Lough Currane is located in one of the most wild and beautiful parts of Ireland, in the shadow of the Kerry mountains on the South West Coast. It has become famous for its runs of salmon and holds some beautiful brown trout, but it is as a sea trout fishery that Lough Currane is most revered. The sea trout runs begin in May and continue right through until October. They are spectacular, hard fighting fish, averaging almost 1 lbs. Without doubt, their ability to fight harder than fish in many other Loughs is due to the fact that they only have a 500 yard journey from the sea before entering the Lough Currane. Most locals fish Lough Style', drifting down the Lough, retrieving large bushy flies through the waves until the water errupts, and there is a swirl of silver as a fish takes. Like on many of the great Irish Loughs, local knowledge is essential for the casual visitor. Specifically, the Salmon and Sea Trout follow particular routes on their way through the Lough and have favourite lies where they stop and rest. These are the places where there is the best chance of a fish, but as the Lough covers a surface area of nearly 8 square miles, it is naturally difficult for the visiting fisherman to make the best of this Lough without the help of a local boatman or ghillie.

Recommended Flies

On Lough Currane bright and bushy flies seem to work best, particularly for the salmon and sea trout. For salmon, patterns such as Hairy Mary, Blue Charm, and the Thunder & Lightning are very effective. For sea trout patterns such Claret Bumble, Fiery Brown, Black Pennel, Wickham's Fancy, Watson's Fancy, Connemara Black, Golden Olive, Peter Ross, Bloody Butcher and Golden Olive Bumble will all give a good account of themselves. By far the most popular fly on the Lough is the Bibio, which probably takes more trout than any other fly on Lough Currane.

Where to Stay

The main angling centre on Lough Currane is located in the town of Waterville. Information on accommodation can be found through the Irish Tourist Board at www.tourismireland.com.

Learn more about this author, Robert Stephenson.
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