The temperature was barely above freezing when we arrived at Ballyhooley Bridge and the sun gave a false impression that it was much warmer until one saw the heavy frost on the grass as we headed down river to the lower beat. The river was running fast but quite clear and at about 90 cm on the gauge not bad for the first day of the salmon season, the only downside was the very low water temperature of about 4 degrees celsius, not good for moving fish. Having spun and fly fished the lower beat we caught and released a few small trout but didn't see any sign of a fresh salmon so we headed up towards the bridge and fished there for awhile and again met a couple of nice trout which were very eager to take my Flying C, the trout were in great condition especially being so early in the season and were a welcome distraction to a very quiet opening day fishing session. We moved to the top of the Ballyhooley bridge beat and this is where i met a few nice kelts, strong hard fighting and well mended silver fish with little or no fin damage. We met and lost a few more fish which was a surprise to me at how easily they would shake the hook, but at this time of year with rock hard mouths and teeth its not surprising that the hooks fall out especially when the kelts start rolling. We finished up at around 1.30 pm as it was only going to be a short fishing session but still it was the best opening day for me so far this year weather wise as i have put down two bad days so far one on the Drowes and the other on the Laune. Here are some photo's of the Ballyhooley Bridge beat and one of the well mended kelts that we met.
Hi Paul,which of the beats do u think are best for fly on the blackwater lodge beats,Thanks
ReplyDeleteHi David, the one with the fish in it... only joking, Kilmurray lower on the island stream is good for fly 50cm or below on gauge ( bankstick needed ), Woodstream is also good fly water again low water holds up travelling fish on this beat and the beat just below Woodstream at Bridgetown Abbey is also great fly water. When there are fish moving through, Kents just below Kilmurray is good but again in low ish water dodgy wading you will need a bankstick. Tip... check the weekly catches over the past years on Ians blog and match up the beats and that will give you an idea where to start, then match it to one of my choice fly beats and your away. Hope this helps. Regards Paul.
ReplyDeleteFished Kent's yesterday but was very difficult with the heights of the river moved on to ballinaroone beat and got one pull but nothing more,will def definitely try killmurry next time,catch up with u in the dam thanks Paul
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