXzhHI1vQY-5fSxZtVSocryRp1N9OHeaTJG-ukt90eMa0-URmyB_tUnthNuhY2CvUTHGf0v4rKKyakDJxebbgm3JaLP0xwqR-TDjOvomvAJ1E/s1600/30th+March+191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhi9h1uL_a2culwsbCYqyp1KmYFHE_JEXzhHI1vQY-5fSxZtVSocryRp1N9OHeaTJG-ukt90eMa0-URmyB_tUnthNuhY2CvUTHGf0v4rKKyakDJxebbgm3JaLP0xwqR-TDjOvomvAJ1E/s1600/30th+March+191.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Grilse Pool</div>
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Looking downstream towards the Lackagh Bridge.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-2729182562893364022014-03-10T14:39:00.000-07:002014-03-10T14:39:00.948-07:00Choosing a Switch Rod outfit for Salmon Fishing.<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
The term ‘switch rod’ was coined
by American rod building legend, Bob Meiser. On his website, Meiser says<i>, ‘Switch rods are short length two handed
fly rids that allow the caster an optional use as a single handed fly rod if
desired, or if it is advantageous to do so</i>.’ Despite being on the market
for more than 30 years, it’s only in the past few years that switch rods have
really become must have tools. There has been a lot of debate about switch
rods. Some anglers have been loath to embrace switch rods, dismissing them
as a passing fad. Others have recognised their potential as the perfect tools
to do a certain job on certain types of rivers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gjJm7Nk2RCKG4oCtkstS6DvLhoZrIcJlO2XjrQeewJ9u0xQVvhpGDudWtrNtgVc1xQuhp6PzF4KOr638wASLn9jJnGNXu72SYVQQERAOvT32ylMWctd1boFF3jclMZw9czK8hQ_XJBk/s1600/Final+Week+of+2013+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gjJm7Nk2RCKG4oCtkstS6DvLhoZrIcJlO2XjrQeewJ9u0xQVvhpGDudWtrNtgVc1xQuhp6PzF4KOr638wASLn9jJnGNXu72SYVQQERAOvT32ylMWctd1boFF3jclMZw9czK8hQ_XJBk/s1600/Final+Week+of+2013+030.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Switch Rod action on the River Fane</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
I see a number of situations where a switch
rod would be useful. If you fish small, overgrown rivers where you find
yourself flicking short speycasts around trees and bushes, a switch rod should
be your weapon of choice. Many salmon anglers are used to the big expanses of
the larger classic rivers and would scarcely believe that such places exist but
exist they do. My own local rivers on the east coast of Ireland are small,
narrow and overgrown, yet they have some relatively large salmon into the teens
of pounds and bigger. To my fishing buddies and me, switch rods have been a
revelation. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkco6nz59aUpTUvROKcx7iTwlxB5rgBGgCfIZg7OJmLZ84Wx_CpHoFjW8HlpvMDYPuLbYtPdA7dLrNMLLkFBC5BolndiD7ppNDR84HkqJFB7CsEBItetYcwXz4_IONpk17yzh0D6-6ug/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkco6nz59aUpTUvROKcx7iTwlxB5rgBGgCfIZg7OJmLZ84Wx_CpHoFjW8HlpvMDYPuLbYtPdA7dLrNMLLkFBC5BolndiD7ppNDR84HkqJFB7CsEBItetYcwXz4_IONpk17yzh0D6-6ug/s1600/050.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
It is important to have your wits
about you when purchasing a switch rod. There are two distinct categories
into which switch rods fall; American switch rods and European switch rods. The
differences between American and European Switch rods centre around how they
are rated on the AFTM scale. The AFTM rating on American rods is generally for
speylines while European switch rods are rated for single handed, weight
forward lines. This means that an 8 weight switch rod from an American rod
company is roughly two line sizes heavier than a European 8 Switch rod.
Confusing? Well, it need not be. My advice is to disregard the AFTM system and
go by the grain or gram rating of a rod. Orvis mark their switch rods with both
the grain weight and the AFTM rating. European rods use the metric system and
generally rate their rods in grams. Do your research online by visiting the
websites of various manufacturers. Nowadays, information is only ever a click
away.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiNAhpYQ7nZ8qw-3ybf54VJarcp3xhGRz_7YgRReMtKFBonYSQP4H8Fy7dTff8xzcsqsuBYsYQ3ZG7C40xcKWYZk0x7DGMgZVvtuzdbr2chb6A-5bk_LUvJHZ_SokrK_l8qFC0g0p0i-k/s1600/DSC_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiNAhpYQ7nZ8qw-3ybf54VJarcp3xhGRz_7YgRReMtKFBonYSQP4H8Fy7dTff8xzcsqsuBYsYQ3ZG7C40xcKWYZk0x7DGMgZVvtuzdbr2chb6A-5bk_LUvJHZ_SokrK_l8qFC0g0p0i-k/s1600/DSC_0117.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Throwing a line on the River Fane, Knockbridge</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4bY4J7obTxWvC7uT5BUp81eG5vh-hQr6lxLO0poqDv0civrhsrDe5JJHDKAsXpxKm2dOqFZbK56JbvmggWmT7s8kAlseBtg4bWyQsPul3Vghil7vcraULKFQHPYAIigjejKDXOHGzX8/s1600/577929_142678612549015_706017777_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4bY4J7obTxWvC7uT5BUp81eG5vh-hQr6lxLO0poqDv0civrhsrDe5JJHDKAsXpxKm2dOqFZbK56JbvmggWmT7s8kAlseBtg4bWyQsPul3Vghil7vcraULKFQHPYAIigjejKDXOHGzX8/s1600/577929_142678612549015_706017777_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
A 300 grain Switch Rod is perfect for River Finn grilse<br />
.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
The versatility of switch rods is
such, that I would urge serious salmon anglers to have one in their armoury.
They are perfect for summer fishing in low water on medium sized rivers when
subtle presentation is a priority. A
light ‘scandi’ style shooting head system is perfect for this style of fishing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
To get the most out of any flyfishing
situation, it is vital to use tackle that is correctly balanced. The most
expensive rod will be useless unless teamed up with the correct line and, to a
lesser extent, the correct reel. Much of the debate about switch rods has
centred on the question of whether switch rods are small double handed rods or
large single handers. The answer, quite frankly is that they are both.
Manufacturers have all taken certain approaches to the switch rod, each trying
to create the perfect tool. In reality however, it is largely line choice that
dictates how you fish your switch rod. Line choice should be matched to the
particular river conditions that the angler is faced with.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To a complete
switch rod novice, baffled by the myriad of lines available, the first decision
to be taken is whether to go with a fully integrated line or a shooting head
setup made up of a separate running line and head. Let’s take a look at both
systems. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Shooting heads have taken the
spey casting scene by storm in recent years. Switch rods can be teamed up beautifully with
a range of different shooting heads to suit different situations. The great
beauty of a shooting head system is its versatility. Bear this mind when
selecting a line setup for the first time. An angler need only buy one reel and
load it up with a level running line. Most come pre looped for convenience;
many with a large oversized front loop which makes changing heads a simple
affair. Various different heads can be carried in a handy wallet in your
pocket. The most appropriate head for
most switch rod salmon fishing situations is a Scandi type head. In order to be
cast easily with a switch rod, opt for a head length of around three times the
length of your rod. For example, match an 11’ rod with a head of around 33’.
Rio and Airflo have pioneered the scandi style short head. Rio’s
Steelhead/Scandi heads, available only in the US and now discontinued, and
Airflo Compact Scandi heads are perfect for switch rods. The floating heads
from Rio and Airflo are designed to be used with polyleaders but are also great
when teamed with a fairly long tapered leader to which you can add your level
tippet section. Most scandi heads cast best when coupled with 10’ poly leaders
and a length of tippet of your preferred material.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98BFRB7Qq5hXbhNrQkiirkB-6xYs9bxQRdnMIG5bIF9FM-1u60jrnCIoBAX2AsvtbW9fqMQyx178xqS44OLXS0Vrd3DbPdZpiNSxL-L9ggltLtVPuf0ytSzAVCRf8ZnytcHuJM8KcEyE/s1600/1465829_261632533986955_1626528743_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98BFRB7Qq5hXbhNrQkiirkB-6xYs9bxQRdnMIG5bIF9FM-1u60jrnCIoBAX2AsvtbW9fqMQyx178xqS44OLXS0Vrd3DbPdZpiNSxL-L9ggltLtVPuf0ytSzAVCRf8ZnytcHuJM8KcEyE/s1600/1465829_261632533986955_1626528743_o.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<i>Liam throws a tight loop with a 300 grain Airflo Compact Scandi head.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
The leader should be the
anchor point for your D loop when speycasting. Rio offer the excellent Scandi/Short Versitip,
a superb line for general salmon fishing. The head section of this line is
slightly shorter than a standard scandi head and it comes with a selection of
sink tips. The short, powerful body makes it easier to cast fast sinking tips. Rio
have now replaced their floating AFS shooting heads and the Steelhead/Scandi
series with their new ‘Scandi’ series of heads. The lighter heads are designed
for Switch rods with lengths of 31’. When faced with tight casting situations
on narrow, overgrown rivers, scandi heads can be easily cast single handed on switch
rods. Fishing is often from the bank on these rivers, a far cry from the open
spaces of the classic salmon fishing rivers. When fishing around bankside
bushes and trees, a scandi head can be cast a long way downstream from a small
space using the rod as a small double hander. I have caught more than a few
fish in such situations. Guideline, Loop and Zpey have all entered the compact
Scandi head market for switch rods and all make top quality heads. Indeed, the
European line manufacturers excel when it comes to sinking heads. My own local
rivers in Ireland are narrow and often quite deep. High water often means a
heavy flow requiring fast sinking heads. Guideline, Loop and Zpey all make
scandi heads designed to be used in such situations. Triple density ‘Compact
Scandi’ shooting heads from Guideline are perfect for switch rods. These heads
sink faster towards the tip of the rod, making it much easier to roll the line
to the surface prior to recasting. Loop and Zpey both have double density
sinking heads on the market designed for use on switch rods. If I was forced to choose just one switch rod
setup, I would certainly go with a short ‘scandi’ shooting head.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfe3VAVEBueaF6AsnSu1JeAzKJRfRvR3jN7eVRuB9IAFMgSs9NC9OOeojB91Pu4Iki-izLHKoIwNJKKNtYfstataUIk_VUaF3RhllJ55M6f_1-h0HWpczvXSHJxsCXecn0K38eadV8TM/s1600/556822_142678399215703_779405586_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfe3VAVEBueaF6AsnSu1JeAzKJRfRvR3jN7eVRuB9IAFMgSs9NC9OOeojB91Pu4Iki-izLHKoIwNJKKNtYfstataUIk_VUaF3RhllJ55M6f_1-h0HWpczvXSHJxsCXecn0K38eadV8TM/s1600/556822_142678399215703_779405586_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Of course, having a reel loaded
with a separate running line means that other types of shooting heads can be
used if conditions dictate. Skagit lines have received a lot of attention
recently and these too can be used with switch rods. It is important to
understand that Skagit lines were designed for steelhead fishing in the U.S.
and Canada. Steelhead often prefer a big fly swung slowly on their noses, in
water that is often very fast flowing. This is the kind of situation where the
skagit excels. A skagit head is a very short, heavy shooting head designed to
turn over long lengths of super fast level sink tips. If you find yourself in a situation where you
want to get a big fly down deep in fast water but still want a nice steady,
controlled swing then stick on a Skagit. They are also perfect for those
bitterly cold days we laughingly call spring; days which more often than not
have a storm force wind blowing straight in your face. Skagit lines make
mincemeat out of such conditions and fly out regardless. Keep a skagit handy
for any situation where you want to present a heavy fly deeply. Skagits are
particularly suited to rocky rivers with large boulders present in the middle
of pools. Full sinking shooting heads
may get caught around subsurface boulders but a skagits floating body allows an
angler to drift unimpeded over boulders while an appropriate density of tip
will get the fly down to the fish. Skagit lines are designed to be cast with
waterborne spey casts such as the Snap-C and Double Spey. Do not overhead cast
a skagit head or else you may have to deal with the inconvenience of an
unwelcome breakage. Slow things down and use a longer casting stroke than you
would with a Scandi head. American and
Canadian Steelhead anglers generally use a skagit head that is heavier than the
recommended grain weight. On my 11’ #8 Orvis Access Switch, I use a 435grain
scandi head and a 480 grain skagit. This rod can also throw a 510 Aiflo compact
skagit at a push. When purchasing a skagit, make sure you purchase a head
designed specifically for switch rods. Rio and Airflo both produce skagit heads
for switch rods, so check their websites before you buy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdt5hK03VRWocermDpEmmA4sC90n-tRlPEuE-USJLsbBOGS5l0BycPxR5pDdMEelRPqmxuZLmXWJzQlI3vWyFAps1hrGhLTo-6cb0PaKmhnocOJA3IlQXv_nA6oUymB9YR6-CVDCHdMA/s1600/1398083_259398370877038_2030272853_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdt5hK03VRWocermDpEmmA4sC90n-tRlPEuE-USJLsbBOGS5l0BycPxR5pDdMEelRPqmxuZLmXWJzQlI3vWyFAps1hrGhLTo-6cb0PaKmhnocOJA3IlQXv_nA6oUymB9YR6-CVDCHdMA/s1600/1398083_259398370877038_2030272853_o.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<i>River Reelan, Co. Donegal</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
It is also possible to buy fully
integrated lines for switch rods. These lines are perfect for floating line
work with either polyleaders or standard tapered leaders. Orvis make a few
integrated switch lines with 33’ heads. Perfect for 11’ switch rods. I use a
300 grain #5 Orvis switch line on my 5 wt Access Switch rod. Orvis have the
Hydros 3D Switch and the Access Switch lines. Guideline manufacture their ‘Switch Multi Tip’
line. This is also integrated and comes with 3 sinktips. An excellent line, its
one drawback is that it doesn’t come with an intermediate tip; one of the most
useful density sinktips. The Lee Wulff Ambush line is another short head
integrated line. The Ambush is rated for single handed rods but check their
website for the grain/gram size and select accordingly. Rio feature two
different Switch lines. The standard ‘Switch’
line is not really suited to general salmon fishing but they have recently
introduced a new integrated line called the Switch Chucker. This line looks
like it is far more suited to general salmon fishing and is definitely worth a
look. Integrated lines excel when you spend a lot of time fishing at close
quarters with most of the head inside the tip ring. The lack of a join means no
annoying rattling through the rod rings when you cast and work the fly back. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<i>Sport on a Switch Rod at McGinty's, River Finn</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Switch rods come in a range of
sizes from 10’6’’ to 11’9’’. Shorter
switch rods are excellent if you intend casting single handed most of the time.
Longer switch rods are best utilised as small double handers. I personally
prefer an 11’ switch rod. Long enough to cast shooting heads a fair distance
and short enough to cast comfortably with one hand when needed. There is a
large range of switch rods on the market at the moment. Buy what you can afford
but put your efforts into line selection. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Reel choice is of lesser
importance when it comes to switch rods. Use whatever model you choose so long
as has the required line capacity and it is up to the task of subduing an angry
silver tourist. If you prefer classically styled reels, go for 3 3/4in models.
Reels with an 8/9 capacity are perfect for most switch rods. 7/8 reels are nice
for the lightest of switch rods.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<i style="text-indent: 36pt;">Low water conditions on the River Dee at Deecastle, Scotland.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Switch rods are really versatile
tools. I used my 11’ Switch during a summer visit to the Scottish River Dee at
Deecastle. In low water conditions, the Switch rod covered the river with ease
and allowed me to work small flies such as micro tubes and Frances effectively.
I also regularly use my switch rod on the sizeable River Mourne in Co. Tyrone,
Ireland during low water, summer conditions. My switch rod outfit is certainly
my ‘go to’ piece of kit for most Irish salmon fishing on small and medium
rivers.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Give switch rods a try. They are
fun to use and if you fish a lot on small and medium sized rivers, I’m pretty
certain you’ll be hooked!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-30666934752685846612014-03-09T13:12:00.000-07:002014-03-09T13:12:10.645-07:00Rates for Guided Flyfishing 20141 Angler: €150 per day.<br />
<div>
Group and part day rates available.</div>
<div>
Contact Ronan for details.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-85391004555219103412013-05-21T15:35:00.001-07:002013-05-21T15:35:05.394-07:00May Salmon on the Finn.I managed another couple of Finn springers on Saturday 11th May. There was rain forecast for Friday night and luckily I had booked a morning session on the Ivy Bridge beat so I decided to leave Louth on Friday evening and do an all nighter in the jeep so I could hit the river at first light. I awoke at 5 am to the sound of strong wind and heavy rain so I got straight down to the river knowing that it wouldn't be long before it began to rise. I started at the Graveyard Pool and fished it through with a conehead Park Shrimp without a touch despite the fact that there were quite a few fish showing. A change of tactics was in order so I attatched a 10' super-fast sink poly leader to my 8/9 AFS and put on a conehead Red Frances tube. I cast a bit squarer and allowed the Frances to sink before jigging the fly quickly through the pool. I was feeling confident and wasn't all that surprised when the line tightened at the sweet spot in the pool. Five minutes later, I landed a good deep springer of about 8/9lb.<br />
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As I was releasing the fish, I heard a shout from the top of the pool and saw that another angler was into a fish. By this time, it was obvious that the river was rising fast so I went up to help the chap land his fish. The angler was in a strong fish which was giving him a great scrap in a rapidly rising river. Fortunately the angler, Willie Kearney, had a landing net with him and after ten minutes drama we landed the fish. I took a few photographs of Willie's springer before releasing it safely to go about her business. one of the biggest traits of the Finn is the speed at which it rises during heavy rain. In the time it had taken Willie to land his fish, the river had become unfishable which heralded breakfast time.<br />
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John drove up from Dundalk that morning but by the time he had reached Glenfinn, the river was unfishable. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast with Sim and killed a few hours before making our way back to see if the river had dropped off. We met up with Willie again at the Ivy bridge and he gave us a fascinating insight into the history of the Finn and what the fishing was like in it's glory days. The river seemed to be clearing up a little so after half an hour or so, we reckoned Letterbrick on the Upper Finn could be worth a throw. We fished down the Corner Pool three times without a sniff, it's probably a couple of weeks early for up there but an early fish might just have been resting in the deep, even paced pool.<br />
With an hour left on our beat session, we drove back down to the Graveyard and reasoned that our best chance of a hook up would be at the tail of the Graveyard. The river was still big at 3'8'' but the water was clearing nicely. I teamed my #8 Orvis Access Switch with a 510grain Airflo Skagit Switch coupled with 10' of level T14 leader. A large bottle tube Franc 'n Snaelda went on to the tippet; at least I would dig in to the heavy water. The switch rod was very handy and it meant that I was able to cast despite having to wade so close to the bank and under some overhanging branches. Slowing down the cast is key to good presentation with the skagit and I was able to comfortably cover three quarters of the river. I immediately threw in a large upstream mend and held the running line off the water until the skagit drifted downstream where I tightened up and got a nice angle on the swing. I must say that when the take came, I was surprised and delighted. A wee grilse of about 4lb gave a good account of itself in the heavy water but was soon expertly netted by John. All caught on video by Sim so with his permission, I'll try and get my hands on the footage and post the video tomorrow. I fished down the pool again and made brief contact with another fish on the skagit but it came off after a few seconds. All in all a rewarding days fishing.<br />
Many anglers have been arguing about the merits of skagit lines and whether they are needed for salmon fishing on the side of the Atlantic. My take on things is that the skagit is a specialised piece of equipment excellent in certain conditions. I do, however, intend to experiment with lightweight skagits and standard polyleaders because I feel there is plenty of potential uses for them. Always keep an open mind when it comes to salmon fishing!<br />
More stories to come in the next few days. We're just back from a very eventful weeekend on the Finn so I'll try and get the blog fully up to date over the next few days.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-38963292041439932052013-05-13T14:10:00.000-07:002013-05-13T14:10:06.547-07:00Success At Last.<div style="text-align: center;">
Right, it's about time I got this blog updated. Truth of the matter is, I've been busy fishing and thinking about fishing. The good news is, however, I have eventually managed to catch a springer. The Finn produced the goods Saturday 4th May. Water conditions were ideal, between 1'6'' and 2'. I arrived at the beat good and early and got stuck in at the graveyard. There were fish moving and the angler in front of me, Johnny, over from England, managed two fish on a 1/2 in Willie Gunn and a fast sinking tip. The water temperature was a mere 6 degrees and the air temp was only 1 degree so I figured that my lack of success was down to me using a small fly fished high in the water. I swiftly changed to a float/inty shooting head with a super fast sink poly leader and a weighty Red Frances tube. Straight away I got a pull and soon I was into a fish which came off after 30 seconds. I lost another fish five minutes late so I decided to change from the salar tube single I was using to a Kamasan Specimen single. I got another few pulls and was soon into a third fish which seemed to be well hooked. A strong fight ensued but I soon landed a lovely springer of about 10/11lb. </div>
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The pool when quiet after this so I headed back to the car for some grub. My waders are leaking pretty bad at the moment so a couple of hours in seriously cold water were taking their toll; fish or no fish. Petsie landed down and we shared a rod for the remaining hours of our session on the beat. Unfortunately things went very quiet and no more fish followed. </div>
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Petsie puts out a nice line with his new Deathstar. Conditions were very tricky on the Graveyard Pool with a nasty downstream wind. He matched the Sage TCX 12'6'' with a 540grain Airflo Rage head and covered the water with ease. </div>
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I met up with Liam in the afternoon and we fished from Mc Ginty's right down to Glenmore bridge without a sign of a fish.</div>
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Glenmore Bridge.</div>
We fished for a couple of hours on Sunday but I was pretty worn out after 14 hours of fishing the previous day.<br />
I have a few more updates to follow on from this trip, so I'll post again tomorrow!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-68699086004930557522013-04-21T10:43:00.001-07:002013-04-21T10:43:18.039-07:00All Quiet on the Home Front.Heavy rain in Donegal last night scuppered my plans to fish the Finn today. River height was at 4ft this morning so I headed back to Louth and hit the Dee. I decided to try above Drumcar and fished from the old Dublin road down to where the Dee meets the White River.<br />
The river was at a nice height for fishing although it was still carrying a fair tinge of colour. It was nice to get a run down this stretch of water and it was a nice opportunity to use the single hander. I used my 300 grain Orvis Switch line which is a fantastic line for single handed speycasting. The 33' head and running line are integrated which means no loops rattling through the rings. The line is superb for speycasting and also overhead casts well. I highly recommend this line for anybody who fishes a single handed rod for salmon. All I need now is to catch a few fish!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-29856652645474511112013-04-20T09:38:00.002-07:002013-04-20T09:38:45.506-07:00A Friday Evening on the FinnRain eventually arrived in the Northwest this week. There were a few fish caught on the Ivy Bridge beat on Thursday so I was keen to get up for a throw this weekend. I took a spin up after work on Friday and was in Ballybofey by teatime. Liam, had been on the river since morning and had no luck. He said the river was rather busy and there was only a fish or two caught so the fish obviously weren't there in any great numbers yet. The Finn's a lovely river to fish when there's between a foot and two foot of water in it. It was sitting at around 1'6'' so I set up a full floating AFS head with a fast sink polyleader and a #7 Alec Jackson Parkie. I started at McGinty's and then gave Keys a throw without success. I headed up to the Chapel Footbridge and fished there into the gloaming. No fish but a beautiful evening to be on the river.<br />
I was back at the Loughs Agency HQ this morning for the boat handling part of the IASC guiding course. I'm really enjoying doing this course. It's great meeting new people and learning about aspects of angling that I would be less familiar with. Boating is one of those areas that I haven't got much experience of so it was great to get some one to one tuition.<br />
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Head of Keys</div>
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Keys</div>
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McGinty's</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-72600524284136930932013-04-15T14:51:00.000-07:002013-04-20T10:20:49.504-07:00April Arrives.<div style="text-align: center;">
I always look forward to April. Tyrone's River Mourne opens again and there is always a chance of a Springer from opening day. Of course, myself and Liam 'Switchboy' Woods got ourselves up to give the Sion Mills AC water a throw at the end of opening week. We both had some new toys to try out and the bitterly cold weather which had persisted for most of March was finally abating. Liam is a real fan of switch rods; in fact Guideline switch rods to be precise. During the close season however, he got his hands on a Guideline LeCie 14'8'' #9/10 and a range of Guideline heads to try out. The Mourne is a big river and a proper double hander is not out of place although a switch rod is great fun to use in low water and no wind. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> The Gravenue</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> Liam manages an ultra tight loop at Purgatory.</span></div>
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I had been on the lookout for a mid-sized double hander for a while and I decided to plump for a Sage Z-Axis 12'9'' #8. American anglers raved about this rod and I got plenty of advice for the members of the Speypages forum. I picked it up in the Bridge Guns and Tackle shop in Strabane before heading to the office in Sion Mills to get the permits sorted. Weather conditions for the day were very bright but it made a welcome change from the cold. I teamed the new stick with a Rio AFS Float/S1 head and a polyleader. A well balanced outfit is great to cast and the Sage didn't disappoint. The sinking tip of the AFS did seem to stick a bit initially, but I soon got the hang of it. Water conditions were low so we decided to start at Purgatory and work our way downriver. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9uu3vPqh-Tk5dHCtMo1edbNe3ne2oQaRQsetSqLa-fMXRi3PLEqxmtDdhac2Emoh2k7e7GTfhqDRGFl0hbvpJKLAzfJ2K7UaqyYuQWRk4w76FxOFcOpQ2UKlmkOS4jvnAIpS1_pmfpQ/s1600/405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9uu3vPqh-Tk5dHCtMo1edbNe3ne2oQaRQsetSqLa-fMXRi3PLEqxmtDdhac2Emoh2k7e7GTfhqDRGFl0hbvpJKLAzfJ2K7UaqyYuQWRk4w76FxOFcOpQ2UKlmkOS4jvnAIpS1_pmfpQ/s1600/405.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> Purgatory</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> New toy!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOB2NREfT9QToV5OsU_KlV4XL4tdlNsyAwwyxBquoJAZbfzxwTkfiOB47dRBeuj5PBaT-_vonnKhLFCMcxupiXprGrpU1P7P8WF5l35Bfzo_qwhglYpUdZOMmh75BhIttLMk8u46E_TE0/s1600/415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOB2NREfT9QToV5OsU_KlV4XL4tdlNsyAwwyxBquoJAZbfzxwTkfiOB47dRBeuj5PBaT-_vonnKhLFCMcxupiXprGrpU1P7P8WF5l35Bfzo_qwhglYpUdZOMmh75BhIttLMk8u46E_TE0/s1600/415.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> Banana Bottle Tube</span></div>
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We fished hard all morning and worked our way down from Purgatory, through the Long Streams, the Back of the Mill and down to the Woodhole until the flow got a bit too sluggish. No fish on this occasion, however. This stretch of river is one of my all time favourite spots to fish, lovely streams which fish the fly really well and which can be very productive. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQY4hQhbP8DcgtaLkkBdLrGPCT73-12OB-L8mZng07ts3Bc76LOOs7CELyjqmuxYMqKVckt6_wyXtPbkykLGJOtDivS1EX_tTXqEY-Y7Fm9Kw_Q85FKO1ZAF3mueGUyl-WX6tlgdaCPDA/s1600/419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQY4hQhbP8DcgtaLkkBdLrGPCT73-12OB-L8mZng07ts3Bc76LOOs7CELyjqmuxYMqKVckt6_wyXtPbkykLGJOtDivS1EX_tTXqEY-Y7Fm9Kw_Q85FKO1ZAF3mueGUyl-WX6tlgdaCPDA/s1600/419.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> Back of the Mill.</span></div>
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After dinner, we went down to the bottom of the Sion Mills fishery and fished Lords and the Blackstone. We took a walk down to Haggins' but the was another angler fishing the run so we left him at it. We headed up to give the Grevenue a throw before finishing off. Part of the Sion experience is sitting at the Grevenue and having the craic with the local characters and this evening was no exception.</div>
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All in all, a great day. No fish, perhaps, but one will turn up soon. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVF0N5JPPm7nZCcu3PyOwgih4jEEqi8oklPEyw9TX4fjZh0HiWSpnhQlROmnEOkWghuiq2TsZIy9E5Cu9lc3iEolW3n-mHXNChP5_-w5a4zZY5d3cxWjWYT_CZyu_-eIA7m3rJw04E9_0/s1600/425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVF0N5JPPm7nZCcu3PyOwgih4jEEqi8oklPEyw9TX4fjZh0HiWSpnhQlROmnEOkWghuiq2TsZIy9E5Cu9lc3iEolW3n-mHXNChP5_-w5a4zZY5d3cxWjWYT_CZyu_-eIA7m3rJw04E9_0/s1600/425.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> Lords</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdOjjuMuSuxhHa4__zoUypL1FvU6TGcKnB-z_hphSYlKRrGexMXka8LmW7Fd3cdfqYqeb7EDhNmi583Uvb6o1huA83OweLqWM-ZDBBFnUAdqqnFOz27-QJTHLkWCxunRPrI9acm6gTm0/s1600/422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdOjjuMuSuxhHa4__zoUypL1FvU6TGcKnB-z_hphSYlKRrGexMXka8LmW7Fd3cdfqYqeb7EDhNmi583Uvb6o1huA83OweLqWM-ZDBBFnUAdqqnFOz27-QJTHLkWCxunRPrI9acm6gTm0/s1600/422.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> Blackstone</span></div>
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The following day myself and Liam collected fishing buddy James Casey and headed, yet again, for the enigmatic Lackagh. Water levels were dead low and we were in no rush to start early. We aimed to fish at the top of the tide and perhaps intercept a fish fresh in, but it didn't happen.</div>
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The previous Tuesday, I fished the Slaney in Co.Wexford for the first time. Rumours had it that it was fishing well, so when I found myself with an afternoon to spare while in Dublin for a few days, I decided to take myself down to Wexford to check it out for myself. I fished at the Farmleigh beat between Bunclody and Enniscorthy. The Slaney is a far cry from the Foyle rivers of the North West. It flows from Carlow, southbound through Wexford and empties into the Irish Sea at Wexford town. I was advised that water levels were a bit high for Farmleigh but I got stuck in regardless with the 14' LPXe. Fishing at Farmleigh was tricky. The river was too high for wading in many place and stiff upstream breeze made for tricky casting. I didn't see any fish or get any touches, but it was nice to try out a new river.</div>
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Gin clear on the Slaney.</div>
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On a side note, it looks like the fishing will have to take back seat for the next few weeks. I spent the weekend on the IASC guiding course in the Loughs Agency HQ in Derry. The course means no fishing for a few weekends but it will be well worthwhile. I've met some great people, mostly from the North west area, but some from further afield also. I'm looking forward to the next few weekends of craic, learning and banter.</div>
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Farmleigh, River Slaney.</div>
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Hut Pool, R.Slaney.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-11025237724256277672013-03-21T17:24:00.001-07:002013-03-21T17:26:20.696-07:00Dee, Finn, Lackagh and Finn Again!I've been very busy over the past few days and haven't had the chance to report on fishing.<br />
Let me begin by confirming that the search for my first 2013 Springer continues.<br />
I fished the Dee twice last week along with a couple of sessions on the Finn and a day on the Lackagh.<br />
The Dee dropped to a nice height last week although the colour lingered about for the whole spate. I fished down through a couple of runs quickly using a sinking shooting head and a large RS Super Snaelda.<br />
No fish succumbed to the fly, not even a kelt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluVmaTVjyHaQkIwieV9yFcXwfWDpSfhij7fDwRsAJwLqWTXCyGhupQa6w2RWBOZVnq_KfZ83R8zYPGcKRjJtGbFzFp4SHgDmfuZjdI0qQD_3AI9GVkIDjzWuifv1dPjZoQibpMIQkbMY/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluVmaTVjyHaQkIwieV9yFcXwfWDpSfhij7fDwRsAJwLqWTXCyGhupQa6w2RWBOZVnq_KfZ83R8zYPGcKRjJtGbFzFp4SHgDmfuZjdI0qQD_3AI9GVkIDjzWuifv1dPjZoQibpMIQkbMY/s1600/002.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Good water on the River Dee<br />
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The Dee<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBZtg8hEN96dyiH7OdHIEK33GirjU2-0i5wkWAPCC7VtN3xJxXetqAP8zYb0Bnckib5t9UGId90JdchHCZu0_Ht2Ul5IKNq3FOyKFOgxHCAd50ToazLJqgM8AFx7pwUr0YdjsIKDc3gg/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBZtg8hEN96dyiH7OdHIEK33GirjU2-0i5wkWAPCC7VtN3xJxXetqAP8zYb0Bnckib5t9UGId90JdchHCZu0_Ht2Ul5IKNq3FOyKFOgxHCAd50ToazLJqgM8AFx7pwUr0YdjsIKDc3gg/s1600/001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Swinging 'er through a nice tail.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDQJJ-clT5KKx6BfwmFB98ao516bglTa8G9mw0Bb3yvjETYUeae6tuRa3q_oUsjXC8JPaEdtCq5RedSEEO4vwlMkatnA2aYlziDzL0lVmaSZMa1geJ6fle29xcuAeUiXlTyLnuRTWu6U/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDQJJ-clT5KKx6BfwmFB98ao516bglTa8G9mw0Bb3yvjETYUeae6tuRa3q_oUsjXC8JPaEdtCq5RedSEEO4vwlMkatnA2aYlziDzL0lVmaSZMa1geJ6fle29xcuAeUiXlTyLnuRTWu6U/s1600/006.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Rod cam. on a clearing Dee.<br />
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The Finn rose to 2ft on Friday so I decided it was time to get back up to Gleann Fhinne and resume the hunt for chrome up there.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PDv6KTg-SS0YILaoT3D9Wu6X5zdGLbaUS427DGajzMYwR23XwdUDq_YG2fLVIjib5QlyWp8K6vwTAifP734dkE1V7aR3fpUYr8AIAkGhcsKKRW3H6aItvwv4q7Z-CMd5GJN76r9WtfY/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PDv6KTg-SS0YILaoT3D9Wu6X5zdGLbaUS427DGajzMYwR23XwdUDq_YG2fLVIjib5QlyWp8K6vwTAifP734dkE1V7aR3fpUYr8AIAkGhcsKKRW3H6aItvwv4q7Z-CMd5GJN76r9WtfY/s1600/042.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Ivy Bridge<br />
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There was a hard frost on Friday night and with air temperatures dropping to a low of -5 in Donegal, the water dropped out of the Finn very quickly and by Saturday morning the river was under 1' on the gauge at Glenmore. According to the O.P.W. meter reading at Ballybofey, the water temperature was around 3.5c on Saturday. Seriously cold water conditions for salmon fishing. I called on Sim at Glenmore and met Joe Early, a Zpey, Echo and Airflo tackle dealer from Co.Derry as well as a couple of other familiar season rods. It was good to catch up and swap stories from last season and nobody was in much of a hurry to get to the river. I must confess that even when the fishing conditions are good, I prefer not to be in too much of a rush to get fishing. I find days out far more enjoyable when things are relaxed and chilled out.<br />
Eventually, however, I managed to get myself sufficiently motivated to get down to the Ivy Bridge. I started off at the 'V', the pool just below the Ivy Bridge which is a great lie for salmon at any time of the year. Springers sit at the back of the pool after negotiating some heavy water. This is probably one of the most reliable throws on the whole river.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRezftDvHKBNO4EHrKs5SBoT_Hzd1j30-r_J15HsJfi_OECfChT-gfDLz_0k8srwsbYS66YPSnhlnrckDTLHohx5-MrIqWmjZ2Of__y3HdLDAh6GUAIHKYa4IFB0ajMVAggTGvDUzzlvo/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRezftDvHKBNO4EHrKs5SBoT_Hzd1j30-r_J15HsJfi_OECfChT-gfDLz_0k8srwsbYS66YPSnhlnrckDTLHohx5-MrIqWmjZ2Of__y3HdLDAh6GUAIHKYa4IFB0ajMVAggTGvDUzzlvo/s1600/047.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Carlins<br />
I worked down through Carlins, Leonards, the Glebe and, of course, the Graveyard. The water was a bit on the low side for the Graveyard and I always find it a bit boring at this height. I also fished the Island Pools at the end of the beat but not a sign of a fish anywhere.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGF6tYrKcAQPlFJgmiMIPBhInPKJN-YOm5pkphpjGGuCQtlExpkUc0gfL4gbcJ041K7wzO9ldmndWgXfJVXFBSEUib7bV0vDZ50JdS_FRGIiDD32_JIysx3uWBgFKI8o75t8BxXE6Oag/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGF6tYrKcAQPlFJgmiMIPBhInPKJN-YOm5pkphpjGGuCQtlExpkUc0gfL4gbcJ041K7wzO9ldmndWgXfJVXFBSEUib7bV0vDZ50JdS_FRGIiDD32_JIysx3uWBgFKI8o75t8BxXE6Oag/s1600/057.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Making my way down to the prime Spring lie on the Graveyard.<br />
It's important to hit the far bank here!<br />
<br />
On my way back to the car, I bumped into Co.Antrim men Andy McGall and Andy Jaffrey. I bump into Andrew 'Easkey' McGall, from time to time in these parts, and it's always great to glean a few pearls of wisdom from fellow switch rod enthusiasts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIg8tQjD-WCnOwdjhRGQ9x8drdu0oUErRGvhXUhbklJWJF_g_NO3_HoWw-AU49OHY92plkPTA6qG2iUsex1psHtUkvx0hg8UZjEuc-1PYLPpiwnCTUpJimLtFX9CfQXduk0_rgU1JyvQ/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIg8tQjD-WCnOwdjhRGQ9x8drdu0oUErRGvhXUhbklJWJF_g_NO3_HoWw-AU49OHY92plkPTA6qG2iUsex1psHtUkvx0hg8UZjEuc-1PYLPpiwnCTUpJimLtFX9CfQXduk0_rgU1JyvQ/s1600/066.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Conehead Parkie and a Gamakatsu Octopus Single.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaca9a7ed9nm8djN10OmrHdRn2Dk0Ax8gWIhf1yCtNJODsDSmYLFrdvJ-ddGctAefBR9VYbJqTh3KJc4zODFGhncaWvpH0Uwo0F4h6S4G7xywvylL6DOGvZFlfY8wuGjROVgnCGIGeVuo/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaca9a7ed9nm8djN10OmrHdRn2Dk0Ax8gWIhf1yCtNJODsDSmYLFrdvJ-ddGctAefBR9VYbJqTh3KJc4zODFGhncaWvpH0Uwo0F4h6S4G7xywvylL6DOGvZFlfY8wuGjROVgnCGIGeVuo/s1600/063.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Island Pool<br />
An enjoyable, cold, first day out on the Finn. At least I have the season ticket sorted now and I can fish the open water as I please.<br />
I hit the Lackagh for high tide on Sunday morning. I was delighted to see the river sitting just below 7 on the guage and confidence was high.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpaA8imqoHOqID3E7zcRTYifCJ_a_RwKPW2_X30NB9WdgilgDj_IoAuMhQhBGEzLmZy1Y17QOL5hWhcX3Loj03iWaxDd-YvWufXns3fzqfxlkWcSJB4tTEdZ6JE497lhgQsFtxv6sxeE/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpaA8imqoHOqID3E7zcRTYifCJ_a_RwKPW2_X30NB9WdgilgDj_IoAuMhQhBGEzLmZy1Y17QOL5hWhcX3Loj03iWaxDd-YvWufXns3fzqfxlkWcSJB4tTEdZ6JE497lhgQsFtxv6sxeE/s1600/010.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Covering the Eel Weir.<br />
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Gin clear water meant that a stealthy approach was in order in case any fish were sitting at my feet. A stiff, biting wind swept up the river from the estuary down at the Ards, making life uncomfortable. Thank goodness for Simms!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5y9fqLhx-gXsuYvpRw6BrNNpG4frdidaLZ8YDj_yV2McVpIcKzj_R85Rctp1XNffuNUQZEVxfZvao726SpbZik9KC2CG8NffZ4YRBsbJcwKf45zb4Bo9JmFDUSlmDI-_iZVOoKEBfhCs/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5y9fqLhx-gXsuYvpRw6BrNNpG4frdidaLZ8YDj_yV2McVpIcKzj_R85Rctp1XNffuNUQZEVxfZvao726SpbZik9KC2CG8NffZ4YRBsbJcwKf45zb4Bo9JmFDUSlmDI-_iZVOoKEBfhCs/s1600/014.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
A bitterly cold upstream breeze on the Lackagh.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKq2weapocoVt4xkM7k71VdhuF9l9vyffUroVsfn4z2_RYD-pnOMpAa0CG9D6RqLD8cCFSxN2MEWe96VhHy4IVSIbt03yV-naS5M13bo5GvnGK6_drk4LstiObLRsxMIx_A8WzORN67E/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKq2weapocoVt4xkM7k71VdhuF9l9vyffUroVsfn4z2_RYD-pnOMpAa0CG9D6RqLD8cCFSxN2MEWe96VhHy4IVSIbt03yV-naS5M13bo5GvnGK6_drk4LstiObLRsxMIx_A8WzORN67E/s1600/012.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Eel Weir<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRe63zk6A7znzzEtpt4ylylTNd8PkKnU28JnurYTpznMrbDvbm5ugeoW194X-lZIrhQqYMyPB5KeIiL9vr1poxK7rVNRe89IlkRXPYcdpGsnSuf9pLEuDcaXP98WFsUFXtSw1325S6yUI/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRe63zk6A7znzzEtpt4ylylTNd8PkKnU28JnurYTpznMrbDvbm5ugeoW194X-lZIrhQqYMyPB5KeIiL9vr1poxK7rVNRe89IlkRXPYcdpGsnSuf9pLEuDcaXP98WFsUFXtSw1325S6yUI/s1600/013.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Note the water clarity.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXiFVw3inpuGIYM1tOyjh6FIiIDzYuSo9HLp1vldkhB763eZCkV6AbRhnAtG1kU4DV4nS7M36Bntwv5pcyQLdVZxPLP43zPPFBCvu0XGeEd-ipQykOfGH9GKJT-8C3LW7dT0VbaIReaA/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXiFVw3inpuGIYM1tOyjh6FIiIDzYuSo9HLp1vldkhB763eZCkV6AbRhnAtG1kU4DV4nS7M36Bntwv5pcyQLdVZxPLP43zPPFBCvu0XGeEd-ipQykOfGH9GKJT-8C3LW7dT0VbaIReaA/s1600/021.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Nice water height!<br />
I fished the Eel Weir using the Rio Scandi/Short Versitip for half an hour in the hope that a fish might have moved in off the tide, but nothing. I then headed up to the Grilse Pool and worked down through the Garden Pool and back to the Eel Weir.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEG20OYLdFC09c7EAO4ONPLLWsFu_Ik8qIS87IAelmo3SO36LKWa93CRKyL1jjAI_qlLU-rlirzCBRmeT3pVkxWR36E2S-GDgMWnPa2kQXRNzdyPj4eXqy7wkaRwJ11UKKu6eMu6C1XeQ/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEG20OYLdFC09c7EAO4ONPLLWsFu_Ik8qIS87IAelmo3SO36LKWa93CRKyL1jjAI_qlLU-rlirzCBRmeT3pVkxWR36E2S-GDgMWnPa2kQXRNzdyPj4eXqy7wkaRwJ11UKKu6eMu6C1XeQ/s1600/017.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Tail of Grise Pool.<br />
I then set up my new Airflo Skagit Switch line with 10' T14 leader and a tungsten conehead Black and Yellow Snaelda. The Skagit line weighs 510 grains so overhead casting with this line on my 8wt. Orvis Access Switch will likely result in a broken rod. Using waterborne anchor casts such as the snap T and Perry Poke, the skagit flew out and turned over the level sink-tip effortlessly. This line has serious potential for dredging. It's sure not subtle but it has a worthy place in any salmon anglers armoury. I might try and get my hands on some of the Skagit Master DVDs and try to adapt some of the techniques used by North American Steelhead Rats for use on Irish Atlantics. It will probably be more difficult using the skagit on my local rivers where overhead casting is often needed but I'll try it out next week anyway. I finished up early afternoon on the Lackagh without a touch of a fish.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71xkKhKV6OHoGvCgPH5Kgd3Ggip5AbU8JDKuBV1PfIZpLrPQgoU_CQAPo-qHH6bdld7NEQ8Ktk5F4DOV-fGiPmpjvFIqMlV8fN8We_17wiaWyfA6ijlQwakfbwv6NAvnLI41QZx8XxVE/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71xkKhKV6OHoGvCgPH5Kgd3Ggip5AbU8JDKuBV1PfIZpLrPQgoU_CQAPo-qHH6bdld7NEQ8Ktk5F4DOV-fGiPmpjvFIqMlV8fN8We_17wiaWyfA6ijlQwakfbwv6NAvnLI41QZx8XxVE/s1600/027.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Skagit Time!<br />
It was back to the Finn on Monday morning. The bank holiday meant that an extra days fishing was possible. The Finn was relatively quiet Monday morning; sore heads were probably had by manys a man after the St. Patrick's day festivities. I fished down through Key's and then tried Martin's before heading up to McGinty's.<br />
A few hours fishing sated my angling appetite for a few days and I headed back down to the Wee County. Easter holidays on Friday means that I'll get a chance to do some more fishing in the coming days and I'll endeavour to keep the updates regular while I'm out and about.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iPuingzxCJiMWibCKaviSDw7lsLMrskgyYBt-ZqzdtW8yxGyvzDg18YUKZ3W-TmuvVwhGo6muPDgKV5ccIzPbyyPpM8hHaL7_tuQTOcvP76oWP9iXj2erwO5lTX7dF9ORANI-yV14ws/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iPuingzxCJiMWibCKaviSDw7lsLMrskgyYBt-ZqzdtW8yxGyvzDg18YUKZ3W-TmuvVwhGo6muPDgKV5ccIzPbyyPpM8hHaL7_tuQTOcvP76oWP9iXj2erwO5lTX7dF9ORANI-yV14ws/s1600/040.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Head of Keys<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezeVi_l-conZDYdDy_cnwiYufvWSja7tSV2bOL5YgH23unWrdct9emKMR7uuEiGxy1HIXYiSH2bpDwPpuYPQHlVz_suCGHtpmWr8cEflPATG9SXSHtrO9SPY33bxy_Oko2dvEcQTW6IM/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezeVi_l-conZDYdDy_cnwiYufvWSja7tSV2bOL5YgH23unWrdct9emKMR7uuEiGxy1HIXYiSH2bpDwPpuYPQHlVz_suCGHtpmWr8cEflPATG9SXSHtrO9SPY33bxy_Oko2dvEcQTW6IM/s1600/041.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Keys<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9y0O1GNu8nAcxZu2gmwfWD-TWUTsg8QkBnCbDMneXxhdEcGqgsLvGrcEqAZe2Xu3JIoQfWw0Kau4hUi8XxaB2BUrGH-RVKh6unAg37MzPP1LIs2yzlwA7mOIBWXOHmcdjx6qEMAfmmvU/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9y0O1GNu8nAcxZu2gmwfWD-TWUTsg8QkBnCbDMneXxhdEcGqgsLvGrcEqAZe2Xu3JIoQfWw0Kau4hUi8XxaB2BUrGH-RVKh6unAg37MzPP1LIs2yzlwA7mOIBWXOHmcdjx6qEMAfmmvU/s1600/043.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOmrWHJzBuQPcqupYfn_8rGmgDr4xk-c1Fo-lGLzNukJWszPS5N1dvFTHqujc7PWdMLem0K3_kyGhehSlaVy1tNLiwIldf0BAeUh2lNae3tr2itMDK_Hv-UB7OyP1pIp8Am-yh3VLops/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOmrWHJzBuQPcqupYfn_8rGmgDr4xk-c1Fo-lGLzNukJWszPS5N1dvFTHqujc7PWdMLem0K3_kyGhehSlaVy1tNLiwIldf0BAeUh2lNae3tr2itMDK_Hv-UB7OyP1pIp8Am-yh3VLops/s1600/045.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcXEJ4c7JPuKoyGhAueOVrlthTcdOjJr2wech24mWGw9fL7a-bK4QWMEgcK8xuSsGsSCdYO7WMTMtE-9fOCOhbkWsfsr_M5mRdbxjVwEIZUvWSoqddvw9DBLnmlWqXDk71UqVTrkW78s/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcXEJ4c7JPuKoyGhAueOVrlthTcdOjJr2wech24mWGw9fL7a-bK4QWMEgcK8xuSsGsSCdYO7WMTMtE-9fOCOhbkWsfsr_M5mRdbxjVwEIZUvWSoqddvw9DBLnmlWqXDk71UqVTrkW78s/s1600/046.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Tail of the Grilse Stream<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM50o1U4i4gGg0oGBdseONBylBrNKBw8Tfz_npLi6nSOkm34_RYNZ_X8zFh1tHFcriqueDHjZwps4wJCdQwqmiUXPZ-BXsqyQpM8OWEM7bwL0bXeP6Nu3uh0fG95wx1VTWGCLhP7y3wVI/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM50o1U4i4gGg0oGBdseONBylBrNKBw8Tfz_npLi6nSOkm34_RYNZ_X8zFh1tHFcriqueDHjZwps4wJCdQwqmiUXPZ-BXsqyQpM8OWEM7bwL0bXeP6Nu3uh0fG95wx1VTWGCLhP7y3wVI/s1600/047.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Gleann Fhinne; ag amharc i dtreo na Cruacha Gorma.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaBXhcaPkVSLFNrcYU7aKFqn46N7AYGvxqSq3f4FARaso9c-yq5HuxvqU9JstpyaxzTpFZqspyOm5iehOCeeHL4RZNtPk3BfEhHha1UZ6BqhZQQEbzo97LVcqE2JGkIbQw4PWgv-LOg0/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaBXhcaPkVSLFNrcYU7aKFqn46N7AYGvxqSq3f4FARaso9c-yq5HuxvqU9JstpyaxzTpFZqspyOm5iehOCeeHL4RZNtPk3BfEhHha1UZ6BqhZQQEbzo97LVcqE2JGkIbQw4PWgv-LOg0/s1600/048.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
McGinty's<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGPdUWcn-ve8b0bjPPUKDNs-ObjJQUuJev3VNXQZWgkq1KaNyKyFy28f1mdmrd74Hux2uLlA6oLBNZp4wwG-B3B2Iq6zzJbnboqHS7CTt2T-MYzrfYFwIOtwhBHaQWH1vgIJqFY4-4GU/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGPdUWcn-ve8b0bjPPUKDNs-ObjJQUuJev3VNXQZWgkq1KaNyKyFy28f1mdmrd74Hux2uLlA6oLBNZp4wwG-B3B2Iq6zzJbnboqHS7CTt2T-MYzrfYFwIOtwhBHaQWH1vgIJqFY4-4GU/s1600/049.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Top of McGinty's<br />
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I plan to fish local for the first week of the holidays. It's raining heavily at the minute so we'll probably have very high rivers around here for a good few days. Once they clear however, I'll be up on the Dee and Glyde searching for that ridiculously elusive springer.<br />
I've a few new purchases to look forward to: A new jungle cock cape will inspire me to get to the vice; I've a load of half finished flies lying about the place. I've a 5wt Orvis Switch line on the way for my 5wt Access although this rod will not be brought out of hibernation until the grilse start running the Finn in earnest. I'm also selling my 13' #9 Grey's Greyflex Mk2 so if any of you want a nice spate river rod, get in touch!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-64222555834554162142013-03-10T16:44:00.002-07:002013-03-10T16:45:35.370-07:00First Local Cast of 2013I ventured out on the Dee first thing this morning. The river was still very coloured and pretty much unfishable but I gave it a throw for an hour anyway. It was a bitterly cold morning so I knew I'd need to get down if I was to have any chance. I put on a sink1/2 power taper and a 7 ips Rio Versitip. I attached 3 ft of 15lb Maxima and the Black and Yellow Franc 'n Snaelda I tied up yesterday. It was pretty obvious though that I was hopelessly undergunned for this type of fishing. I was getting nowhere near deep enough. I stuck on the heaviest bottle tube Snaelda I had and still never touched the bottom once. The sink1/2 power taper is the fastest sinking shooting head I have so I'm going to have to make a few purchases this week. I reckon a skagit compact will be a big help along with maybe a sink3/4 shooting head. A skagit line will enable me to use really fast sinking T11 and T14 sink tips when required as well as the lighter MOW Tips for less extreme dredging.<br />
The river's dropping fast and should be clear enough to fish tomorrow so I'll try and get out after work tomorrow evening.<br />
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Wintry conditions on the Dee.</div>
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Coloured water: chances virtually nil...but you never know!</div>
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Franc 'n Snaelda</div>
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Bringing out the heavy tubes and the woolly hat!</div>
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This evening I became acquainted with my Hardy Bougle. I've wanted one of these for a long time and boy does it make a noise. I got it off a really nice chap called Timmy from Coleraine. Hopefully I'll get to wet a line with Timmy up on the Finn in the not too distant future. In the meantime, the Bougle will get it's first outing on the Dee tomorrow evening. I kitted it out with 100m of backing and Rio's .30 Powerflex Shooting Line. Because I'm left handed, the first task was to convert it from left to right hand wind. Luckily this is a simple task and now she's ready to roll.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-22708194130910080982013-03-09T05:57:00.000-08:002013-03-09T11:01:08.594-08:00Rained off! Ok, the Dee and Glyde are still out of order. The Dee is dropping away at the minute but absolutely rotten dirty and the Glyde's still rising. The Glyde has a number of lakes at the head of it's system and takes quite a while to rise, the flip side of this is that it drops relativley slowly and good fishing can be had for an extended period of time.<br />
I spent this morning at the vice and knocked out a few Curry's Red Shrimps and a Canadian pattern called the Aldo. The Aldo's a lovely pattern that I came across on a speypages thread about Canadian tier Marc LeBlanc. The flies are truly stunning and I am definitely gonna be swimming them in Irish waters this season.<br />
Fly fishing for salmon is a strange sport. It's a kind of affliction, an addiction that needs regular fixes. A fix can take many different forms; an hour at the vice, several hours browsing through the myriad of forums and websites dedicated to salmon fishing, money spent on some of the latest gear or tying materials, a chat at the tackle shop or on the phone with similarly affected buddies. The ultimate fix of course is actually getting out and at it on the river.<br />
I've my first Hardy reel on the way later on today. I'm picking up a Mk VI Bougle so hopefully it won't be long till I get my knuckles rapped by an angry springer.<br />
In the meantime, here are a few of today's creations:<br />
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Franc 'n Snaelda</div>
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Ackroyd</div>
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Modern v Traditional</div>
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Aldo</div>
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Curry's Red Shrimp</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-278009321560575942013-03-08T17:07:00.000-08:002013-03-08T17:07:06.189-08:00High water on the East Coast.I headed up for my first throw on the Dee today to be met by a rising river, colouring up fast. The Glyde was creeping up slowly, so there was only one thing for it... hit the vice. Spent the evening tying up Dee style flies.<div>
I tied this Ackroyd and Liam took a couple of shots on his new DSLR (below).</div>
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I also tied up a couple of Franc 'n Snaeldas for a shot at a local springer over the weekend.</div>
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I'll wait till daylight and post up a few pictures before I head out to the river. The Franc 'n Snaelda was recommended to me by my friend Simon Cassidy who fishes the Boyne. I tied one all in black with yellow feelers and a yellow hackle. The Dee is probably gonna be too coloured tomorrow but I'll try it anyway. The Black and Yellow Franc 'n Snaelda should have a nice strong profile in the water and may offer some chance of nailing a fish. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-42597604442434424492013-03-07T08:17:00.000-08:002013-03-07T08:20:29.748-08:00Busy times at the ViceI've been working steadily at filling up the flyboxes for this season.<br />
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The Monkey Fly has been a revelation throughout the last decade. Originating on the Dee in Scotland, the Monkey quickly became a real success story on the Dee, initially, in Scotland and subsequently further afield. The original Monkey was tied with a yellow underwing followed by a black overwing but of course, the original spawned many variations. I like to tie the monkey more sparsely than regular Templedogs, but I must, at this point, admit that I have never caught a fish on the Monkey. To be honest, I haven't really fished this pattern. The simplicity of the pattern allows discerning tyers/fishers to tinker with the fly to suit the waters they fish. I've tied up a selection of Monkeys with both clear and peaty water in mind. Some on bottle tubes and some on 1/2 in aluminium tubes finished off with a conehead.</div>
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A selection of Monkeys.</div>
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Flies on the left are tied with a grizzly yellow FF American Softhackle.</div>
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Flies on the right have a sunburst underwing and sunburst FF American Softhackle.</div>
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FITs cones are my favourite. I remove the lining from the aluminium tube and reline it with FITs tubing and a chartreuse cone.</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> Nice wide profile whilst keeping the dressing sparse.</span></div>
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Of course, my current obsession with Spey and Dee style flies continues. </div>
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My latest creations.</div>
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Dunt from above.</div>
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First attempt at a Lady Caroline. Our American friends across the pond swear by this pattern. </div>
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I stripped the fibres from one side of the feather for the body hackle on this fly. It's bound to have great movement in low water where a subtle fly is required.</div>
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Work continues on filling a large double tier box with doubles.</div>
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Parkies</div>
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Tritton Shrimps</div>
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A pair of Tritton Shrimps.</div>
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Sparse Blue Charms, Crathies and a few Silver Doctors.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-78576819932465168342013-03-06T12:51:00.001-08:002013-03-06T14:08:33.780-08:00Low Water on the LackaghWith the recent dry spell we've been having I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to try the Lackagh again. The Lackagh still hasn't produced a fish yet but any locals I've chatted to said that it fishes well in low water. I arrived at the river to coincide with high tide so I could hopefully intercept a tide fresh springer. On arrival at the car park however, I noticed a lot of commotion down in the main pool. Unfortunately, the culprit turned out to be a seal intent on catching breakfast. This was the second visit in a row where there was a seal hunting in the river at high tide. When i fished two weeks ago, the seal was right up in the garden pool. The low water was keeping the seal in the main pool but it was pretty obvious that there'd be no fish caught today. The river just didn't feel fishy, even though the seal left as soon as the tide started turning.<br />
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I fished hard nonetheless, no point in travelling two and a half hours and buying a permit only to head home without even giving it a throw. I saw no fish and caught nothing bu it was really interesting fishing the river in low water conditions and I learnt a lot about possible lies. The clear water and good light meant that I was able to make out the riverbed easily.<br />
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Salmo Salar obstacle course!</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> A Jan Eric Granbo pattern gets a swim.</span></div>
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Looking upriver from the eel weir. Perfect or what for a Bomber?</div>
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Garden Pool</div>
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Much lower water than the last day I fished the Lackagh.</div>
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Grilse Pool</div>
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Grilse Pool</div>
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Singles for catch and release rivers. Barbs squeezed of course!</div>
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A Dunt Dee tied on with a rapala knot. Maximum movement for the low water.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174003987853102914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624368172871083680.post-59437048325248688912013-02-16T16:32:00.002-08:002013-02-16T16:32:24.693-08:00Back on the Lackagh<div>
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I haven't been out fishing since my trip to the Drowes in early January. The presence of fish still on the redds kind of discouraged me from fishing for a few weeks. This weekend, however, I couldn't hold back any longer. There was a serious amount of rain all week and to be honest, I thought the Lackagh would be too high, but this was not the case. The water was gin clear and running at 8 on the gauge. The tide was high when I arrived and the first thing I noticed was a seal bobbing about in the main pool. Thankfully he didn't hang around for long.</div>
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I had the fishery to myself today and wasted no time in getting up to the top pool on the fishery. A sunburst monkey tied on a silver bottle tube went on the business end and it wasn't long before an ambitious sea trout kelt was on. I worked my way down through the pools a couple of times and tried a couple of different fly and line combinations.</div>
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A Conehead Black and Yellow Snaelda tied sparse, in comparison to a standard Snaelda.</div>
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One of a batch of Red Frances I tied up for this season.</div>
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Decisions, decisions!</div>
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I fished hard till lunchtime before stopping for a quick sandwich and then I decided to give the bottom end of the fishery a throw.<br />
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One of the Lower Pools</div>
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The final pool on the Lackagh leading into the estuary.</div>
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The view from the bridge looking out to the Lackagh estuary.</div>
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The Lackagh fishery.</div>
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Last throw of the dice on the upper pools. This Templedog inspired confidence but alas, no springers were caught, or indeed seen. Overall, it was a quiet day but as February moves on towards March, surely it's only a matter of time before the Lackagh produces a fish.</div>
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