Set up a broadside drift and cover the water systematically. Work a bushy searching pattern on the bob and drop a contrasting nymph on the point. In the ripple, a bushy searching dry (Hopper, Shipman's, Elk Hair Caddis) outperforms flush emergers — it stays visible and holds the surface tension.
If the main plan is not working, switch to a smaller, more imitative pattern fished slower and deeper. A change of drift angle can also make a difference.
Evening tends to be the best period in summer — stay late if you can for a sedge or spinner fall.
A gentle ripple is ideal for drifting — broadside drift covering the wind lanes should be productive.
Numbers are intensity 0 (none) to 3 (peak) — a guide, not a guarantee.
A good match for this venue — most conditions are close to what it fishes best in.
A wooded lake 3 miles east of Skibbereen on the road to Leap, West Cork. Mainly deep (to 40 ft / 12 m) with narrow shallow margins — boat fly-fishing is most productive. Regular rainbow stocking complemented by a population of wild native brown trout; small eels, rudd, and occasional pike also present. €106k accessible fishing platform installed 2023 — wheelchair access for fly anglers.
A wooded lake 3 miles east of Skibbereen on the road to Leap, West Cork.
Set up a broadside drift and cover the water systematically. Work a bushy searching pattern on the bob and drop a contrasting nymph on the point. In the ripple, a bushy searching dry (Hopper, Shipman's, Elk Hair Caddis) outperforms flush emergers — it stays visible and holds the surface tension.
If the main plan is not working, switch to a smaller, more imitative pattern fished slower and deeper. A change of drift angle can also make a difference.
Evening tends to be the best period in summer — stay late if you can for a sedge or spinner fall.
A gentle ripple is ideal for drifting — broadside drift covering the wind lanes should be productive.
Numbers are intensity 0 (none) to 3 (peak) — a guide, not a guarantee.
A good match for this venue — most conditions are close to what it fishes best in.
A wooded lake 3 miles east of Skibbereen on the road to Leap, West Cork. Mainly deep (to 40 ft / 12 m) with narrow shallow margins — boat fly-fishing is most productive. Regular rainbow stocking complemented by a population of wild native brown trout; small eels, rudd, and occasional pike also present. €106k accessible fishing platform installed 2023 — wheelchair access for fly anglers.
