Conservation key in Lough Sheelin trout competition

“Lough Sheelin was so calm it felt as if the wind was going backwards,” said Eamonn Ross following the 10th Lough Sheelin Trout Protection Association (LSTPA) fly fishing competition last weekend.

Billed as a stream rehabilitation competition, in which all proceeds go to stream enhancement of this magnificent lake, the event attracted over 200 participants from across Ireland and Scotland.

In this regard, LSTPA wishes to acknowledge the assistance of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) towards development of the Half Carton stream. Support is provided by the Midland Fisheries Development Fund in recognition of anglers buying permits to fish on the lake.

Mirror-calm conditions coupled with morning fog and a dull overcast sky curtailed catch returns to a baker’s dozen. Taking into account a minimum size limit of 40.6cm (16 in), perhaps the low return was justified.

College student Fergal McKiernan (20) from Coosan, Athlone, managed to overcome the setbacks to claim top rod with a magnificent trout of 1.78kg (3lb 15oz) which fell to a pheasant tail nymph fishing close to Church Island.

“This is my first time to win this competition, although I was fourth in the Easter event,” Fergal said. He has also represented Ireland seven times in the youths division – four with ITFFA and three with TAFI.

The winning fish earned this brilliant intrepid angler a 19ft Sheelin boat, €350 tackle voucher and the Paddy Sheridan Memorial Perpetual Cup.

Along with boating partner Dessie McEntee from Cavan, we headed for the Crover Bay area. “Most of the fish caught recently have come from this area,” he said. It was “kitchen sink” time, all to no avail (well almost!). With time running out, Dessie shouted: “I’m in.”

Safely boated, the trout weighed 1.1kg (2.3lb) and opted for a Green Peter on the tail fly. The fish earned him 10th place and €100 tackle voucher.

Over dinner in Crover House Hotel, we learned of the proposed IFI bylaws and the reference to Lough Sheelin. The most contentious piece of legislation is the suggestion to open the lake throughout winter.

LSTPA is strenuously opposed to this, highlighting the fact that 30 per cent of trout go to spawning streams while the rest stay in the lake, and insists the close season must stay intact.

The association said it can live with a two-fish limit and most of the additional proposals but to open the lake for fishing all year round is out of the question. The club is looking for support from all members and interested parties on this important issue.

Wicklow winter league

Annamoe Trout Fisheries in Co Wicklow, in conjunction with Southside Angling Centre, has announced its fly fishing winter league schedule. The league will have four qualifying heats from which the first five anglers will qualify for finals day.

Prizes will go to the first five in each heat and first five in the final. Entry is €22 with fishing times from 10am-2pm. Dates (all Saturdays): October 17th/31st, November 14th/28th. Final: December 12th. Entries to Brian Nally 086-259 8563.

Lough Owel winner

Ciaran Newman from Mullingar won top rod at the ITFFA Leinster national qualifier on Lough Owel with eight fish (partly catch and release) for 5kg (11lb). The competition attracted 96 entrants. The top 30 will go forward to the national final in 2016.

Top three: 1, C Newman, eight fish; 2, C Cahill, seven fish; 3, G Heaslip, seven fish.

Pike hike

A group from

The Irish Times

ventured to Lough Key in Co Roscommon last weekend in search of the elusive pike. Weather was ideal and the stop for lunch on one of the islands was relaxing and enjoyable. Two pike succumbed to trolling tactics, the biggest of about 6.3kg (14lb) fell to Charlie Gannon. “We were bowled over with the venue and our skipper, Bodo Funke, was excellent,” he said. Bookings: anglingservicesireland.com.

angling@irishtimes.com