ANGLING NOTES:CARTON HOUSE in Maynooth, Co Kildare, took centre stage last weekend as a group of media personnel gathered for a day of fly fishing for trout on its fishing waters.
Almost five kilometres of the River Rye meanders through the 1,100-acre estate into the Liffey and its rich chalk river-base holds a good stock of wild and triploid brown trout plus a substantial head of salmon.
I had the pleasure on two occasions some four years ago with the late and great Patrick O’Molloy of stocking tens of thousands of Liffey salmon fingerlings into a tributary of the Rye within the grounds of Carton House.
As a member of the Great Fishing Houses of Ireland, the estate offers boat fishing in the “lake” section of the river and miles of relatively unexplored bank fishing for those really big wild brown trout.
And there is always the chance of a salmon. While golf reigns supreme at Carton, with the Mark O’Meara course on one side of the Rye and Colin Montgomerie on the other, there are quite a number of golfers who enjoy a cast to wind down after a day on the golf course. The fishery is also open daily to the public.
Our day was divided into a morning boat session, alternating in the afternoon to the back water. Overnight rain had left the river looking like oxtail soup, almost unfishable. However, we did manage to raise, catch and lose a few good fish.
The back water is stocked with rainbows and while this too was soup-coloured, perseverance paid off in the end as Liam Kane (Irish Angler’s Digest) caught four and David Gray (the Star), Dick Warner (the Examiner) and Fergal Keane (RTÉ) also recorded fish.
The 13 media hacks were there to assess the potential the fishery has to offer – and were impressed.
My thanks to Deirdre O’Brien (director of sales and marketing), Rob Love (angling manager), Josie Mahon and Des Chew (Inland Fisheries Ireland) for their hospitality, food and organising skills. For bookings, contact RLove@cartonhouse.com or 087-1947811.
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Water levels on Lough Inagh in Connemara rose considerably last Wednesday with plenty more rain falling as the week progressed.
“We should fish well for the next few weeks and there are loads of spaces available,” says Colin Folan.
Call 095-34706 or see loughinaghlodgehotel.ie.
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Brian Nally of Annamoe Trout Fisheries in Co Wicklow reports that trout are active and feeding well as a result of a spillover of fresh water from the nearby Avonmore River into the main lake and bait pond.
Anglers are catching on average four rainbows to 1.5kg over a four-hour session. Klinkhammers and Grey Dusters are working well as dries while Olive Nymphs and Gold Ribbed Hares Ear on floating lines are also attracting attention. Fly casting tuition is on offer by appointment.
Contact annamoetroutfishery.comfor further details.
More than 40 home-based and UK anglers took part in the 41st international two-day boat competition hosted by Belmullet Sea Angling Club and Broadhaven Bay Hotel last weekend. Sixteen varieties of fish were recorded.
Results: (overall greatest variety), 1, Pat Ruddy, 2, Sylvy Sweeney; 3, Anthony Matterson (all Belmullet SAC).
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Belated condolences to the family of Raymond Heffernan who died recently. We were neighbours and good friends many years ago. Raymond was a keen fly fisher and a member of the Irish Disabled Fly Fishing Association and Irish Trout Fly Fishing Association teams.
His ashes were scattered on Lough Owel last Saturday week. May he rest in peace.
angling@irishtimes.com