ANGLINGIRELAND

fossil-fish · Joined: 30 Dec 2007 Posts: 668 Location: Carrickfergus

Parked at Woodburn Church at first light this morning and made the long walk down to the dams. This is a walk I would do quite often, but not carrying my fishing gear. It is really nice walking through the forest this time of year, especially first thing in the morning. Everything is quiet and damp and there is always a display of various brightly coloured fungi lighting up the gloom between the trees. Not quite as much fun on the way back up, but worth the effort I think.

Went first to the upper dam and was met with an absolute and total flat calm. The whole reservoir was like a huge mirror. Not the slightest ripple or breath of a breeze. There were fish rising, well within casting range, and there were clouds of huge black buzzers hanging in the still air. I tried diawl bachs, snatchers, crunchers, and even drys, but could not manage to get a take. About 10 o'clock the rise petered out so after a few casts with a little black and silver lure I went to move round the other side.

While I was walking along the dam wall I noticed some fish rising quite close in. I climbed down the wall and cast along it moving a step or two after each cast. While I was doing this I saw a huge brown trout, between 3 and 4 pounds, rise slowly in front of me. Head, dorsal and tail all in one mesmorising slow roll. A stunning wild brown trout. Hooked and landed a beautiful fish of about 12ozs. Fin perfect brownie with very large black spots. These fish are wild, so he was returned. The barbless hook had come out in the net and he never left the water or was handled. That fish alone would have made my day.

Tried a few different spots along the other bank, but no more interest. So after lunch I made my way down to the middle dam. After about an hour or so I landed a very nice little rainbow trout of about a pound in weight. A nice slim silvery fish with a full tail and all it's fins intact. Although small, this fish looked like it had been in the water for some time. That was all the action for the day and at about 3 o'clock I began the long walk back up to the church.

Not many fish, and none of great size, but two very beautifully conditioned fish which certainly pleased me. I was more than satisfied.

Very Happy

By the way, sorry there are no pictures, but when I went to use my camera I found the battery had run down and needed charged. Embarassed

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"The world and the universe is an extremely beautiful place, and the more we understand about it the more beautiful does it appear."
Richard Dawkins

harry_lfc · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 7:45 pm Post subject:

great report ff ill have to get up to the dams before the season ends
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its not the flies its how u use them

Darren · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 8:11 pm Post subject:

Good report FF, did you notice any fry feeders on the upper?

Darren Very Happy

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Team Woodford Greys Ireland
Lexus European Fly Fishing Team Champions 2008

fossil-fish · Joined: 30 Dec 2007 Posts: 668 Location: Carrickfergus

ChrisDickey · Joined: 18 Feb 2008 Posts: 213 Location: Ballyclare

very good mate, might have to get my ministry permit next year

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