Blackwater Lodge Newsletter - March 10, 2008

Sweden here we come!
Glenda has been asked by Loop Tackle to be their demonstrator at the Swedish Fly Fair which is being held in Stockholm next weekend - March 14-16.
We will therefore be away from Wednesday March 12 to Monday 17 March inclusive.
Any email correspondence will be dealt with on our return.

February
    The first month of the season has ended, and we can report that there seems to be quite a good run of spring salmon in the river. It was very difficult to assess the situation in the first half of the month due to the water height, but it would seem that a good number of fish ran through to the upper river at this time.
    With the lower water levels at the moment,  we are seeing fish moving through most of the lower beats every day, & they are also beginning to hold below the first weir on the river at Clondulane.
    On Tuesday, February 26 there were only 2 rods out on the upper river. Connie Corcoran took a fish ~7lb on spinner from Ballincurrig - Beat 12, and Jason O'Riordan took one on fly from Woodstream - Beat 11. Photos of both these 2 fish are on the Lodge Gallery. Both were returned alive, as were the two fish taken on Friday & Saturday (Feb. 22 & 23) by David Shanks from Meath,  who had one on fly from Ballyhooly Bridge - Beat 8 on the 22nd, and another on spinner from Ballygally - Beat 1  the next day.
    The total of 5 fish for the month (4 released alive) so far is quite good given the conditions early in the month and the lack of angling effort at the moment.

March & a Big Flood
    March started well with an 8 pounder on fly for Gavin Wishart from N. Ireland on Sunday, March 2nd. from Lower Kilmurry. At that time, the river was at 0.45m on the gauge, which is medium/high summer level and the clarity was ~6 feet. Perfect fly conditions.
    Yesterday (9th.) 25mm of rain fell & there is a big flood coming on the river.  It is already at 2.70m and very dirty, and will take a few days to settle down.  A good flood should ensure that all the kelts are out of the river - and hopefully replaced by a continuing good run of spring salmon.

A Landmark disappears
    One of the most famous stands on the river has finally fallen to the winter floods! Those of you who have fished with us will almost certainly know the Drain at the Jole on Lower Kilmurry. A great spot in higher water levels especially for a spring salmon. I know only too well as I caught my first ever Blackwater salmon from exactly that spot on February 2nd., 1986. The drain has finally collapsed into the river, and will hopefully make a good low water stand.

Prospects for the week after St. Patrick's Day are excellent, and availability of fishing and accommodation is OK.