TOM O’Shea was waiting patiently at Tarmons shoreline on Lough Currane in Waterville, Co Kerry. Driving from Killarney I had taken time to admire the Kerry landscape, particularly from Glenbeigh to Kells Bay and Ballyskelligs. Stunning scenery.
“You’re a little early for the big sea-trout, but we’ll give it a go. An eight-pounder was caught two days ago on the fly,” he said.
Tom is a professional ghillie and has lived beside the lough all his life. He knows all the mood-swings and hot-spots on what surely is one of Ireland’s greatest angling assets.
In bright sunshine and a good south-easterly, we headed for the salmon lie off Grassy Island. My cast comprised of a Green Peter, Claret Bumble and Bibio. “Never fish Currane without a Bibio,” he said.
We tried all sides of the Point without a take and moved on to Cormorant Rock, The Sisters, Black Rocks, Mouth of Coppell, Church Island and finished along the north shore at Colleen Bhán.
Nearby, Willem Timmerman from Holland boated a magnificent salmon of 7kg (15lb 5oz) while trolling a Rapala lure.
Following lunch in An Corcan Restaurant in the town, I visited the hatchery on the banks of the Cummeragh River. Reopened in 2002, it is now managed by Tom on behalf of Waterville Fisheries Development Group (WFDG).
The 10 broodstock netted in early December produced about 35,000 ova. These hatched in April and will be released in October as advanced salmon parr.
Later, in the Fishermen’s Bar in Butler Arms Hotel, I was joined by WFDG members Neil O’Shea, Rod Robinson and Kevin O’Sullivan. All were in upbeat mood with regard to salmon catches on Currane this season. “Catches are up by 50 per cent on last four years,” they said.
Finance remains a problem. However, with financial help from Michael Roden and annual subscription fees, the development group strives to develop Waterville as a self-sustaining fishery. Currane produced 17 specimen sea trout last year.
Fáilte Ireland has identified Waterville in its marketing strat- egy as a “Fishing Excellence for Sea Trout” venue and markets the product on a wider stage abroad. See discoverireland.ie/angling.
The annual catch-and-release sea trout competition will take place on August 12th and 13th. To book, contact Kevin O’Sullivan at secretary@loughcurrane.com or 087-6889775.
The Drowes fished very well last week with the good run of salmon continuing. In total, 17 were recorded with the best fish of 8.2kg (18lb) falling to J Carty on worm from the Red Roof.
Professional angling guide and casting instructor Paddy McDonnell reported a successful day on the Owenduff River recently while guiding Willie Behr, Germany. Fishing the Rock House Fishery, Willie caught his first ever spring salmon on the fly, weighing 5.5kg (12lb) and sportingly released.
Later on the day he landed his second springer. Both fish were caught on a Silver-grey fly. For guided fishing in the area or casting instruction, visit moyflyfishing.com.
Mayfly has started hatching on Corrib. There are reports of good hatches from the eastern and western shores, according to IFI inspector Kevin Crowley. There are also hatches of olives and chironomids, but trout seem to be feeding sub-surface.
Buzzer and nymph fishing are still accounting for most fish, he said.
The RNLI has announced that its latest all-weather class of lifeboat will be called the Shannon. It follows a 45-year tradition of naming the charity’s lifeboats after rivers or stretches of water. However, it will be the first time that an Irish river has been used.
The Shannon will gradually replace the existing Mersey class lifeboat and following full trials this year will go on station in 2013.
In conjunction with Fishing Awareness Week, the official launch of Ardaire Springs Fisheries will be held this Saturday in Ardera, Mooncoin, Co Kilkenny. The 2.5-acre lake is stocked with rainbow trout, and on-site facilities include tackle shop, restaurant and ample car parking. See info@ardairesprings.com.
angling@irishtimes.com