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A typical day on the lake, if there is such a thing, begins at around 10am.   We normally fish until around 1.30 pm, depending on the fishing, when we stop for lunch on the shore or an island.   This is often an opportunity to chat to other anglers, compare catches, change flies and discuss plans for the afternoon session.   After lunch, we fish through until 6pm.   Again, this is flexible, depending on conditions and how the fishing is going.   If they start rising at 5.55 we won’t be coming in!   Depending on the weather, we may instead fish a few hours early in the morning and late into the evening.   This is often the best option in hot, calm conditions and also gives you the opportunity to visit some of the other tourist attractions here in Mayo.

Although the trout season begins on 15 th February, fishing does not really get under way until the water warms up a bit in March.   Late March and early April see the first major hatch of the year, the famous Duckfly, a type of chironomid.   UK-style fishing with slowly retrieved epoxy buzzers has revolutionised Duckfly fishing in recent years.   The secret to success here is to seek out the shallower and hence warmer bays and wait for the fish to turn on to a hatch.   You may have to wait a while – but the fishing can be spectacular when it comes!   Early trout can also be found in the shallows feeding on shrimps, hoglice and fry.

Later in April and into May we find the olive hatch developing.    This is followed in late May by the Mayfly (E. danica) considered by many to be the cream of Irish lough fishing.   Many large fish are caught well into dusk at this time of year as they feed on the Spent Gnat – female mayflies which have returned to the water to lay their eggs.   Creeping around using the electric engine in the deepening gloom, casting more by sound than sight is an experience not to be missed!

Conn is famous for its dry fly fishing.   A team of Sedgehammers and Royal Wulff variants seldom fails to score, no matter what the conditions, often pulling fish up even when there are no naturals hatching.

Conn also boasts a large salmon and grilse run, and every year trout anglers get more than they bargained for when a salmon grabs their Mayfly or sedge.   Most salmon are caught by trolling, however, as are the ferox trout that inhabit Conn’s depths, feeding on the shoals of roach and rudd which have become abundant in recent years.

The area also has a number of lakes which contain pike well into double figures.   Fly-fishing for these has become increasingly popular in recent years and can be arranged if you want to try your hand.

The huge potential of the coastline for saltwater flyfishing for pollack and bass has only recently been realised.   There are only a few guides who offer this kind of fishing and I can put you in touch with the best.

For most fly fishing, a 10-11 ft rod coupled with a 6-7 wt floating line will suffice, although there are times when an intermediate would be useful.   Don’t worry about bringing tackle, however, as I can provide anything that you need.