Waterville on the fly

A VERY successful two-day sea trout fly-fishing competition was held on Lough Currane in Waterville, Co Kerry, last weekend.

A VERY successful two-day sea trout fly-fishing competition was held on Lough Currane in Waterville, Co Kerry, last weekend.

At Bungalow Landing on the northern shore, the mood was upbeat as anglers gathered each day to apply their skills on this magnificent lake. Now in its third year, the event, hosted by Waterville Fisheries Development Group (WFDG), has received widespread commendation for its catch-and-release policy.

“Although we could have catered for 50 anglers, we’re happy with the 30 that gave their support,” WFDG member Neil O’Shea, says. All proceeds will go to assist work in developing and maintaining the fishery.

The first day was a challenge as a strong south-westerly made it almost impossible to fish the lower reaches of the lake. Nevertheless, 30 fish over 30cm were recorded and released including a cracker of 46cm.

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I joined forces with Michael Roden and boatman Junior Scully for the second day and although not taking part in the competition, I enjoyed a great day’s fishing with reasonable success. At the mouth of Cummeragh River (otherwise out of bounds), I turned a salmon and throughout the day we both raised several fish.

Michael Roden has a huge interest in the development of Waterville Fisheries and over the years has contributed substantial financial assistance. “To be quite honest, we’d be lost without Michael,” says one WFDG member.

For the third successive year, Roden sponsored a lake boat for the competition and since formation of WFDG in 2002, has donated a car each year to raise funds. In addition, he took out a two-mile lease on the River Inny to let as a source of revenue for the group.

Eddie Blanche, a retired teacher from Mountmellick, Co Laois, got off to a blistering start on the first day with three counters and followed up next day with a further three, sufficient to give him an outright win.

“I caught my fish both days in Donnelly’s Bay and Castle Bay on a Size 10 Green Peter Hopper and a Muddler. Last year I failed to even get into the prizes,” he said.

Later, in the Waterville Inn, the gathering of 65 enjoyed a fabulous dinner that included Dingle Bay prawn cocktail, as starters. Michael Roden thanked those who helped and those who provided boats. He also praised the work of the committee.

The angling theme continued throughout the evening, with some brilliant photographs of competitors taken during the event and compiled by Vincent Appleby which were shown on TV screens.

Results: 1, E Blanche, lake boat from Michael Roden; 2, G O’Sullivan, electric engine; 3, J Holsted, Tackle Shop package; 4, E McCarthy, two days boat hire from Lakelands; 5, D O’Sullivan, Beat on Butlers Pool; 6, P Coughlan, two days on Upper Lakes; 7, J Sayers, one day on Upper Caragh; 8, T Fronich, BB for two and boat hire from Currane Lodge. Longest fish: 46cm, D O’Sullivan, Emerger Tackle selection.

In addition to a 44lb-thrust electric engine as second prize, Richie Johnston of Anglers’ View Media also sponsored a copy of Follow the Fly DVD to each prize winner.

Meanwhile, the 35,000 salmon ova at the WFDG hatchery on the Cummeragh River will be released in October as advanced salmon parr. It should be an eventful day.

The Lough Lene Chairman’s Pairs Competition will take place next Sunday. Check-in at Fagan’s Point with fishing 11am-6pm. Proceeds from the event will go to the charity Aware.

Results of the Billy Ivory Trophy competition, hosted by Dargle Anglers on Lough Owel last weekend, were: 1, M Gallagher, 4 fish; 2, D Halligan, 2f; 3, PJ Durnin, 2f.

angling@irishtimes.com