Fly Fishing
Salmon fishing on the Cork’s River Blackwater is unique. The Cork Blackwater is Ireland’s finest Salmon River and one of the most important Salmon rivers in Europe, stretching for over 150 kilometres from its source in Kerry to the sea at Youghal. The season for Salmon opens on 1st February and continues until 30th September.
However, it is important to remember that the Blackwater also provides superb wild trout fishing. The Upper Blackwater and its Tributaries, (in particular the Finnow, the Aubane & the Araglin Rivers) are superb fly fishing waters for both wet and dry fly. Successful flies on these waters include; Greenwell’s Glory, Pheasant’s Tail & Black Pennell. (Size 14).
Our local rivers are the Finnow and Aubane, which are tributaries of the River Blackwater. The Aubane river is fast flowing, and has ideal conditions for brown trout. The local farming community have engaged in pollution control over many years and this has contributed to the clear waters and healthy stock of brown trout. At Coolefield House we will empart our local knowledge of the Finnow and Aubane, and look forward to helping make your fishing holiday a memorable one.
The Great Blackwater
This river is noted for it’s enormous run of salmon that it has received over the years but unfortunately the average size of the brown trout is rather small (1/2 lb) and it is not really noted for it’s sea trout run. In slightly coloured water a fly, spinner or worm will take fish. But because of its large boggy catchment area the Blackwater does not really run clear until towards the end of June-early July which is then the best time to hook a salmon on a fly! The river is littered with mighty pools, lovely streams and glides, in fact this river is perfect for the fly-fisherman looking to catch a salmon in the middle of summer. Tube flies, Esmond Drury singles, doubles and trebles (up to size 4/0) are used for spring fishing. In summer, smaller flies (size 6-12) are called for. Flies with a touch of yellow or lemon work well and favoured patterns include Lemon & Grey, Garry Dog, Munro Killer, Thunder & Lightning, Curry’s Shrimp, Stoats Tail, Blue Charm, Hairy Mary and Silver Stoat’s tail. Like many other large Irish fisheries their tributaries can hold good numbers of trout. The Finnow River and the Aubane River is the most notable of these tributaries on the Blackwater system. The trout average about 1/2 lb with the occasional fish to 1 1/2 lb. The fishing is very good, especially in the months of April, May and June. Useful patterns are the Greenwell’s Glory, Dark Olive Quill, Pheasant Tail, Orange Partridge and Wickham’s Fancy.
At Coolefield House we welcome Anglers of all levels. Our knowledge of local waters will help make your stay a more enjoyable one. And we offer fresh, packed lunches on request.
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