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Hawthorn Fly Fishing & Angling Collection
Dunne, John Joseph, 1837-1910
183 pages : illustrations, advertisements, maps (1 folded)
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J. BERNARD & SON, 5, CHURCH PLACE, PIC Manufac THE LIBRARY kkle- BERNA and peri Rods, co: 14 ft. 15 ft. 16 ft. BRC 3| i] 4 ii Mm THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA Harry Hawthorn Foundation for the Inculcation & Propagation of the Principles Q. Ethics of Fly-Fishing made Umon &c. I 5 O O O 5 O IE./ ity. TROUT RODS IN GREAT VARIETY. Best Hand-made Split Cane Bods, with or without steel centres, a Specialite. Write for Illustrated Catalogue, post free. C.FflRIiOW&CO.,Ii^ 191, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. Manufacturers of First-Class Rods and Tackle. FARLOW'S "PERFECT" LIGHT SALMON OR GRILSE RODS. Greenheart, in three pieces, for Ladies and Gentlemen who cannot use heavy rods. Made in two lengths, 14 ft. and 15 ft., fitted with all the latest improvements, cork handles, snake rings, and straight ferrules. We are now able to produce these rods much lighter than formerly. In balance and action the rods are constructed on the most approved principles. They have been thoroughly tested, and found to be quite powerful enough for most salmon rivers. The 14 ft. Bod weighs about 24 ounces. Price £2, I5S. with two tops.. The 15 ft. Red weighs about 28 ounces. Price £3 5s. with two tops. FARLOW'S PATEN r LEVER SALMON WINCH. Of alloyed aluminium, and can be regulated to any stiffness at. will. The alloy used in these reels so hardens the aluminium that they will stand hard work quite as well as brass, and, as will, be seen by the weights, they are very much lighter. Sizes kept in stock ... 3f, 3f, 4, 4J, i\ inches. Weight (about) ... ... 9 10J 12 13J 14| ounces. •Avery large assortment of Salmon and White Trout Flies in stock. All Books on Angling kept in stock. Illustrated Price List gratis, post free. i. FARLOW & CO., Limited, 191, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. MIDLAND GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY OF IRELAND. Connemara, Galway, Aehill, and the West. r orin ad Trtiio issued, from Dublin (Broadstone Station) embracing Gal way. UIKLU LAK TUU K £ecegs> ciifden, Letterfrack, Leenane, Westport, Mallaranny TICKETS and Aehill, including Coupons for the Tourist Car between Clifden and Westport, and ^between Aehill Station and Dugort. Eeduced Pares for parties of two to four passengers. Extra Coupons issued- for Extended Tours from .Dublin (Broadstone) to the North and South of Ireland. are issued during the Tourist Season from the principal: Towns in ENGLAND and SCOTLAND, and at the Offices of the Steam Packet Companies and Tourist Agencies for CON&EMARA and ACHILL. are issued on S^urd-ays*—First, Second, and Third Class, at; Single Fares—from Broadstone to Galway, Recess, Clifden, "Westport, Mall|ra%rny,. Aehill, &c., available .for return up .to the last train oa the following Monday evening. These Ticke s are not available by the Down and Up Limited.Mail Trains. TOURIST TICKETS EXCURSION TICKETS CYCLING IN CONNEMARA AND ACHILL. Tourists can take train to Acl ill, Mallaranny, or Westport, and cycle thence to Ga^w^y, via Louisburgh, Dhulough, Delphi, Leenane, Xefcter#£ackj>J ;'Clifden, Recess, and Oughter&rd, returning to, Dublin by train \ or take train to Galway'and cycle up to Westport ahll Aehill, returning to Dublin by train. Cycle Tours can al§o be made from-R^iiwa^ Hotel, Recess, up,the Ins gh Valley, to Kylempre, Letterfrack, 'Leenane, then.^4Q'Clonbur, or from Recess to Cashel, Roundstone, Clifden, and back to Re^e^%^a^^lyliatLinch. From Mallaranny Hotel Tourists can cycle or take train to A!c£illl a^'f^^entl the day on the Island, visiting Dugort, which is nine miles from Ac^ill^ifcat^p"^^The roads throughout Connemara and the West of Ireland are. excellent|Qj^^3img. Bicycles carried by Rail as Passengers' Luggage :—Dp to 50 miles, 6$r«, lOO^miles, 9^.; 150 miles, Is. (owners' risk). THE RAILWAY COMPANY'S HOTELS At Mallaranny, Co. Mayo, and at Refeess (Connemara^, Co. Galway, are furnished with every modern comfort and convenience for Visitors. Electric Light throughout. Billiard Rooms, Baths, &c. Terms moderate. Sea Water. Baths, hot and cold, are attached to, the Mallaranny Hotel. "'^il^lff run -from the 1st June to the 30th September, between TOURIST CARS Clifden and Westport, passing through Letterfrack (for Renvyle), Kylemore and Leenane; and during the same period the Midland Great Western Railway Company's Tourist Cars run between Aehill Station and Dugort, distance nine miles, fare 2s '§d. Steamers ply on Galway Bay during the Tourist Season, to Arran Islands, to Bally vaughan, and also on Lough Corrib. ; Application for Time Tables, New Illustrated Tourist Guide to Connemara (price 6d.), ' Tourist Programmes, and information as to Pares, Routes and Hotels, &c, may be made at the Irish Tourist Office, 2, Charing Cross, London (where Railway Tickets can be purchased); to the Company's Agents, Mr. J. Hoey, 60, Castle Street, Liverpool, Mr. J. F. Ritson, 180, Buchanan Street, Glasgow; or to the undersigned, JOSEPH TATLOW, Manager. Broadstone Station, Dublin. C/> h^-r- 'l'""i" \—-—^—: [ r-; r- -?—. ; > ^——r-r-^—: IBBLAND Showing the Counties arranged in Angling Districts. MalinH* o$ Toryl.^ Bloody Foreland, s Railways Loughs Rivers (red) mm U- M>Bu (rweedore MavOie. Buncn ionde &lerain^\^prijl££>sw^; ,C dufhendoR * indicates Salmon, t ,, Trout. J indicates Sea Trout. ^| ,, Charr. Mcdinmore B? Perch, Pike, and coarse Fish are nob noticed in Map. English Miles \ LONDONDERRY^ zo so ■w JO DONEGAL 3. H flip mm m x .^k ; &$ 1P^\$-^ Tfr R p.* E JS*H5t Al RIM Aro, ***.. ^ Bebrud F ay -BaHyccLsiLe \L. Corrowmore ^ / BaUinaj L. Corm/t, ■<k Donegal Bay y^alfysUpnnori/ ?eUee)in \^ JM^uiy Erne )Sl%o roner LFxnto/ia fcf&^vnJun. IhlIlgaIlIlan, tjiiaskiflen "W* [eMrtoknards Last FEr^MXNAGH<M 2 manaj R /I T G/O ^-^1TJ3fes\ | "Vpper^V *• * Xl-Jrrow J-^V e^Cie»»'JB<t)' £ £.co - ^3i£h ^J HAY O^fJ^afor^^^ mJi Wsm% ..;.. iManidlaJuiv. ^0$j[?/ L • Gara, )SC0MM0N 'VjCotuj ■:'" IMBS BoBcamtacfi1 fe^:.^^^^^^BTicfccm.5nanrt47i J* /C^Cavan Cootemffl-*. J>ownpatrick\o' %t |Sl£c (Longford [Z.STieeHn, \_ nOldeast tells mam. pSosstrevorJ (jR..Jlqvne CO "WE£ [EATH4-dl^<yaNM. EJA T H um; &%' G A L)¥'iY ione 3l£rmSt gar) TrjJfiP 'ilnnfidd \Sk&rries rliambay mmm m ahenry Arrajiir^- O MdLBay}/-. [ £JSs Ermisc Bcdlincbgloe. Ujoughrea JPortunnia I is «s ''jEfode»ryo^ Mc&nooi. IT© GS COUMTK. 1 KILDAR^ cmagher 0.i^^-^ vssParJKa^&^G,n' * ^BarsanstowiP'i | C IJaryboaouj JJOS8C^^^>05 V CLonsQla, ldare IB T Howth. UBL1N ingstovnui Bray R- MMbei jXenaghw -TIP-FESip" re^0UNTY> WICEXO'^ tWickLovr jes l7*iL ^12^Lime* ijck. '3M *$ewcasue: \ m f¥:v X le 3*Y Eantwrk WES/FORD Ejpmficorfliy/ fffiewJlbss JArMovr lame 7CT7710V aacqi ?&flo* ■waterford; Jfftdrwela.- Moxroom C--0VR K 3. ?TTwmone^ ^s^| 'CcansoraF* J° trfc. Band 9K ^T^-*j£i^j( lOTl. CO RIP ■ ^SojSjaL 3o,rv ^ #ffibern; » MLsenSf1 W£^m a>^W u<». N.B. District. 1. Tyrone * t J 2. L'deriry »* t J 3, Armagh f 4, Monafthan t 6. Down * f t 6. Antrim * \ X c C\e^ N.W. District. i, Sligo * f X H 2. Fermanagh* f j *j[ 3. Donegal * t t "IT Central District. 1. Dublin * + X 2. Meath * t * 3. Louth * | t 4. Kildare * f 5. Queens * r 6. Kings * t 7. W. Meath * t*R 8. Longford * + 9. Cavan * t W. District. 1. Galway M *t J 2. Mayo * f t IT 3. Roscommon * t H 4. Leitrim * -r*^ S.B. District. 1. Wicitlow * + X 2. Carlow * f 3. Wexford. * | t 4. Kilkenny * ft S. District. 1. Tipperary * + 2. Limerick * + J 3. Cork * + J IT 4. Kerry * + j 1[ 5. Clare * t j 6. "Waterford * + J ^J GeargeHnKp & SonL • Thelandou GeograpMcailn^titute. .mi. ji i_-jg HOW AND WHEEE TO FISH - IN IRELAND A HAND-GUIDE FOR ANGLERS « HI- REGAN " Dulots icribena rtminiscitw Argos. BEVENTH EDITION {JRevUed to date) LONDON SAMPSON LOW, MARSTOtf & COMPANY Limited §k. ghrosfcm'0 $)tmst Fetter Lane, Flf^bt Street, E.O. 1902 LONDON: PRINTED BY GILBERT AND RIVINGTON, LD. ST. JOHN'S HOUSE, CLERKENWELL, E.G. PREFACE TO SIXTH EDITION As foreword to this edition, and to bring it " up to date," I must impress my readers that many things which prevailed, when I wrote first, no longer exist. There were then more fish, salmon and trout, and more free fishing for them. There are fewer fish, because of the selfish policy of those who draw nets in the lower waters, and because there has been no proportionate increase of keepers on the upper waters, though the upper riparian owners have now set themselves to deny free angling. To say exactly how far and where this is being done would require a tour of inquiry all over Ireland. This I am unequal to, but, so far as I could, I have supplied information about it. With regard to the first part I have made no change, though the advance in dry-fly fishing and the more general use of split- cane rods might suggest that there is now a somewhat old-fashioned air about what I wrote many years ago. To sum up, angling in Ireland is still good, but in general not so good nor so | free | as it was. The hotels, modes of travelling, and of accommodation are much better than of old and they improve and increase each season. "Hi-Regan.* Spring, 190C DEDICATED TO MY SONS, E. AND J.,* IN GOOD HOPE OF THEIR HAVING THE MANLY ENDURANCE, DECISION, RESOURCE, AND FINE TEMPER WHICH BECOME ALL TETJE SPOETSMEN. * The hope was realised, but alas I " J. has since been killed in doing his duty to his fellow men in South Africa. INTRODUCTION. I propose to set duwn in this book such advice as may enable I visitors to Ireland to reach fishing-quarters, and kill fish in a sporting way with fly, prawn, minnow, worms, &c; and I am encouraged to believe that its acceptance will justify my endeavour to supply a plain guide to, and on, the loughs and rivers which have afforded me days of delightful relaxation from the cares of an active life. I shall not claim perfection for my directions, nor contest the utility of other methods than my own ; but I have angled much and successfully since my boyhood in Ireland, and in the following pages will be found the procedure which matured experience tells me is the best. Some of the precepts have been frequently published—some of them are locally well known; but for a few I claim such originality as lies in their having struck me (without hints from other anglers) ; and those last will, I think, be found not the least useful. In speaking of the hotels, conveyances, accommodation, routes, and means of getting permission to fish, some inaccuracies may crop up; but I have consulted the latest and all available authorities, and can confidently say that during the few months of my own absence from Ireland but little change has been made in these matters. ^1 have omitted all I know of cross-line fishing—to which, in my erring youth, I was addicted. I plead guilty; and so pleading, will be forgiven. Of the still more pestilent 1 otter 11 shall say nothing, feeling grievously sure that visitors to the great loughs will meet too many, and too capable, instructors in its use. Vlll Introduction. With these few introductory words, I beg to bespeak from anglers a welcome for a brother angler's guide-book in Fair Ireland. I had two ends in writing: one will have been served, if, by following my advice, my readers get sport—their success in fishing will be the measure of mine in writing. The other end is, that many kindly Englishmen may, in the pursuit of an enchanting sport, add to their too scant knowledge of my beautiful and unhappy country and its pure-hearted, sport-loving people. HI-R. London, June, 1886. HOW AND WHERE TO FISH IN IRELAND. CHAPTER I. OF A SUITABLE EQUIPMENT AND TACKLE. : The angler who would have success in Ireland should be provided [with good rods and suitable tackle. The kind of rod I should recommend, is, for salmon fishing, a Shannon or Scotch pattern rod, or a split-cane rod of the American or Alnwick pattern. The [Shannon rod, miscalled 1 Castleconnel," where its manufacture kwas introduced many years after it was elsewhere known to ^Shannon anglers, is generally made sixteen to eighteen feet long. Some very powerful men may use rods of greater length, but perhaps the fatigue of working them is not compensated by their |great power in making a long cast, and they require a gigantic ^man of proportionate strength to work them. They kill a fish • quicker, and, owing to being limber to the very butt, they cause ; less breaks than any other, by they are somewhat top-heavy and, Sunless in the hands of an adept, do not cast against the wind so easily as the better balanced rods of the I Scotch " pattern, which most rod-makers in Ireland, England, and Scotland supply. Enright, of Castleconnel, has made a speciality of their manufacture, but they are supplied by Kelly and Flint, in Dublin; Haynes, in Cork; Hilliard, in Templemore; and Nestor, in Limerick; and it was from the latter that I purchased my best salmon rod at a very moderate price. This rod is just sixteen feet four inches when spliced, has tremendous casting and killing power, and is not too big for me, though my height is about fiva feet seven inches. Mr. Nestor is a capital practical fisherman, and in all that pertains to angling in Ireland, and especially the Shannon, I can speak of him as an accomplished guide, who sells ;$*e best material^ and very cheaply. The Shannon rod is made i How and Where to Fish in Ireland. of greenheart throughout, and requires to be balanced by a large and heavy reel, but as Shannon salmon run very large, they often take out a great deal of line, and thus the large reel needed, and the light butted Shannon rod suit one another exactly. In playing a fish with them the handle of the winch, whether fitted on a disc or an arm, should be on the right hand (when the rings are upwards), but in casting, the reels and rings may be under, and when a fish is hooked the hands should be shifted, the reel side of the rod turned upwards to play the fish, and thus the 1 give and take | of the rod is utilized as well as the friction of the line against the bend of the rod, and not against the rings. In Ireland the universal custom is to utilize the rod's spring in this way, and those from other countries who fish there generally adopt the native and I think the better practice. The Shannon rods are universally " spliced " rods, in two pieces, and the only real drawback I know of in their construction is the length of the case they demand. This, however, is not of consequence in Ireland, as the railways are all " broad-gauge," and the nets of the carriages permit the rod to be easily carried in them. On cars of course no difficulty arises. At the end will be seen a drawing of the best and easiest method of splicing, and about it there is really no difficulty. The Hardy Brothers; Little, in Hay market ; Farlow, and numbers of other London rod-makers turn out beautiful rods for all purposes, and Kelly and the other Irish makers do so equally well, and of all patterns and weights. The split-cane rods are, no doubt, very fine contrivances, and more durable (at least the expensive ones) than they get credit for. The American rods, made by Leonard, are simply perfect, as they should be to justify their high price. I have seen one used in Ireland by the late Duke of Marlborough, which endured very hard usage, and came out unscathed from the severest tests. Messrs. Hardy, of Alnwick, build up rods on similar principles, and many of my friends write to me, of their excellent qualities \ and endurance. On the whole I prefer a Shannon rod to all others, and know nothing better than those Mr. Nestor supplies (in Limerick). For grilse, white trout, and feroces I have no doubt of the superiority of the "single-hand" Shannon rod, from eleven to thirteen and a half feet, and I have by me, as I write, one which has given me five seasons' abundant sport without a single repair but the renewal of a top ring \ and one or two near it—and when it was given me, this \ veteran had served a former owner for nine seasons—killing, as it did for me, salmon, pike, and all sorts and conditions of I How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 3 trout. What I have said in praise of split-cane rods for salmon holds more than good for those meant for brook trout. They are beautifully handy, ligbt, and of great power, but I have seen none of them which surpassed two of greenheart (eleven and twelve feet respectively), which I, some time ago, got from Messrs. Cox, Parchment Street, Winchester, on the recommendation of Sir Thomas Troubridge, whose exceptional brook- fishing prowess I greatly attribute to his constant use of Messrs. Cox's rods. But no doubt the London tradesmen are equally proficient, and the Irish rod-makers I have mentioned are not surpassed by any. Hilliard, in Templemore, is an artist, and brings the united knowledge of a sportsman, an engineer, and a trained mechanician to the construction of small rods which are very perfect. For the river-side he is an epitome of useful knowledge. To keep his kit light, the tourist-angler may do very well with three rods, viz. a salmon rod, a grilse rod (Shannon pattern), and a small brook rod. The grilse rod will suit for lake trolling and spinning, and even the salmon rod may come in, and especially well if it be a Shannon pattern, and a second top- piece of four feet be kept in reserve for trolling. If a fourth rod be not in the way, a very long twenty-two feet joint-rod, of two pieces of bamboo for butt and middle piece, and a green- heart top, will be found most useful to fish for the great pike over weeds and reeds, in such lakes as are fringed with these obstructions. But my own hack rod, and I prefer it to the last described, is made thus, from the top down : a stout four and a I half feet greenheart top, jointed with a very thick Irish screw joint to five feet of bamboo, a pipe of drawn brass on foot of bamboo and very strong, takes, ordinarily, a short butt of lignum- vitse of two feet, on occasions I substitute another of ash of five feet, and now and then the handle of the largest landing-net of ten feet. . The ash butt should have one standing ring about centre; the lignum-vitae requires none. When the handle of the landing- net is used, the releasing rings to be afterwards described, supply the place of reel-line rings. Of course all these emergency butts require rings and sockets to attach the reel. With such a rod as this, one can do a great deal on the lakes, and the only difficulty in getting it made is overcome when the heads of the three butts are suited to fit the pipe of the bamboo and its screw, which should be of the same size as that of the landing-net. In this way there will always be a handle available for the net, whatever butt be b 2 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. I used. Equipped with this "general utility," and the Shannon grilse rod, I should feel myself, on most water, almost independent, so far as rods go. The gaff is a very important factor in taking fish. If unattended, the telescopic steel-shafted gaff, which slides into a hard-wood handle, is most convenient, but the bend is generally too small. With an attendant a gaff cannot easily have SHORT BUTTS GENERAL UTILITY ROD Nfl.a Fv LONC too long a handle, and should be lashed on, not screwed. I never saw any perfect till I came on those Nestor makes. They are of the finest steel, tempered from old razor blades. Nestor, amongst his other industries, has a cutlery and needle factory. I think his charge for gaffs is three and sixpence and five shillings. Gaff and net handles should be equal to more strain than can be borne by most of those supplied by tackle-makers ; but they should be light enough when armed to float. I like them not varnished, but painted a slate-grey, and unless they are very buoyant, those used in boats should be furnished with sufficient pieces of net-cork, bound round near the butt and below the corks, the extremity painted of a conspicuous colour NET HANDLE. AND OCCASIONAL ROD. /RELEASING R/NG. Ft.RING S6CKE77 This may seem too nice a precaution, but it facilitates the recovery \ of a gaff dropped over-board, and on such a recovery one's sport 1 may depend. A reference to the drawing will show two little steel rings of great strength—I employ these to release a cast when I stuck in weeds, trees, or other entanglements from which the clear- ) ing ring has been ineffectual to recover it.1 I pass the line of the \ clearing ring through them, from the top to the hand end, and, ] having run down the clearing ring to the entanglement, strain on J the line to the right or left with the rod, and in the contrary J 1 These rings come in for the reel line, when the handle of landing* I net is used as butt for " general utility " rod, How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 5 direction with the net or gaff handle and clearing line, and if a break be the result (it seldom is), at worst it is only at the expense of the fly, or whatever is below the obstruction. The bows of all landing-nets should be large; when it is possible to carry them, the wooden bow is best, and nets can be fitted now on a plan Mr. Cholniondeley-Pennell's Badminton volume recommends, with collapsible and closing jaws, which are easily packed, and I think well finished wooden ones so made would meet all requirements.2 Id 1 lltfjjl ._ . ■ - 0° WK& Of reels, one might write a long chapter, and then not exhaust the devices and fads which are every day put forward. Here I shall only speak of the ordinary click-reel, which I prefer made with a disc to with a winch handle, but the disc must fit close, the axle must be big, and where the handle d is bedded on the disc B, a ring c should be braised (vide illustration) to prevent the possibility of the line ever getting into an interstice, which the wear of the * I have, since the issue of the first edition of this book, invented a portable net-bow which 1 think beats all others. It is called the 1 Hi-Regan% bow, and the patentees, Messrs. Warner of Eedditch, sell it, and very trusty fishiug^tackle. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. handle at head A makes inevitable after a short time. Multipliers are impracticable, and most of the other check dodges, &c, useless too. With rods of the more ordinary pattern a light reel isdesirable, and vulcanite may be employed in those parts which need no especial strength, but with Shannon rods, the very weight of metal being an advantage, its strength should be made use of. I have five gun-metal reels, which Mr. Bowness will show, which I think perfect. Their builder, Leonard, was an uncommon workman. Unfortunately, he makes them no more, but I have no doubt other manufacturers could turn them out if ordered. I have never used the Mallock reel, but the testimony of Major Traherne, and many of the best anglers, is all in its favour (with a stiff, shortish rod, against which I personally rebel). The Nottingham reel, for those who fish in the Nottingham style, is no doubt brought to perfection, and one of the finest fishers on the TJsk, Colonel E , speaks of it as the only complete contrivance. A glance at drawing on preceding page will show an old-fashioned Irish contrivance to prevent a line fouling round the reel. It is a piece of light and tough leather e p (eel-skin is best) sewn round the back bar of reel, and bound behind, or taken in under, and held by, the fixed ring which secures the reel plate. I think this preferable to any spring. The larger the drum of a reel can be, consistently with holding f^ enough line, the better. The rings of a rod are Sr4Mk\ very important. I employ none now but of steel, Ne3 V^ and the upright pattern of only two sizes.3 In ROB R/NG* playing a fish in the Irish fashion (rings upwards), these rings have a great advantage in not chafing the line much, in wearing evenly, and in never fouling the line. They do not need a " cant " forward. All salmon, trout, and trolling lines should be of the best plaited silk, for such a length as is generally run out; below that they may be " married " to butt-lines of best dressed hemp. I am heretical about lines. I don't use them of more than half the thickness of most Irish anglers, except when harling (Limerickese, trawling) on the Shannon. There the lines cannot be too stout, if the reel be big enough; but salmon lines, and all lines except for blowing, should be heavy, and (here my heresy gets out again) I don't know of any adequate reason why a line should taper either way, or at all, unless so plaited (and I have not seen one) that the end toward the cast would, though slighter, be as 8 There is a serpent-ring used by trollers (not in fact a ring at all) which is excellent, but quite lately I have come to believe that the old-fashioned loose rings are quite as good as, and better than most other kinds of "rings." How and Where to Fish in Ireland. of the best sort, have used one heavy as the thicker part on reel. If lines be and kept carefully, they last amazingly. I five seasons, and never redressed it. It has » assisted in killing many hundred fish, and is |J { as good as new. It is a seventy-five yard length (No. 2 of illustration), of plaited silk and spliced to a brown hemp butt; I always unreel and dry my lines over nighty and if driving home a distance, before laying up my tackle for the journey, I dry the line ' 2 ^ as much as possible with a woollen cloth before reeling up a little loosely.4 In blow line fishing the reel line should be light, to take advantage of the lightest airs. In Westmeath and on the Shannon the trout which one takes on the blow line frequently tax the strength of a good line, therefore the very best plaited and dressed silk is needed; but with seventy-five yards on a big axle, which takes in line fast, and a supple rod, one ought never to have a break, unless of the blow line, which is of floss silk. (Martin Kelly, or Flint of Dublin, supply the best, in fact, the only reliable blow lines I know of. I suppose English makers have not given their attention to them.) For trolling, the 1 cable-laid I lines are good, as they don't kink, but I do not know if they can be got now, as I have failed in obtaining them in many tackle-shops provided only with new stock. The ideal salmon gut of great strength and great length has yet to be got at. An American angler has promised it, but for the present the best " Gibraltar " must do us, and for this the salmon-fisher should pay any price. I have seen some which brought seven pounds^the hank, and under some circumstances it would be cheap. If a thirty- pounder breaks a cast worth six shillings, where is the salmon- fisher would not regret his loss the more because on another poce a fish of like strength was secured with a casting line of " extravagant" price. The truth is, a well made casting line of perfect gut is priceless to a man who knows how to preserve it and to use it. Therefore, reader, buy the best gut for trout and salmonat the lowest price, lut huy the lest at any price. As to fine gut for success with trout, the finest drawn must seldom be used. Drawn gut is not proportionately as strong as undrawn, but the fineness needed cannot olten be, at present, attained without drawing. I look for- 4 When lines are laid by they should be rubbed well with deer fat or tallow, but the tallow or fat must be almost rubbed off after complete anointment. When in use the fat on the line makes -it work lighter, and in dry-fly fishing a fatted line is indispensable. pp 8 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. ward to having fine gut supplied us without any process of fining down, and the strongest gut in long lengths ; but to get these desiderata our gut merchants must bring to bear more energy and originality than they hitherto have shown. Some years since in Gibraltar, a general officer, with whom I had the honour to serve, asked a Spaniard interested in the trade to get him gut of the finest and longest strands. The result was two hanks of gossamer, perfectly round under the microscope (which was needed to see its full beauty), and this special gut was drawn from large silk worms, expected to supply short and thick salmon gut, but by a delicate hand, and before or after (I forgot which) the worm was quite ripe for the production of the coarser gut. This gut was tested with some of the best London drawn, and bore a little greater strain, and a much stronger chuck. I only narrate this incident to point out that the purveyors of gut are not faultless in not supplying finer material. Some knots I recommend will be found at the close of this chapter, and in others subsequently. All dyes for gut I look upon as worse than useless in concealing it, and positively harmful to the strength of the gut. The only two which I have heard of, at all allowable, are black ink, to get a grey colour, and tea, to get a brown or yellow. In bog water there is a little advantage in these stains; elsewhere they are harmful. At best, these are both astringent, and dry up the gut enough to make it more brittle and less strong than in its natural state. Any combination with copperas rots the gut, and coffee, which would possibly be harmless, leaves a stain too evanescent to repay the trouble of using it generally. In harling, on the Shannon, single-strand casting lines are not of sufficient strength— two-ply, three, and up to six-ply are used. To twist a three-ply, which ought to be strong enough for anything, is not easy; and after trials, during many years, I adopted the following method:— Having sorted sufficient strands of not the very best of my best hanks (these I keep for single-gut casts), I re-assort them, (after soaking in cold water for five hours,) on a long table, in separate sets of three, of exactly corresponding thickness. In making the loop and head of the cast, I so arrange the strands that they shall come out for twisting at unequal lengths, and then I build up three separate casts with " buffer-knots," as described further on. When these three single-gut lines are of sufficient length—no two knots of any of them should come together—and laid alongside, each strand should, as it touches its two neighbours, exactly correspond with them in roundness and bulk. Having laid beside me a number of short lengths of waxed silk, and having plaited the three lines by a nice, firm roll of the fingers to the first knot on the longert strand of the three, I strain the line well from the hook How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 9 which holds the loop, and then tie a "stopper" on it firmly (with silk above the knot), and proceed to twist the next three strands till I get to the third next knot. Then I put on a new |j stopper," tand so on till the line is a little longer than the desired length. I then nip the last twisted strands in a heavy hand-vice, and let it ■ hang from the hook, and cut off the silk stoppers with great care not to injure the gut. I wet the newly-made cast with water, and let it swing and stretch till dry; then finish off the foot with a knot or a loop (as I elect). To do this, I must again steep that part of the line. This is all very troublesome, but necessary, if .■ one cannot depend on the fishing-tackle makers; but I vouch for these lines which Nestor supplies, and no doubt I may do so for other makers. The "buffer" knot I recommend is a slight modification of that first published by Mr. Cholmondeley-Pennell, and ventilated in the Fishing Gazette by my friend Major Traherne. In that publication appeared another mode of making up a cast, common in Ireland and very suitable for the single-gut cast, but on the whole the I buffer " knot is the best out. The illustrations explain it and the modification I adopt, which consists of the omission of binding BUFFERS. MS OHOLMONDLYPEAIIVEaS MOT* a a, outside the fisherman's knots, the small gut being cut off neatly, when the buffer between the fisherman's knots being completed, the ends a a are passed to right and left through the rolls of the fisherman's knots. In single-gut salmon casts I make these latter knots double. The " water-knot," which is very old, is reliable to make as a single-gut cast, and in the hurry of repairing tackle it is the best substitute for the time-absorbing buffer or any other knot which needs binding. The best knots for attaching tail flies and droppers, and casting lines to reel-lines are, I believe, explained by drawings. No. 1 in this is the neatest, but the hold on the cast solely X depends on the little knot on the fly gut, jammed between the fisherman's knots. This is obviously too weak for salmon fishing. No. 2 jams itself, is very neat, and is a buffer. It has also the advantage, when using flies dressed on eyeless hooks, of being very easily detached. Nos. 3 and 4 are common enough, but have very unequal merit; No. 3 being an excellent knot, whether used enclosing the fisherman's knot (drawn together), or enwrapping their double parts before being so drawn. It is 10 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. then a buffer. No. 4 is only strong enough when used in the latter fashion. No. 5 is the usual way of attaching looped trout flies— it is clumsy. Its parts A B should enwrap both the fisherman's N°l. RE El LINE. NEATEST BUT MOT STRONGEST. MAGNIFIED \ ySSy STRONG ~ AND NEAT N?3 STRONG N?4i knots, or it should be put between them, as buffers. Indeed, I am not sure that in salmon fishing the dropper might not be always attached by a No. 5 or No. 3 knot, between two double rolled fisherman's knots, to be left unbuffered on a cast otherwise "buffered." GUT LOOP REEL LINE The attachment of the reel line is generally made too difficult to undo. The plan I suggest is as secure as any, and the greater the strain the tighter is the attachment. The end of the reel line should be passed upwards through the loop of the gut, then round the two parts of the loop and out of it and backwards by the side of its own part before straining the loop tight on the double of the reel line. To undo it and detach, all that is needed is to hold the reel line firmly to the left,5 and pinching the ending knot between thumb-nail and index of right hand, draw it firmly to the right. The loop of cast then slips off easily. With regard to hooks, shape is the first consideration. For salmon the Limerick pattern, if not too hog-backed, are I think quite the best, though there is something to be said for Mr. Cholmondeley-Pennell's "perfects." For trout fishing the latter are doubtless the best made. I think if we could get good hooks well bronzed, it would be an advantage; but I have not seen them. Eyed hooks for salmon are certainly an improvement, but mainly on account of economy, as the best flies are necessarily those which give out first at the loops; but Mr. Cholmondeley-Pennell's tum- * Vide vpptrmort illustration on this page. Kl: How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 11 down pattern are not the only ones I should think of using. Their ' attachment is easy. Here it is. For trouting with really small light flies, I like the old fashion best; but I believe when the hooks with needle eyes just at the ; end of the shank, nicely rounded and with smooth eyes are brought out, they will supersede all others. For the present, the chief discussions are about the mode of attaching the gut to those we have. With single gut and turned-down eyed salmon hooks, there is no attachment to equal the old-fashioned <* figure of 8," and the one above, already well known. I don't think the last (a) will sit well but with single gut, and the size of the eye does not permit of any loop-fastening with double or larger gut. A friend who used eyed salmon hooks last season employed this arrangement. It looks insecure, but he assures me it never yielded a bit. For eyed trout hooks, this knot seems to me to equal any, and to make it less conspicuous it may be made without a final knot at (a). Another method for these small hooks is to pass the gut through the eye of the hook and back, making a roll over. This makes a very neat attachment when all is drawn tight and the end (a) is cut off close. In trout flies it is almost impossible to pass back the gut, therefore the loop over arrangement, for which we are I believe indebted to Major Turle, should be employed. Generally the gimp used in fishing is too heavy and conspicuous, and none but the best should ever be put up. There are many receipts for discolouring it to a proper colour. That which I know to be effective, and which does not injure the silk, is to carry coils of gimj in a pocket next the shirt with a bit of brimstone. The heat, exudation, and brimstone produce a nice dull black in the gimp. Whether the angler uses baskets or bags, and there is much to be said on their respective merits, the great thing is to have them 12 How and Where to Fish in Ireland* big enough. I have not myself seen any improvement on the basket of my boyhood but metal hinges and the arrangement for l carrying a flask and sandwich, though in practice I prefer carryingI a metal, bait, gut, or fly box in the compartment for sandwiches, as| I have a prejudice against raw fish as a flavour to luncheon. The J leather straps to sling fishing-baskets are generally unsuitable. I \ prefer a short one of two and a quarter inch webbing, with buckles 1 sewn at each end to take a strap passed through the basket by the orifices at back. Of bags, Mr. Cholmondeley-Pennell's, and " the! Field," are the best designed I know of. In boat fishing, and when I have an attendant, I find an ordinary " carpenter's bass" (tool-bag), with diagonal webs for strength, very useful, and it does not dis-j figure large fish by doubling them up. Many anglers use fresh grass or nettles about their captures, and are wrong in doing so. The less J moisture gets to fish out of water the better. Dry hay or straw is| better, and, best of all, oaten straw, especially for packing fishl for journeys, as this straw is very strong, and each straw is a cylinder of cold air. Dry heather makes a good packing for fish. J The higher on the shoulder the bag or basket is slung, the better] and easier will it be carried. If one must wear waders, they should) be trousers, not stockings, and coming high over complete and thick I woollen clothing; but with wading trousers in any place where an I angler may be overturned, an inflated belt is needful to avert danger. ] Messrs. Cording, of Eegent Street, and Elvery, of Sackville Street (Dublin) sell very good contrivances, and I have suggested (to get the inflation as high as possible) a pair of hollow inflated cross-braces i to sit over the shoulders. For anglers who don't care at all for an | appearance as grotesque as a marine diver's, these precautions against 1 drowning and rheumatism are. all right, but I confess I prefer complete woollen clothing—a short Norfolk jacket, knickerbockers ] open at knee, and two pairs of stockings. In the coldest weather ] I catch, nay feel, no cold, but I never confine the water. A nip of | spirits is seldom of use, except to restore heat. To keep one warm! it is useless, and hot tea or coffee is much better. This monition \ from an Irishman may seem odd, and is unlikely to be followed, but I I must let it stand.6 The perfect hat for an angler-tourist is the J 6 *] The wine of the country" is generally the best thing to drink j everywhere. In Ireland it certainly is, and Englishmen have so little chance of getting that spirit good " at home" that they are often " played upon" in Ireland, where bad whisky is commoner than good, though it seldom deceives the natives. In economic Ulster they sometimes drink it new to get drunk at as little expense as possible. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 13 double one, called " Terai." Graham, in Grafton Street, Dublin, •jells them very good and very cheap, and they are to be had in New Bond Street. The brownish drab keep their colour best, and ^between the double rims is an admirable receptacle for spare casts, Res, &c. The only waterproof I use, except in a boat (then I sometimes don a complete suit of oiled canvas, such as pilots wear), is an oilskin cape, of the police pattern, but grey. The tweed (for Rshing suits) made at Lord Waterfoid's factory at Portlaw, Waterford ; at the factories in Kilkenny, and at Donegal; and that to be ^bought in the market at Tralee and Sneem, co. Kerry, are perfect Itnd very cheap. The postmasters at Sneem or Tralee will buy Ehem by piece or half-piece for correspondents. The Castlebar fend •Ballina "home-made flannel" is also excellent. Campbell %fhe corner shop where Anglesea Street joins the quay) or his son in Iparliament Street, Dublin, make the best fishing brogues in Ireland, Eexcept Tierney, in Foxford ; but the latter seldom works for anew (customer. I My final word on tackle is, use the best. Never employ worn-out stuff or blunt hooks. Carry a small Turkey stone for the hook of a ftaking fly, which cannot be replaced at once, and whether you tie lor not, carry a few fine feathers and furs—such as may not be procurable in an Irish village—for use by the local man, who is often an artist without tools or materials. 14 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 1 CHAPTEE IL PLY-PISHING. Fly-pishing in Ireland divides itself into two heads, natural fly-fishing and artificial fly-fishing. The sub-heads under each of them cover (1) fly-fishing for salmon, (2) fly-fishing for trout (and its relatives, charr, &c), and (3) fly-fishing for pike, perch, and roach.7 In writing of them I shall reverse the order. For roach, which are found all over the island, very small flies—a tiny black palmer, an equally small red palmer, and a white midge are best. The first is best tied on a rubber-body (drawn from the elastic of a lady's work-basket) or black horsehair body; the red palmer over rubber or red-silk; the white moth with a lemon, or fawn silk body, a white hackle, and a white wing from owl or bittern. The sport scarcely repays the trouble in any place I know of, except at the Lake in Ballyfin demesne, between Mountmellick and Mountrath (see Guide), where Sir Coote is very generous in giving permission on application.8 A bit of gentle or a morsel of white kid-glove is, Tm told, an additional attraction to a " palmer " in roach fishing. A relative of mine killed many hundred roach, and of great size in Ballyfin (over a foot long and six inches broad). For myself I care little for roach fishing ; but with the fly it undoubtedly ranks amongst sports. Perch Fishing with the Fly is really a sporting pastime, and I have the pleasure of giving my readers the result of the experience of a gentleman, who, in addition to being an excellent all-round angler and fly-tier, was especially the perch fly angler in Ireland. * I use u Roach * because it is the name universally given in Ireland to the fish—" rudd"—common there. 8 There is a boat at Ballyfin Lake, but a special permission must be asked (and it is often given) to use it—as is the case if the angler brings a Berthon. With a boat any number of roach can be killed, and some very large pike, and a great many medium-sized ones. H How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 15 "In the summer months perch will be found in shoals in shallow water, with gravelly or sandy bottoms in most of the lakes of Ireland, and at this time of year considerable sport may be had: baskets of two hundred fish to one rod in the hands of an expert, have occasionally been taken. A brisk lowering day is the best for this sport, but even when the sky is cloudless, weather warm, and breeze little or nothing, the angler need not despair of filling a basket if he uses the flies—descriptions of which are given later on. This style of fishing is usually resorted to and carried out on lakes, but may also be successfully tried on rivers. "For this method of fishing a stiffish long rod is required, and the casting line may also be substantial, for very little law is given, a clean lift out being the most approved style, for if you have to play your fish through weakness of tackle or of rod, the confreres of your dupe will take timely warning and cut. I have several times taken over a dozen from a shoal in ones and twos at a time, but my sport was immediately spoiled by a badly hooked fishfalling off, and communicating to the rest what a swindler I was. Bl Three flies are generally used, but two are quite enough—the tail fly shotted, to bring it down, as it must be let sink to at least half the depth of the water fished, and if you know your ground, jMpithin a foot or so of bottom, and there it is likely to be more productive of good results. When you think the flies are sufficiently deep, lower the point of your rod nearly horizontally, and draw them through the water in regular, easy jerks of a few feet at a time ; ease the rod for a moment or so after each pull, and draw again, and so on until your flies are so near the shore or boat that a new cast becomes necessary; and just as they come in the shallow they are most likely to be taken. The necessity for a stiff rod and fairly reliable casting-line will then be found apparent, as you cannot throw a fish from half to a whole pound, from under your feet almost, with impunity, using the modern light tackle, &c. Probably your fly may be taken in the deep water; and it is well here to impress on the tyro that perch, in taking the fly, do not impart that * electric' current through the rod a trout does, and the bite may be mistaken for a weed (a common error), which, however, is easily detected by imparting a little more vitality to the next jerk, when the difference between a weed and perch will immediately show itself. Perch will, without- taking it, follow the fly at times to the very gravel, and as far as the depth of water will allow; they will also take it in deep water, and go away with it gently ; and to this I attribute the weed-like feeling they impart on such occasions. However, if you have any I 1 16 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. doubt on the subject, give it to the perch, and put the hook in him by an extra twist of the wrist. Once a shoal is hit upon, do not get flurried if you hook and land a brace first cast; recollect that if you have the misfortune to let one go, your chances of making personal acquaintance with many more of the class are materially reduced; and for that reason you should keep cool, and when you do strike, do it decisively. It will at times be found necessary to wade in some places, but never do so before you try the waters as far as you can cast, and then as carefully fish in advance for every foot of progress you make. You will probably have waded some distance, and then hit the shoal; and in bringing your prey to shore do not make too much fuss, and do not wait to reel up your line to pitch him out. Eetrace your steps as quickly as possible, and if you have not mismanaged it, quite possibly the fish will have come in, and saved you the trouble of going out again for them. I have often reached a shoal, when I could not wade, by long casting, with the aid of a boy to bring back the line, and hold the tail fly by the bend, between his finger and thumb; and when the shoal has been once reached, I never had any occasion to cast quite so far again, as the shoal follow the flies, as well as those of its members which have been hooked, and are on the look out for them again. In a very short time proficiency can be obtained, and sport too. When salmon and trout are unavailable in waters where the three species are found, a pleasant hour can sometimes be had with the perch, and on lakes and streams where these fish abound to the exclusion of all else save pike and eels, the pursuit of them with fly is so very far superior to fishing with floats or paternosters as to commend itself, and the sport is little inferior to small trout fishing. It is only necessary to carefully fish the water, moving step by step along the shore. It cannot be well managed from a boat, and the gratification from the feeling that one is fly-fishing is in itself very comforting. Perch, however, like others of the finny tribe, have their peculiarities, and at times will iot take the fly, though they will on most occasions follow it. In that case a change is desirable, and the minnow or worm should be tried; but even if they do not take the fly, it gives the party,using it an advantage in drawing the fish after it, and showing the angler where he may best use a minnow or other lure. " \ Jack' \ are partial to perch flies, and very troublesome, cutting up flies and gut. One word more before I describe the flies. I found that covering the bend of the hook with a grub, which may 1 Only small pike, under § lbs., are cajled | Jack," in Jrelanji. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 17 be obtained under grass tufts by the roadside or in garden heaps, a decided advantage; and late in the season, when the larvae take wing and become scarce, artificial grubs may be made of bits of chamois and used with more or less success. "Flies hook, No. 2 or 3 Pennell round bend, tag gold tinsel; tail, few fibres of any bright decided colour, such as green (parrot's), ■blue, Indian crow, macaw, gold pheasant, or teal and mallard, dyed Ivellow; body may be orange, red, blue, magenta, purple, puce or black, or mixtures of any or either; gold tinsel up the body; ■hackles, common red or blackcock's; dyed hackles, red, orange, yellow, claret, magenta, or blue; wings, mottled turkey (some with white tips), pheasant, common hen's, bright-brown feathers, if backed with some lively bits of macaw, or dyed feathers, so much the better. Feelers, as feelers, are superfluous, but the colouring ■is wanted; head, ostrich or peacock's harl. "Small salmon flies may be used for perch when no longer suitable for their legitimate work." 1 have only to add to Mr. McG 's paper on fly-fishing for perch a recommendation, founded on the experience of my boyhood, that the perch takes the wasp-grubs and meal-worms with an :avidity which repays the trouble of their collection. The best perch fishing I know of is on " Sauleen," or Station Lake, near the railway at Castlebar, and by the reed beds on Lough Cullen in the same county. The latter is free fishing; the former belongs to Lord Lucan, but permission to fish it or any of the proprietor's waters is never refused on application to Mr. Aliek Larminie, his agent, in Castlebar. As " Sauleen"2 holds very handsome and perhaps a few very large pike, its mention brings me naturally to Fly-fishing for Pike. This was once a favourite sport, but, like other Irish good things, has deteriorated. Perhaps the fact that it is not now popular with anglers may furnish some of my readers with a special desire to revive it, the more so because it is observed that all good fish, and even pike, have a womanly taste for novelties or re-established old fashions. : Pike are not so indiscriminating in the selection of flies as is 2 There is no boat on Sauleen, and though it can be fished from the banks here and there, a Berth on, or collapsible boat is now needed to fully enjoy the sport it affords. This lake is one of those which have been destroyed as a trout lodgment by drainage operations. Five-and-twenty years since it was unsurpassed for the number and beauty of its trout. I believe there are left a few too big for master pike. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. \b :}%' thought, except in cold gales of wind, when the troll is certainly better than the fly. In the light breezes, when the latter is the best lure, a very gaudy fly, but not bigger than the largest salmon fly, is best. For such a purpose a worn-out salmon fly is just the thing, if a gimp trace be whipped along the lower side of the body} and the original beauty of the fly not too much impaired. The \ troll and fall is the mode of fishing up and down the wind, and a 1 "basking" hour the best, especially at the edges of the reed beds, for unlike salmon, the pike takes the fly for a fly, (the big "dragon " which comes oftener to the waterside in sultry weather than at other times). Pikes often takes flies very high, therefore on the J fall down the fly may be danced, on the troll up it may be fished ' deeper, like a salmon fisher's. I know of no other coarse fish in Irish fresh waters which takes the fly. For Trout Fishing with Fly, no country has more natural advantages than Ireland, and if the fislh are not so numerous as a few years ago, there is some com-1 pensation for the fact in the better hotel accommodation and the increased facility in getting to the fishings. The fish are more I discriminating too, but a sport, to be perfect, requires an element of difficulty, and the capture of a good wary trout by fine skill should repay one better than that of a score of incautious innocents ; by clumsy means. For true sport, rather a Leonard "split-cane" ] than a draught-net is needed. The subject of fly-fishing for trout divides itself naturally into stream fishing and lake fishing—-with artificial flies and naturals. I For the present, I may defer speaking of the natural. Of the arti-1 ficial, it may be said that four rules apply all over the island :— 1. Irish fish take winged flies only.3 2. Irish fish generally take larger flies than English trout.4 3 The only true palmer I ever saw kill a good trout was a | soldier M a gentle on the hook-bend may have added to the attraction. 4 A few midges, the black and white, may have a place in an angler's book. The patterns are :— '* Black midge | f 1. No tail or tag. Body, black ostrich herl. Hackle, lapwing topping just at shoulder. Wing, blackbird or darkest starling wing. (Or "gnat'') I 2. Substitute for .ostrich body, black horse- \ hair or quill/ or darkest rubber. White midge ( No tail or tag. ) Body, light lemon or salmon-coloured silk. \ Hackle, white hen, neck. \ Wing, white owl or bittern. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 19 3. The best pattern of flies are not numerous. 4. A few of the flies best in England are useless. The hooks of the best sizes range from the small grilse to the No. 11 of Mr. Cholmondley Pennell's "round bends" or 13 "Limerick." Irish flies besides being invariably winged are '.. generally fuller bodied, especially at the shoulder, than the Scotch or English.5 As Irish fly-dressers generally tie back their wings first, and turn them only before heading, the wings sit more upright than those tied in the simpler fashion. I think the same flies prevail on most Irish rivers, but at varying periods and in various I sizes, and for these periods and for size, the only sure guides are the native fishermen. I shall set out in the Guide, opposite the locality, the sizes for brown trout, and as a key, I should wish it understood that small will mean about a 13 Limerick, large a 9, and medium between these sizes. For white trout and lakers the 9 is the smallest useful, and the range of hooks upwards may well run to No. 4. (3) The best general patterns are covered by the following list. Afterwards, a few "specials" may be mentioned in connection with lakes or rivers. Here are eighteen standards. 1. The " May-fly I or I drake "—specially treated by-and-by. 2. The "blue-stare," "blue-bottle,"or I blow-fly." Tag (if any)—flat silver tinsel. Tail—rat's-beard or spines of lapwing topping. Body—royal blue silk (occasional ribbed flat silver). Hackle—black (stiffest) from neck of cock. Wing—starling's (hibernice stare's) wing. 3. " Red hackle," " red rail." Tag (if any)—gold flat. Tail—rat's-beard (light-coloured) or spines of topping. Body—orange, cardinal red, or black silk, ribbed sometimes with black silk or gold very lightly, or brown quill or Indian rubber strained tight. Hackle—best cock's neck, or dyed blood red. Wing—landrail. 4. The " early March," 1 the March brown," " the sting."6 Tag—gold or silver (very small if any). Tail—rat-beard. Body—light oak-coloured silk, ribbed black or brown silk, or black silk showing through ribs of Indian rubber. s As the black midge or gnat (foregoing) is the only fly tied with a harl, which I recommend, of course all the buzz flies and peacocks are excepted from my remarks. * The names of flies in Ireland and England seldom correspond. c 2 II I: »1 1 20 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. Hackle—black or woodcock (in smallest fly I have seen wren). Wing—starling or woodcock. 5. i Hare's ear." 6. 8. !—none. Tail—rat's-beard. Body—hare's-ear mixed with orange, yellow, or claret mohair (if ribbed, lightly with round gold). Hackle—ginger, or red, or dun; but only under the shoulders. Wing—starling or rail. The grouse " (orange, green or black). Tag—(gold, if any). Tail—rat-beard (or lapwing topping). Body—silk, sometimes ribbed gold. ^ (In the south the spines of the rr n l n J grouse under the body are cut off Hackle V Grouse < fquare. In the west and north- J v west never. The " cow-dung." Tag—none. Tail—two spines fox fur. Body—ginger mohair. Hackle—ginger (only at shoulders). Wing—rail or starling. i The black-rail." Tag—(very small gold, if any). Tail—guinea fowl, two spines, or teal two spines (the black and white showing well). Body—black silk or horsehair. Hackle—black. Wing—from the painted or black-rail mixed with guinea fowl, and showing slightly the spots. This fly is sometimes the most alluring in the Shannon runs, as at Kill aloe, and on the Nenagh river it is exceptionally killing. It is not as widely known as other standards. 9. " The green wren." Tag—none. Tail—if any, rat's-beard. Body—light green silk, sometimes ribbed with gold very lightly. Hackle—wren's tail. Wing—wren or woodcock. 10. " The partridge." Tag—none. Tail—seal or rat's fur. Body—lemon or very light green silk. Hackle—the grey mottled partridge (the cock's feather is best). Wing—grey partridge, or woodcock, or rail, or starling, or finally the | horse-shoe " of cock partridge. For the " partridge " all these wings have advocates, but the wing Hozv and Where to Fish in Ireland. 21 | should be small and quite subordinate to the hackle—the latter wound on so openly as to show well the colour of the silk body. 11. " The white moth," only useful at night. No tail or tag. Body—lemon or green silk. Hackle—openly (to show silk) over all body, white hen or white owl (mottled feather now and then). Wing—white owl. This fly should be dried by waving it in the air before each cast over . feeding trout at night. 12. " Black moth." No tail or tag. Body—deepest and brightest maroon silk. Hackle—the deepest and most purple of old cock grouse. Wing—brown owl or woodcock or bittern. In high summer at dusk a splendid fly for large trout. Almost ranking as a standard is the little olive, which I made I acquaintance with only ^eight years since. It is tied with a rubber body, olive green hackle, starling or coot's (grey) wing. Martin I Kelly made the first I used, with great success. It came from the book of a fine angler, Mr. Despard. With these I conclude my standards for brown trout on streams I or lakes. Of course the first place must be given to the May flies. I Their imitation has occupied the best efforts of the most talented fly dressers, and their productions have been too excellent and too varied for exhaustive examination here.7 I daresay many of them are better than my patterns, but as I set out as a guide, I must say something for the patterns I know of as " effectives." " The green drake," " the yellow May-fly," | the primrose." Tag—none. Tail—" green drake." Body—primrose silk, or primrose silk ribbed with fine black silk or yellow quill (very fine), or tightest drawn clearest Indian rubber, or finally, body of vial cork. Hackle—(at shoulder only) green drake. Wing—green drake. The cork-bodied drake is a revolutionary, and sometimes kills I amongst the naturals, when no other tied thing will get a rise. It I requires a breeze—to tie it requires " dodge." When the tail is tied, the wing should be tied back, the tying silk then brought I down to tail, the cork attached, and ribbed on (over shellac varnish) by the tying silk, when the wing is reached, the cork should be tied off and trimmed, the hackle run on and secured, and the wing 7 The May-fly fisher should buy Mr. Halford's beautiful book. His spent gnats are simply perfect* ™r 22 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. brought forward and tiad off, and the fly-head touched with varnish. For White Trout the flies which I consider standards are (tied on from 9 to 4, Limerick hooks)— 1. "The Hawthorn." Tag—gold or silver flat, or orange silk. Tail—-teal, or spines of golden pheasant topping, or lapwing topping. Body—black silk or black horsehair. Hackle—black or port-wine-brown dyed. Wing—brown, or dark, mallard, or black coot mixed with woodcock. Throat—(sometimes) a blue jay hackle. On Beltragh lake and all over Mayo, no other white trout fly equals this. 2. The " green olive." Tag—gold flat. Tail—as in " Hawthorne." Body—olive (dyed) seal, or bear, or pig wool (sometimes ribbed very lightly with gold). Hackle—black or deep olive dyed. Wing—as in " Hawthorne." This fly is an excellent lake trout fly. 3. The " Desmond." Tag—orange, silk, or gold. Tail—golden pheasant topping. 'Butt—black ostrich. Body—maroon silk, ribbed black or gold. Hackle—blood red, black or purple only at shoulder. Wing—as in "Hawthorne" or woodcock, and reddest rail mixed. Throat—blue jay, if any. 4. Same as " black fairy t of Badminton volume or Tag—gold or orange silk. Tail—topping. Body—black bear or purple (dyed) pig. Hackle—black ; near head, blue jay. Wing—brown mallard. 5. A fly, as far as I know, quite peculiar, and only made by one professional at Newport, Co. Mayo. I cannot recall its name, nor that of its maker, who is very old, but an excellent dresser. It is 31a most brilliant pale primrose, with a shade of green. Tag—primrose silk. Tail—yellow macaw (no blue at back), or yellow swan. Body—primrose, ribbed lightest brightest green silk. Hackle—golden pheasant topping. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 23 Wing—white swan, dyed greenish primrose. Head—yellow wool. I The preceding flies (if headed) should have black ostrich heads. When the white trout run up first, this fly will kill, in the heat, when no other gets notice. 6. " Concealed death ": a charmer of surprising value, designed by Mr. McG (vide " perch with fly "). Tag—a little gold tinsel, then orange silk. Tail—Two fibres golden pheasant topping. Body—black silk, ribbed fine gold. Hackle—black ; at shoulder golden red. Wing—golden pheasant tippet, one at each side; over and half concealing tippets, pintail, a few fibres of which should drop hackle fashion below shoulder, no head. These exhaust all I should consider as universally "taking" 1 white trout flies. Patterns of flies of equally conspicuous merit for occasional use will be found against the names of places in f the Guide (Part II.). To fish successfully with these flies on rivers, the same rules apply over the United Kingdom, and on large i lakes in Scotland, the practices of the best anglers are identical with the Irish lake fishers. On the rivers in Ireland, surprises are in store for any angler who fixes the same limits as in England to the season when trout are in the best order. I suppose the milder climate has to do with it, but the fact remains that no absolute rule holds good, and after a mild winter (winter is seldom as severe as in even South I England), strong streams will, in early spring, furnish lusty trout. But generally till May, the trout fisher may not expect the cream of the fun, except on a few stations, and these stations are mainly on southern rivers. The " Bride," affluent to the Cork Blackwater, holds an especially good run of Spring trout, and the " Funcheon " in a March gale, when the difficulty is to keep the flies on the water, affords grand fish and sport, which I have never seen J surpassed. In spring fishing the best time is before eight a.m., and between eleven and four; the late afternoon and twilight are not then favourable. All the advantages that can be got from the wind should be looked to, and fishing against it avoided whenever possible. No man casts best against the wind I and the flies cast best are likeliest to kill most. But even . the wind should be less constantly thought of than the shadow, and it is just in the "sun-bursts," which throw sharp shadows, that spring trout rise best. I am as sure as one can well be on anything dependent on the fickle temper of a trout, that when, say in March, the glass has indicated a sudden change from harsh dry weather, the spring fly-fisher will get better sport than at any other time. 24 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. Just when the hills have caught the vanguard of ocean-bred clouds, and before the spate has come down, every trout in the lower waters glances hungry and expectant. And though few natural flies are seen, feather effigies of them, a little larger, and if the water be deep, brighter than the models, will entice fish which seem to have forgotten or abandoned all their wariness of the preceding autumn. In casting for these trout, the best method is to drop the flies— by an upstream (diagonal) cast—far away enough to permit the completion of the cast to cover the waters under the angler. The next cast should go farther and cover more, and so on till the opposite waters are fished-out, and the tail of the pool or stickle quite covered. And in this manner the river should be fished up till the spate has come down and the flies relegated to the box for the recurrence of a " beer-coloured stream." In spring the advantages of dry-fly fishing are not to me very clear. Trout then are not so wary as to justify even the loss of time which drying the fly takes.8 When a trout has risen at a fly, but missed it, even though he has not been touched, it is bad practice to cover him again instanter. If he be a feeding fish, waiting a minute is unimportant. If he has only been attracted by the beauty or novelty of the fly, the less the natural suspicion, he showed, by only flourishing, is excited the better. Marking well his lodgment, and what, and how cast was the fly which he came at, the trout should be again covered in, first, a little more dancing manner, and, if unsuccessfully, then in mi IP mm ill i| tali! 8 The Gipsy " soldier servant," to whom T elsewhere refer, was the first to suggest to me the idea of dry-fly fishing (in 1857). I confess at the time I put it down as a useless fad, though I had the sincerest and highest opinion of the man's accomplishments and ingenuity in " snaffling" all fish, flesh, or fowl that were edible. Some years ago an article in the Field recalled the gipsy's injunctions, and 1 have since had an opportunity of testing their great value. In the "Mutiny year " parafin oil was little known, but " Pegg" made many raicTs on the bottle of " Burmese " oil, which I used for my guns. This was the "thinnest" oil then known, and he used it to steep fly materials before tying. These he dried, and though he lost some material by discolouration, he preserved enough for his purposes. Not thinking dry-fly fishing worth pursuing, I took no pains to acquire the niceties of it, and must store away with other regretable indiscretions of youth, my neglect in not learning the secret of making feathers " waterproof " (Pegg's word). In this connection may not the popularity of coot's, mallard's, teal's, and starling's feathers as wings be accounted for? They are all birds which have oil glands for lubricating their plumage. Rail's feathers also resist moisture, to enable the l&rd to comfortably traverse the wet meadow?-, How and Where to Fish in Irelan i. 25 I drowned-fly fashion; but an interval of at least a minute should be given to let the fish reconsider the bonne-bouche which he missed. I If, during the interval, the light has changed by the intervention of cloud shadows or the like, a little time may not be lost by waiting till the status quo ante be restored, and when three or four casts have failed, if the trout seems a beauty—a very prima donna amongst trouts—it may be worth while to try a change of fly to lure him. Unless on very small streams, the trout fly-gut collar should be three yards, and of the finest gut. The double fisherman's "roll-over" is the neatest mode of putting the strands together. The attachment of the flies will be understood by a reference to another chapter. Where heavy trout abound, if one knows the taking fly, two flies are quite enough; with I small trout, three, j I have seen Mr. Pepper (who " beat the authentic record") put up five for the purpose of finding the charmer; but he promptly reduced the number when he had identified her bedizenments. When three flies are used, I am at I first careful that the tail-fly be the heaviest, if there be any difference in weight; but this precaution need not be observed, except in an adverse wind, and at other times I mount that fly as tail-fly which I expect to be most attractive; but as to droppers, I always keep in view that the effigy of a moth, small gnat, or other dancing fly, if used, should be third dropper (that nearest the hand), for this is the only position where an angler can simulate, through all the cast, the motion of the ballerina. Some anglers vary the length of the gut of the two droppers. I never do so, and invariably use five inches on fine trout casts, and with white and lake trout seven. Eight anglers in ten strike trout too boldly, and a larger proportion too soon. If the proper measure cannot be hit, as with some nervous men, it is better not strike at all, and let the fish do their own hooking. The golden rule is, dorit be too soon, and meet the fish's grip by a delicate but firm check. To do this at all is the high art, and instinctive. For some it is impossible—for all it needs practice, and must not alone depend on feeling the | touch? which is transmitted from the hook up the line too slowly to guide the hand surely. When a fish is hooked, if he at once 1 flutters," he must be treated as if his mouth were mucous, and he will seldom be landed. In general, however, fish had better be well held ; and more of all sorts are lost by over-caution than by firmness. It must be remembered that every second between hooking and landing increases the chances of accidents in the fish's favour. Get in the fish as soon as the tackle permits. The rush of a fish seldom makes a 1 break;" but when, after one, he darts to the surface and 1 26 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. I makes a somersault, a tyro will lose him if the rod's point be not dropped, and, at the same time, enough check kept up to prevent a "shake out" before a new start. At such a time, above all others, remember the adage, Linea recta tutissima. Unlike a salmon, once a trout shows his side, he seldom gets his " second wind," unless by " the rod's " fault; but it does not follow that an unattended angler must endeavour to land him at once. If a nice shelf of sand be adjacent, I prefer leading my trout on to it to securing him by a landing-net, for when a fish is so much under the rod as to permit the net-bow being slipped under him, the fish has some circumstances in his favour not existent with a longer line. In using the landing-net the proper way is to dip it and draw it up-stream a little to fill out the bag. I attach to the very lightest net a split-shot at lowermost mesh to prevent its bagging up. The bow of the net should be slipped under the fish, and lifted neatly, but not in a snatching fashion. When the fish is landed, unless very small, he should get a tap of his " reverence " over the skull, and the flies will be found much easier to extract, and they will last longer than if clumsy efforts be applied to get them from the mouths of living, struggling fish. A great saving of flies will be gained by cutting out the flies with strong scissors (suitable nail pattern). Pairs which fold back, and are easily carried in the pocket, are sold everywhere on cards for one shilling. In trout-fishing (unlike salmon) the flies should never have more up-stream movement than a natural fly might have in making a supreme effort to rise from out the water, or from its surface. When flies seem quite unattractive, and the fish off the feed in all the pools on a stream, an interlude, occupied by preparing for future operations, and some soothing tobacco, is commendable. But all the pools implies a good deal when the river winds about. For I have often noticed, that next one stretch of water where no fin moved, another at right angles or so would " boil" with rises. I can only account for this by supposing that sometimes the flies on which the trout banquet, are precluded by some turn of the wind from being " brought to table," or that some effect of light prevents the trout seeing the insects served up. I think it may be taken as fixed that bright flies take in bright weather, and dark flies in dull; but many Irish streams, which flow through " bogs | (peat), are dark when clearest, and such streams require bright flies or tinsel. So true is this, that I invariably put up—and generally succeed on such rivers—a little fly, which on the bank at least resembles nothing natural that I know. I believe its name is the " silver magpie." It is tied with or without tail (rat's-beard), silver tinsel body, black hackle under shoulder, and starling wing. W;;l til 1 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 27 If a fish, on being hooked, will obey an up-stream check of the rod, the angler should let him go-up in preference to turning him down; for the force required to go up will be more, as will the exhaustion consequent on being later on wound-in down stream, with gill-covers opening, and the stream strangling him. In stream fishing most fish will be killed by an angler (always out of sight) who fishes all the waters with the shortest line needed to cover them. A bellied line is fatal to a safe hold. Now and then a fish will rush upstream, and then suddenly turn down, a manoeuvre which will often get rid of the hook if care be not taken to have him in delicate touch and with very little spare line in the water during the upward voyage. When he turns, the line may generally be got in quickly enough, even if the trout runs underfoot (by a cool man, not afraid to raise his rod and back a little). When a fish is in a landing- net, borne by a wading angler, he will be secured by gently turning the net-bow up from the horizontal to the vertical line, and so enclosing the captured in a bag closed at top. What I have said of short-line fishing on streams must be forgotten when I speak of lakes. There, on the " fall" before the wind, is the killing mode. And a long line cleanly dropped and got in on a symmetrical quadrant, is best to secure trout. As trout in brooks won't take flies going up-stream, I am at a loss to account for their conduct before a boat on lakes.9 But I speak from absolute conviction, that fishing against the wind is only successful with a trailing fly on a very long line and " drowned." When a trout is seen to rise to the fly before the slowest fall, he should be struck as sharply as possible, for the progress of the boat tends, even with the most careful fisherman, I to slaken the cast." In the playing of trout there ought to be a sympathy between the oarsman and the rod-man, and the former should get his boat moving the moment " in him " reaches his ear. A boat may kill a fish as much as a rod—for remember, not alone the play and leverage of the rod is against him, but the leverage of the boat. If a proper accordance exists between the boatman, and the rod-man, the inrush of a fish is easily foiled, and the only anxious moment may be that when the landing-net goes out, but this may be greatly assuaged if the landing-net be suitably large, and with a handle at least ten feet long. 9 When I was guilty of cross-fishing, no method of mine was so deadly as fishing up-stream with the points of very stiff rods absolutely in the water, so that the central belly of the cross-line was its highest point. The flies reached the top, and I have seen too many trout seize them when their passage up-stream was positively knocking up a white " wake*** ffff 28 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. The principles on which trout are taken with artificial flies, are nearly all applicable when they are fished for with Natural flies and floating-baits. At the head of these the May-fly, yellow and grey, flutters first. He is found in rivers and lakes in all the four provinces, but by no means generally. When he does rise, no other lure will compete with him during the earlier part of his visit. Later on the stone-fly is often more attractive. The date of his first appearance may generally be set down about 15th May, and I have noticed that the earlier he is reported on Westmeath lakes, the better is the sport that follows. I am bound to say that other anglers arrive at a quite opposite conclusion. The explanation of different views may be that their ideas of the best angling and mine differ. When "thefly " rises early, but few of them come up the first week unless the weather is very unusually warm. These stragglers have irresistible attractions for big trout, and as the date of the disappearance of the fly varies little, the later he comes the more limited is his period. Perhaps, one year with another, there is no great variation in the number of ephemerids hatched out, and that during an "early season" Nature's imperative word of command only throws the yellow host into review in small and successive detachments. In late, i.e. short seasons, the trout are gorged with their favourite food, and just when | the burst" is biggest good sport is not always to be had, and after it very little, if any. Ephemerids cannot be too fresh. The "gossoons" who exist about the Westmeath lakes, may be depended on to gather the best, if the gratuity during these poor children's only harvest be but proportioned inversely to their rags and squalor. To learn to judge of the fly's freshness, it only needs to compare one newly caught with another a day old. I don't know how old flies are best preserved, but they are never crisp, and a flabby " drake " has no attractions for good trout. Those caught before the sun is strong are toughest. The hooks for the natural fly should always have thin shanks. I think one fly covering a small hook is best with a breeze j two on a larger hook float lighter in light winds. In natural May-fly fishing, more fish are lost by heavy striking than by not striking at all. When the yellow fly seems to fail," a change to the grey often excites the appetites of large anchorite trout, more austere or wiser than the frivolous youngsters. And when neither green or grey are noticed the stone-fly seldom fails, How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 29 and, as the stone-fly keeps well, this " change-fly " should always be at hand in a soda-water bottle with a very long cork pierced with a quill.1 On rivers where the May-fly rises, the mode of dapping is similar to that employed with the other natural flies, and there is only one " secret" worth looking into. Let the angler not be seen and as little of the rod as possible. On the Barrow, when I dapped, not unsuccessfully, I asked an old and better fisherman why he always beat my record and all others, though his flies were similar to ours and his appliances preposterous. His reply was, " Shure, sir, it's the ould rod does it. That varnish o' yer honor's bates ye." I made the suggested amendment and reaped my reward in better filled baskets. Memo.—Avoid being nice in varnish of rods in use—of rods in winter-quarters I don't speak, especially in so damp a climate as Ireland. With the blow-line the click of the reel should be of the softest. No new reel is soft enough. On rivers, and in a less degree on lakes, the " bluebottle " (butcher's-shop fly) is, every day of the season a first-rate "dapp." Though one sees numbers when not needed, the great difficulty is to get enough for a day's fishing, and I know no effective mode of trapping them which I can recommend. Paraffin has superseded "dips " in most districts, but here and there candle- works still exist; where they do, a shillings worth of " blow-flies " will fill a couple or three soda-water bottles, and are the cheapest commodity I know. Mr. E. B. Marston's sliced hooks, which I did not know when dapping came in my way, supply a want which used to be met by turning back on the shank of the hook a second barb of a fine bristle or a bit of horsehair or the e^_ 8RJ StLC£. end of the gut on which the hook was whipped. When a sliced hook is not available, this device answers equally well, or perhaps better, unless the slice be nicely made and the barb as delicate as one can make gut or a bristle by the use of a sharp knife. Use 1 The success of the stone-fly in exciting appetite in trout and this common mode of imprisoning him has, I suppose, led to his local name—" bitters." J Ill If! 30 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. two flies in rough streams, one in sluggish deeps. The housefly sometimes kills, but not well enough to merit special notice. There is a green bronze fly to be found in open woods (" sycamore fly "). Its iridescence is very marked, and fish take it more avidly than any other, but it is so tender that it melts off the hook, and can only be dropped over a trout once and for a second. This renders fishing with it too tedious, and I only mention the fly to put my reader up to a " wrinkle " which may secure for him a shy trout on a blazing day, when all other lures have failed. Cow-dung flies (easily captured just before use with a broad-bowed moth-net), are very killing, but for some occult reason trout will not take them except in pairs, and not well except in a breeze, when most anglers would be sorry to put aside the artificial. The " cow- dung "fly has in some degree the fault of the "sycamore fly," and melts off the hook. A "gossoon," who had mastered the arcana of fishing the river beside him, used bird-lime and a wrapping Of one film of silk to attach the cow-dung, but he never wasted pains except to drop him over a lusty trout*whose very inner life he had fathomed. To " Brineen Kue," too, am I indebted for my knowledge of the " horse-fly." He described it as "jist as sayrious for the throuts as for the garrons,^2 and justified his assertion by enabling me, after many failures, with other lures, to gratify an invalid's fancy for a bit of good trout. The grasshopper, and house-clock, come after the small flies, but not because of their being less effective. Indeed, a grasshopper or two is scarcely to be beaten on warm evenings. The house- clock (the cook's blackbeetle), is excellent at all times but very nasty to use, as are the true beetles which require their wings to be removed. The " daddy long-legs " is worth notice because the best trout may be killed with him, and the bird-lime dodge has removed the impossibility of attaching him. The bee-drone and hornet will attract trout, and the wasp-grub and chrysalis (cor-bait of Leinster streams) is so good that I am justified in prolonging by a line or two, this too long chapter, by describing how to work it, i.e. on a. fine trace and gnat-hook, above a shot, and with a " give and draw" slowly from the very bottom to the very top of gravelly holes and runs. I speak of the frog in another chapter. It is the most deadly of all lures for large shy trout. In attaching droppers on fine gut casting-lines, the two knots I prefer are, first, the magnified one in illustration, and 8 Anglice horses. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 31 then one such as is figured on page 66 to attach a plummet. The upper one (black lined) is not safe, as its strength depends alone . on the knot at end of dropper. A final word: the dry flyfisher will do best with no droppers; if very expert, two flies are sometimes possible. %2 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. CHAPTEE III. THE TROUT AND SOME OP HIS RELATIONS. In all Ireland the brook-trout is the most common fish. The supineness or want of knowledge of fishery commissioners, the mistakes of legislators, the selfishness or narrowness of the bank proprietors, and the unsportsmanlike conduct of almost all the community have done as much as possible to diminish the number of the bonniest fish the world knows; yet I do not think there is a brooklet of a quarter-mile's length in Ireland without trout, nor do I think there are many lakes in which they have been exterminated by the pike. A hundred years since one might almost say every pool and rivulet held them. About that time some enthusiasts, who were as rash or as ignorant as those who would to-day bring the Silurus glanis amongst us, placed numbers of jack in Irish lakes, and since their introduction they have multiplied exceedingly. Then the drainage operations of this century opened channels from the lakes and ponds to the rivers, and some which were excellent for trout lost their character. Fortunately, the pike has many enemies and no protectors. Every village lad knows how—and is permitted —to fish for them, and the heron (Hibernice, " Crane") does immense service in preying on them in the shallow waters of the loughs, where the " fry" and smallest jack are driven for shelter from their adult cannibal relatives. These solitary fisher- birds are, except when on their high-placed nests, to be seen every day of the year about the edges of the lakes and " pulloughs " 1-^- where the perch or large pike cannot follow the small fish. In the reeds the not uncommon, though not often seen, bittern, the wild ducks, and other " fowl" harry the waters, and happily destroy much spawn and young pikes. There are many varieties of trout in Ireland, and I shall not endeavour to set out all separately, nor am I ichthyologist enough to classify them. Indeed I hold that surrounding conditions of existence so change the members of the Salmo family that the number of truly distinct species may'have been very 1 Shallow " broads." *SO 1 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 33 much over-estimated. For the purposes of my book I shall divide them into 1. The gillaroo, as a family as distinct among trout as even the Watkin-Wynnes among mankind. 2. The great lake Ferox, probably descended from brook trout. 3. The brook, or brown trout, and some poor relations. 4. The charr (two varieties). 5. The pollen, with relatives in Kerry and Donegal tarns. 6. The white, salmon, or sea-trout; and possibly 7. The bull trout (JSriox). The Gillaroo is only found in the great deeps of the largest rivers, or in a few isolated loughs in all the four provinces. They run from 1 to 4 lb. I have never seen one larger than 4 lb., and never but two less than 1 lb. Where they spawn, and how the small or young gillaroos conceal themselves I know not, nor have I been able to authenticate their being captured even by the poacher's nets at the mouth of the Nenagh Eiver which debouches into Lough Derg, just opposite the most f erttte gillaroo run in the great river. Compared with the Ferox or their other connections, they are neither very good to fight, to feed, or to be fed on. They seldom take a fly, when hooked are relatively mere slugs in their struggles, and unless when in the best season (a rare occurrence) don't often eat well. I have now and then killed them with the natural May-fly on the Shannon; less frequently with its counterfeit and other artificial flies. Perhaps spinning a good gudgeon or a large minnow (the only instance in spinning where a large minnow will beat a small) on a " fall" with little wind and on the deepest waters will kill them, but the troll (a very large Devon bait is best: the Phantom no use) is the most fatal engine against the gillaroo. When spinning or trolling the natural bait must be sunk, deep, and a heavy-swivelled plummet, such as seen on salmon trace (page 68) or of Mr. Pennell's pattern, at 5 ft., or even 6 ft., from the minnow is needed. When trolling, the heaviest " Devon " will be found of sufficient weight if rowing up the lake and against the wind; but if there be pace on the boat, the swivelled plummet must be used. For completeness I refer to the gillaroo, but I do not think any of my readers should devote themselves exclusively to his capture. If their taste so leads them I shall only be glad of their success as helping to destroy the only Irish trout which, perhaps deservedly, has a piratical reputation, only second to that of the pike. In many parts of Ireland all large lake trout— especially Feroces—are miscalled gillaroo, but when once seen the D 34 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. ■'■ I i If) gizzarded trout can never be mistaken. I shall not trouble my readers with any descriptive details outside what may enable them to recognize the fish. They have a head more rounded and with perhaps squarer operculte than the Ferox. Well-conditioned fish have red spots above and below the median line, frequently, too, on the head and on the adipose fin; they are of a positive golden colour, never quite white; and in Lough Derg, by passing the hand from the pectorals to the vent, the gizzard can be plainly felt. Once during luncheon, with the boats " killock" down, a friend, who could not sleep comfortably unless with the consciousness that some dodge against fish was at work, killed the most symmetrical gillaroo I have seen. His bait was a good gudgeon, on live-bait tackle such as I describe elsewhere. The fish took over ten minutes to play before showing his golden belly (gillaroo have more gold than any fish). He turned 3 lb. exactly, and was the handsomest small- headed gillaroo I ever saw. We examined his gizzard to be sure of his family tree, ate him cooked in greased paper over " turf " embers, and G- chanted for funeral hymn the " Cruiskeen laun " to a " tumbler " accompaniment. I have said that, as a rule, a gillaroo trout is not good eating. Usually if brought home he can only be made so by being boiled in the softest water till nearly cooked. When cool cut him across into collops, dip him in batter (egg and cream), then in bread-crumbs, and a finely-chopped eschalot, and brown him gently in pan with plenty of butter, oil, or lard at boiling-point. When cooked the collops should be placed before a clear fire, to run off the oil, before being served with Tarragon vinegar and cold butter. Finally, and to part from him handsomely, if eaten from the hook as directed later for lake trout, &c , even a gillaroo is on occasions food fit for demi-gods. In Lough Neagh the gillaroo is said to take the fly in preference to any bait, and a friend who confirms this gives me as a pattern :— Hook: No. 8 Limerick. Tag: Gold tinsel. Tail: Two spines of topping. Body: Olive mohair mixed with hare's ear, or green monkey fur ribbed with four turns gold (epaulet) twist. Hackle: Eed, from gamecock, back of neck, or lemon, dyed from white or dusky hackle. Wing: Grey bald-coot, or grey-brown mallard. Other lake trout or white trout patterns may be tried now and then, but the above is the charmer. The gillaroo is found in Ulster, in Lough Neagh, Sheelin, Erne, Melvin, &c. In Leinster^ I believe, it is not found, though I have heard of it, and it may run up some rivers from the Shannon which borders the eastern How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 35 province. The fish twice pointed out to me on the Westmeath Lakes as gillaroo was simply the lake trout, Ferox, of good golden colour, and short. In Munster, the Inchiquin Lake, and others in Clare, Lough Derg on the Shannon, facing the Tipperary shore, Inchigilagh Lake (1) in Cork, and possibly some Kerry lakes—hold, or lately held, the gillaroo. In Connaught the gillaroo is comparatively common. In all the broad deeps of the Shannon, Lough Derg, Lough Eee, Lough Forbes, Loughs Key and Allen, in Corrib, Mask, Cullen, Conn, Arrow, and Gill he is more or less abundant. In Donegal I know him not, and of the smaller lakes he frequents my readers must learn in the special description of Lakes given in the " Tour Guides." The Great Lake Trout (Salmo ferox). This fish abounds in the loughs of Ireland and in the profound " deeps " of the Shannon. In all the localities noted as holding gillaroo, Feroces are found, and in much larger numbers than their gizzarded cousins. They reach great weights. I have myself seen eight of over 20 lb. Since particulars have been authenticated and recorded by such observers as Frank Buckland, the heaviest on record was that killed by Mr. John Willington Pepper on the Shannon, Lough Derg. This was a very handsome fish, short and symmetrical, and brought down the beam with 29 lb. 4 oz. on the other side. There is no doubt many of over 30 lb. have been captured.. In 1854, one which turned the scale with 32 lb. was presented to the Museum of Trinity College, Dublin; and there is more than traditional evidence of fish of 40 to 45 lb., and of one from Lough Neagh, killed in 1804, which contemporary observers recorded as a 52-pounder. I myself saw the skin, with the head complete, of a lake trout, then, recently taken in Lough Corrib, and sent for preservation to the late Mrs. Glennon, in Suffolk Street, Dublin. It measured over all, though crumpled by transmission in sawdust, over 51 in., and was secured on a night- line by a boatman of the late Mr. Nicholas Gamier. When I saw the mutilated skin I asked Major Gamier (brother of the captor's , employer) about it, and learned that the monster was taken in comparatively shallow water, and Only recovered by an accident, after an unseen, but no doubt tough, straggle. (The unearthed peg of the night-line had tangled in a stump.) The owner of the night-line was afraid to tell his master of the catch, but by the advice of a confederate poacher, a soldier-servant of Major Gamier,1 1 This man was a gipsy, an excellent soldier, and as excellent a d 2 36 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. the captor skinned the "pike," and they ate him. The skin was to have been sent as a trophy to England by the gipsy, who, on consideration, made a clean breast to his master. The adipose fin of the "pike" made his skin a curio of price, and hence the attempt of Mrs. Glennon to restore it. The brothers Gamier are both dead, and I know not what became of the " big Corrib trout." If when living he were of such condition as the brook trout exhibited by Nestor, of Limerick, at the Fisheries Exhibition— over 21 lb.—he must have weighed over 45 lb., and if he approached the shapely corpulence of a Lough Carra trout (noticed anon with that lake) 10 lb. more would not balance him. I have elected to treat the lake trout (Salmo ferox) as a distinct fish from the brown trout (Salmo fario), because Thompson and other naturalists have done so; but the outward distinction between some at least of these varieties is not nearly so well marked as is the step between the lake trout and the gillaroo. In the Westmeath lakes the largest trout seem to me to be giant " brookers." In Loughs Mask and Corrib, the Shannon, Loughs Cullin and Melvin, the " big ones I have quite distinctive features—at least, for rough observers—to separate them from the trout of the streams. „ On the contrary, in Lough Conn, though it feeds and is fed by Cullin, many of the largest fish seem brook trout, and I have never taken, or seen taken, outside Pontoon, in the bigger lake, a trout which gave me the impression of his being Salmo ferox. This question of the distinction—if there is one between lake and brook trout—is for the solution of comparative physiologists, and all that is needful for me now is to point out when and how the great trout may be captured. As to the where, I shall avoid repetition by referring my readers to the I Tour Guides " (Part II. of this book); but as the best mode of fishing varies in localities, I must endeavour to point them out with some detail. In a general way, trolling baits kill most lake trout, and the biggest, but everywhere the fly kills them too. I set aside for the moment all reference to the fly, and for convenience divide trolling under three heads:— 1. Trolling with natural baits. 2. Trolling with artificial baits. 3. Trolling astern, and " falling | combined. Amongst natural baits, the minnow, the stone loach, the gudgeon, a small " trimmed | perch, a troutling, a small eel, or eel's tail are all good baits. The par (called in Ireland salmlet, graveling, fry, servant for a sportsman, but the most pestilent poacher of all preserves to which his master had not access. I refer to him elsewhere concerning a device of his in dry fly-fishing. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 37 laspring or rudeen) is deadly; but no sportsman, such as I wish to guide, will prostrate to baiting a being which might become a 50-pounder parent of millions. Trolling from behind the boat in shallows and deeps, the minnow is, every day of the season, best of all baits (if confined to one): but on shallows, when the big ■ trout come in to feed, the gudgeon kills better. Where gudgeon or minnow are not native the trout cannot resist a graceful personal introduction to them. I dismiss the small perch, disfigured by the scissors which removes his back fin. The stone loach (the " colloagh," or " callac rue or roe" of Ireland) is good in the absence of gudgeons or minnows on the shallows, and a small trout is the best of all in the deeps, but only on a good feeding day. I shall reserve for special places particular mention of the eel's tail and eel. I may, however, say that, as a change, there is nothing better for deep or shallow. The mode of fishing with natural baits varies, and should be governed by locality, season, and weather. The trace I use for trolling with any of the foregoing baits is exceedingly simple, and will be easily understood on reference to illustration. I have used Mr. Cholmondeley-Pennell's successfully, and those recommended by other anglers, and have found them all effective; but like the pig-headed man that I am, I prefer my own pattern, or, I may almost say, Mr. Francis Francis's pattern, as he has made public one very similar to that I had arrived at before reading his most able book. How I use it will develop itself as I go on. For the troller who has taken up quarters by those of Salmo ferox, the conditions of success are:— 1st. Being where Ferox is, and when Ferox's appetite is keen. 2nd. Having for Ferox's palate a tempting morsel. 3rd. Presenting the morsel with all the arts of a gay deceiver. Of the second of these conditions I have already written; the first will, at the outset, greatly depend on the knowledge and disposition of the local boatmen—later, on the knowledge of the angler and his guide; but it may be assumed that when trolling, or trolling and falling, is at all the proper mode of fishing, something like the following fingerposts will .be safe guides for him. The earliest time when the lake trout should be fished for is at the end of March (better later), when he rushes daily from the deeps to feed on the shallows, their edges, or, best of all, near, or by the wash of, debouching streams; and if the wind blow softly after or in rains, the troller may keep exclusively to the shallows. A small minnow, a loach, a gudgeon, or a bright, very small eel- tail will be effective. When in shallows or at river mouths at such a season, the trace should not carry any (flying) tail-hook§s I Ml! 38 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. as the strearas bring down much flotsam, and a fully-armed flight makes frequent entanglements. If the wind be very strong, trolling against it may make an extra steadier of lead needful; but I recommend attaching it as seldom as possible, and I barely ever m LOOPED BACKTRACE SMALL V7HIPPLN.C NOTCH IN WEIURT aOOK ---OF MAIN TRACE SPINNING TRACE AND FLIGHT. do so myself. In bright sunshine, when the wind is boisterous, the leaded flight is needed to sink the bait, but as at such a time I seldom troll except on the way up the wind to get the falj down on it afterwards, I generally use one or two roc[s How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 39 with loaded flights for the troll up, and others without lead, or with very little lead, upon the fall. At this early season, and only in warm winds, do the large lake trout frequent light waters during the whole day;2 but they seem ever on the alert to leave the deeps in any change to balmy weather. They enjoy (?) at this season the keenest appetite; and one desirous rather of weight of individual trout than the aggregate weight of his creel's contents, will keep to the margin of the deep-water fishing, with, in prefer- N-R0LU0V£R SI AKD LOOP* ,...RUBBERRIN6 RiJMDOWW ON HEAD* XHEAF HOOK. BACK?HffffK& ^URGE^ENBlwfrfOOK, MINNOW MOUNTED. ence to a minnow or any other bait, a small trout with tail hooks in the flight. The flight I recommend is as illustrated. It is made up of one large hook to bend the minnow, loach, (fee.; a triple hook for back (just above the turn); and a head hook to come out at back of the head. The head hook and back hooks are on a short looped trace. 2 These remarks are general; specialities will be written of against localities. 40 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. When the " bending" hook has been run through the bait, the weight if used will be run down into the belly. I find the best weight is a smallest-sized | Devon," with the fins filed off, and whipped (at W) with silk, or surrounded by a tiny rubber ring there (a touch of the file makes a bed for it). Then the head hook is attached and the back hooks fastened in, one of the gill covers being raised with the knife to admit the trace ; finally, the knots are drawn all taut (when the traces, having been made snug), and a rubber ring (K) passed down over the head to grip close to the gill cover. The ring is an improvement on the tie commonly used, and those in the little, foreign, paper " vesta" boxes (the springs) are perfect for the purpose. No swivel should be ever nearer this bait than two feet. If a flying trace be advisable, it will be only a continuation from the back hooks' mounting. Later on (in May) the troll is pitted against the fly, and in the middle of the day the fish will generally beat the feather, and the gudgeon, which the minnow outstripped in the earlier months, begins to be more attractive. When the May-fly (green drake or grey) or stone-fly prevails, spinning a bait in any way during late May or early June will be of little use, though very late, after twilight, at night, even in moonlight, or very early in the morning, the big fish in the deepest waters will "go for" a well-spun gudgeon, especially " on the fall." In July the lakers are killed by trollers in the deeps by day, and in the shallows at early mornings dewy eve, and on still nights, and I know of no time that one enjoys their capture so much as in the soft twilight, trolling up on the verge of the shallows, and " falling " down a little more in or out. At such a time one rod should work a very small trout, a collough, a gudgeon, or a minnow (this the order of precedence of July). The companion fisher should use white trout flies, or those of the pattern moths set out in another chapter, for employment in the localities set out in "Guide Book" (Part II.). As for trolling with artificial baits for Ferox, one rule may be accepted as almost universal. The Shannon requires the largest, and the great loughs baits proportioned not to their waters but to the strength of the streams or rivers which feed them. Thus, the monsters of Lough Neagh are taken with Devon spoons, Phantoms, &c, smaller than those baits found best on the Kerry lakelets, which are fed by torrents. In a general way, the Devon will be found the best killer in Connaught, the Phantom the best in Kerry, as it certainly is in the Shannon. These baits about divide honours in Ulster, and in Leinsterthe Devon (except with some limitation in Westmeath) How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 41 is practically as useless as—has been for some years, and for some occult reason—-the spoon. Of this, the spoon, once the best of all artificial lures, I do not know that I may recommend it for trout anywhere, and but for pike on the lakes which run from Island Eady (on the Westport-road) to Castlebar, on the neighbouring Eehan's Lake, and on the Castlebar river. These lakes are for trollers, like well-mended kelts for French cooks, nearly as • good as the real article—a virgin lake—and the spoon slaughters on them as it may on a few other places of which I have not heard.8 The same rules as to trolling in shallows and in deeps with natural apply to artificial baits, and I may wind up my observations on them by a particular commendation of the " Caledonian," "Exhibition," and "Protean;" but still more of the horn-made minnows, which I obtained from Bowness's, in Fleet Street, and from Nestor, George Street, Limerick. For capture of lake trout in the shallows, or of river trout, no bait surpasses these, especially the last. In the Devon I omit some of the hooks of the armature as it is generally sold (the flying three behind). I do so for the same reasons I have pleaded elsewhere against too many hooks. I may be wrong; but I have the sanction of many able fishermen, for lessening the number of hooks. In deep waters after August, I prefer artificial to all natural baits, except trout (larger in size, and on a larger hook each week till a large salmon- hook is reached). Towards the close of the season a trout of 3oz. will not be an atom too large to tempt a Corrib, Mask, Neagh, or Conn deep-water Ferox, especially during bright daylight. On the shallows smaller trout do better, as do minnows, which seem to renew, towards the close of fishing, the charms which they lost in late July or August. As to troll and fall-fishing. This is the "ideal" way of fishing in Ireland. Will my reader accompany me about 20th May, on Massbrook shore (Lough Conn). A pleasant westerly wind (from the starting-place in the great Atlantic summer ice-race) is ruffling the lower shore. Pat Eoche and his son " Mick " are at the oars, the "Doctor" is at bow, "HiBegan" astern, the one with a small minnow, the other with a brace of lake flies. (For patterns, see Conn, Part II.). The boat is kept just at the edge of the deep water and broadside on, the inshore man dropping his flies in front with as long a line as he may, and getting in his 3 Since writing the above, a competent angler tells pe that Lough Melvin, Arrow, and Lough Sheelin fish have shown in the two past (dry) seasons a return to the love which Miss Spoon enkindled in all fishy hearts at her d$vt* 42 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. slack at just a little more than the boat's rate of travel, but in a quadrant to cover the water. The rod is kept well up, with the dropper occasionally dancing, not always on the water. The minnow man in the stem and lake wards makes his throws (well in front, too), and works the bait with wobble or spin (I have seen both serve and equally well) till the drift demands a new throw. I Hurrah! Habet!" says the Doctor. " Y're in him, surr," from Eoche, who within five minutes "gives the last rites " to a 4 lb. beauty, albeit he has a bigger head and less shoulder than a Westmeath Aphrodite of equal weight. Meanwhile, as the trout fought, the boy " Mick I has steadied the boat, and a bigger and a better one has the minnow in his jaws; or, again—happy Fates !—both fly and bait provoke the dances which precede the " wakes "4 of trout on Mayo loughs— and thus the drift goes on to opposite the "Eabbit Hole W^ood," where the Doctor lays aside in the thwarts the (No. 2) Shannon rod to substitute a No. 5 for the pull up against the wind. An unloaded gudgeon (unless the fish are very keen on one sort, the baits of the fishers should vary), and without a flying hook, trolls over the inner station on as long a line as possible, as does the bait on the outer station. I do not know why (other fishermen disavow any preference), but on the troll up I think more trout are to be killed by the inner station, and on the fall down more and better on the outer. If I be right, I conceive that the fish in the shallow (the inner) side are all there to feed and avid to chop the bait; but on the outer the veteran trout often account a little fish drawn by a boat as too steadily progressive to be good eating.5 As to the treatment of lake trout, tastes differ. Cooked by the lake side between roasting stones, or on turf embers, when enwrapped in nicely greased paper with no projecting "dog-ear" edges to catch fire, or roasted on a timber-spit (arbutus wood best of all), he makes a delicious addition to luncheon. At home he is decidedly best boiled in almost as much vinegar as water. He is not as good, however, as a comely brook trout of over 1 lb. weight. I may take the opportunity to say that, in order that your captives may eat well, they should be killed the moment they be taken in— and bled, too. My instruments are a knife and "His Eeverence" 4 " Wakes " shorn of full sepulchral honours without the libations of % Glass Island " whisky. 6 Trout do r>ot often take the minnow or other bait in th_ direct wake of a boat. If a " drowned " fly be trolled the wake is a good water? but not quite as fertile as iust on its edge. 5k How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 43 (vide illustration), a little cudgel of lignum vitse, a tap of which above the nose settles the fish before the hook is extracted. Then, just behind the opercula on the median line, insert the knife till it touches the back bone, and from the orifice the blood flows freely. For bleeding, a blade of the common oyster knife is the most suitable if sharpened keenly. I have spoken of large troutlings as bait and approved them, but ;must warn my readers that their best season is only a short one, and just before the close. Of fishing for Ferox with the fly, I have little to add to that which I enjoin on May fly-fishing and white trout. No fish gives better occasional sport than the lakers, none disappoint more frequently. There is the consolation, however, that where they are found an alternation in the pursuit of other ^BLADE. I \ ^™.-~ * WHIPPING LENCTH or J%0T nr WIRE SHAFT 14 INCHES, ^^ OF WIRE. HEAD DIAMETER 11/3 INCHES. I HIS REVERENCE." sporting fish is seldom absent. Local men in the boats have many dodges, some good, some useless, some bad. They should be all noted, but not all followed. | Pat" or " Dan " have killed trout since their boyhood at so-and-so and with such-and-such; therefore, to all time, " S. and S. with a Claret Hackle " must kill at g S and S," and " divil a use in these other wans." The Irishman is of Eastern (Arian) blood, and in many rospects resembles an Afghan. His Conservatism and his courtesy are points of similarity. If Mr. Marston or "Hi-Efgan" knows a better fly or bait than the " Aides-de-camp," one or all of them will not have worse sport by respecting the conservatism, and practising the courtepy; but the stranger must be very firm in conveying the knowledge that, sport or no sport, he will have his own way. I have seen no more pitiable man than $ soft Saxon in the grip of an Irish professional, ) 44 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. w Mark, too, a kind word will do as much as whisky; a bright smile and a firm command, more. Ferox requires the best tackle. His rushes are stronger than those of a grilse of a third more than his weight; and his guile is greater. He knows his ground, too, therefore should get the butt from the first moment if possible. With a good boatman to help him, and get away on his inrushes, the rod (if of Shannon pattern) may be killing him from.the "stroke." I have a 12 ft. Winchester rod (from Mrs. Cox, Parchment Street) of three joints, and very light, which has worn out some beautiful fish; but I prefer reserving it for the special treatment of the brook trout. In reading my tours some idea may be formed of the ravages of the pikes ; but here my pleasant duty is pointing out how the trout may be best caught. As I have been speaking of spinning bait for Feroces, I shall continue to deal with them as lures for brook trout, and my reference, further on, to worms for brook trout may be taken as applicable, so far as circumstances permit, to their use for lake trout.® In fishing for brown trout, the minnow is certainly the best general spinning-bait, and the only exception I can make to this is at night (in warm weather especially), and again in such streams as hold immense numbers of minnows and few loach. In minnow-spinning the very smallest, brightest, and most foreign-looking minnow is the most killing. In streams where minnow have not been introduced (I don't think they are native Irish fish) they are simply irresistible to trout, and the only drawback is that one never has enough of them to satisfy the craving of the trout, great or small. Therefore, as a change of fare the loach is valuable, as he also is when no minnow, as may often happen, is available. The gudgeon is not, I think, a good bait for trout in streams, and I shall not discuss him now; I think his absence from most Irish rivers argues his being an importation, like the minnow. The illustrations of a flight in the foregoing pages on " Ferox fishing" explain one fit for stream fishing, and I may at once say that I think any flying hooks on a brook trout flight out of place and destructive of sport. Nearly every angler spins the minnow on too heavy tackle; and the angler's skill may, I think, be gauged, not inaccurately, by the measure of his powers of working a light minnow on light tackle. Of course, the gossamer casting-line of a dry fly- fisher will not do to spin any bait, and I have, in recommending the lightest possible tackle for the sport, only to appeal to my 6 The strength of the tackle, and especially the size of the hook, may be increased when worming for Ferox is worth following. I am myself not so enthusiastic an admirer of the worm as to be persuaded that it ever is a good lure for him* How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 45 readers to employ good sense in selecting, and patient endeavour in using, as light gut as is possible. A flight, to which I am indebted, I believe, to the author of a book called "The Secrets of Angling," is, on the whole, the best I know in spinning for brook trout. Rights very similar are used on many rivers, but the perfection of this is not often attained. The drawing I give very accurately conveys the flight, which has the singular merit of permitting a change of weight, or an exclusion of any weight at will. It is very simple, and the only improvement I can suggest is the use of a rubber ring (as m the ferox flight) to be shoved down on the head of the bait to hold in the shot. The weight being in the head, mm 11 46 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. with this flight the minnow spins with a very attractive, plunging movement, the more natural if the swivel be at a good distance up from it. It is now some years since I adopted this flight, selected from an admirable book, which I lost. In it were several useful flights, and I wish I were so certain of the name of the book or the author as to be able to recommend them as in many things my best advisers.7 Next to using a good flight garnished with a handsome minnow, I know nothing which demands more the attention of an angler who would succeed than his mode of throwing. The proper mode is so easy, that I cannot but think it is not always adopted only because most of us before we try to spin have been fly-fishers. For the spinner there is no such thing as the over-hand cast. The casting-line should be held in the left hand just above the bait, the rod in the right, with a little less line between the bait hand and the top of the rod than between the top and the rod hand. To be clear, I shall explain in detail, and suppose the angler standing some few feet from the left bank, and wishing to cast to under the opposite bank of the stream of a few yards breadth. (Here I make no account of up-stream or down-stream fishing.) His rod is of 15 ft., Shannon pattern. He holds it at 2 ft. from bottom in his right hand, and has his right shoulder and a little of his back turned to the spot to which he wishes to direct his bait. Under the forefinger of his right hand he has a coil of reel line of as large a " round " as he can conveniently keep off the ground and adequate, with that part already out, and the casting-line, to permit the minnow to reach it destination. In his left hand h*> holds the trace just above the bait, and draws it back as far as the spring of the rod will permit, and against the strain of the right hand holding the rod (with top not above the height of the eye). Then the eyes are thrown back to the spot where the bait should drop, and almost simultaneously the bait is released with a sort of swinging movement, of the rod and body, to the right. At the moment the right foot, which had been raised as the rod was sprung, is put down firmly, with the toes towards the river (at least a " facing" or quadrant to the right of the former direction), and the left foot is brought round at once. During the half second which has elapsed the bait should have swung round in an arc, and as the line has straightened from the rod's point, the forefinger of the right hand should release the coils, the first to go being that nearest the point of the finger, the second that at next joint, and so in sequence. When the sioing-off was made, the right elbow, which had been close to the ribs, ought to have been 7 A friend writes to me that the author's name is Moffatt. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 47 released, and the fore-arm raised to guide the flight, and just before the drop of the bait a slight dip of the rod-point will assist in making it fall lightly. A great object of the angler should be to get his minnow on the move the instant the throw is accomplished. To do this the rod-point should be turned up-stream, but lowered at the same time, and the spin should be continued in a semi-circle to the angler's bank, when frequently a trout which has followed it across the stream will take it just as it seems withdrawing from his reach. Indeed, no method seems to succeed better than drawing in the completion of the cast with a somewhat jerky motion of the minnow up-stream, and then letting it, before being finally withdrawn, tumble down-stream as an exhausted little'fish might do after a fruitless fight with the current. The explanation of doing what depends on a number of synchronic actions is very difficult, and it may be that a final sentence as to throwing a minnow will be clearer than the foregoing explanation. A minnow must be thrown from the spring of the rod underhand, and wrhen the weight of the flight draws'the line to correspondence with the direction of the rod the slack should be available to permit the bait to run on. For those who fish Nottingham fashion my direction has no application. I have never done so, and must refer those who would learn to some competent instructor. Many truly good anglers never seem to be able to get rid of the coil without kinks. To meet them I have to suggest nothing better than the "coil horn," wrhich deserves more notice than has been given it even by the few who have seen it used. Mr. George Loudon, of Mayo, was, I believe, its inventor, and it certainly deserves consideration if only in recognition of one of the finest anglers that ever wet a line. He employed it in salmon-fishing, but it is equally useful to trout or pike- fishers. The illustration explains the contrivance, which should be strapped over the left sleeve of the fishing-jacket. From experience, I can vouch that it requires little practice to give off the coils with perfect precision by throwing forward the left hand deftly when using a single-handed rod, or by bending out the wrist a little when both hands are employed in a 1 double-hander." In spinning a minnow, the most successful will be the angler who can drop his bait farthest off lightly, and spin deepest on the longest line, and with a line always taut. There is in spinning no rule for " striking " of any use that I know of. Practically, if the flight is a good one, and properly set up and worked, a trout will liook himself. I have remarked, though I can't furnish any explanation for it, that when a trout has been killed on a minnow his fellows seem to take more alarm at the commotion than when the fly has been the agent. Therefore, I recommend to the spinner 48 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. as summary processes as the tackle will bear; and, as weeds are never cut in Ireland, instant execution has additional merits if the patience of the angler is not of impenetrable proof. In spinning ilil II the collagh (loach) there is always need to tie it even when salted and toughened. And here I may say that unless the minnows be absolutely killed on the moment (from the bait-can), and when in their brightest condition, I don't think that they are 2 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 49 ever quite so good as those from the salt, which are certainly tougher than the fresh fish. For night-fishing the loach will, I think, generally beat the minnow ; but at the season when night- fishing is really worth the loss of sleep, the tumbles, and other ; dSsagrements which attend it, the fly will generally beat both, and when the frog (of which more anon) is in, no other lure will .compare with it. As the minnow is rarely found in the West of Ireland, and as it is murderous there, one word of warning to the tourist in Connaught is needed—" By night and day look after tjjour minnows and bait-can." In playing the minnow (always with a low top) the motion should be such as to simulate a little fish struggling to make head- Iway against the rushing waters, and therefore in the calmer places the lure must be spun with less jerk; but as it is in calm water that a trout can best judge the deception of the lure, something must be substituted for the nice and too regular spin which ensues when "jerking " is inadmissible. A sort of sink and draw, not too much of either, I find best—just enough to make the minnow appear a demented minnow—a lost innocent in unwonted bad company. As to the best place to ply the " spin," I have little to add to what I write on worm-fishing in other pages; but I would impress, that less even than a worm should a minnow be kept in play in too strong water, and that all the arguments for fishing always out of the fish's sight and far off are applicable, are worth application by the minnow-spinner as they are by those who may go worm-fishing for trout. Finally, in very deep water, which harbours lake trout, a minnow, armed with double hook, and sunk as far as it may be out of the shadow of the boat, dipped and drawn up and down, will often succeed when all other methods have failed. These hooks should be attached back to back, and the shanks taken through the minnow with a baiting-needle so that the barbs may project at either jaw. When the trace is attached the minnow should be. tied at tail firmly to top of hook shanks. Nor should we despair of killing a salmon thus with a minnow any more than with the prawn, in using which the " dip and draw " is quite the most alluring way, though spinning is the more usual and very often successful. The flights used in Ireland with prawn vary much; that which I believe best is to be got at the Cork tackle-shops,8 and possibly in Dublin. Bowness sells it in Fleet Street, It is called the " Blarney," and its peculiarity is the use of a pointed wire nearly as long as the prawn, which is looped over the prawn tail, and when it has been run through the prawn it is caught and secured on a 8 Mr. Haynes makes them beautifully. I 50 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 1 loop tied on the lower hooks' shanks. Prawns need not be boiled unless to use fresh, when they are sufficiently tough, and the bright red is an advantage. Salt is the best preservative, not glycerine, which takes away all toughness. Besides, salt reddens them. Each prawn should be wrapped in salt, under and over, and kept in separate papers, because if stored together one " rusted " prawn will make them all "smell." The top hook, which should be as large as either the lower hooks, should come out in back between two scales, and at its issue is the proper place for a tie with housewife's thread dyed red. The Chaer.9 In Ireland the charr is certainly found in three provinces : I am not aware of its having been killed in Leinster. Where it may be oftenest killed will be found in the Second Part; the how I shall briefly endeavour to describe when I have spoken of the peculiarities which, it seems to me, distinguish some of the Irish charrs from those which I have seen exposed for sale in London, and figured in pictures for the guidance of naturalists. 9 These sweet fish are possibly found in other waters than those I mention. I speak of authentic haunts of theirs. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 5* In Lough Melvin, where they do most abound, I have seen " reddish charr," " grey charr," and " silver charr," but none of them were very red; and I have known English anglers and others who had seen the Windermere and Swiss Lake fish declare they were not such charr as those in Melvin. In that lake, I am told, charr seldom or never run above 1 lb. in weight, though they are broader than English fish. In Lough Conn, where a few years since charrs were unknown, I have killed and seen killed monsters (for charr), 2 lb. weight, and have been told that or a little under is " the run." How these fish have got to Conn is difficult to explain, as there is no lake near which holds them, and it somewhat taxes one's belief to say they were carried as fry or eggs from Melvin or some other remote lake by cormorants, which made no such beautiful deposit in other and nearer waters. The charr in Conn, besides being so large, are, I believe, never red. They are only found in the great deeps outside Glass Island, and the mode of capture I adopted, with some amount of success (for a charr-fisher), will, guide such anglers as may wish to kill the most delicious of all freshwater fish. Where a charr has been, captured, fair or foul, the local boatmen know of it, and can place their boats. The fish are very sedentary, and take best in a briskish breeze, after rain, or in sultry weather, very early in the morning, or just at sun-down. The lightest-drawn gut cast is . proper, with a No. 7 shot at the end; above it two or three dropper flies on 3 in. very fine gut links set out from casting-line by an inch or so of hog's bristle, thus:— 52 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. The bristle b b and the fly link are knotted together as near the end as possible, then at 1 in., or If in., the link is again attached to bristle with " roll-over " knot, outside which the bristle is cut off. The fly, when attached through the fisherman's knots a a on casting-line, will stand out when drawn through the water from near the bottom.10 The shot should be a foot from the lowest fly. The only flies I believe good are a small white moth of strongest cock hackles tied over lemon silk, or silver tinsel body, owl for wings, or " black silver magpie" of silver tinsel body, black hackle, or " hackle" of lapwing topping, dark stare's wing; or finally, reddest red hackle over red silk body (palmer), and with all these a gentle on the hook is an additional attraction—at least, I believe so, as, catering for them thus, I once killed five charrs in about an honr, and have heard of no such success since. In the Fishing Gazette some time ago there was the drawing of a contrivance by an angler, long since with the majority, which, I think, might suit for a charr-cast. This is it:— S^r What I have said for charr-fishing applies to Pollen, which is still found in such quantities in Lough Neagh as to make the capture of it by angling an ambition worthy of the best fisherman. I have been recommended by a capital practical angler, who has killed them (in the fashion I directed for charr) with a very small silver-bodied gnat, hackled at shoulder, with blue tip and a tiny wing of blue chatterer, and the whole disfigured with a gentle. He has also killed on the Wasp " Caddie I —sunk and drawn up gently from the bottom. In Lough Derg and some of the Kerry lakes is a fish possibly identical with the Powan of Loch Lomond, but of this or the Yendace (V) of Kerry this book need not speak more fully than to mark their established presence. The White Trout, for which I claim a place of honour equal to, if not above, the salmon's, is killed all round Ireland, and when in best season they evince a nicer taste than all their relatives by refusing anything but the fly. Of course, they do occasionally take worms, minnows, and other baits, but not as the brown trout or the salmon, and it is only with the fly they should be fished for, unless to get a first fish in the estuary on a very small eel's tail, which is irresist- 10 Mr. Marston has shown me a fly dressed on very fine wire which might perhaps be useful for such a " dropper." How and Where to Fish in Ireland. S3 ible to them. In the chapter on flies, and in the tour guide, will be found descriptions of the best patterns I know, and I must dismiss the subject of the fish, which is my prime favourite, with the monition that, to have him at his best on the table, a white trout requires prompter bleeding than any of his congeners, and if one has not a knife handy, a gill-ray or two should be torn out the moment the fish has been knocked on the head; for a white trout left to " cool" without bleeding loses all his curd and best flavour. And now we come to The Bull Trout, which, on the authority of naturalists (Thompson, the best of all % Irish, amongst the number), I must set down as being Irish. I have not myself seen it; or, if I have, have not recognized it. Thompson has assigned it an Irish habitat, embracing all the coast livers from Killala, in Mayo, round Donegal, and all the maritime I Ulster counties. To question so great an authority is a position I shall not accept; but I have fished the Moy discharging at Killala, and most of the rivers northward, and I never saw any fish of the salmon tribe which I could distinguish from the real article, or " white or brown trout. Nor did I ever kill, or see killed, a wThite trout (Salmo truttd) of greater weight than 5 lb. (and of that only one in Beltragh), a weight quite under that of the bull trout of the Tweed and Coquet. In this lamentable state of ignorance, I can only say to the angler for bull trout in Ireland that B. T. (Friox), has, I am told, the appetite, if not all the other good qualities of his high relations, and will, I believe, take all the salmon and grilse flies which tempt them, and prawn, eel-tail, and spinning baits, natural and artificial, even more ravenously. I am anxious to exhaust bait-fishing by mentioning the eel-tail, . the frog, and such others as occasionally prove attractive to trout. As to the eel-tail, it is, except the fly, the most effective lure used against salmon. Next it comes the worm, and then the prawn, fresh or boiled, or boiled and salted, or preserved in glycerine. With trout it is only rarely relished, but often enough to deserve mention here. The Eel-Tail bait is not so generally well known as it should be. It is very easily made, and has one signal recommendation—it is better when preserved than when fresh, because the salt toughens the skin, and if carefully looked-to one eel-tail may kill a score of salmon without requiring repair. I extract from Mr. H. Cholmondeley Pennell a clearly, written method of preparing it:—" Skin the eel downwards to the J 54 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. third or fourth inch. Cut the body off there, together With a small piece of the spine bone below the level. Then pass a large salmon- hook in at the orifice, and run it down the middle of the tail ... bringing the point out one and a half inches from the end of the tail. . . . Tie the loose skin tightly and closely round with a piece of waxed silk just over the top of the hook shank; then turn it downwards towards the end of the tail, and cut off all round at a point about one inch from the last-named lapping. Now sew the rough edge of the turned-over skin carefully down with Holland thread or red sewing silk." 9 I have but to add that for trout the eel-tail should be made from a very small eel, and that I think from experience an improvement is the addition of small eyes of red glass beads. Finally, the swivel in eel-tail fishing should be as far from the bait as the casting-line will permit, for the spin is best in a sort of wriggle, not a regular roll. The addition of a swan drop (shot) as a plummet at the head of the shank of hook and inside the eel skin, will not injure an eel-tail bait. The Frog ("the Dancer"). In sultry weather, when the small frogs first appear, there are no lures which can be more successfully used for big trout. I have killed many with the frog, and cannot recall an instance of its attracting any but large trout. The flight to be used is simply two flight hooks and a lip-hook (with shank broken off short) secured through upper lip. The lower hooks should be passed through and out the same place in upper lip, and taken over back of frog and then downwards each side and under the thighs, and inserted so that the barbs should just project on the lower side of frog's buttocks. The hindmost hooks should be inserted under the skin with as little in- 11 The shank of the large salmon-hook used with eel-tail should be short. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 55 jury to the frog as possible, for the more lively he is in kicking the better chance of sport.10 Where a big trout is known to feed the frog should be dropped in just as if he had jumped from the bank—from the " docks "— or alders which overhang it. When the frog is taken the trout should not be struck quickly, nor till the first shake ; but then, low and sharp is the maxim. My instructor in the use of this uncommon lure was so careful that he would measure a cast across stream during daylight, and having taken out line enough, would recast with a heavy shot at dusk to assure himself of overreaching the opposite bank. Then he would attach the frog and send it deftly across to the other bank, and after an interval, if froggy did not himself flop into the trout's jaws, would draw him gently till he did so nolens volens. Of course for the near bank no such proceeding is needed, and it is under banks that this lure is most useful. At twilight, in sultry wreather, and in warm summer nights I have seldom seen the frog fail to kill those " anakim " among trout, too wise for the collagh, minnow, or fly. The Grasshopper, the Clock, and other naturals I mention under the heading "Natural Flies and Floating-baits " (Chap. II.). 13 In the illustration the flight is too large for the best frog, which is the very smallest to be got. J m 56 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. I I CHAPTEE IV No fishing is more generally misunderstood than trout-fishing with the worm, and yet none is occasionally better done. In Ireland, the poorest anglers are the best, and their mode assimilates in most respects to that which Mr. Stewart has placed within the reach of the English readers of his excellent book.1 In my childhood I made my first angling essays with the worm, and in all conditions of water. Till lately, however, I did not return to my early love, and I find that I have little to add to what my first preceptor told me, except that the best season for such angling is much shorter than he thought, or I, till corrected in the matter by a student of Mr. Stewart. The directions I venture to put forward will, in some respects, differ from that gentleman's; but I rely upon my practical experience, and therefore recommend them in preference to others which I have followed for comparison. The armature I adopt is of only two hooks, not tied back to back but as in illustration.2 I have seen used, and used myself, one, three, four, and even five hooks, but with less success than two. At least two are needed to keep on a worm. More, my experience tells me, increase the chance of entanglement of weeds, &c, without enough compensating advantages in the entanglement of fish. This two-hooked worm trace should be made of the finest gut, be at least 5 ft. long, and attached to a foot line of 4 ft., smoothly whipped to the winch line. I speak of what is absolutely needful. I myself fish with a trace of 9?t. of the finest gut, and attach it to the winch line by a knot so small as to permit the gut to be drawn (though I have never so used it) through or out of the top rings without jamming. In clear-water fishing, any leads, except in torrents, are worse than useless. In floods, leads are, I believe, sometimes necessities; and even in the brown waters of clearing rivers a shot or two attached, as I shall direct, is now and then not 1 Mr. H. Cholmondeley-Penneirs remarks on worm-fishing should be read by all anglers. 2 In the magnified worm flight the engraver has made the hook to appear whipped on a twist instead of single clear gut. Of course this is never done. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 57 without useful purpose. In very speedy currents (torrents, such as WORM TRACE AND ABMPTURB, N° 2 (LOOPED) HOOK, WORM MOUNTED THE LOOP SHOWN AT A. WORM FLIGHT MAGNIFIED TO SHOW TUBN OVER KNOT, AND MODE QJE LOOPING IN NS a HQQK. mountain rivers sometimes show), and in such places as cannot be fished without the immersion of the reel line, the worms must be let 58 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. run just as fast as runs the stream at the bottom. To effect this, the reel line should be always kept low behind the gut, and not overrunning it, but almost doing so. Some years ago I used a heavy shot or two, the better to keep the worm down; but, on the whole, I now prefer the evil of its running too high to its going slower than the stream. The mode of baiting the hooks is exceedingly simple, and may be learned by any one with a little practice if the principle be kept in view that the most sport will be got with the liveliest and best-coloured worm, and not with the most firmly attached. The angler's object is to catch trout, not to save his worms. My preference for two hooks rather than for three or more being solely based on the belief that catching all the trout (though mouthing the worm, not hooked, on account of the smaller number of barbed points presented to their jaws) would not compensate the angler for the greater number of entanglements which occur near the bottom in Irish rivers, through the use of many hooks, I am constrained to fix the armature of my worm bait in that way most effectual to hook fish, and nothing else. For a long time I believed that the upper hook No. 2 should hang by at least an inch of free gut from its attachment to the trace on which the lower hook was whipped (vide illustration). Undoubtedly I found that of those that took the lure, I hooked more trout with this arrangement than any other; but the reasons which induced me to adopt two hooks in preference to more forced me to abandon this mode of rigging my hooks, for the liability to entanglement was increased, because trout often took the upper hook, and appeared to have a genius for entangling the lower hook in any, even the smallest, obstruction in the stream; and, again, the too great tension of the upper hook on the worm often broke the worm—indeed, always when the stream had force enough to belly it outwards from the lower hook. Unlike Mr. Stewart, I recommend covering the lower hook with the worm before piercing it the second time with the upper. The hooks require to be very finely whipped on, and the shanks should be of the lightest wire consistent with needful strength. I have never been able to buy hooks of good shape and sufficiently fine that did not require to be clipped a little (off the end of the shank). In Ireland the blue-heads (Hiberaice, blackheads) are the best worms to be got. They are to be found under the road " scrapings " everywhere, and they can be cleaned sufficiently quickly by the process described later on. Brandlings, or " bramblings," are much used in Ireland, and' are the very brightest and most attractive of worm lures when scoured; but they are much too tender and smell offensively, and I do not re- How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 59 commend their use in preference to the blue-head or another. In rainy weather, the village gardens, which have been over-manured for centuries, all yield an excellent worm, which can be used without scouring or other preparation. I know it by no other name than the " garden worm," and refer to it because it is always to be had, and is a capital worm if only the very smallest be used, and those alone which will be found under old flags, slates, or other solid rubbish. It has more vitality than ony other worm, even the black-head, and is so superior to the brambling that I think the Irish worm-fisher may confine himself to the use of the scoured black-head and little garden worm, and to the latter in flood time, when they are to be got everywhere, and trout do not look for the no doubt superior attractions of the cleaned and brightened blackheads. The garden worm has no knot, but is the richest red colour, paling to whitey-grey, and the very smallest and reddest are the toughest, the most killing, and easiest got. The 1 gossoons " on the river, whose tackle is generally monstrous, place the garden worms in turf (peat) ashes for five or ten minutes before use (dropping one or two worms, for future use, into the ash-bag each time they extract one or two to renew the lure). This no doubt toughens them a little, and assists in slipping them up clumsy hooks; but it destroys their vitality, and, in some measure, the brilliancy of the worms. All that is needed is to gather them of the proper size and colour, and drop them, when washed in fair water, into the scouring-moss of the worm-bag or canister. Having already, in an early chapter, spoken of the rods most suited for each kind of angling, I need but explain here my preference for other than an ordinary Shannon " peel-rod " to fish for trout with worms. A good fish being hooked, no rod will kill him so quickly and securely as a Shannon rod. This is due to the spring of the weapon, which " gives and takes" to the very button, and so effectually eases (a Killaloe man says "modulates ") the strain on the tackle as to permit a constant and killing pressure. With one exception, a man who knows a Shannon rod can do anything with it. The exception is throwing a tender worm without injuring it, on a small hook against the wind and across stream. This I have seen no one accomplish, because, no matter how deftly the worm may be got across, the back spring of the rod (all Shannon rods have it) will chuck, and generally spoil it, just as it starts on its journey with the current. For this reason alone I adopt and recommend a rod of a proportionately stouter pattern towards the butt, and I know of none more suitable than that I have on a former page numbered 5. With such a rod, and a reel ^^?@- § 60 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. sponding,—a plaited dressed line, a bag or canister of scoured black-heads or garden worms (or both), a spare foot line or two, and half a dozen or more two-hooked links, the angler should not have any fear on account of appliances; and on any Irish trout stream, be the weather bright or dull, the water low or bank full, there will be during the season some hours on every Irish trout stream when good fish may be taken. Eecent experience, however, teaches me that the best sport is only to be had—first, at the early floods of the warm spring; next, when the rivers are I dead low " and bright (where the May-fly has been, trout commence at the worm with the conge of the last fly); and lastly, during, and just after the first good freshets from the St. Swithin (July) rains. In Ireland the lusty late summer trout and early autumn trout do not take the fly freely during the day. They cannot be easily killed by feather except " after dark " at night, or very early when the rivers are clear; when dirty, of course the fly is out of the question. By the riverside a sportsman must be guided by wind, weather, and water. For brevity, I shall only speak of three conditions of rivers : the flood-wTater, the clearing, and the cleared. Correct worm-fishing varies under each condition, and each presents individual advantages and special drawbacks. In strong floods all fish are disposed to run up-stream, and they are at all times compelled to so head to resist the stream (salmon, grilse, sea trout, feroces, &c, all ascend to breed ; but at this place I speak of feeding not breeding fish). This disposition to run up floods is, in the case of river-trout, probably dictated by appetite for succulent food, and affords no evidence of a proneness to needless exertion in fighting rushing water for mere exercise. The trout at such times looks for his food where he can get the most and the best of it on the easiest terms; and during strong floods, the where is, (1) on the upper edges of such " sharps " (stickles or shallows) as break and turn the force of the rivers and streams, or just at their tails when the water deepens, (2) where the water swirls back under banks or by boulders, and (3) at the outer edges of the strongest streams. But at such various places trout, being wise, " behave accordin'." In the slowest deeps, under the banks, and in the back waters, very large trout await the banquet the waters bear them, with no more exertion than the current demands. These back-water banqueters are generally large, often elderly, but not always handsome trout, and they are guarded by a ripe experience, which tells them of the deceptive beauties and dangers of worms carried by the swirl of swift- rolling waters. Years, and it may be short-sight, lumbago, or other age-bred ills, direct them to the calmest refectories when their How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 61 world is all arush. To keep his place and his head well up-stream, to look out sharp and be ready for all succulent flotsam, is the affair 5 of the moment for each trout in a strong flood, and though all ^attend to it with assiduity, the patriarchs are always cautious. -Therefore, after some hours of heavy water, any worm that may ; whirl into their lodges with pirouettes unbecoming in demure worms only gets contemptuous notice, or, at best, a mouthing. A |big trout, however, has an aldermanic capacity en a rising flood, and seizes, in his hunger, any nice red worm that rolls gracefully into his harbour. Bearing these things in mind, it is well in back :• waters-or slow deeps to watch well the first stoppage of the line :and strike briskly, for fear that the worm may be mumbled and then dropped. Under the banks, streams seldom run so slowly as to call for very sharp practice; but in the situations I now write of more fish are lost by the slow than by the quick twitch. I have seen some good anglers adopt the slow mode; my experience supports the quick. Of striking with worm tackle, I believe it may be said, the most effectual method is, as low " along the water " as possible, and against the direction in which the worm is seen or felt to be moving; but striking trout effectually is a nice accomplishment which no book can more than hint at. Practice, a good eye, nerve, and a sensitive touch are the requirements to be perfect; but perfection is seldom attained. For trout-fishers a common aphorism is reversed, and "Handsome is that handsome does" becomes " Handsome does that handsome is," for indeed the boldest- feeding, strongest, most active, and most combatant trout are found to be the most perfect in shape, condition, and colour, and proportionately the heaviest, if not the largest. Such fish are taken on the lodges outside the quiet places and on the edges of the strongest streams (vide supra, 3). To attract them the worm should come down in the boil and rush, and tumble out naturally where the expectant fish battle against the " mid-water "—i.e., that on the marge of the most impetuous current on the one side, and the slow and back waters and the eddies on the other. Trout must be very apt and vigilant to see worms coming down in such places, and being most alert for their prey in the water below, no doubt they observe all changes in the air above. Considering this, and their enforced position of combating en face the force of the river, the need to fish up-stream is quite clear. It is not always easy, especially if the throw must be made to some distance. When the worm has been dropped well up in the rush uninjured and before the line, and in the exact spot, the difficulty is but half overcome. The other moiety of trouble lies in getting the worm sunk to a proper depth, and at the same time preventing the line overrunning and preceding 62 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. the lure as the stream brings both down. The principal action to effect this is to raise the point of the rod in exact measure to the speed of the rush, and without the least check on the speed of the worm ; but by a judicious coil of the line (to be taken in with the left hand as the stream brings it down), the operation becomes much easier. Practice and common sense should govern the angler, who must conquer if he keeps in mind that the worm should seem to come to the trout's larder, naturally, and that the trout should know nothing of the presence of a two-legged monster on the bank or in the water. This difficulty (of keeping the worm first) is the gravest which confronts the up-stream fisher, and I have dwelt upon it because up-stream fishing is so necessary to any signal success. In fishing up-stream, the tails of the pools should be starting-points; and seeing the importance I have attached to the angler's keeping out of ken of the trout, it is clear the nearest waters should be exhausted before the farthest be fished. Of course, there are narrow places on many large rivers where the throw which covers the further water may not excite panic in that nearer, for the angler, or his shadow, need not in narrows reach the river brink; but the golden rule is, fish the nearest water first. As to fishing the " sharps" (1), a few words will serve. The angler who measures his success by numbers will give more time to them than to the deeps, and with reason, for a full creel of "herring size" trout will reward him. Now and then heavy trout will be found just on their verge, and more rarely inside on the very shallows. Heavy trout hooked in such situations are of the haute-noblesse, heirs-apparent and cadet lords and ladies of the elderly dukes and marquises of the pools. I have observed, and I think correctly, that such trout in flood time frequent the shallow, or edges of shallows, only when the sun is overclouded or on a lowering day. On such a day, or when the deep cloud shadows spread abroad, they rush up from their harbours to harry the waters, like the sea adventurers of " Good Queen Bess's " reign, and the Spanish main for them is on and about the shallows. When the rivers are clearing they order their conduct contrarywise, and only when the sunlight is fiercest hunt the shallows often in a few inehes depth. In flood-time, I think, the trout feed best from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at evening twilight I have done less with a worm than at any other time. What they do at night I reserve for a separate place, but in it I shall not concern myself much with worms. Next to facing the sun so that no shadow may fall on the water, keeping back from the stream, or otherwise concealing himself, and fishing up-stream as far as he may, the angler should give weight to the use of the wind. I have killed trout in all How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 63 winds, and I lean to the view that there is no condition of wind in which, at some hour of the day, trout may not be taken, but that no wind is so favourable as to induce trout to feed at all hours of the twenty-four or even of twelve. No doubt, in many streams, fish generally feed best with, at least, one or two points of the soft south in the breeze ; but I know of places where a north or north-east wind is distinctly and universally more favourable. In a general way, the best wind for the worm-fisher is the wind which enables him to get his worm over most water, and into most places, without any injury to it. And I hold the condition of the worm as a consideration so weighty that I think the difficulty of casting against the wind without injuring the worm should be avoided at all costs, with the exception of the cost of the angler fishing in his own shadow and with his back to the sun. The bends of a river can often be taken advantage of to utilize the wind, though, of course, at flood-time they serve less in this way. No trouble should be spared to fish against the sun, with the wind, and up-stream, with an unmutilated worm in front of the line, and travelling at stream's pace. If these conditions be attained by an angler who conceals himself, I shall bear the responsibility of his failure in flood-fishing on the rivers mentioned in my index. Of fishing in Clearing Eivers the procedure is somewhat different, though the underworking principles are identical. The first variation may be in the tackle, which in very rapid rivers in flood required a shot or two to keep the worms down in fishing them. (I have not recommended the use of lead, and don't often use shots myself; but the experience of some most excellent anglers sanctions them, and they are needed now and then.) In clearing rivers, shots are never necessary, except, perhaps, in the very deepest strong waters-—not eddies; even in such waters their use is doubtful. In eddies they are fatal. The second difference is that I refer to in a preceding page, as to the heavy trout feeding on sunlit shallows. When rivers are clearing, most anglers in Ireland will abandon the worm for the fly, though, in fact, the likelihood of a full creel is not much augmented by the change during those months when the fish are best-conditioned. Trout, indeed, in beer-coloured water frequently rise well after a freshet, and I recommend the adoption of my own practice at such a time, when I confess my preference for the fly influences me not a little. When the smaller natural flies attract the trout on a clearing river, I put aside the worm, and if good sport rewards me while using the fly, am grateful, as a sportsman 64 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. should be. If I cannot fill a creel with the fly by day I know that the trout are satiated, and are only taking the flies as dessert— bonnes bouches, to fill up interstices. At such a time I try the minnow (the loach and gudgeon will not do so well), and with the minnow I often get sport. Trout are, I think, epicures in a way. When they have had much of one food (say worms), they try an alterative of beetles or flies; and when they have had enough of those, such tempting morceauxas bright minnows win their attention. Thus, when the rivers were full, the worms came down from every drain and rivulet with caterpillars, beetles, and other small deer. Whatever flies were out were invisible through the veil of muddied water, and in the rivers they frequent, the gudgeon and minnows were driven up back waters, dykes, and to other such places where trout were unable or unwilling to follow them. But when the river commences to clear, the fastidious gourmet of the river looks out lazily for dancing flies or the silvery minnows, once more tenants of the brightening main waters. In the plenteous flood-time, they were like the Worshipful Major Dalgetty, keen to " pro vaunt the garrison" and now their appetite lacks edge. If the flood has been a strong one, and has held for three days or more, the fly is likely to serve; if not, the minnow is the best lure. Why the loach or gudgeon fails I know not, but till the water be quite clear neither will effect much in daylight, nor will the gudgeon then. House clocks (the black beetles of our kitchens) or grasshoppers are deadly in clearing rivers. When rivers are Cleared a^d Low, in fact, at their lowest, and fly-fishing even at night fails to secure trout, the worm-fisher has brilliant sport. The desagrements of plashing along in soaked clothing, which so often attend the angler by flooded or clearing rivers, are absent, and his enjoyment grows as the voice of the stream sinks lower and lower on its sunlit journey to ocean. All the care of the angler to avoid making shadows, or coming within range of the trout's eye, the finest tackle, the smallest, brightest, and freshest w^orms, are now called for: but with due precautions about these, on the shallowest murmuring stickle, or in the deepest pools, where a worm can roll along, he may look forward to good sport. The angler's proverbial patience will be needless ; and each pool and run must be fished up from whatever side of the stream affords most shelter from the ever vigilant outlook of Salmo fario. The windings of rivers fished, as I enjoin, make frequent How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 65 I foldings needful 5 and in many, especially in the case of bare-banked I streams, wading is the best mode of getting one's creel full. Of the equipment for doing so I elsewhere write, and may dismiss it by quoting a compatriot's wise words: "The best wader r is the man who gets most fish witn least wading; the worst, I the man who gets fish with wading which could be got with- I out." Usually every nook of a river can be got at by the r throw of a judicious wader, and the annoyance of fouling in I hidden stumps, rocks, or roots, is the only one which should I count against the too-little-known delights of worm-fishing in low water. On another page I describe my contrivance for releasing entangled hooks. In trout-angling, with a good take on, I prefer an immediate "break" to delay. If the tender armature required in "rowling" I for trout cannot easily he released, much valuable time maybe I lost in recovering hooks often pointless,or a frayed trace; but " the ring * will break the latter close off to the hook; then rigging a &ew hook need bo but a moment's work, and an undisturbed pool ahead counts, I think, against a lost hook or two. " Bole-Armenian" and other worm nostrums are, I think, valueless. The only scouring I recommend for worms is pumping ■ upon them gently, or holding them under a small fall of water as soon after capture as may b3. Then place them in a flower-pot (on, and under, a slate) or earthen jar, in green wood moss, picked perfectly clean, wetted, and wrung out between the hands a dozen times. Each day the live worms shoulcj. be shifted to a fresh pot, and the dead removed, a relay of fresh worms and fresh moss taking |4keir place. A bag made of coarse flannel is a very good means of carrying worms; and a "Column's" mustard-tin, pierced like a pepper-box on the top, and carried in the creel still better. When worm-fishing I have a little peat asb.es in a handy metal matchbox, and by aid of it can mount a worm in a second. The ashes easily \ wash off the worm and my hand before the first throw with the new worm—-a quarter to half an inch is enough length of worm to come above the hook. Mr. Bowness will show the trace armed as I have found best; but an attentive look at the illustration will guide any angler. The hooks are—1, delicately tied on a Sink of finest gut; 2, on a longish loop of gut equally fine. To bait, pass No. 1 into the worm something below halfway down, and out again, when the worm covers all the shank without straining; then pass No. 2 hook into the worm downwards towards the shank of No. 1, and out, when the upper part of the doubly-impaled worm covers all the shank. A roll-over A knot is now made on the 66 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. it link of gut of No. 1 hook and over the loop of No. 2 hook, then the link of gut No. 1 is passed through the loop, and the roll-over is tightened. The link is now attached to the foot line. When a trout is hooked on No. 1 the strain will be directly on the link; when on No. 2, on the loop which rides it. When rebaiting is required, if the new worm cannot be slipped on easily the link is easily detached, and the flight reset as at first. A worm should not be pierced through his very bowels; just under the skin is sufficient, and he will be lively " as long again." An obvious modification of this flight is suitable for salmon worming. For salmon, No. 1 should be the large hook on salmon gut— voila tout. The little illustration (with the gut much magnified) shows the sort of plummet I use—a split shot attached at home to a bit of rottenest fine gut, and attached by a little knot above a knot of the casting line 18 in., 2 ft., or more. With a dozen of these in his pocket the fisherman is quite prepared with plummets for the longest day. If two are needed, they can be attached together (one above the other), or separated by a knot's distance. In case of catching in the bottom, a break can be made by mere loss of a shot and the rotten gut. My mode of attaching leads is this : I use small ones (No. 5 or 6 shots), preferring to add one or two to increasing the size. I split the shots at home, and attach them then to little strands of rotten fine gut, by closing the splits on a knotted end of the gut. When I want to use one, I attach it above a knot of the trace by the' knot shown in the (plummet) illustration. The lowest shot should, I think, never be nearer the worm than 2 ft., though some anglers think a less distance better. If more than one shot be required, the secord may go close to the first, and the third knot higher up. Before leaving this branch of fish-capture, I must refer to The Worm Flight for Salmon. Ill This tackle is simply an improved contrivance embracing all the merits of that commonly used in Ireland " to rowl a worm." I have found it most effective, and in describing it shall be greatly assisted by the illustrations which face the text. On Fig. 4 is an How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 67 incomplete trace,3 fitted with but one swivel, a plummet, an under water float, and worm hooks. Its use requires much delicacy, and thus it deserves to rank among sportsmanlike appliances. The first swivel (omitted in drawing) is merely of the ordinary kind, whipped on a single gut line made with Mr. C. Pennel's buffer knots. The second swivel, C, is one which, unhappily, finds a great sale with cross-liners. To it is affixed the plummet of a size graduated to suit the force of various streams. In strong snates (Hibernice, "floods," P freshets," " freshes ")—and there is no time when salmon and large trout take the worm more boldly than during their occurrence—the largest plummet may be needed ; but anything heavier would strain Fig. 4. ■much, and probably uselessly, for I have found that salmon lie higher in spates than in " easy water," except when sheltering by rocks or stumps. The swivel C is not whipped to the gut on either side, but secured by the trusty figure " of 8 " knot (vide illustration next page). This is for the expeditious change of plummets in waters of different force. The plummet B, if held in delicate touch, will trip along the bottom (or nearly so), and will not overrun the float, which should dance some two feet or more in front of the plummet, and with a nice restraint on the worms which ought to lead all. This float must, of course, be larger than that in above drawing. In all cases, the more buoyant it is the better. The best floats are made of strong, thin quills, of the old-fashioned yellow sort ("clarified"), to be got at law-stationers. Both ends should be stopped with cork, and made watertight with 1 fly-dressers'" varnish; and it will make the quill less conspicuous, and accordant with the colour of the river flotsam, if the float be 3 A second swivel is not always needed, but I prefer two-to one. 1 2 6% How and Where to Fish in Ireland. in If How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 69 finished by being dried slowly after a single dip in common blue I ink. I think the illustrations make clear the shape, size, mounting, and position of the proper hooks. The whipping of the larger hook should be on a trace from the float at least six inches shorter than that which divides the plummet from the float. With a correctly buoyant float, the worms will twirl along a few inches above the bottom, and ought to jostle a fish's nose. The mode of running on the worms (two) requires some explanation from me, and care from the angler. For lucidity, I shall number the hooks and worms. On the large hook I (No. 1—whipped smoothly on the main trace, and fine-shanked hooks are needful), the worm No. 1 is run up for about half its length and close to the "roll-over" knot (E), on the salmon gut, through which the short bit of fine gut of the small hook is finally to pass. A little of this (No. 1) worm should fall aside above, and as much more about half-way down the shank of the big hook (No. 1). A good portion of the lower half of the larger worm (No. 2) should then be passed up the large hook, till No. 2 worm touches No. 1. The upper part of No. 2 should now be turned under, round, and over No. 1. The small hook is then covered with as much of No. 2 worm as it will take; the end of fine gut of No. 2 is passed under No. 1 worm where the shank of No. 1 hook emerges, then through the " roll-over I (now to be tightened), and a turn is to be taken with the fine gut Over the strong, and all symmetrically made taut. With a little practice, the worms can be jammed quite up to the knots, and the knots fitted " home " and close. The barb of the little hooks should lie close, and, if possible, a little in, on the roll of No. 2 worm, and should be presented as little as possible to the touch of a fish's mc^th. " In rowling " for trout, both hooks come into use as fish-hooks; with salmon, the small hook is for the worm alone. The only difficulty in thus baiting arises in passing through a worm so larga an object as a salmon hook whipped on. It is not insuperable, and I have preferred to deal with the worm flight as I know it, rather than diverge to the consideration of its problematical improvement by employing an eyed salmon hook. The large hook is meant for the salmon—the little one merely to secure the worms and show them handsomely. N.B.—With this flight I have tried double salmon hooks, but fruitlessly. I never could cover them with worms, and they fouled very often. They are too heavy, and one of the crowning merits of the flight is its immunity from fouling. A flight can be seen at Mr, Bowness's shop, opposite the I$w Courts ; and he will show J 70 How and Where to fish in Ireland. specimens made up for sale. This flight and gufe foot line should be at least 9 ft. long. In using the worm flight for salmon (and I may dismiss it with, this remark), it will be found most successful with the new spring fish, new run summer fish, in all waters strong enough to carry it along, and it will, on the whole, beat anything, if run by such rocks, eddies, or harbours, as are known to the local anglers as fish I cradles." On every salmon pool and stream places are to be found where fish (sometimes only one, but always one) are never absent during the season. One is killed, another takes his place instanter. All Irish snipe-shooters know little bogs which will hold a couple or two couple of snipe each day of five months. If they be shot, the same number replace them; never more nor less. And thus it is with salmon. I know not why—my fellow-sportsmen may take up the question. In worm-fishing for trout much has been said applicable to worm-fishing for salmon. When nice quills cannot be got for floats, a well-rounded, not over clean wine cork makes a good substitute. Some anglers say a soiled cork is much the best float. It will run best if tapered off to a cone at each end. III How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 71 CHAPTER V. OF PIKE-FISHING. I have heard it said that the Elysian retreats of the spirits of pike- fishers, dead and justified, will be by waters like Irish Loughs. If I swallow the statement it will only be with a cup of salt, for most pike anglers I have come across find too severe the hardships surrounding the pursuit as followed in Ireland. For the hardy select few, no place I know affords more sport than Ireland, and much of supreme quality is to be got in the best loughs by clever anglers with suitable tackle and big baits. Amongst Irishmen good pike-fishers are rare, and, at best, they only turn their attention to Esox when the trout, salmon, or sea trout are no longer about. Generally, pike-fishing is followed by the poorest sportsmen, with Very primitive appliances. Small natural baits, frogs, troutlings, roach, mice, rats, eels, and eel-tails, are all used on night-lines, and in spinning from bank or boat: artificial baits seldom, and universally too small to attract much attention from the tyrants of the deep accustomed to the largest mouthfuls. The spoon-bait is well known, but it is seldom spun deep enough, and, except by night, the largest fish do not frequent the shores or shallows. I confess myself not an adept in pike-fishing, having neglected my opportunities, which were brilliant, but I know enough of the matter to give sound practical advice as to the mode of capture, and the whereabouts of the best fishing. The latter will be found set out in the attached Tour Guide. The stoutest tackle must be used by the pike-fishers in Ireland. No doubt the fish are less wary than in the closely-guarded preserves in England, and this, like other fishing facts is difficult to understand. In the smaller lakes, which often hold monsters, live-baiting with very good and very large baits will be found best, and the tackle I may recommend from experience and the approval of some high authorities is that for which, I believe, we are indebted to Mr. Jardine. It consists of a I I J 72 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. large double hook, with a smaller braised or tied on to insert in the side of the bait (under a small bit of the skin), and an adjustable back hook, the whole secured on a gimp link (handsomely discoloured by being kept in the trousers pocket, folded in chamois leather, with a small piece of brimstone). Above this the float may be adjusted at suitable length by using a cork split half way through. This latter float is known to every fisher-lad in Ireland. Its fellow, improved in appearance, and with no loss of utility, is that called the Fishing Gazette float.x Provided with a few of these appliances of varying sizes, the pike angler in Ireland should have great sport, but I think if Count de Moira's contrivance be used, the wire " gallows" from which the live bait is to depend, should be much stronger and longer in the beam, and be in exact equilibrio when the lead reaches the bottom; and it is this matter of equilibrium which presents the only difficulty, because in sinking the contrivance in profound depths I foresee some possible complications which may arise from the antics of a lively bait. There is a simple contrivance of a young relative of the writer's which secures great pike, and it is now the only " paternoster" in common use on one of the best loughs. The illustration on page 74 1 Since writing the above I have been attracted to another live- Lait tackle, the invention of Count de Moira, and in this I may be permitted to suggest one improvement (?)—the substitution ofc Mr. Jardine's armature, instead of the triple back hooks and head hook3. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. n explains it fully, if it be borne in mind that a bit of thread, seen loose in the drawing, is in practice passed from the juncture of the triple hooks Under and up the other side of the bait to the bend of the back hook (it its emergence from the fin. To the bend it is tied off, to secure the lure with little injury. For the largest pike a half-pound COUNT DE MOIRA'S TACKLE. trout is the very smallest which should be " sent a fishing." I may anticipate a natural objection by saying that the innate caution of the trout prevents his ever fouling in the line above the sinker, unless he be semi-moribund and in a strong current, when live-baiting should make way for spinning. n How and Where to Fish in Ireland. The localities where live-baiting will repay the angler best are the lakelets which abound all over the island, and on very few of them can much be done without a boat, which is very rarely available. A "Berthon,"2 a corracle, or a collapsable boat, is therefore a necessity for those anglers who would get hold of many of the best fish in the waters which are preserved from the attacks of the locals by lack of any contrivance to get out to the haunts of the big pike. In spinning for pike the small trout beats all other natural lures. With one exception the largest-sized artificial bait is the best. (In London, Bowness keeps them, and all the Irish tackle-makers sell good ones.) The exception is a specially-made and gigantic phantom, painted with phosphorescent paint, which shows somewhat in the deepest and darkest waters. I am at present endeavouring to get a manufacturer to produce a glass minnow, well protected by metal and of dark bottle-glass on the back and clean below, with a hollow inside to hold phosphorus, to, when wet, illuminate the profundities, and the bait spinning therein. Till something of this kind is accomplished the greatest pikes will not be PLUMMET taken, for during daylight their haunts are too deep to permit any ordinary bait to flash in conspicuous beauty. For the present, a very deeply-spun and heavy foot-long phantom (phospho painted) must satisfy one, and I can only add to the list of my allurements a big spoon, all the better if ornamented on the convex side with a scalp-lock made of the most brilliant stiff materials. An used-up largest size " Goldfinch " Shannon fly, retied on gimp and secured 2 Messrs. Cording, and Messrs. Meiter and Co., of Gracechurch Street, sell very suitable boats. The Usk corracles are cheaper and very good, though not so portable on cars, but they require skill to manage. Haw and Where to Fish in Ireland. 75 at head of spoon, does very well, and beats, if trailed, any ordinary pike fly. As for the best spinning flight, I have no hesitation in recommending that of Mr. Cholinondeley Pennell, with a lip, two back hooks (one reversed), a bending hook, and two triangles. With this flight, and of the largest size, the pike fisher in Ireland should in general be quite independent of tackle for dead gorge bait, in the use of Which every local boatman is an adept. I, however, think its employment by the side of the Pennell flight half worthless, and therefore dismiss it shortly, with the hearty wish that many English pike-fishers may be induced to seek the sport ready for them in green Ireland, and to instruct my countrymen in the one branch of good angling in which the latter are far behind Englishmen. The monsters are there, and their destruction has a merit which touches trout and salmon fishers as well as those brave sportsmen whose best sport is got during the winter and spring gales. In Ireland there is no protection given or wanted for spawning pikes. II If 76 How and Where to Fish in Ireland* CHAPTEE VI. SALMON. Thk capture of a sturdy salmon in his best condition is a noble diversion. The pleasure is greatly enhanced if the capture is accomplished in the first style of fine art—with the fly ; and here I confine myself to it alone, not digressing to discuss whether flyfishing for salmon or trout be the more sporting pastime; but only pointing out some of the differences of procedure in two arts, which have each some special, and both common, merits. I am not writing for tyros, and assume that few readers Will follow me closely, except those who have already made such progress in the accomplishment of casting a salmon fly as justifies me in passing over with brevity that branch of the art of killing salmon. The great object of a salmon-fisher when casting is, 1st, to get his fly straight out, and to the very end, without having at the first contact with the water any " belly " or kink on the line between the winch and the fly.1 2nd, to cover the place, where the object of pursuit harbours, with the fly " in play," and well sunk.2 3rd, to take up such a position, and so manage his tackle that all possible advantages will be with the rod if a fish be hooked. To attain these objects, the first care ought to be a knowledge of the pool; and more time is lost, and fish too, by those who try to pick up geography, whilst working a rod, than by calmer observers who lay out their ground first, and then proceed by plan. To do this effectively two great common agents, wind and light, have to be reckoned with everywhere. The special agents are, the batiks, the beds, the colour of the stream, and the weight of its waters. Some of the latter, the special agents, require consideration first, The banks must be studied and known before the possibility of casting from 1 I shall further on speak of a cast requiring a | belly "—I generalize here. 2 Later on I shall explain fully how such play may be best got into a fly; for the present it is enough to say that j play " means that the fly should (in water) close and open its materials as a thing with life. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. jj them, or the mode of doing it best, can be settled on, and the beds must be also known before the lodges of unhooked, or the boulders, roots, or other aids to hooked fish can be appreciated. The form of the bank, and the force and direction of the wind, ; the incidence of the light, and the fisherman's casting powers, will then decide him as to how to fish the pool, and if he may not need to take the water, the less he does so unnecessarily the better for his comfort and generally for his sport. If he has to wade, the depth, force, and weight of water must govern him. And when he has drawn in his mind a general sketch of how he is best to get his fly over fish, the light, the season, the colour of the water, must direct him as to the size, colour, and pattern of his flies. The few fishermen who can really make long casts will not heed my advice or require it; but most people will have a better account of real sport by dismissing to the post-prandial "witching hour of punch " all recollection of the performances of such past-masters as my friend Major Traherne or Pat Hearnes. Forty*five yard casts are wonderfujl things, and seldom made in real practice. For myself, I put " forty yards nicely " by the side of the habitual long shots which are commonly talked o/and were even before the choke bore era. I have sometimes accomplished thirty in good style, but only sometimes, and I desire to recommend most fellow-anglers to be satisfied with so moderate a length of line cleanly used," consulting" too, as I do, the wind and making use of it on all possible occasions. No fly ever reached its destination too lightly, but a light-dropping fly is by no means needful in salmon fishing, and the point where the fly drops should ever be above the fish's lodge, and at such a distance as permits the fly to sink well before coming into the field of his vision. Unlike trout-fishing, casting up-stream is undesirable, and on the whole the best cast is that which starts in the water opposite the angler, to turn down-stream in an arc covering all thebest "fish cradles" within reach. To me salmon seem to rise oftenest to flies heading well up-stream (as trout do to those on the cross-lines accursed by all true men), and if a choice of banks be open, this up stream fly preference should often induce one to neglect for a time such advantages as the wind might give, but a fisher can never afford to disregard the effect of light throwing his shadow on the stream between " the interested parties." One should never expect success if, in the vision of the fish, the fly be viewed in a background of angler or angler's shadow, and though salmon seem much less observant than trout of movements on the adjacent banks or in the water near them, they naturally grow too suspicious of the big 78 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. wm\\y ili thing with the shadow in front to spare the attention due to the other more attractively-clad stranger (the hook). Perhaps I shall make myself clear by saying that the wind somewise across the pool from the angler and against the light* and an unobstructed bank behind and at each side of him, are the conditions which will generally serve best. An up-stream wind is mostly preferable to a down-stream, and a moderate to a light one, and generally either is better than a gale. Salmon take in all weathers. I have killed them in a snow-storm and with both ice and snow coming down, but all experience shows that such conditions are most unfavourable. What I should look upon as commonly the best weather is that in Ireland called " soft;" occasional showers falling, not much, and inconstant sunshine, and a sweet, freshish breeze, with a point or two of south in it. The best condition is after a spate, but how soon is dependent on the river's flow, the obstructions between, and the distance of, the pools from the estuary.3 If the river has been so low that salmon ladders or other conveniences have only permitted the fish to get into the deeper reaches of the river, but not to overcome the obstacles which arise from lack of water, the fish in the estuaries seem to act as if acquainted with the state of affairs in the higher waters, and on the first spate they will rush up as far as it lets them. Bearing this in mind, the fishers of the pools furthest from the sea may not look out for the best sport immediately after the first spate, succeeding drought, has gone down, but their sport will probably continue to be good after the pools near the estuary have ceased to afford it. Nice observations on this matter will enhance the best angler's chances, and are themselves very interesting. We really know very little of the salmon's habits, and move in a mist of "facts," reliable and unreliable; but my advice as to fishing after spates cannot be without some value. The rate at which salmon run up has not been determined, and it must vary much in fast and slow, strong and feebly-running, open and obstructed, rivers,—and even in different lengths of the same river. I can supply but one established fact in this connection. It has been proved in an Irish river of average size and force, and running between flattish banks, that some spring fish have made their way the first fourteen miles, and passed two rapids, within twenty-six hours. The knowledge of local anglers, who generally know how soon to expect the run, is often most accurate, and should be utilized and recorded. 3 In some rivers salmon are said never to take a fly but during a flood or when clearing after one. I have met no such river, but I know that there are many where fish are very shy in very low waters. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 79 Casting divides itself into three branches; the overhaul, the underhand,4 and the up-top cast. And there is a trick, of which I have often heard, but only seen successfully practised by two artists. I shall try to describe the trick before I say anything of the casts. The trick consists of making the fly jump forward a second time after it has first reached the flood. How it seems to be done (I fail to do it) is by making a second movement (driving sharply and forward) of the rod-top, and throwing off simultaneously a coil of line, after the fly by the ordinary cast has just reached its furthest, but before its immersion. I have seen this well done by one angler after the overhand cast, and by another after the underhand cast. Both succeeded in getting over some water which they were unable to cover in the usual way, but it seemed to me that the game was scarcely worth the candle ; and on rivers of so great a breadth, or so obstructed as to make it even desirable, the use of a " cott," or corracle, or some other " ship " is, I think, preferable to the adoption of a most difficult tour deforce] which it cost me hours of hard labour to—fail to make. The overhand cast is of course the most common, and not, I believe, as useful as the underhand. With pains everything can be done with the latter which can be done overhand, and (in adverse winds especially) the overhand cast will fail to accomplish what with the underhand is easy and pleasant. I therefore adopt and recommend the practice of the underhand cast when it can be applied. Both casts are well understood, and I think few of my readers would benefit by anything I could suggest about them. But the " up-cast" is little understood, and its great utility, if I can make it better known, will plead for me, even if the difficulty of explaining it quite clearly on paper proves too much for my powers of description. It is of signal value where the fisher is so hedged in by rocks or foliage that he cannot allow his flies to come one inch behind him. If there be a strong wind across the stream from the side opposite the rod, the up-cast can't be made; under all other circumstances it can be; and this is the procedure best carried out with no dropper fly. The angler first makes up his mmd how much line he can manage with safety, and the sooner he gets out this, at the head of the pool, the better his task will be « I omit the " Spey " cast, not bocause it is not as useful as anv other, but because I fear my powers of description would fail to convey it to any one who has not seen it made. Beside this, I believe and am assured by Spey anglers, that it cannot be properly made except with a rod with a Spey I list" in it, and that is a sort of implement I have not recommended, for I know little of it. I fancv the " up-cast" will often do all the " Sney " does. J I IP ill!» ■II M 80 How find Where to Fish in Ireland. done. Letting his fly run down-stream till most of the determined length has run out taut, he holds the rest of it in coil under the forefinger of his uppermost hand; then he looks across (" throws half an eye") to the point where his fly should drop, and, by raising his rod-top, clears every inch of the line from the water, but just so much as gives his fly a slight grip in the stream below him on his own side. At this moment by a sharp up throw he shoots the line as straight above his head as he can—but no part of it should go back behind him—and when the line has made one curved "belly "upwards (vide illustration 1), he jerks that part of it forwards, regardless in some measure of the fly end, with that sort of action which will send the belly forward across the stream with the fly tumbling over it (vide illustration 2), and opening the curve of the line in its onward progress. When the fly has got to that point (vide illustration 3) just a little in advance of that portion of the line which had made up the belly, the slack (coil) is released by the forefinger, and it runs out whilst the rod is still held high, wmm How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 81 and the fly driven on will drop lightly on the furthest water. I feci how unintelligible my words are, but I think the study of the drawings should help me much in pointing out to a practical angler the mysteries of the beautiful and effective, though recondite up-cast. To make the up-cast perfectly, the most suitable rod is one with a spring from the very grip of the butt, but the top piece must be %tiff, and any timber " lissomer " than green-heart will not suit. I should think from what I have heard of their qualities that split cane rods should answer very well. And if the steel cores of some of these be really effectively fitted, such rods should be the best of all. To make up-casts cleanly and far 0% a heavy line is needed; G 82 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. indeed, no effective cast can, I think, be made with light lines, and there might be no reasonable limit to their heaviness if it were not for the natural tendency of a very heavy reel-line to get fai front of the lighter gut-line at the moment of the fly's descent on the water. When we get the ideal gut (round, stout, clear, and in strands of nine feet), it will still lack one excellence if it weighs much less than the reel-line of equal length. Peel-lines for salmon casting, as at present made, are not too heavy if not clumsy ; and if double gut be used in the upper half of the casting-line, the tail fly, unless abnormally small, will have itself weight enough to straighten out the other moiety. Were it not for the question of weight, I should never use a casting-line of more than single gut; and if made with the buffer knots (gut-bound fisherman's), of good material,5 they will stand any strain which the largest fish can put on in fair water. A four or six ply twisted cast will be sometimes cut by snags or rocks. In " trailing " (" harling," "hauling," "trolling") the thickness of the line makes little difference against the fisher. And for harling, stout, undressed but tanned lines are perhaps on the whole the best of all, because when wet they | swim well; " an advantage which will be appreciated by any one who has had such experience as one gets in the great rushes above Corbally Weir, near Limerick. Long lines, with sufficient dressing to make it useful, run very dead in such waters, and light dressings chip here and there, confine the moisture in patches, prevent the line from drying equally in all its parts, and thus rot it before an undressed line would be spoiled. If getting much work the lines should be in pairs, and used day by day alternately, the one drying while the other is in use. Undressed lines for salmon harling, and perhaps all undressed lines for boat work, should be cable-laid, as such a "laying-up" prevents kinking. I have seen no dressing which did not rot cotton lines, except the naptha-indiarubber one ; and the objections to undressed cotton are minimized wThen they are cable laid.6 As I touch for a moment on harling for salmon, I may say that in using a fly for such work I much prefer gut loops, at the head of the fly, to metal. Bat the loops must be made of a length inadmissible * Cheap, and good gut is not possible. Bowness in London, and Nestor in Limerick, and Haynes in Cork, give the perfect gut; but indeed the best tackle-shops in London, Dublin, and Cork, do justice to all their customers. 6 I never use any reel lines for salmon casting but the best silk plaited and rubber dressed; 85 to 100 yards " married " to a butt- line of commoner texture. In another chapter I give a varnish which I think perfection to re-dress such lines when they want it (after much use during years). * How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 83 in flies for casting. In casting, such a loop, when the softened gut grows limber, will permit the fly to turn back, and in baffling winds the hook will inevitably roll over the casting-line behind the loop, and so present the fly "head before tail." In harling, however, a fly on such a loop plays to the right and" left very prettily and makes the gracefullest courtesies to the royalties of the flood.7 As-the thickness of the gut line, when harling, is of little moment, twisted gut (up to six plaited strands with some) is used, and I know no knot so good to attach a plaited casting-line to the fly as a whipped loop on the former passed dowmvards and out of the loop of the fly and then over the fly, so that it rests, when pulled home, behind the head of the flv and on the wing side. When a salmon rises to a fly and does not take it, one good cast may be made over him at once. If he does not then take, the time needed to fill a pipe and light it is quite sufficient before trying again, and if he be moved once more fruitlessly, the fault is in the fly, which should therefore be changed.^ Nothing but experience, and, perhaps, nothing but local experience, will suggest the change most likely to be effective when fish will rise but not hook; but there is a general rule which is often worth application. The fish likes the colour, but the size does not suit him. Therefore try another fly of the pattern but of another bulk. If the fly which the salmon was coy with, is bigger than those usually found best, get out a smaller at once; if smaller, reverse procedure. If the fly refused be of normal size what should weigh with the angler is first the state of the water, and then the wind. If the river be below its common level, a small fly is likely to meet the need, if higher a big fly may do. In a calm a smaller fly, in a gals a larger. I have found these maxims useful, and will presume that acting upon them, I have mounted a new fly and worked it acrosi the river to the lodge of the rising fish.8 The change has done it, * Mies for harling should have preposterously long tails, as salmon "going for " a trailed fly always bite well up on it, and the glittering long tail is very strikingly attractive. 8 Worked is a word I should not be misunderstood in using. Mr a 2 84 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. and the fish has turned down with the fly in grip. If his mouth is felt, a steady, firm, and low stroke fixes the hook. A chuck with a half intention is worse than useless, and if a fisherman is so nervous that he must put a jerk in it he had better leave striking alone, and trust to his rod's spring and the salmon's dash. Eeadt and steady are the words, and it is a good habit to get into saying them the moment a fish rises. Well, he's hooked—and any description of his fight I must reserve for other pages than an angler's guide. When a salmon is hooked, some common practices are I think open to objection, and perhaps these malpractices (?) arise because the majority of salmon fishers are "entered" to trout. Accustomed to the delicate tackle without which good trout cannot be secured, they don't rely enough on that with which salmon should be fished for, and I think want of confidence in summary processes, on good rivers, loses more hooked fish than all the over confidence of English-speaking fishing-men. Trusty greenheart, silk, and gut is cheap at any price. Get them, but hold on sturdily to the fish. Our Irish habit is to play a fish rings up, and if any reader will only take the trouble of feeling how much more force it needs to run out a line against the friction of the whole upper side of a bent rod than through the down-turned rings, I think he will realize that the former has great advantages, one of which is that it keeps an even binding-down sort of strain on every inch of the convexity of the rod. All things being equal as to banks, &c, I prefer to get a fish to run up-stream at first dash. It takes something out of him to pull a line against the stream, and, at first, the hook hole in his jaw is likely to be in better condition to resist his shakes than it will be after the tussle, when I shall try to draw him down-stream bewildered, and open gilled, with the stream choking him. The only valid objection to turning a salmon up-stream when in his strength arises from the knowledge of his common trick of getting out a length of line in the rush up, and then dropping down quickly enough to get " a slack " on it before it can be gathered in on the reel; but unless an angler be a cripple or in a very straight place he ought seldom to let a fish so beat him in running up, that the length of line out will preclude prompt recovery. A fish should not, if possible, be permitted to rest a moment. Salmon get their second wind like a ealmon anglers work their flies too much, and if it were not that, quite contrary to their belief, their flie3 are only infinitesimaliy affected by their rod wagglings, they would probably scare away fish. In truth it is only on a very short line that the fly feels the fisherman's shakes. The Only movement ever needed, and it is bad in rough water, is a steady give and take, with no shiver, and it is got by a toss of the rod-top made from the wrists alone. I How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 85 well-trained man, but this they can't do if they be home on, and their heads twisted down-stream every time they stop "for a spell." Another good effect of frequent little " buttings " on a running fish is, that they arouse the fish's obstinacy at the right time, and force the fighting on disadvantageous terms to him. When the fish runs up tugging after him the unwonted incumbrance attached to this thing in his jaw, the most ready ease for him is to turn his head down-stream, but that adds to the already almost unbearable feeling of choking, and the bothersome thing is still straining, and not much less heavily, so he throws a somersault,* and yet the hook—is in him still, so off up-stream he goes, pumping away his remaining strength. This performance won't bear frequent rehearsal, and the monster who has been following him about soon pulls him down-stream beaten, listless, and choking once more. If the salmon does not turn over on his side now, ordinarily the little strength left him will wear out in another and shorter battle against rod, line, and stream, and he will be brought to gaff at once.1 There are no words I have written so valuable to the salmon-fisher who has hooked a fish, as "keep a fish on a short line." When the salmon is landed he should "get the priest" before any attempt is made to release the fly from his mouth. It is a bungling practice to try to release it with a live fish attached, and can only be understood by sympathizers of the careful soul, who, being stuck in a forty-pounder, must needs proclaim his anxiety for the safety of his " sweet seven-and-saxpenny flee." When the coup de mart is given and the fly out, the salmon should be bled at once, and "straightened," i.e., cooled before being put into the bag or creel. This is a precaution which must depend on the "gossoon" inlreland. And if one is a gourmet or wishes to send his fish away in perfect condition, the lower side should till cool rest on some pad which permits the air to circulate under. This explains why rough dry heath is a perfect "slab " for fresh-killed salmon. Five minutes to straighten or stiffen is quite enough after death. The "Fish" should be weighed before being bled.2 9 When a fish makes a somersault he either breaks the tackle or his heart, and it is the easiest thing in the world, if he has been kept in hand, to preserve the former at the fish's expense. All that is wanted is to drop the rod point instanter as he emerges. In a second he is down, and with the sound of the flop which so " takes it out of him," the top should be lifted not too sharply, but just sharply, and the conquering tight line got on again. 1 I have spoken of gaffing elsewnere. * I have taken no account of sulky salmon. Men who have fished HI I iff I i 86 How and Whereto Fish in Ireland. Before I approach the subject of most interest to salmon-fishers (the fly), I must unburthen myself as to the casting line, which I prefer of single gut of perfect roundness, and of nine feet, when I use a dropper (at four feet or four and a half feet from the tail-fly), or of seven feet when I fish, as I generally do, with only one fly. I confess no preference for new gut, and indeed select one year old gut as against that from a quite new hank, but I try to keep the casts in use constantly moist. Good casts are worth any amount of trouble to build up, and when one has made them and tested them, it is worth while to keep them as constantly moist as possible, and this can be effected by keeping the spare ones in wet flannel rolled in oil silk in the house, and the spare one on the river-side in damp flannel in the gut case. Perfect well hardened old gut cannot have too much moisture, and it is in that respect that it is better than new gut. I know many and the best anglers disagree with me on this head, but I am frank to declare my difference with them. If one uses eyed-hooks, the only attachment needed for the salmon cast is, 1, run the gut through the eye; 2, pass it above or below the shank (as required by turned up or down eyes—I prefer down turned); 3, pass back the gut through eye; and 4, make a double roll-over knot on the " part | of gut outside eye; 5, pull the roll-over taut before jambing all home. The same knot serves with gut loops, but there is another more easily undone and quite secure, except with eyed hooks (vide p. 10). It is that recommended to attach the casting lines to reel lines, but the gut of the casting line and the fly must be quite soaked before the attachment (there is no knot) is drawn home. I do not know what salmon take the "flies" for. Perhaps they are greatly actuated by "pure cussedness," perhaps a little by hunger, but. I have an abiding faith that they won't take the fly if it seems not a living thing8—and life is only got by well constructed flies. much in Scotland tell me that the Irish fish have a share of native vivacity which contrasts with the sobriety of Scotch salmon. I have not often had to do with obstinately sulky fish, and know of no device, unless stone-throwing which is useful to set one going, or a messenger made from a visiting-card dropped down the line (when it lan be done). I do not know why, but sulky salmon seem more plentiful amongst the spring run than those later in the season.^ I merely mention this as one of the observations which, without having apparent present significance, may really be of value when treated by Dr. Gunther, Mr. Day, or Mr. Willis Bund. a The first requirement of a fly with a good hook is brilliancy of some sort to attract attention, then life to fix attention sufficiently to get a fish to chop it as a bonne bouclie. Life can't be got excent How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 87 Fishermen have exhausted ingenuity, time,#thougJit, and genius to make killing flies and establish patterns. My belief in how far they have not lost time amounts to this. I think certain patterns (instance the Jock Scott) are attractive on almost all rivers, and that certain patterns establish themselves amongst the locals on all rivers, because they are of combinations which, in the local circumstances— the colour of water, depth, stratifications, and even the prevailing skies —are best seen and so tickle the fancy of the local salmonidm. They are in fact, masters of the situation, champions of the surroundings, because amongst the surroundings they command an attention which other combinations lack. In the list of flies I set out for the angler in Ireland, I shall confine myself first to standard patterns, which follow very closely those of the Fishing Gazette, and I shall mention a few, perhaps, new to most anglers—one or two barely known, except to the designers—and with this list and description the first book of my task of guidance as an angler will wind up. When I set to do it I was encouraged because I really thought I was breaking in on almost new ground. As I went on the words of experienced fellow-countrymen, on whom I relied for some assistance, taught me that I had little to say that had not been said before by others. If in so teaching me my friends brought me disappointment, they have reassured me by saying that there is no epitome of the information of the many gone before, and that such an epitome is wanted. I can only say that I hope I may in some measure supply the want and give my readers some pleasant hours, such as I have had in putting together pages which recalled in production many of the happiest days of a most chequered, but, thank the Almighty God, a not unhappy life. with buoyant elastic materials, which will give and take with the play of the water, and all furs, hackles, and wings which don't do this are useless. To secure the best play of the best wings, at least the underlying wing should be tied bach first, and subsequently turned over the hackling and body before the fly's heading and completion. 88 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. FOUR RULES WITH FLIES:—DRAW IN THE DEEP FOR CHARR. DROWN NEAR THE SURFACE FOR LAKE TROUT. TRIP ON THE TOP FOB BROOK TROUT. SINK WELL FOR SALMON. STANDARDS.—FLIES. 1. The "Rainbow." Tag—silver twist and light blue floss. Tail—topping. Butt—scarlet ostrich. Body—three rolls yellow seal, and then of mohair, scarlet, grass* green, golden, indigo, light blue, and claret red. Hackle-^yellow from first joint. Throat—guinea fowl. Wing—fibres of tippet;. grey turkey; yellow, red, and blue swan; bustard; pheasant tail; brown mallard; widgeon, and a topping over all. |^?y Cheeks^-jungle. Head—varnished. (The wing I have seen was a plain mixed wing, with plenty topping over all.) 2. The "Mohair Canary" (F.G.). Nearly the " Nora Criena " (in Ireland). Tag—silver twist and yellow floss. Tail—a topping and bit of tippet. Butt-—black ostrich. Body—three turns yellow floss, remainder golden seal. Ribbed—silver tinsel. Hackle—golden with black centre from floss joint, gold colour mohair at shoulder. Wing—bronze herl and golden mohair. (In Ireland we omit the Italicized portions, and the wing of "Nora" h as golden topping over golden mohair.) This is one of the best flies known. 3. The I Fiery Brown." Tag—gold twist and orange silk. Tail—topping. Body—fiery brown seal ribbed gold tinsel. Hackle—from first turn of tinsel fiery brown or deep blood-red, at shoulder black. Wing—tippet strands concealed between blue macaw horns. Head—black teal. I take a libei-ty with the fly and sometimes add—to one of the most hilling flies—a blue jay hackle under extreme shoidder by head. 4. "Sir Archibald." Tag—silver twist and orange floss. Tail—topping and a little bit tippet. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 80 Body—two turns salmon colour { \ ^ave s?en tHis7 fl? J^ floss, the remainder yellow < Ze\ a 8£mon coloT flosS geal J j displaced by rose colour or ( black. Hackle—yellow over the seal. Bibbed—silver. Shoulder—light blue. Cheeks—chatterer. Wings—mixed brown, bustard, brown mallard, some topping over all. Head—black ostrich (not blue wool as in F.G.) and original fly. 5. "SilverCanary." Tag—silver twist and yellow floss. Tail-a topping sprigs of tippet, widgeon, and chatterer (topping alone is enough). Butt—black ostrich. Body—flat silver, ribbed oval silver. Hackle—canary from oval tinsel. Throat—indigo blue hackle. Wing—gold mohair, a little tippet, and topping over all. Side—jungle. Cheeks—chatterer. Head—black. In Ireland this is a new fly, of which I hear great accounts. 6. " Dirty orange." Tag—gold and light blue silk. Tail—topping and bit of tippet. Butt—black herl. Body—two turns light orange silk, the rest dirty orange seal, ribbed gold tinsel. Hackle—light dirty orange from the silk up. Throat—jay. Wings—ginger turkey, gallina, breast golden pheasant, bustard, herl, golden pheasant (strands), black turkey white tips, red macaw, dyed dirty orange and dark blue swan; strips of mallard over all. Horns—blue macaw. Head—black. 7. The " Jock Scott." Tag—silver twist, light yellow silk. Tail—topping and Indian crow. Butt—black herl. Body—first half, light yellow silk, fine ribbing silver tinsel; above and below according to size two or three toncans or long Indian crow to reach over butt, then two turns black herl. t Second half, black silk under natural black hackle and ribbed silver. Throats-guinea fowl. Wings—largish strips black turkey white tips, under strips 90 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. MM I i ■ i ii Hit bustard, grey mallard, golden pheasant tail, red macaw, blue and yellow swan; over all strips of mallard and topping. Sides—jungle. Cheeks—c h atterer. Horns—blue macaw. Head—black. This is the best general fly in Ireland. 8. The I Butcher/' Tag—silver twist and dark yellow silk. Tail—topping and powder-blue macaw. Butt-—black herl. Body—first section, light cardinal red; second, light blue; third, dark purplish red; fourth, indigo seal's fur, ribbed silver. Hackle—first section cardinal dyed seal, then black hackle. Throat—golden yellow hackle, guinea fowl. Wings—two tippets tied back to back, then breast feather of golden pheasant over and beyond, then covering all a veil of mixed summer-duck, gallina, bustard, pheasant tail; yellow swan and mallard over all like horns; at each side, two long fine toppings. Horns—blue macaw. Cheeks—chatterer. Head—black ostrich or varnished. The wing I describe in this fly is not the ordinary one, I think it oetter.—H. R. 9. I Thunder and Lightning "—Hibernice, " the Bully." Tag—gold and yellow. Tail—topping. Butt—black herl. Body—black silk or horsehair ribbed gold. Hackle—from tinsel golden. Throat—jay. Wings—mallard and topping. Sides—large jungle cock. Horns—blue macaw. Head—black. There is a " Moy Thunder and Lightning " which differs from this, and there is a 1 Thunder " and a " Lightning." 10. The I Captain " (Major Traherne's pattern). Tag—silver twist light blue silk. Tail—topping and chatterer. Body—two turns light orange silk, two turns dark orange seal, two turns dark red claret seal's fur, and finish dark lilac seal, ribbed silver. Hackle—a white cocky bondhu dyed light red-claret, from the orange silk. Throat—blue hackle and gallina. Wings—pintail, teal, gallina, peacock wing, amherst pheasant, bustard and golden pheasant tail, swan dyed light orange, How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 91 dark orange, claret, and dark blue; with two strips of mallard above and a topping* Sides—jungle. Horns—blue macaw. Head—black herl, I have had an extract from Major Traherne's book taken to describe this fly, which I am told is of supreme value, as I hope to learn on personal acquaintance. 11. The " Durham Ranger." Tag—silver twist light yellow silk. Tail—topping, Indian crow. Butt—black herl. Body—two turns orange silk, two turns dark orange seal; the other half black seal, ribbed silver. Hackle—orange seal's fur, white cocky bondhu dyed orange. Throat—light blue hackle. Wings—four golden pheasants overlapping themselves to show the dark bands, and some of their red gold, these should enfold two very long jungle fowl which project back to back; a topping over all. Cheeks—chatterer. Horns—blue macaw. Head—black herl, ostrich or wool. 12. The " Black Jay." Tag—silver twist and yellow silk. Tail—topping. Butt—black herl. Body—two turns black silk, rest black seal's fur, ribbed Silver. Hackle—natural black over the seal. .Throat—plenty of jay. Wings—tippet, ibis, guinea-fowl, golden-pheasant tail, teal, bustard, green and dark yellow dyed swan, mallard strips atop. Horns—blue macaw. Head—black herl. Many varieties of this fly are used. I believe this is near the original of the inventor, I have set down twelve standards., which are perhaps as well known to Scotch and Welsh anglers as to Irish. Indeed, most of them have not Irish parentage. In the tour guide will be found special patterns for each locality. The above are all good general flies. I 92 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. CHAPTER Vn. GAFFING LANDING CONTRIVANCES—DODGES—VARNISH—WAX. II ni In gaffing the main thing to be observed is to be 1. Cool. 2. Determined to make the stroke clean and from above. Nervous men never gaff well. If the gaff be small in the jaw, as most portable and telescopic gaffs are, the stroke must be necessarily a little upward to avoid touching the fish with the shaft before the point has entered. Gaffing tail wards is bungling practice, but on occasions of peril—in strong spates, in rocks, &c.—it is better to gaff by the tail promptly than not at all. The best gaffs for large fish I have ever seen are Nestor's, Limerick. If gaffs be large, and fixtures on long handles, fish may be gaffed at a considerable distance from the rod-man; a great advantage, especially in boats. Wlten kelts, particularly well-mended kelts, are about, no sportsman should ever use the gaff; the landing-net is the only proper implement then. If the handle of your standing gaff be varnished, rub off the varnish and have it plainly oiled and often. Eschew brightness in all fishing appliances. From the turn to the point the gaff should be perfectly straight.1 Landing-nets should be varnished with thin gold- size varnish, applied twice, but on the second occasion some months before use; and just when dry, it will serve the angler to have the net hung high, if in Ireland or Scotland, in a chimney over where peat is burned, elsewhere a dusty passage will do. The glitter of new varnish on rim, shaft, or bag of net scares many fish. In all nets a split shot or 1 Some of the most experienced anglers have recommended gaffing upwards from under the fish. 1 cannot conceive how they were led to believe in it—I think it fruitless. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 93 two should grip on the bottom meshes ; a swan drop or two is not too big for salmon landing-nets. More fish are lost gaffing and landing fish with head down-Stream than up. If the fish's eyes are out of the water at the moment of the stroke or lift he does not see the gaff or net. Fish are almost blind when out of water. Rods may be beautified and kept varnished when put aside I recommend the rings and bindings to be removed at such a time (of course, split canes don't permit this). When rods are in use a daily rubbing of an equal mixture of deer, or fresh mutton, fat and vaseline, equal parts, will keep them pretty enough for a practical angler's fancy. If lines be never laid up wet after use (rolling them off the reel round a parr of fishing stockings or the like for the drive or walk home), it is astonishing how long the best last. When home the angler's first care should be to wipe them as dry as possible and run them loosely over chairs or some suitable substitute. In the morning, before use, a thorough rubbing of the tallow or fat without so much vaseline will keep them perfect. The best mode to attach the cast to reel-line is that figured in page 10. To splice a rod, a shoemaker's "end" of ten plies of best hemp answers all purposes. Fine wick-cotton of the same bulk is also excellent. But if an angler keeps his rod standing during the season nothing grips so well as a splice-binding of raw hide. This actuaUy makes both the pieces as if one piece of timber, and really bites into it as it dries. The binding of splices should never be touching or close; if they are, much of the advantages of splicing over joints is lost. The illustration at the end of this chapter shows the neatest and best way of splicing • the ends should terminate (if seen at all) on the other side to the rod rings. The best wax I ever used is that sold by Rogan in Ballyshannon. I do not know how it is made, but it is so superior to all others that they may be forgotten by all fly dressers. If cobbler's wax for splices be found too hard, get some one else to knead a little grease^ into it before a fire. Gum shellac dissolved in spirits of Wine is the best heading I know of to finish "tieings off" or wrappings. An almost colourless wax is made thus: Bees'-wax and white rtsin, spermaceti and tallow, slowly simmered together and well stirred for half an hour, then thrown into a basin of cold water and worked together till tough. The proportions should II 94 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. be, of resin four times the size of bees'-wax, and of spermaceti and tallow equal proportions, making up a size equal to that of the wax. To keep off midges, the best and the nastiest mixture is made of melted marrow or fat well mixed with crude paraffin. The next best is turpentine and glycerine. The most agreeable, but inefficient, fragrant tobacco-smoke. To keep gut, roll it in a woollen, and then in an oil-silk or a rubber wrapping, which keeps it in an equable temperature. It is all a fiction about the strength of fresh gut. Old gut is better if well kept and sufficiently soaked before being made up in casts or headings. No dubbing keeps out water. The best to keep boots partially waterproof and quite pliant is tallow, vaseline, and paraffin, rubbed in when the boots are quite dry. To keep boots right, they should be wiped clean and treed, if only for ten minutes, when taken off, then filled with oats or stufled with bran, and dried in a current, but not near the fire. If a fisherman has no change of stockings, boots, or socks to wear when driving home some distance, and is unwilling to go barefoot during the jaunt, he had better defer the national libation till he gets into dry things, and bestow the whisky on his feet. A smoker should never depend on wax matches in the open air. If I flamers," or " vesuvians," or wooden sulphur matches won't light, the whiff can't come off. Drink the wine of the country (and of John Jameson's make if possible), in any quantity, but never early. The native habit can't be broken through with impunity. Varnish of Indian-rubber dissolved in naphtha, which is purchasable now in all large cities, is the best for rods and silk or cotton lines.2 I know no better clearing ring than a heavy curtain ring on a long whip-cord line. In boat drifting (when "fall" fishing) the wind often makes the pace too quick. To obviate this the best contrivance is a stout canvas bag or sack with a pair of lugs made of rope, which can be attached to two ropes from the boat, one from the bow and one from the stern. Sand, gravel, or peat can always be had to fill the bag, and the weight can be graduated as required. 8 To make this varnish soak into lines, the first application should be made with a mixture containing very little rubber, and this is very thin. A perfect varnish is perhaps not yet known. sKt!i_ How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 95 Disgorgers of the scissors pattern are very needful, and an angler should never go on lake or river without spare thole-pins or rowlocks—an aneroid barometer and a pocket compass are excellent aids in Ireland—a revolver is quite redundant—a pocket flask is quite efficient. Note.—The above cut is inadequate to show the best splice in all -its beauty, but it illustrates the principle of open bindings made bv several successive % double-turns " and " half-hitches." The local names of fish in Ireland vary, but the following are those commonly used:— Salmon (S. salar): "Bradhan" (sounding Bradhaun); "Breac- mor;" "saumon;" "a fish;" "lax." These names apply generi- cally. The first three are Irish, and only used where the native language still prevails. The last is a word which survives in Ireland, though lost in England, whence it came. Unclean fish are called "kippers" (rarely), "slatts," "kelts," "slangers" (in Mayo) |'red-fish," and "sojers" or "soldiers." A " well-mended kelt" is a fish which has spawned, and grown vigorous, but which has not actually reached the sea to recuperate. A hen-salmon after spawning is often called a "hag" (hibernice, "callac"). A hen- fish actually on the "redd" is called " Ban-a-thee" (mistress of the house). Grilse are called "peel," "pale," "grills," "grilse-" and, on Lough-Derg, "first-fish." The parr is called "gravelling" "sprat," "fry," "parr," "laspring," and "rhudeen" not to be m Iff If II 96 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. confounded with "crudeen" (the large lake-trout, when it goes up the river to breed). Sea-trout (Salmo-trutta). The sea-trout is called "breac-fin," " white-trout," " sea-trout," and " salmon-trout." Trout (Salmo-fario). The trout is "breac," "brown-trout," " red-trout." Lake-trout (Salmo-ferox). In Lough-Neagh, the large ferox is called 1 Boddac" or " Boddagh ft elsewhere I know of no othei name than " lake-trout," or " Gillaroo," which is often improperly applied to all large trout found in lakes. The true "Gillaroo" is the golden fish with the induration called a gizzard. A large trout about 22 lbs, caught in Lough Conn by Mr. Scrope, is declared to be a true bull trout (Eriox), and this discounts my opinion expressed at p. 53. The "Hobbin" (perhaps "vendace"), a pollen-like fish of some Kerry lakes, is locally called " breac-bui." Anglers should be alert to examine these queer customers, and submit them to Mr. Gunther or Dr. Samuel Haughton's successor at the Natural History Museum, Trinity College, Dublin, who will classify these yet unclassified salmonidcs. end of part I. HOW AND WHERE TO FISH IN IRELAND. Jart 5L WHERE TO FISH IN IRELAND. Angling Ireland may be divided into six districts. They are, starting from Dublin— 1. The Central. 4. The Western. 2. The South-eastern. 5. The North-western. 3. The Southern. 6. The North-eastern.1 Of these the Southern, the Western, and the Northwestern are the most important to salmon fishers and trout fishers. The Central used to have the best May-fly fishing, and some salmon and much brown trout-fishing; but few white- trout are found there; and now Lough Derg, Lough Mask, and Lough Cong afford quite as good May-fly fishing as the best Central districts. Tho South-eastern has some salmon, very little white- trout, and abundant brown-trout fishing. The North-eastern has some good salmon, a little white- trout, and good brown-trout fishing, with pollen in Lough Neagh, seldom caught by rod. All the districts may be entered by railways, but the North-west and West districts hold many fine waters which can best be got at by car, and both till lately afford less comfortable quarters than are found in the other four. The Central District. Dublin is for angler-tourists the headquarters of this district which as I set it out, embraces nine counties, viz., Dublin, Kildare, Queen's County, King's County, Westmeath, Longford, Cavan, Meath, and Louth. In Dublin County is the Liffey, a tidal river which flows Co.Dublin. through Dublin city and the County Kildare from its head- B. Liffey. 1 It is so long ago since I fished the N.E. district that I have to accept my friends' statements too frequently in lieu of my personal knowledge. They all say " it is on the whole unproved, but flax waste often destroys all sport." I if ft i 98 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. Co.Dublin, Liexlip. Lower Liffey. Sallins. Atligar- van Bridge. Upper Liffey. waters in the County Wicklow. The Liffey holds salmon, but not in large numbers. Owing to a cleaner tide-way than used to be, they are increasing, and promise to restore the ancient good name of Anna Liffey as a great salmon river. The best stretches are just below, at, and above Liexlip. The fishing is not private property, but the approach to the river is at all the best places restricted.1 Permission of the bank proprietors is seldom refused, and Mr. Martin Kelly, the fishing-tackle maker, of Sackville or O'Connell Street, can give all needful aid to salmon fishers. The flies which do best are the reputed | standards " which Major Traherne describes in the Badminton Library volume, but of small medium size in spring, and extra small in autumn. The only " specials" I would record are the i Blue Jay" (Pennell's pattern), | The Silver Grey," the " Black Fairy," and the "Fiery Brown" (Rogan's pattern). Large trout are to be killed in the deeps of the Lower Liffey up to Sallins, and occasionally above it as far as Athgarvan Bridge.2 Thence in the Upper Liffey, near, and in, the Wicklow hills, many dozens of herring-sized and spratt-trout reward the patient angler, who hits off a day when there is any water. But the stream runs down instanter, and a worm is then the only dependable lure. The flies are— The March brown ; the blue-body, black hackle, starling's wing; hare's ear and yellow; red hackle rail's wing; cow dung; green wren; orange grouse; olive dun; (green grouse late in summer), and very occasionally the " silver magpie." The best Liffey flies run smallish in spring, and very small later on. The Accommodation. Lower Liffey. Hotels in Dublin, generally better than some time ago. 02 i 1 3 1 0 0 ' Rail to Sallins and intermediate stations: Tramcarsto Liexlip: Cars. 1 Mid Liffey. Inn at Celbridge. Hotel at Naas and Newbridge. Rail or car. Upper Liffey. Hotel Blessington. I Van to Blessington. 1 Permission is not now so freely given as when this book first appeared. 2 A really expert | dry-fly " angler should do very Well Such anglers are not common in Ireland. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 99 On the way to Blessington by van, a lough (McDonnell's CoVOublin, mill) is passed, on which is a rickety boat. There are a few very large trout of great craft.1 There is no difficulty in Blessing* getting permission (on the spot), and the use of the boat; ton. but the game is barely worth the candle. The King's River is, from Blessington, easy to reach, and is very good for small trout. The flies are the same as the Liffey, and the trout mature early. The Upper Liffey, near Kilbride, gives good sport when there is water. The Vartry Reservoirs are within easy reach. The smaller is at Stillorgan and within the Dublin suburbs. The upper and larger reservoir is a very pretty lough. Both hold trout, and the upper many fish of great beauty, size, colour, and dash. The fishing is at present " free " to those who can get it. It is hampered by an absurd regulation that a " permit" must be got from the Corporation, one of whose members must accompany the angler.2 An effort is now being made to really open the fishing at a small daily charge. The Liffey flies do, but of larger size. Spinning the natural minnow, or the | Exhibition," or " Caledonian," kills the biggest trout. The Dodder used to be an excellent small trout stream. It seems quite destroyed, but it is worth the tourist angler's notice from Rathfarnam up, as the scenery is bewitching. "Mrs. White's" River at Killakee hill, overhanging Dublin, holds trout, and a few KUlakee. are corpulent. One of them exhausted all the wiles of the best Dublin fishers for some seasons, and was then caught foul by a novice. The trout had no eyes. The locals called him Gibraltar, " because he never was tuk," the girls " the ould bachelor." The Tolka is the nearest stream to the north of Dublin. This once Tolka. good stream is now ruined near the mouth by factories. From above the Botanic Gardens it improves, and in the 1 Very few, if any, now left, the pike having prevailed. 9 I hear that the regulation is now modified. Mr. Campbell, an ex-M.P. (the Town Clerk), is a sportsman, too good not to contribute as far as he can in helping other anglers. 100 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. property of Mr. Hamilton, who is very generous in giving CoJJublin. permission to fish, it is a sweet, small stream. The members of the Anglers'Club (in Parliament Street, Dublin,) are good brothers of the hook, and bent to assist in all ways strangers who present cards. The Tolka may be reached by car or train, or rail to Blanchardstown Station. There are three small rivers, the Santry, the Mayne, and the Portmarnock, which deserve little notice, and then further north The Sivords B. The Turvey B. Sherries. Is the Swords River, where a salmon now and then is spoken of. It is a good white-trout river, holding them, as other eastern rivers, in spring; and I have been told in greater numbers in autumn. It is preserved (perhaps without absolute legal authority) by a club, but there is no difficulty in getting permission to fish.1 All the white-trout flies mentioned in Book I. kill here; for brown trout, the Liffey patterns suit. Excellent accommodation is to be got at the Hotel Malahide, where the river joins the sea.2 From Malahide (nine miles from Dublin by rail) there is easy access to The Turvey River, which is a splendid white-trout river after full waters in autumn. The approach to the river is by the Dunabate or Rush Railway stations, and permission is required from the bank proprietors, who are not churls in acceding it. Still northwards, and running through the County Meath, are the Nanny and Delvin rivers, which hold very nice brown, and occasionally some white-trout. Skerries is very central for these streams, and there is a hotel there, and very nice lodgings, and good sea bathing. The Liffey flies suit, but should be small. In the County Meath Co.Meath. is the Boyne, a noble salmon stream; out most of its Boyne. waters are taken up by rod fishers, who hire the "rights," as 1 A friend supplements what I have to say of Swords: " The river is strictly preserved by one of the oldest fishing clubs in Ireland. Each member can procure a 2s. 6d. ticket for self and friend for one day; but no ' license/ no angling, is a strict condition. Whether the Loch Leven trout lately put in have done, is not yet sure, but the fishing is improving—more than 30 white-trout have been taken from the " pit pool" within 90 minutes. March and April are good months, but best run of large fish in autumn. 2 Malahide affords good sea fishing, and under the bridge black bass give better sport than any I have seen elsewhere. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. ioi far as they go, from the bank proprietors. Near the mouth, Co. Meath. at Drogheda, and here and there in open stretches, the Brogheda. fishing can be got on very easy, or without any, terms. The best files are, I am compelled to confess, Major Traherne's standards; notably the " Evangeline," " Blue Boyne," and " Jock Scott." The compulsion is evident to all who have heard of his wonderful sport on Ardnamurchan, not the best length of water on the Boyne. Drogheda and Navan afford hotel accommodation, and Navan. are both reached by rail, and Kells is central for the Boyne Kells. and the north (Boyne) Blackwater, which holds some salmon, Boyne. and some nice free trout fishing.1 The Moynalty river, which flows into the (N) Blackwater, Moynalty holds very good trout and a few " fish." Its trout are very river. plucky feeders, and give more sport than do usually those found in streams running through fat lands. Two stations further than Enfield, at the " Hill-of-Down," Hill-of- the " Dale," which runs in from Westmeath, gives excellent Down. sport, and perhaps more continuously than any neighbouring Bale B. river. Midway between the " Hill-of-Down " station and Kells the Stoney-Ford river runs into the Blackwater, and Stoney- gives good sport too. Ford river. The Delvin (vide ante Dublin) separates the counties of Delvin. Dublin and Meath. Where it flows through Lord Gormans- town's park it affords excellent fishing, and a request by letter, is almost uniformly answered by permission to fish.2 The Mattock joins the Boyne, from the north, about four Mattock. miles above Drogheda, and divides Meath from Louth; and Co. Louth, to the north again are the rivers Dee, Glyde, Fane, and the Bee, Castletown, and some other small streams, which run into Glyde, the sea at Dundalk. All these hold, besides salmon, early Fane, white-trout, as do, in Ireland, only eastern rivers. There Castletown is an autumn run, too, which commences about July. The rivers. brown-trout fishing is in some of them very good, and though there is not much " hindrance " to free fishing, it is scarcely worth much trouble, if time can be spared to go further south or west. But at times these are sporting rivers, and from Nobber, where there is an inn, one can be Nolber. repaid by good fishing, and the station-master at Dunleer Bunleer. 1 The southern (Boyne) Blackwater is better approached Boyne. from Enfield (on Midland Railway), and is, from its source, (S) Black- one of the most sporting trout streams in the province, water. though it harbours the pestilent pike in its deeps, and some Enfield. salmon, which are duly poached, in close time especially. 2 In the absence of Lord Gormanstown as Governor of Tasmania, the river is, I hear, gone back, nor is permission so easily got as when the proprietor, a keen angler himself, was at home. § Co Kil- dare. Barrow. Greese. Monas- trevan. Newbridge. Kildare. Upper Barrow. Monas- trevan. 11 iff trevan to Athy. 102 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. is said to be a sure guide to anglers. Turning west from Dublin, and beyond the Liffey to Co. Kildare, the best river is The Barrow (the upper), and then the Greese, the Rathangan river, and in the extreme south, the Castle-Dermott river. The best part of the first of these is about Monastrevan (some thirty-six miles by rail from Dublin); but there is no good hotel there, and unless one is prepared to sacrifice the early morning fishing, Newbridge, or Kildare, from which the early angler can drive, affords the best quarters. The early spring trout fishing is excellent. It falls off a little late in April, till the May-fly comes on. Upper Barrow trout attain condition almost sooner than any I know in Ireland. The Monastrevan fishing is done in cotts, which can be hired there. A civil letter to the head-constable of Police, or the station- master, will secure a cott in advance. The best bank fishing is from between the " Old " bridge and " Belaw bridge;" and again, below the village, through Lord Drogheda's park. Permission to fish from the bank through Moore Abbey park must be got from the agent. He resides in the town, and seldom refuses. The right to fish from a boat is not questioned and is availed of by every one. Lalor, the best of cottsmen and sportsmen, is dead, but he has successors. In early spring the flies must have tinsel on them, and they should be busked full and with colour ; indeed, the least turn of blue jay at the shoulder and one spine of golden pheasant topping in the tail are not adornments too attractive for brown trout in this strong river. The minnow spun in the deeps here is destructive, and in the nights of late summer and harvest, the smallest frog to be got deserves the first place. In brightest weather worm fishing below the shallows and weedy, gravelly banks is "the charm." The May-fly rises on the Upper Barrow, and some years plentifully. When it does, nothing else is for the time the least use. The ephemerides don't run large, and the " artificials " do best when made with bright bodies (lemon silk ribbed thin black or brown) and wings rather too brown for May-flies in general. From a short way below Monastrevan the pike seems to have got command of the Barrow. There are, however, exceptional spots here and there, and giant trout too strong for Esox. Below Maganey, near the mouth of the Greese, the trout are, I am told, plenty; but I have no personal knowledge of this part since a day long ago, when I was agreeably astonished by a grilse which took a big hare's-ear trout fly and gave me forty-five minutes perfect and delicate play before giving in. In winter the pike fishing is only too good from Monastrevan to Athy, where is a fairly good hotel, and from it access is easy to How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 103 The Greese, a most sporting stream, which is also commanded from the Co. Kil- little Quaker town Ballytore, where Mrs. Hemans lived now dare. and then, and Mrs. Leadbitter, Maria Edgeworth's friend, Ballytore. was born. The trout in this little river condition themselves in April. Perhaps the best fishing is about and below Moone Moone Abbey and Mills (near Timolin), and there is no Abbey. difficulty1 as to leave to fish, except for a few days before Timolin. the hay ripens and at the verge of meadow-lands, when the sport is generally not at its best. Some of the river runs through enclosed "grounds," but the exercise of good breedmg in sending up a card always meets responsive courtesy. A.shilling gets a reliable "gossoon " to carry such messages and the creel and landing-net. All the Kildare rivers yield best to a fly fisher in a breeze. The Greese ought to be a perfect river to worm fish, and perfect for " dry-fly." I regret to hear some pike have got in lately. The minnow and collagh do well in all. The Rathangan river does not Bathan- mature trout so early as the Barrow and Greese, requires half gan river. a gale, and smallest, sober flies. It is best got at by " con- vayniency of car" from Newbridge.2 The Castle-Dermott river is only fished by locals. In the Queen's Co. the Upper Barrow from Portarlington, Queen'sCo* where there is a fair hotel, to Mountmellick, where there is Portar- a better, affords fair sport with the fly, and when in spate in Ungton. dark weather, or when very low in the brightest weather, Mount- the worm flight does satisfactorily with a nice-sized run of mellick. trout. On one reach (through Garryhinch demesne) permission is needed, but is never refused by the owner, Mr. Warburton. At and near Mountmellick The Triogue and Ownas give some little sport, but even the former and better of them scarcely deserves the attention of any but local fishers. Mount' From Mountrath, on the G. S. & W. Railway, where is a rath. 1 Since I wrote this permission has been restricted. Mr. Shekletqn (of the Mill property), and Mr. Carroll (of Moone Abbey) being generous in reply to applicants. 2 The Rathangan is the only Irish stream in which I ever did very well with a fly of pure English nationality. It was a red soldier Palmer, small but brilliant, and that its effect was not mere luck I now learn, because Mr. Cholmondley- Pennell's red fly without wings has been lately proved most astonishingly (to the natives there) destructive. if iff ifiii 111 104 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. hotel, the Upper Nore1 can be fished, and affords fair sport very early in spring and very late in autumn (at night, all the season). The salmon there can only be killed with flies of the white-trout size and pattern. The king of all the brown-trout flies is the olive. (Mr. Despard's, vide Part I.)2 Abbey- From Abbey-Liex (on rail), which has a clean inn, the Liex. Middle Nore is to be got at, and yields good trout. The best salmon patterns are, perhaps, those of the Liffey, with the addition of the blue grub (vide ante Boyne). The fishing may be said to be free over all the Queen's County rivers. There is at least no difficulty in obtaining permission from the bank proprietors.3 There is in, or bordering Lough this County but one lough (Annagh) which affords fishing, Annagh. and that but for pike, which run very large there, but it can King's Co. ^e best approached from its King's County shore. Tulla- - Tulla- ' more (on railway) has a comfortable hotel, and in winter more. Lough Annagh will give the pike angler sport. The Brosna, Brosna. Little Brosna (dividing King's County from Tipperary), Little Clodiagh, and other rivers, all hold trout, and though the Brosna. Shannon bounds the county to the west, and is within easy Clodiagh. reach of Birr, it cannot be said to have any great attractions for a fisherman, except he combines winter pike fishing with 1 The Nore is now spoilt—the pike and poachers prevailed. Mr. Despard's herd killed (at Coolrain) a monster pike 42 lbs. I let the old text stand, but only as contrast to a reliable correspondent's words,—" We have no fishing at all in the Upper Nore now, not a trout in every mile of it! some of the smaller affluent streams still hold a i&w good trout . . . but . . . not worth anyone's coming a distance to fish for. Some few years ago . . . there was tolerably good salmon fishing, now, however, I the game's not worth the candle.' . . . Fish could be got when they come up to spawn; now the greater number never reach the sea again. They are destroyed by hundreds up the river; even at Ballyragget, where the club strictly preserved a very good reach, there is now practically no fishing—this is entirely due to the over netting at the mouth. Unless something* is done we will not have a fish in this country at all in a few years." 2 From Abbey Liex or Durrow (clean hotel) the Gully, the Erkina, the Goul, and the Aubeg can be got at, and after rains they all give good small trout fishing. These rivers are often known by the Borris, the Rathdowny, and the Ballina- kill rivers, and with these names guides are to be got who will point out the streams. Permission is seldom refused anglers. 3 Near Mountrath is Ballyfin, Sir Charles Coote's residence. In the demesne is a lake, mentioned in Part I., famous for roach and pike fishing. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. I OS mixed winter shooting, for which there is no better locality in Ireland.1 The King's County borders Westmeath, which, though it has not many good rivers, is one of the best Co. West- known to foreign anglers. This is due to its glorious meath. lakes. Before speaking of them, I shall dismiss the rivers. There are many of them which yield some sport. The chief of them is the Inny, which rises in Meath; but it is Inny. not a good stream there. It then touches Cavan County, divides Longford from Westmeath, which it then traverses southward, and, before again turning westwards, trends windingly through Longford, and into the Shannon at Lough Lough Bee Ree. This is a first-rate river, but its best salmon-reaches are in Longford. Throughout its course downwards, by Lough Shielin, in Cavan, it holds many and beautiful trout. Lough The May-fly rises on it, but not generally in such numbers Shielin. as to destroy the gout of its trout for all else. The best trout flies are in spring busked heavily, but they should grow smaller each day to September. For salmon, the Shannon patterns (special) flies do not seem to kill so well as those (Rogans) which will be found described against the Erne and there away. The " Spade-guinea " and " Goshawk " are fatal (vide Tipperary and Mayo). For natural bait, the collagh is said to do better than the minnow. I never had so good an hour on the Inny as one evening, when I put up very small frogs which had just got rid of their tails. The Dale, which was mentioned in Meath, is better in Westmeath; but the trout are not large, and compare very unfavourably with those of the Brusna, near Lough Ennel (Belvidere, as it is BelvioZere. best known in foreign parts). The Lakes2 are—first Bane (bordering Meath), Glore, Leyne (near Castle- Bane. pollard). The two former are small, and maybe passed over Glore. without much notice. The last is larger, and I believe only Leyne. wants protection and care to take rank with Ennel, Owel Castle- and Derravaragh (par excellence,. | the Lakes ")—Loughs ^? [af Shielin and Kinane, which touch Westmeath, and Iron,3 ^^l which is in it, need only to be known and appreciated s^'eZ-wi \ Kinane. 1 On Lough Annagh are found most of the waterfowl which have been recognized in Ireland. The crested grebe breeds, and is found there at all seasons. 2 The Westmeath lakes have now dapping rivals at Loughs Derg, Mask, and Conn, mentioned on other pages,—and as one expects in young beauties, these loughs are now held in more esteem than their older sister loughs. 3 A most excellent pike " lake "—yet holding trout, according to Mr. Tuite of Sonna. Co. Westmeath. Cavan. Lough "Ennel. Belvidere. MulUngar. Oivel. Berra- varagh. Castle- pollard. Bally- more. Multifar- nam. B. Gaine. 106 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. Shielin will be noticed in Cavan, and Kinane in Longford. For Lough Ennel or Belvidere, Mullingar is the best station. There is fairly good hotel accommodation there, and cleanly lodgings can be got. On the other side, and equidistant with Lough Ennel from Mullingar, is Lough Owel; but Ennel must be got to by car, and the railway drops passengers near Owel, though at somewhat inconvenient hours. For Derravaragh, Castlepollard may be called the most central " quarters," and it brings the angler within reach of Kinane and Shielin, and not quite too far away from Owel, no« to speak of Lene, where one may break water new to most but local anglers. At Ballymore is a very nice little lake, and through the county others which I need not more than mention. Multifarnam is exactly half way between Loughs Derravaragh and Owel, and I prefer it to any other station, though there are, or were, not good lodgings, and only a little inn. My preference is due to a little river (the Gaine) which, running through it, gives plenty of troutlings and, I believe, minnows for bait, to use when the big trout may be gorged or tired of the May-fly;1 and this often occurs at early morning or at evening. In dead, bright weather, on all these lakes a spinning bait on very light tackle, when. rowing slowly to windward to get a fall, often gives sport; and once on Ennel I did very well with a drowned large I silver-magpie " between the falls. In all the Westmeath lakes trout differ much in character, size, and beauty. Ennel trout are certainly the prettiest, and perhaps most toothsome, though I think Owel2 trout I 1 The best dye for the May-fly wing is locally said to be got and applied thus :—The feather, when washed well with soft water and soap, and thoroughly cleansed of the latter in fair water, is boiled in a pint of water, in which J oz. of alum has been dissolved. Finally, when quite free from grease the feather is simmered in an infusion of fustic, to which a very little copperas or sulphide of iron is added for a green or greeny-grey shade. With one of the finest Westmeath fishermen, Blacker's pattern (pale yellow silk, ribbed with brown, to show from under the goldbeaters1 skin wrapped over the silks), with light ginger hackle and dullish wing, was the favourite artificial; but this fly is not buoyant, and I prefer a cork bodied. When I use Blacker's pattern, I substitute the clearest varnish for goldbeaters' skin. Walnut peels make an excellent dye, but I have not been able to fix it well. About the May-fly dapping see later on, where I speak of the artificial May " dry" fly. 2 In Lough Owell there were the largest charr in Ireland, but seldom taken: this is said to be no longer the case. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 107 equal them in the latter respect; they certainly run larger. The trout of Derravaragh are more ferox like, but they make up for comparative ill looks by their pluck and ravenous appetites, and, on the whole, they are not much, if at all, behind their neighbours. By " blowing," the best run of trout is killed in all these lakes; and I have only to say to novices in this method, get the best blow-line silk, fish with it trippingly, and without a particle of gut in the water. In fact the " natural," with or without a hook, which is out of the water oftener than in it, is that which attracts most, and any flies which seem not quite slaves of the wind have less relish for trout. I can, however, teach here nothing which the boatman cannot impart in a few words. If the " Singing Inny" be fished from Westmeath, it is to be reached best from Castlepollard or Multifarnam. I give only one fly special to itself—tag little gold ; tail, rat-beard, body olive dun hackle overlaid in ribs with tightly-drawn Indian-rubber (very tight); the hackle, near tail, showing little, but full near shoulder; wing, brown mallard tied upright.1 All the trout flies I have mentioned in the first part, as standards, do in Westmeath, and at night the collagh, small frog and white moth. Indeed on the lakes, and even in the middle of the Drake season, I have found the white-moth with lemon body deadly {vide ante). The Drake season (May-fly) varies more than one might expect, but a fisherman cannot be much out if he finds himself in Dublin between the 15th and 20th of May. Indeed, Sir Richard Sutton used to say the season varied with the Derby-day, and did so to spite him, and keep him from it. Martin Kelly, or Flint of the Quay, will always know and tell of the fly's appearance. In many of the farm-houses near the lakes lodgings can be got. They are not luxurious, but some of them are clean, and from Mullingar everything can be got (preserved meats, &c.) to supplement the fowl, fish, &c, which are the native products. When next I go 1 Sometimes the rain comes in tropical downpour during the rise of "the Drake." At such a time it is worth a thorough soaking to persevere with fishing, but the effective mode is to cast a heavy artificial May-fly (on fine cast) in front of the fall, and let it drown very much, and then draw it. This method secures the largest trout. I don't approve of natural May-flies put up in pairs, but it is fair to say many of the best fishermen think otherwise. In this various opinions guide in various localities. Mr. Stewart likes three flies well wetted. I go for one as dry as it can float, and a dry-fly (touched up with paraffin) will, in saving time to renew flies, beat all naturals if floated well, with cocked wings or wings spread out in imitation of the " spent gnat." io8 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. Co. Long- ford. Gowna. Gulladoo. Kinane. Berna- gollia.' Annagh. Island. Newt own- Forbes. Clan- dragh. Lough. Forbes. Gowna. Gulladoo. 8hrule. Arvagh. to Westmeath, if I ever go, which I doubt, I shall camp out, and for those who enjoy a tent, I know no better place, if one takes the precaution of asking permission from the occupier of the land, where he could pitch it. In the Westmeath lakes the perch grows very large, and give excellent sport of their kind in the bays. Pike fishers don't do themselves and the community half justice in neglecting these waters. In Longford County there are no first-rate rivers or loughs, but Loughs Gowna, Gulladoo, and Kinane, to the northwest, border it, and Lough Ree is to the south-west. On Lough Ree, of the boatmen who supply boats and know the fishings on the Longford borders, the Fox brothers at Dernagolia, the Mulrys and the Foxes at Annagh, and the Clarkes at Saints' Island are the best: and from the village of Newtown-Forbes (where is a clean little hotel and lodgings) a guide can be got, and a boat at Clandragh, for Lough Forbes, which holds salmon, feroces, gillaroo, brown-trout and perch, pike and roach, as does Lough Ree. For salmon, the Erne, not the big Shannon pattern flies, must be used; the latter patterns don't suit above Lough Derg. Loughs Gowna and Gulladoo are little known, except to local anglers, but they are worth exploration, and I have heard the brightest accounts of them. The former holds charr, and certainly very large feroces. I know not of them personally. The Erne flies (vide post) do best there. Of the Longford rivers, which all hold trout, the Inny is the best after it leaves Westmeath, and becomes a river of weight. It holds many fairly large salmon and the nearest station for fishing it is Ballymahon, where I found a hotel, which I used on the recommendation of a native, who told me of it with a twinkle in his eye. "It's a very passible hotel if ye don't like it, and will be a very passible hotel if ye do like it, and the bacon and eggs." Really it was tolerably good, and by the aid of Jemmy Hyland, the only reliable butcher there, one easily appreciated the truth of the western landlady, who declared that " bacon and fowls is illegant trimmings, but there [is grand shel- ther in beef." Most of the best fishing there Captain Shuldham claims, but permission is very generally given on application by holders of rod licences, and on no part of the river are such licentiates interfered with by the Board of Conservators. Near Shrule Mills sport is certain in a strong south wind. In Longford (town) there is a hotel somewhat better than ordinary, and many fairly good lodgings; and from thence the Rinn and Black rivers on the northern bounds can be got at, and afford sport on the way to Gulladoo, should any one wish to try it, and stop at Arvagh, where there is a " pub." with " entertainment for man and baste," Granard is the best quarter for Lough How and Where to Fish in Ireland I09 Gowna and Kinane, but just over the border, and beyond Co. long- that lough is Finea, where one can get boatmen and boats for<*• for it or for Lough Sheelin, and fair lodgings, or really -Fwea. £ood accommodation in an old-fashioned pub. near the bridge. Sheelin. tough Sheelin is in The County Cavan, and it, as Lough Ramor, has merits which nearly make up Co. Cavan. for the dearth of other first-rate lough fishing in Cavan. Bamor. Both these lakes yield excellent sport, and on neither are the fish put off all other food by the May-fly as in Westmeath. In Sheelin1 the small spoon is still said to be the charmer. Finea is the true station for Sheelin, and Virginia for Ramor. The former is to be reached by rail Virginia from Ballywilliam station, or by car from Oldcastle (on the for Bamor. Kells line), which is also the station for Virginia. The river Erne meanders about Cavan, and some of it when it splits up into what is called Lough Oughter, gives very Oughter. good sport, andean be reached by car from Kellishandra, Kelli- Cavan (town), or Belturbet, in all of which anglers can shandra. put up. Cavan is the central town of the three, is got at Cavan. by rail, and Mrs. Kennedy, of the Farnham Arms Hotel, Belturbet. makes her customers very comfortable. The fishing on the Erne till it runs into Fermanagh, and on all its branches, B. Erne. broads and ana-branches, at Lough Oughter, is mainly open, but the complication of many claims to reserve the right of fishing makes it difficult for any but the local guides to assist tourists. The salmon flies are the small Erne patterns, and the trout take the standards too, especially early and late in season, and on days the 1 orange grouse," and the hare's ear, and yellow " and (Irish) " red hackle and rail's wing." 2 In Cavan every stream abounds in crayfish, and the town of the name is the only place in the island where one sees them exposed for sale (at one shilling the sack, about two bushels). In Lough Oughter the trout feed on them, and it therefore is not odd that in Cavan one Cavar*. sometimes hears of gillaroo of superpiscine excellence. Behind the town of Cavan are some little lakelets, one of 1 The Sheelin fishing is not all as generally good as it used to be. The pike have multiplied and extended their quarters; yet there are localities better than the old trout anglers ever had there. 2 That fine angler, the late Mr. John Loch, tied a special fly for Lough Oughter, which he called the " Cavan black rail." I never fished for it there, but on his recommendation I give it hopefully. Tail, a spine of lapwing topping; tag, gold tinsel; body, black silk; hackle, very little black, and one turn under wing of guinea fowl; wing rail. I to How and Where to Fish in Ireland. whieh holds many and aldermanic perch. I have proved this. Near Cootehill, and nearer Shercock, are three little lakes, which have the repute of holding the sweetest small trout and many. In all this central district the price of boat accommodation is already more or less fixed by custom, but the tourist should, in justice to others, if not himself, always see to the charges before accepting services or accommodation. Castlepollard charges may be taken as reasonable and on the average. In the lake district, bed, board, car-hire, and a boat can be got there for three guineas, or sometimes less, per week. The boatmen and carmen should fet douceurs, which are best given in a lump at parting; ut luncheon and whisky are expected to be shared with the former, and a " bit of baccy " freely given, or an occasional shilling at the obsequies of a big trout makes friends and sport. In King's County, Westmeath, Meath, Longford, and Cavan there are many lakes and tarns which I have not mentioned, nor indeed do I know of them more than that it is certain they only need to be fished in, and though they are hard to be got at, I am sure they would repay any sportsman prepared to rough it, and ply them from a collapsible boat. The (2) South-east District Co. Wick- embraces Wicklow, Carlow, Wexford. The nearest county low. in this district to Dublin is Wicklow. It may be credited with no salmon river, though salmon are said to be taken in Bray. the Bray river, and breeding fish go up the Slaney every season by Baltinglass, Stratford, and so to the Hills; but above Hacketstown salmon fishing in these uppermost waters does not repay any one but local fishers (vide post). In the Bray river there were white-trout of such excellence and number as to win them a distinctive name, the " Bray trout."l They are now neither very good nor very numerous, and do not repay much work; but Bray is a beautiful spot, and tourists, from its excellent hotels, may do worse than ask permission, which can be easily got from the bank Powers- proprietors. In Powerscourt demesne there is a very nice court. run of trout, and Lord Powerscourt (or his agent) is sometimes generous in permitting many fishers there. The TZnnis- hotels in Ennis-Kerry are moderate, and Miller, the pro- Kerry. prietor of one of them, is a safe guide as to how the fishing 1 I think the " Bray trout" is now extinct—each year fewer salmon run up to the feeding rivers of the upper Slaney or its own upper waters. It is easy to see that, unless matters change and measures be taken to protect the upper waters and restrain the selfish depredations in the estuary waters, the Slaney, like the Nore, will soon cease to be a good or even a poor salmon river PI m mm. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. ill of all the lakes is to be best managed. Loughs Dan Ban-Lug Luggelaw, the Vartry, (already mentioned in Dublin), gelaw. Glendalough, the Dargle, the Avonmore and Avonbeg (vid Glenda- rail), Rathdrum and the Avoca river, from the excellent lough. hotel at Wooden Bridge, all afford nice sport. The last ^ard^ river abounds in small trout, none above a pound, a herring Avon<niore* size, a little above the average. In Glendalough and dV2?' * Luggelaw the fishing has improved lately : some of it was ^ruS spoilt by the lead works. I do not know if the Glendalough ^voca\ trout continue vocal, but the tradition is that they lament Wooden on capture their extradition from— Bridge. " The lake whose gloomy shore Skylark never warbles o'er." In the Deerin, an affluent of the Slaney, which flows through Lord Fitzwilliam's park at Coolatin, there is very Coolatin. nice trout-fishing, which can be got for a day by a note in advance, and it is worth the asking. The Wicklow trout flies need to be used small, and of the ordinary patterns, the wrens and grouses for preference. Flint, of Essex Quay, has certainly most excellent patterns for these rivers, and all the central district waters.1 Carlow, Wexford, and Kilkenny counties make, with the Carlow. foregoing, the South-eastern district. Wexford. Kilkenny. In Carlow the rivers are the Barrow and its affluents, the Lerr, the Co.Carlow. Burren, and the Slaney and Derreen or Derry (vide Wicklow), its tributary. The town of Carlow, in which are good lodgings, and a good hotel, commands the three former. Hacketstown is the best station for the upper part of the Slaney, and Tullow (with a fairly good inn) is near enough Tullow. for the Slaney lower down, and the Derreen near its junction. The whole of the Slaney yields good sport,2 and at Hacketstown and Tullow there are local professionals who can give advice and guidance worth more than any I can offer. The Barrow yields better sport in this county than it gets Barrow. credit for, but the fishing is generally not an agreeable sort. The approach to the river is closed at many places along 1 Few people require to learn that the Wicklow scenery is charming. I know no place where the trout-fisher, who is satisfied to fill a creel with nice little fish in the environment of bewitching pastoral pictures, can enjoy himself more. The folk there are kindly and honest, and if their shyness be broken through, show in their old-world lore that they have not lost the simplicity and poetry of hillmen inspired by the gnomes of the clouds, the woods, and the streams. 2 See preceding page. Bagnals- town. 112 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. the banks, and it is not easy to point out where in such a book as this (in Carlow and Bagnalstown all the free stretches can be settled on); but the railway almost accompanies the river from Athy, in Kildare, through Carlow and Kilkenny, to Ballywilliam, in Wexford, and the river is easily reached from Carlow, which is thus central. Much of the fishing is done from cotts, which can be engaged, and the flies are " Standards," of smallish size, even in early spring. " The Doctor," the " Black Fairy," the " Blue Jay," the " Fiery Brown," and the " Evangeline " all represent those which a successful local angler has supplied me with, and the " Spade Guinea," which I describe B. Nenagh. later on for the Nenagh river, is perhaps the best of all. The trout flies are those standards which do on the Liffey and Barrow, and the Cavan rail (vide ante) is known to be excellent. The small affluents afford some sport, but do not require special mention. The Barrow is rather sluggish as compared to the Slaney, and holds many and big pike in its back-waters and stiller pools. The Slaney throughout its course through Carlow is a bright, sporting river, and affords excellent and varied sport; but perhaps the best about the junction of the Derreen. The flies are the same as those for the Barrow, with one or two not very valuable exceptions, which I abstain from mentioning. At Hackets- town, Bagnalstown, Leighlin-Bridge, and Wexford, local artists are to be found and are known to the hotel-keepers, who are in all these places quite trustworthy people. Following down the course of the Barrow we arrive in Hackets town. Kilkenny, Co. Kil- which is an excellent fishing station of the second class. kenny. The Nore1 may be said to be its special river, and is good for Nore. very handsome trout and nice, medium-sized salmon from the Queen's County border on the north, to Ringwood (S.E.), Barrow. where it joins the Barrow, which is the main eastern boundary of Kilkenny, as is the Suir its southern. North of Kilkenny city the river is called Upper Nore, and there it is joined by the Freshford stream and the Dinin, nice streams which hold trout. Below the junction of the latter the fishing becomes better, or at least the fish run larger ; and I am informed that lately arrangements have to be made in Kilkenny for permission to fish. Mr. Morris, of the Club 11 regret to have to qualify all said here about the Nore. What I said on a former page (104) is too painful to repeat, but if legislative action to curb the policy of killing the goose for immediate golden eggs be not taken very soon there will be an end to salmon rivers of any value in Ireland How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 113 House, the best hotel in Kilkenny, does everything to Hotel in facilitate those who stop in his very comfortable house, and Kilkenny* a local fishing-tackle shop supplies patterns which are special. None of them are, however, so attractive as the " Ponsonby," which is Tag—silver and orange. Tan—Topping and a little Indian crow. Butt—ostrich. Body ( ! ("grey seal's fur with thin silver tinsel 5 \ ribbing and 1 f white-bear dyed light blue, silver tinsel 2 £ ribbing as in first half body. Hackle—black run with the ribbing, and blood-red hackle with the black over the blue section of body. Shoulder—a little jay or chatterer. Wing—mixed, brown mallard, bustard, and black and white turkey, over all topping at each side. Horns—red and blue macaw. Cheeks—jungle (small). Head—ostrich. Below the city of Kilkenny, at Thomastown, there is an Thomas- inn, and a very good guide to the streams, Power. In town. Colonel Tighe's demesne, Woodstock,1 there is a capital reach, and above the town another at Mount Juliet, but to neither is there much difficulty of access for a licensed rod fisher who writes for permission, and this remark applies on all the Lower Nore and the Barrow, from Graignamanna Graigna- or Borris, downwards to near Ross, below which the fishing manna. is only to be done in cotts, and it is to my taste not nice. Borris. From Carrick, on the verge of Tipperary, to Waterford, the Tipperary. Suir is banked to the north by Kilkenny, and there are many good salmon casts in it, but except in one or two places some one demands payment for their use, and they can only be well fished from cotts. They are, however, worth some expense, and used to yield especially well in the autumn. Special information is to be got only in Kilkenny or in Carrick. Near Piltown, which is adjacent to the latter place, I have known excellent sport to be had, but I can only commend the " fiery brown " (vide Erne), the I Ponsonby " (a native) and the " spade guinea " (vide Nenagh). Through Wexford County the Slaney^ runs to the sea, and is joined from the east, Co. Wex- above Enniscorthy, by the Bann, and by the Boro and Ura ford, on the west. The Boro is best known as connected with B. Bom 1 it is not now easy to get permission to fish at Thomas- town. j 114 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. a delightful book on the folk-lore of its banks, but it holds nice trout, like the Ura, the Bannow, the Duncormick rivers in the south, and the Camolin river in the west.1 The Bann harbours really good ones, a few salmon and grilse ; and the Slaney many and sporting fish. There is, perhaps, more difficulty about free fishing from the banks of the Slaney than Ennis- any Irish river but the Boyne. Below Enniscorthy, however, eorthy. there is a good deal to be done from the cott and in the very tideway. When the fishing opens and at the commencement of the summer and late autumn runs, good sport is sometimes to be had from the cott. Enniscorthy and Wexford are headquarters. In both are hotels; and in the latter, one (White's) that used to be excellently kept. The trout fishing in the Slaney is not so good as it has been. In hot summer weather the little frog is very killing. The trout flies are of the standards, getting small as the season advances. The rivers flowing through Wexford are very B. Boro. clear, and thus require the finest tackle. The Boro, near Lord Carew's place, was, and probably is, very strictly preserved against all who do not ask for a day. The Slaney and Duncormick river hold some white-trout in July, and the Camolin a few ('tis said) early and in autumn. From Waterford. this county the step is easy to Waterford, but I shall reserve notice of this latter county, and then only touch on it lightly when I have dealt with Cork, from which county its greatest and best river, the Blackwater, runs to it, making a short turn to the westward at Lismore. Tipperary. Cork. Waterford. Kerry. Limerick. Clare. Co. Tipperary. Lough J>erg. Brosna. The (3) South District takes rank with the West and North-West, and considering its superior accommodation and accessibility, most anglers will consider it the best of the three. I divide it into six counties,—Tipperary, Cork, Waterford, Kerry, Limerick, and Clare, and the first of these naturally (from its watershed) divides itself into two. The whole is intersected by the Great Southern and Western Railway and the Waterford and Limerick lines, and the track of the former separates the North and South Ridings of Tipperary very approximately. Tipperary may be said to have no lakes. There are a few mountain tarns, and some of them on the Waterford side will be mentioned cursorily. The rivers with a northern and westward outflow run into the Shannon (Lough Derg), and all are breeding-beds for salmon. The first of these is the little Brosna, which separates, a little 1 In all these rivers the expert dry-fly angler should do well. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. Ii$ above the Lough, Tipperary from the Bang's County.1 It is not as good a river as the Ballyfinboy, which runs from Ballyfin* Borrisokane by a short course to Derg. In autumn, about boy. August, the grilse commence to run into it, and are mostly killed by night poachers. Further on, with the late autumn and winter floods, the larger fish come up and find safer quarters in the fuller streams. The flies which do best are those which suit the next river, which is naturally one of the best of those affluent to the Shannon. This, the „ Nenagh, having received the Lattera and another stream, Nenagh. both of which have wound north-westwards from the a ra" " Devil's-bit" mountain range, runs into the Shannon by Dromineer Bay. The Lattera and its sister-stream abound Dromineev in nice trout; the Nenagh in larger and better, but so wary Bay. from constant fishing that they require delicate angling. If one be prepared for this, the Ballyfinboy too gives excellent sport throughout the whole season. The salmon angling at Nenagh is not good in the spring. In autumn the stretches at the Fox-borough, near the town, then below Scott's and Dunne's mills, at Mr. Waller's demesne, at Ballyartelagh, and from thence to the Shannon, all afford capital grilse fishing, and, just before the close of the season, heavy and game salmon. In Nenagh are three hotels. Good lodgings are to be had (when vacant), but they are few. The hotel is not the best; either of the "Commercials," especially O'Brien's, is better. There is a nice club, of which the managers of the banks often make strangers honorary members. In Nenagh fair tackle can be got at a gunsmith's and at a watchmaker's, near the hotel, and there is a very honest old guide (Pat Hayes), a capital sportsman, though now feeble, who ties the best patterns for trout and salmon. The special amongst trout is the " black rail" and the " hare's-ear and claret." For the salmon, the " black fairy," the " blue jay," and the " spade guinea." 1 Since this book first came out, permission to fish has been steadily and each season restricted in just a similar ratio to thefaUing off in the fertility of the fishings. Where anyone might fish in old days and get fairly good sport there are now few or no fish; yet leave to angle is withheld and often by people who really have no legal title to restrain fishers even if they preserved '(by regular keepers), which they do not. About these parts in King's County and North Tipperary happily there has not been much change either in quality of the waters or undue restrictions: of course there is some falling off owing to the impolitic selfishness of the netting bodies on the lower Shannon of which the rivers I write of are breeding grounds. 1x6 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. Co. Tip- The " Spade Guinea," perary. Tag—gold tinsel, blue silk. Tail—topping. Butt—black ostrich. Body—deep plum-red mohair, ribbed fine gold. Haclde—near butt blood-red, then claret, then golden; blue jay at shoulder. Wing—mixed brown turkey, mallard, strips of tippet, blue, green, and red swan, and peacock's herl; over all a topping. Horns—blue. Head—black (a bit of chatterer at cheeks does well). All these Pat Hayes ties very well, but it is well to supply him with good hooks (he sometimes runs short). Sergeant Kirby, a veteran Indian soldier, ties all the Shannon patterns beautifully, and for nothing, therefore he is not always at command. Nenagh has a very great advantage, of which many avail themselves. It is easily got away from; Bromineer. to Dromineer, from which boats can be got on Lough Derg. Lough Lough Derg is frequented but little by anglers for salmon, Der9' though such fish are often killed there. It has quite a fame for other fishing, and the best authority tells me that for dapping with the natural fly it is each year better and more popular; indeed, more anglers go there now than to the Westmeath lakes, heretofore so deservedly appreciated in the "Drake season." Mr. Peebles has not got one trout over 8J lbs. but Captain Smithwick (of Youghall) has credit for several over 14 lbs.; Mr. Pepper's was a monster trout (nearly 30 lbs. killed in winter and trolling), but a neighbour of Captain Smithwick killed the latest " record " fish, of 19 lbs. The " Drake season" here usually begins between the 18th and 25th of May, and lasts some three weeks. On a "fair" day the sport is mostly very good. The fish are seldom under 2 lb. and the average is probably 3 J lb. Portumna is now the best headquarters for Upper Lough Derg; Taylor's, of two hotels, is the most frequented. Both hotels are fairly good and moderate in their charges. Boats are easily got except perhaps when " the cream " of the fishing is on. The price for boats is 5s. to 6s., including boatmen, and this is the price all over the lough. The next station is also on the Galway side at Mount Shannon. There is a moderately charging and comfortable hotel there (Water- stone's). It has accommodation for about 25 anglers, but it is quite necessary to secure rooms in advance, as every bed is occupied at the best season. There are many islands about which give shelter and enable one to fish in even the stormiest weather. To the «outh-west of Lough Derg the river Shannon runs out, and there away, at Killaloe, are several hotels, Hurley's Royal Hotel— Renaghan's, Grace's, and one lately built by the Shannon L How and Where to Fish in Ireland. I17 Development Company. Quite recently another hotel, the Co. Tip- "Lakeside," has been opened. They are all close to the water perary. and reasonable in their charges. The new hotel will be quite ready for the " 1900 season " and promises to be a very up-to- date establishment; however, the older hotels are very fair indeed. The evening trout fishing (with a white fly or moth) is often pretty good. Salmon too are sometimes killed on the small stretch of quite free water. For the Tipperary side vide ante. Many of the residents about receive paying4guests during "the dapping season," so a week or fortnight may be enjoyed on more economical terms than when stopping at a hotel. The perch fishing at the end of June, and indeed whilst the warm weather lasts, is very good. Fifty fish are very often got, occasionally up to 3 lb. I have known nearly 100 killed by one rod in a summer day. The rudd (not roach, as he is called locally) is common. There is near Dromineer a new hotel (Burgess's) which is well spoken of, where is the best gillaroo fishing I know of. Westward is Newport, which has the advantage of Newport. a hotel, and good lodgings at a " pub." at the cross, and a sweet river, which is well looked after, and without hindrance to rod-fishers with a licence. In Lady Bloomfield's river, above this (the Ciamaltha), great sport is to be had Ciam- with worm and fly (" grouse " is the fly all the year round).1 altha. There is another river, the Youghall, which discharges in Derg, between Dromineer and Killaloe, which holds grilse, late salmon, and beautiful trout. This, the Youghall river, is said to be preserved, but mythically, as some of the claimants have no more right there than Paul Kruger. The " standards " (small) do well; the specials for trout and salmon are as in Nenagh. Lough Derg can be fished from Portumna (a hotel, and boats), Mount Shannon (clean hotel, Portunma. farm-house lodgings, and boats), Nenagh (Dromineer, and Mount boats), or Killaloe ; and occasionally Portroe, a village near Shannon. the slate quarries, affords " shelter" for anglers who affect Soil the Youghall and Newport rivers, with easy approach to the ^^oe* beautiful bay of Derg at its foot. The best accommodation ^ortroe' to be got there is with Mr. Grace, the station-master, but it is unfortunately limited. If I now qualify this because of the New Shapnon Development Hotel, it is not because Grace's has fallen off. I am told there are more and better lodgings to be got now than two years ago. The fishing of the Derg is done by boats, and 1 In all the rivers of North Tipperary, Limerick, and Clare, the grouse flies should possess one, peculiarity, without which these (there) universal flies fail—the turns of the grouse feathers which come under the shank should be cut off square, so that, when pressed down, they just touch the point of the hook, wing fashion. Ii8 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. I Co. Tip- Mr. Grace is a very good guide about them. The bridge perary. fishing is all carried on in cotts (I have seen enthusiasts wade). On one side it is claimed by Mr. Spaight, of Derry Castle, but there is no difficulty for even a salmon fisher who is commonly civil. The Abbey water, the other side, is let to Major Scott,1 a resident" Sassenach," who has done more kindnesses in Killaloe than can ever be forgotten. He is most generous with his fishing, and his boatmen (Lyons is one of them) are very good fellows, and experts. There are other cottmen there, and all deserve a good word, though they are inclined to a " fisherman's bigotry " as to their own ways and dodges. Of them I can recommend the Johnsons, in whose cotts I have had excellent sport. The trout fishing. near the bridge is best early in the season, or after the first autumn floods; but there are two heureux quarts Wheure, between daylight and dark, each morning and evening of the season, when the trout seem to take the flies as fast as they can be served with them. At such a time the only bother is the number of small beasties, who won't let the big ones Newport have their own way, and the angler's. The Newport, Annagh, Annagh. and Bilbo are all to the south of Killaloe. The first I have Bilbo. spoken of, the others will be read of in Limerick. In all the streams of North Tipperary, and probably in the Shannon, the worm flight kills perhaps more salmon (not the biggest), and certainly more trout than all the other devices. The Nenagh river holds minnow in quantities, and few of the others any; therefore it should be used as a larder to delude the fish of neighbouring streams. The Nenagh trout themselves are so well fed and accustomed to minnow that they require great delicacy of approach. Let me commend this river to dry-fly fishers. At Killaloe, and at the mouth of the small rivers, the prawn is deadly. On Derg, the blow-fine must be used when the May-fly (" drake ") is in ; at other times, all the standard white-trout flies (vide Part I.) do well, but olives best. In Tipperary (South) Suir. the Suir is the main river, and swallows up all the others. Borroso- There are none of them so good as the Shannon affluents I \eigh. have spoken of, but the Borrosoleigh, the Multeens, the Ara, Uulteens. and Aherlow all hold trout; and the latter is worth explo- Ara. ration for the supreme beauty of its glen. The Suir itself is Aherlow. a Spiendid river, but it is dreadfully hacked, and Templemore Barracks turns out more rod-fishers than its upper waters Holy should well satisfy. At Holy Cross, however, it commences Cross. to be a good salmon river, and above that, good and very 1 Since this, was written Major Scott died, leaving behind him in Ireland a memory of a thorough, gracious gentleman, with a big and gentle heart* How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 119 many trout lie in each deep. From Holy Cross to Golden Co. Tip- most of the river is open (to licensed rods), and from that to perary. Cahir, which affords better fishing, there is little hindrance Cahir. which cannot be overcome by a request or a crown. Thurles, Tipperary, Cashel, and Cahir are all accommodating, and have endurable hotels. I like of these Tipperary best, and the Limerick Junction Hotel, three miles off, more than any of them. In the Upper Suir the Nenagh river flies do very well; but there is an artist, rod and watch-maker, fly-dresser, and admirable Crichton resident in Templemore, named Hilliard, who dresses flies more attractive than any others I know on the Suir and all its tributaries: the best of these, on the Tipperary side, is the Anner, which flows in from towards Anner. Fethard, being joined by a stream from this little town, near Clonmel, the headquarters of anglers on the Lower Suir. Clonmel. From the south, the Neir, a good trout stream, flows in near Cahir. At Clonmel the fishing is open, but approach to the banks is often barred; and on either side of the town, for some miles, the best casts are secured under " claims ;" but notwithstanding this, a stranger who puts himself into the hands of " Mrs. Bradford," or " Jim Mara,*' the local pisci- captors, is likely to get good sport, and with big fish. The trout fishing is free on all parts of the river. The " black rail," the " hare's-ear and claret," and the " orange grouse," and " orange " or " green wren," are the special favouritep, but the other seasonable standards all come in, tied large, as becometh big waters. Limerick is, for the salmon fisher, one of the most attractive of Irish Co. Lime- counties. These reaches, which extend on the Shannon from **ck. a little below Killaloe to near Limerick, are all taken up, Killaloe. with more or less claim, by those who let the fishing to anglers. Their advertisement is not properly a part of a guide, and yet it would not be complete without reference ?o them. These fine waters hold an abundance of salmon, tod running of a size not surpassed by any in the United kingdom. " Harling " (trailing) from cotts is their general mode of capture, and with the largest and most brilliant flies, or with the prawn or large " phantom." In the centre of this superb stretch of water is Castle Connell, where Enright1 Castle has his rod factory, and a better managed hotel than is Connell. generally found near good fishing. There are some lodgings to be let, too, and at the " World's End " especially, com- World*s fortable ones. The charges for fishing are not exorbitant (if ^nd. the right to charge at all be granted), as compared with 1 Since I wrote this he died, but his family keep his business going, and they (his sons) are most reliable people, and keep a too small hotel next their tackle and rod factory. 120 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. Bl Co. Lime- Scotch water-rents. The fishing is nearly all done from rick. cotts, and the flies and baits used are very large. Of the latter, very h\% I phantoms " and the largest prawns do best. The salmon flies vary exceedingly, and are remarkable for their great size and splendour. Some Indian crow, the brightest silks, and from six to twelve toppings make up a common gaudy yet harmonious fly. In preparation for this book, I asked some experienced dressers in Limerick to supplement my own knowledge in the matter, and their patterns, various, but often called by the same name, convince me that " colour and all you can of it," are all the points in common which good fly-fishers there think well of. Nestor, in Limerick, ties or gets tied the best and cheapest salmon-flies11 know of; and I should recommend all anglers who put up in Limerick to place themselves in his hands to obtain the fishing below Prospect ("Mr. Powell's water") and above Corbafly, where the charge for the rods and boat, will amount to about, and not much over, £1 a day, with a prospect of killing, in spring, many large fish. Nestor him: self, in 1884, broke into the season with a catch of seven fish, of 153 lbs. weight; and Major Armstrong beat him by 9 lbs. next day. The spring fishing is of course the best, and the fish heavier than in summer or autumn ; but the latter are livelier months. Within a few miles of Limerick are the Mulcaire, Mulcaire, Bilbo, and Dead rivers, all good from the opening Bilbo. 0f the season for brown-trout (very large in the Mulcaire). Bead. The two former hold many grilse and a few white-trout in the autumn (July the earliest). The standard white-trout flies do. I know no one of special merit, but— Tag—gold or silver tinsel, and gold silk. Tail—topping. Butt—ostrich. Body—half golden silk, half dark purple, ribbed silver slightly. Hackle—purple, blue jay at shoulder. Wing—topping and summer duck. Horns—topping. There is admirable sport in the Mulcaire with minnow and with its imitators, the Caledonian and Exhibition baits. The Devon takes well, but fouls too often. The Bilbo and Mulcaire are quite first-rate for "trout rowling," where I 1 All Shannon salmon-flies should have little or no hackles on the bodies till near the shoulder. In fact, attenuated bodies are the " acceptables." And this peculiarity being attended to, I set little value on the variations which each local angler claims as needful characteristics of each Shannon fly. Size, glitter and colour are the real needs. Nestor's window shows the right indescribables, but every one believes jn his own particular bunch of colour, How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 121 first heard the expression from a local artist, staggering Co. Lime- under a creel filled to bursting.1 Passing by, for a page or rick. two, the Maigue, the Dheel river, which runs into the Lower The Bheel. Shannon, holds capital salmon, and more in proportion to its size than the greater river. The fishing from a cott there is open (I believe) ; and, in any case, it can be got on very moderate terms. The prawn beats the fly here, and the largest blue " phantom" all other lures. There is a hotel at Askeaton, and the conveniences are all to be got, but, I believe, at a smart price. The Dheel trout are bonnie, as are those of its tributaries, the Ehernagh, Orra, and Owenskaw, but not in great number, near the best salmon pools about Askeaton. Further Askeaton. up about Rathkeale, where one can be fairly put up, the Bathkeale. trout and autumn grilse fishing is very good. Mr. Pigott's agent, Mr. Robert Reeves, throws no obstacle in the way of licensed anglers. At Glinn there is a nice open river, Glinn. and the Knight of Glinn, when written to, is most kind in permitting, as far as he can, strangers to have access to it. Between the Dheel and Limerick city the Maigue runs Bheel. out—a river which to know is to love. Its upper waters are Maigue. fed by the Camoge, the Morning Star, and the Loobagh, all Camoge. nice rivers, up which run spring salmon, fewer summer fish, Morning many grilse, and a few white-trout. On this margin, accom- ?*at* modation of more than average kind can be got at Adare ^oooagh. and Kilmallock, and even other places, if one wants to beat ^7areV the river thoroughly. Most of the fishing is free, and all of j0cv it can be got. Flies as at Nenagh; trout flies as Mulcaire and Nenagh (vide ante). The Morning Star is the best night Morning river I ever fished. The collagh, the minnow, the small Star. frog, and the white and lemon moth, are all murderous after dark. At the south-west, the Co. Limerick is bounded by the Feale, which separates it from Kerry. Into it run three pretty nursery streams—the Galey,the Oola, and Allaghaun, which in July hold grilse, white-trout, and ever sweet brown- trout. I particularize the Feale with the Kerry rivers. R. Feale. From the Co. Limerick side, these tributaries and the main river can be best got at from Abbeyfeale, which has an inn not Abbey- quite comfortless. Newcastle is the nearest railway station, feale. At the other corner of the county, the Funcheon divides Newcastle. south-eastern Limerick from the beautiful and fish-abounding Puncheon. Co. Cork. This county's chief rivers are the Blackwater, the Lee, Co. Cork, and the Bandon river. (There are other and smaller rivers Black- which discharge themselves in the ocean, but those receive water. 1 _ __ Lee. 1 J regret to say I ani now told to qualify this very much. Bandon, 122 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. most of the inland waters and most fish migrating from the sea. Concerning the Blackwater, the upper waters of this I fine river have for the last few years gone back, but now strong efforts are being made to improve them and with good prospective results. There are many fisheries (the better from Fermoy to Lismore) by the season or by the month. The rents vary from £15 to £50 per mensem. Trout fishing is mostly free and excellent on the main river and its tributaries. Hotel accommodation at Milstreet, Mallow, Fermoy, | Kilavullen and Lismore: at Lismore the " Devonshire Arms " \ is the hotel, All the waters belonging to the Duke of that I ilk are free, but the fish must be given up. A very trusted correspondent writes to me (and I quite agree with him),— "All the salmon fisheries worth fishing are strictly pre- I served," . . . nearly all proprietors, on all the rivers, let I their fisheries, and any really good pieces of water fetch | fancy prices (from £20 to £50 per month) ; but by taking a I piece for the entire season a considerable reduction is of course made. Excellent fisheries can be had at from £50 to £100 for the season. Trout fishing is to be had as of old. It is only necessary to ask for permission, to get it freely, even from the few propriet ors who preserve it. There are a few good free quarters (or nearly free)—these are attached to hotels, where by paying small sums one can get fairly good sport,—salmon, sea trout, and brown-trout. In this connection, Waterville, in the County Kerry, is notable " (vide Co. Kerry). The writer of the above adds to local remarks,— 1 There has been a Government inquiry into the state of the Irish rivers, but whether any good will result I do not know. If gentlemen who own large properties on the river banks, and who receive high rents for their fisheries would . . . subscribe a reasonable amount, and not trust the preservation to the paltry sum raised by licence money, things would mend very rapidly. . . . They pocket all they can get, and let the lessees do as they please as to preservation." For the upper Lee the Cork and Macroom railway serves; for the middle and lower waters the Cork and Coachford tram lines. As for the Lee, some few nice bits can be had for short terms—£10 to £15 for a month; good fisheries with water enough for two, or even three rods, can be had for £40 to £80 for the season. Furnished residences are to be had (in connection with fisheries) at (including some servants) £40 a month. At Cork and Macroom is hotel accommodation, and fairly good at Coachford and Dripsey. The sea trout fishing on the Lee is confined to a small stretch of water between the waterworks weir and the city of Cork. Pleasure boats disturb it much, and it cannot be fished except from boats. Messrs. Haynes, of 63, Patrick Street, can negotiate for fishings and are entirely trustworthy. The Blackwater runs How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 123 out at Youghall, where it divides Cork from Waterford. Co. Cork. Its main affluents in Cork are the Bride and the Glan Bride. on one bank, and the Funcheon, the Arraglin, the Clan. Aubeg and the Dalia, on the other. The Glan and Dalia Puncheon. join it high up, near Kanturk, are small, quite free rivers, Arraglin. and of little worth except to " locals." There are several j^u' other small trout streams about Kanturk. The Arraglin j?rm*7- is within easy reach of Fermoy, runs through lovely j^qJ^qT" scenery, and affords a trout-fisher beautiful sport with the worm in spate, or in its few pools in bright weather. The I Funcheon, which runs into the Blackwater below Moore Puncheon. Park, near Fermoy, holds a few salmon and grilse, and is quite free, though it is only courteous to ask permission to pass through the Moore Park demense and Colonel Teuton's grounds, which bound the stream. From Ballyclough Bridge to its mouth the Funcheon holds magnificent trout, but I never succeeded in making a grand creel with flies, except in a gale (up-stream best). Dapping with the natural blue-bottle I have done excellently, and in a very dirty freshet a great number of fine trout can be taken with the worm. At night, the collagh (late in summer, the small frog I and the white and lemon moth) kill well; and the banks permit easy night fishing, except under the rocks, opposite Colonel Teulon's house, a place I always reserved for dapping. The best fishing does not extend far above Ballyclough bridge. The flies are the 1 hare's-ears," the " March brown," till May; the "cow-dung," the "grouses," and "wrens," the "red-tail," and the little "blue dun" and "olive" (Despard's pattern). There are few rivers which gave me as much sport as the Funcheon, and it has the further advantage that it is so accessible from Fermoy, where Sheriff keeps one of the best hotels in the south of Ireland, and charges very moderately. There are often good lodgings to be had in Fermoy, and it commands the Upper Bride, which affords beautiful brown-trout fishing during the whole season, but especially early and towards the close of the season. Occasional fish, and pretty often grilse, are to be got above Rathcormick, but between that and Conna there is better sport. At Conna, Kirby's Hotel Conna. affords cheap and comfortable quarters, and from there the river fishing of the Lower Bride to and by Tallow is all free. It is often worth while to try a biggish olive white- trout fly, or a "hawthorn," with a bit of blue jay at the shoulder, in the likely pools in this water. Salmon in the early season, and grilse later on, often reward such an experiment. The blue jay has more charm for even the orown trout on this stream than any other I know. The cream of the fly-fishing for trout on the Bride is only to be Bride. got when it has just cleared from one flood, and just before the river dirties with another. Wh*en it is full and dirty, 124 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. ill Co. Cork, spinning, or the worm, will do better; and the worm or! natural dap (blue-bottle), cockroach, clock, and grasshopper,! answers when the river gets very low in bright weather.! Night fishing, as in the Funcheon, repays trouble. The Tallow. salmon fishing below Tallow is free to those who sojourn at the Devonshire Arms, where one can be made very com-1 Aubeg. fortable at moderate charges. The Aubeg is within easy! Balla- reach of Fermoy. It joins the Blackwater above Balla- hooly. hooly, and is just the stream in which dry fly-fishing and delicate, bright worming, will be rewarded. The writer has killed many score good trout in it. The flies which its! denizens love are the " green wren " and " orange grouse," 1 late in the summer; the " March brown," and very small! hares-ear and yellow, before then. Local flies, to be got from Haynes, of Cork, and in Fermoy, do very well. The little I runs " from its mouth to above Dr. Mansergh's house | hold very lusty trout, and I hope yet to try them with the 3 worm flight in bright summer weather. On the whole, there is not a better trout river in Ireland than this little one near which Spencer sung the noble Blackwater (the Awin-dhu of Elizabeth's day). It is little changed since he lived at Kilcolman close by. Some years ago its pools were all free; ; much of it now is, but the best are claimed, and their positions and rents are as followTs :— Mallow. Co. Cork. Lombard's town, half-hour from Mallow by rail. Very Lombard*s good in high water, but not quite sport-yielding when river - town. clears and runs low. Rent about 501. for season.1 Gortmore. Gortmore, half-hour from Mallow. Some good streams. Condition as Lombard's-town. Very easily fished. Rent 60/. Near Castletown-Roche, which touches the Aubeg, is" Carriga- Carrigacunna, which is by rail or car half way from Mallow mnna. to Fermoy. Excellent spring fishing, and some autumn. Length, one mile. Rent, 100/. Clifford. Clifford, which is the north side of the river (the last was south). Two miles, with pretty house and offices. 200/. for all. Carrig. I do not know if this beautiful water be free or not. I think it entails a small charge. It is only two miles from Castletown-Roche, where one Mrs. Fitzpatrick has a little hotel where she puts up and does for anglers, at too moderate a rate. The great drawback to these waters is the existence of a local night poacher who never sleeps in his bed. When he has been "tackled," the sport will be as good as any in Ireland of the extent of water. If I 1 The rents given are those of 1886—they are probably much the same now: not higher. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 125 were lessee, I should compel him to fish with me by day, Co. Cork. and all day. The hotel near the station at Mallow is excellent, but the charges are high. Lower down, near Fermoy, is Convanmore. Lord Listowell reserves the portion of this which runs through his demesne. He is, however, very kind to his friends. For three miles or so outside his grounds, he lets the fishing at 200/. a season, and this covers the rent of a large and cosy house in the village of Balla- hooly. North Crag. North side river only. A mile of good water. 60/. a year (two miles from Fermoy). I South Crag, half mile other side, very good, with full South river. 30/. a year. Crag. Carysville. Superb fishing. Two miles both banks. Carys- 600/. a year. Fine house, furnished, 150/. a year (two miles ville. from Fermoy). Kilmurray (five miles from Fermoy, by car), only beaten Kil- Iby Carysville. Over two miles. 200/. a year. murray. Kilbarry. Opposite a part of last. Only a quarter-mile, Kilbarry. but has the Lug pool, which always holds fish. Just below Lug Pool. the Lug is the Kilbarry run, which is as reliable as any in Ireland. Macollop, adjoins Kilmurray. Ten miles' fishing, north Macollop. side, half way between Fermoy and Lismore. Was to be let. with fine house, 300/. Marstown, close by Ballyduff station. Beautiful piece of Marstown, water a mile long, the south side. Rent 40/. The station- master puts up lessee at very moderate terms. At Cappoquin the Blackwater changes its due east course Cappo- directly to south, and is joined from the Waterford side by quin. the Feenisk river (a nice stream) opposite Lismore. On a Lismore. foregoing page I have written something of the Lower Black- water. The right to a several fishery on this portion of the river, and to the sea, has been established by the Duke of Devonshire, together with the fact that such another right had not been given by any deed under due authority in Ireland. The Duke is most generous. The fishing is free to all sojourners at the " Devonshire Arms " or " Blackwater Vale " hotels, which are comfortable, and with low tariffs. The best part is that known as the " Scholar's throw," made familiar to so many who have read Dr. Peard's delightful book. Then there is the "X Hole," the "Island," the "Bull,'1 the "Powder Butt," and others of equal merit. In the Blackwater it is usual to employ a professional aide, and often a cott. These fishermen are men of exceptional probity, and are all so good, that I hesitate to individualize one. They have only one fault, their love of preposterous long rods, which are needless in a cott. Unlike the Lower Shannon, the Blackwater requires only smallish flies even in spring. No. 3, 4, 5, 6, &c, and the first is generally too Co. Cork. 1 126 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. large. The local fly-dressers are finished artists; I give, j however, a few patterns which I know to be good, though, perhaps, not of their list:— Tag—gold lace and scarlet silk. Tail—topping, and morsel Indian crow. Butt—ostrich one turn. Body—in three: 1st, light blue; 2nd, green; 3rd, very deep red, all dyed, seal's fur or pig's wool, ribbed with gold lace (from epaulet). Hackle—a dyed hackle of deepest bottle green, nearly black, to red, and then black ; shoulder, jay. Wing—tippets two, and over these, mallard bustard, golden pheasant's tail, and a strip of red ibis mixed. Horns—toppings. Cheeks, small bits of chatterer. No 2. Tag—gold twist, red silk. Tail—golden pheasant topping. Butt—ostrich. Body—green mohair, deep blue mohair, red mohair^ (underwing), dyed seal's fur, mixed with mohair and of these shades, is even better. Gold tinsel separating colours. Black hackle or plum hackle. Mixed wing. Bustard, grey mallard, over toppings; I shoulder, jay. Pointers—blue and red macaw. Head—ostrich. No. 3. Tag—silver tinsel, purple silk. Tail—topping, blue chatterer. Butt—ostrich herl. Body—rough grey bear and pig's wool half way, then blue bear, all ribbed over with broad silver, blue jay hackle under wing. Mixed wing as in No. 1; pointers as in No. 1. Sides of wing, large-eyed jungle cock and small blue chatterer each side. Head—ostrich. JEm passant, all Blackwater flies may have blue jay at,; shoulder, and there are no better flies than the "Jock j Scott" and " Butcher," of Mr. F. Francis' pattern, with the jay added, and none so good the season through. A few I white-trout run up the Blackwater about the end of June; I believe most of them get into the Tourig, the Finesk, the Lickey, and Clashmore rivers, at least they are " not often killed in the Blackwater or its Cork tributaries. Fish killed about Lismore are to be given up; but a fair amount of them are always placed at the angler's disposal, free of charge. After the Blackwater, the Lee is the most fish-holding of the Cork rivers, and gives good sport from Gougane-Barra to its discharge in the Cove of Cork. It rises amid lone- somest rugged beauty, and joins the sea in scenery still How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 127 bewitching. At Gougane,1 all round the island, there is Co. Cork, nice free fishing for brown-trout, but I do not think salmon are often taken there. Boats can be had. Good trout are to be had in following the Lee down to Lough Allua (the Inchegelagh lake of tourists), which affords capital trout Inchege- fishing, and an occasional "fish." There is a very fair hotel lagh. at Inchegelagh, and nice boats. " Brophy's " is a fair hotel, \ and Inchegelagh is a good spot for pike anglers. 'Tis all free fishing there, and from May not bad angling is to be got even for salmon, and it is a proper starting-point (from the Cork side) for the white-trout rivers which run into" Bantry Bay : (vide Glengarriffe in Co. Kerry notes). Macroom2 (on railway Macroom. from Cork) is, however, a better quarter for salmon fishers, for it not only commands the Lee, but its upper tributaries, which carry salmon. The trout fishing is free, and Haynes, of Patrick Street, Cork, makes easy arrangements for salmon Cork. fishers. Between Cork and Macroom, there is a capital Macroom. trout river, the South Bride, the best in west or south Cork. ^u^ Near where it joins the Lee is the Dripsey, which runs in ■»*\",e* from the north, as do the Blarney river (the Shournagh), ■UriPsey- and its fellow, the Martin. Coachford is not a bad place for Coachford an early start to the Lee or Dripsey, but the accommodation might be improved. Blarney is a delightful place, and the Blarney sanatorium there is a pleasant standpoint for the observation of the oddities of humanity. Good stories abound there. The proprietor is one of the finest anglers in Ireland. South of the Lee, and like it running mainly eastward, is jjee, the Bandon, which is, I think, the livelier salmon river of Bandon* the two. The fishing can be got through Mr. Haynes on very reasonable terms. Like the Lee it is a spring river, but not so early. It is said to be the least fickle of streams, and it certainly keeps up a fair head of water more constantly than most Irish rivers. The flies for it and the Lee Lee. are of the same patterns, but those who know these rivers well recommend smaller patterns for the Bandon.3 On both Bandon. 1 The scenery at Gougane is superb. The brown-trout fishing above the average, though the fish are not generally what a Lough Derg man would call big. Mrs. Cronin keeps a " shebeen" on the lake side, which I'm told is " comfortable," and certainly her charges for boats and boatmen are moderate. s The trout about Macroom run small, from J to \ lb. ■* The Bandon River is mostly preserved, but the best stretches are to be let (by the season, from £30 to £60). The trout fishing, in places excellent, is nearly all free. The lower waters at Innisshannon (all tidal) hold sea-trout (" white "), brown and slob trout. The hotel there and that at Dunmanwayare fairly comfortable and moderate in charge. During a " wet" autumn the rivers, lien and Arrigadeen, 128 How and Where to Fish in Ireland, I, if Co. Cork, the size of the proper fly varies not so much between the early and late season as between flood water (clear, of] course) and very low water. Thus the " yellow Anthony | may be tied on No. 4 or even 3 for a full river, and a week later on No. 8 for low water, but medium flies generally do best. Mr. Haynes supplies all the patterns in great perfec-j tion, and I append a list of them and a description of howl few of them are dressed. Dunmanway, Ballynean, and \ Bunman- way. Ballynean. Bandon. Sltib- bereen* Glandore. B. Hen. Glandore. Ballyde- hob. Boaring- water. Glassha? .*. boy. Awin-a- Curragh. Castle- martyr. Bissour. Middleton. Bandon afford quarters. Ballynean is the most central. In spring I should take my chance for the best sport there, but in autumn Bandon I think best, as more white-trout are there to vary the game. From Skibbereen or Glandore, capital white and brown-trout fishing is to be had after early July. From the former the River Hen is got at. It holds spring salmon, a summer run, grilse, white and brown* trout. There is a hotel as at Glandore. The latter was a model of cleanliness, comfort, and cheapness, and I have not heard that it is changed. From the Ballydehob river, near Roaringwater, to the old head of Kinsale, every stream discharging in the sea holds numbers of white-trout, but they must be sought for the moment the floods begin to abate. Eastward of Cork the Glasshaboy, the Awin-a- Curragh, the Castlemartyr, and Dissour all afford sport: some few salmon, white and brown-trout, but not so many or so good as the westward rivers. Middleton is a good centre for these (rail to there). The Lee, Bandon, and West Cork salmon flies are— 1. The I Black Goldfinch" (a low-water pattern). 2. The I Blue Palmer " (do.). 3. The " Golden Olive " (do.). 4 The 1 Claret Palmer " (do.), and 5. The " Orange Anthony " (do.). 6. The "Lee Blue" (do. when tied with silk body and small). ., mi C "Blue and Orange" and I n* -u . \ 1. The I a Grey and 0ralfg61 | (high water). 2. The " Half grey and brown " (high water). 3. The "Lee Blue" (high water). 4. The I Orangeman" C Generally good in all con- 5. " Tandy" < ditions of water (sizes 6. " Yellow Anthony " I varied). Of these flies— The " Yellow Anthony " is perhaps the most fatal. Tag—silver tinsel, yellow silk of the exact shade of the tail. Tail—topping. hold lots of small salmon, 6 to 8 lbs., and fine sea trout. Skibbereen and Clonakilty hotels are better than one expects there. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 129 Butt—one turn of black ostrich. Body—silver grey fox or silver seal, Bhoulder golden (dyed) seal, or golden-hackle, ribbed silver. Wing—mixed bustard, bittern, brown turkey, golden pheasant's tail, swan (dyed) magenta, red flamingo, a few spines of tippet and a morsel of the red feather from golden pheasant's flank. Head—black ostrich. The " Orangeman." Tag—silver tinsel, orange silk. Tail—topping. Body—blue dyed seal, hackle fashion, then a roll of silver twist, then blue again, then tinsel, then orange red fur, then tinsel, then deep red, then tinsel, then grass green fur, tinsel, silver grey fur, and finally under shoulder cardinal red fur or hackle—the tinsel should divide each colour of body in ribs. Wing—mixed golden pheasant's tail, brown mallard, blue dyed swan, flamingo, and summer duck. This is said to be a wonderful good fly in all the Cork waters. The " Tandy." Tag—silver tinsel, claret silk. Tan—tippets. Body—in three equal parts— 1st. Yellow silk under golden seal fur or hackle ribbed silver. 2nd. Sky-blue seal fur or hackle ribbed silver. 3rd. Silver grey seal ribbed silver. A claret hackle burked full at shoulder. Wing—tippet (not much) to project over tag, then green parrot, red swan, golden pheasant's tail, summer duck, very little blue swan, and brown mallard. Head—black ostrich. The "Lee Blue." Tag—silver and golden silk. Tail—topping and tippet. Butt—black ostrich one turn. Body—sky-blue seal or white bear (dyed) ribbed broad tinsel, golden fur at shoulder below rise of wing. i Wing—mixed claret swan, orange swan, green swan, blue swan, golden pheasant's tail, brown mallard. Head—black ostrich. The " Claret Palmer." Tag—silver tinsel, claret silk. Tail—topping. Butt—black ostrich (full). I 130 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. Co. Cork. V Queen* s- town. Bandon. Lee. Inchegelagh. Body—claret silk ribbed silver from below 2nd rib. Hackle, sky-blue or blue seal picked out; shoulder, jay. Wing—bits of tippet, golden swan, claret swan, golden^ pheasant's tail under brown mallard. Horns—blue macaw. Head—black. The " Half grey and brown," the formula of which I know not exactly. | These six flies represent in some measure the modifica-; tions and shades which prevail in the rivers near Cork J Haynes, in Patrick Street, is a very reliable man and; moderate. There are other local men about, whose dressing is probably good too. In Cork there is more than one good; hotel, the Imperial is first-rate; Queen's-town is excellently provided; and at Passage is one where they have very good: hot salt baths to boil in on an off day. The clubs in Cork; open their doors readily to any introduced strangers. Experts all say the Cork rivers have the peculiarity of giving most sport to salmon fishers who fish high with somewhat a less drowned fly than usual. In the Blackwater I can say there is no trace of this oddity. In the Lower Bandon and Lower Lee the prawn does excellently, and the best tackle is due to the invention of Dr. B , a Cork man. Cork is happily not infested with pike; there are, however, many good perch lodges; charr are said to be found in Inchegelagh. I don't think there are many, but I believe the mountain lakelets in West Cork and the Kerry border should be credited with some queer customers not unlike pollen. I never saw but one, and the pseudo-captor called him a I hobbin " | (hibernice " briac-bui"). This was an evident misnomer, as the fish was black (dhu), not yellow (bui). Sea fishers should try this coast, which teems with the spoils they seek. Kerry Co. Kerry. js a county fertile in fish.2 The salmon are not very many I or very large, but their distribution is general. The white I trout are excellent, and in all the streams. There are a few feroces or big-headed brown trout of the ferox pattern, 1 Can this be the Hautin of old writers ? 2 A correspondent who knows this county well warns me that, like all Irish fishings, those in Kerry have fallen off I since I first wrote of them. I would add that at Waterville I and thereabouts the angling restrictions are said to have | been extended, and I'm told that now the keepers try to make anglers for " white trout" take out the local salmon licence. I How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 131 ^numberless true brown trout, charr (probably) or a lake fish Co. Kerry, like them, and special pike and perch. Most of the fishing is preserved in a sort of a way, and there is none of it which can't be got for a small charge. Owing to the streams of tourists which its scenery attracts, the accommodation is, for Ireland, exceptionally good. Long drives by car must be f undertaken to reach many good waters, though there are I railways to Killarney and Tralee. To the north the first ^^rney. I important river is the Feale, which we touched on in £rcy e\ ^Limerick, whence it runs. Near its mouth, after receiving j| @ ? I the Gary, it changes its name to the Cashen, and soon dis- t>' q^uL. I charges into sea near Bally bunion. This little place affords Bauv_ lodgings; but Listowel, a flourishing little town, is a better ouniont I place to get to this river, and it covers easily the southern Listowel. ^tributaries, the Smeralagh and the Shanogh, which are all Smera- breeding rivers, which hold some grilse and many white trout lagh. in autumn. The Feale itself has many salmon of medium Shanogh. weight, and very game. Listowel furnishes guides and fly- dressers. The flies resemble the Bandon patterns, but wuth a little more colour, and the 1 Jock Scott," and " Butcher," with blue jay (vide Blackwater) and the silver grey, and a very deep orange grouse kill well—hooks 5,6,7. The hotel at Listowel is comfortable, and cheap. The Feale salmon Feale. at low water seem to affect spinning (natural) minnows, indeed low water seems generally the proper time for this lure. In the Feale I first saw used a single fly shotted, and played " sink-and-draw " fashion for trout and white trout; at night for^the former. It is very killing, and they call this mode the " Clare style," from the county where it was general. From Tralee the rivers Lee and Maine are accessible. Tralee. Both rivers hold a few salmon, more white, and many Lee. and nice brown trout. Thence too, access is easy to the Maine. barony of Corkaginny, a peninsula which, pushing out north Corka- of Dingle Bay, has many rivers (Finglas, for instance) 9^nny. which hold in autumn white trout in number, and ever so P%n9^as* many brown trout. A tour through this' wild barony with a pony and " Berthon" would repay a fisher of " virgin " streams, and there is a big tarn to be reached from the town of Dingle, near Beenaskee, another near Anauscaul, and three or four further west which should be tried Beenaskee, by adventurers provided with a Berthon, or collapsible Anaus- boat. The Maine flows down to Castlemaine harbour caul. from about half-way (by train) from Tralee to Kil- Maine. larney, and when it has been fished down to the sea, Kil- lorghlan, which has an inn, is a stepping-stone to fish the Laune from Killorglan (on it) back to Killarney. Colonel Amphlett exercises " rights" over the Maine, the lower Laune. reaches of which are very good, especially for white trout; ^'"or" June, July, and August being the best months. There is glan' little difficulty in making terms by the week or month, I Co. Kerry. Victoria Bay. Lake View House. Laune. Toomies. Killor- glan. Glencar. Carragh Lake. Cloon Lake. Bridagh. Carragh- beg. 132 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. believe; but over most of this river1 Mr. Herbert's successor 1 Lord Ardillaun, of Mucross, exercises a claim, which Mr. H was wont to transfer to his tenant (Colonel 1 Amphlett, of Cahirnane, Killarney), who did not permit 1 fishing, except on terms which were not high. From Bally- I meallis pool down the fishing (as good as any on the river) is | free, except a short "stretch," for which the proprietor, Mr. j Charles Johnson, never refuses leave. The fishing on the lakes is all free. The accommodation there is excellent at several A hotels, the "Lake," the "Mucross," the "Railway,"and others. J The tariff is about 12s. per diem, or from 4/. a week. The I charge for boats is 7s., but the proprietor of the Lake Hotel says," but we can give a boat free, so that the hire to an angler f would be simply 3s. 6d. per day, which is only the boatman's hire." Such an arrangement can, doubtless, be made with the other hotels ; as a matter of fact, I have found 6s. a day cover my boat expenses (whisky not included—many of the ) men are total abstainers). The best fishing is got with the troll or spin. May to August are the best months for salmon, but the cross lines get most of the not too numerous " Salars." Herring-sized, and now and then big trout, are to be got in any number on a good day, near Brown Island, I Victoria Bay, and the north shore under Lake View House * to the mouth of the Laune, and round the opposite (Toomies) shore. June and July are the best months for trout. The " Spoon," the "Devon," the "Exhibition," "Caledonian," and "Phantom" blue and brown, all do well, the small natural minnow best of all, unless where big fish are known to harbour, and the acquaintance of the boatmen wTith them is wonderful. The small trout is not generally useful, but here and there the troutling attracts his big brothers.2 From Killorglan to Glencar is about 7 miles, and the mail car charge is 2s. 6d. for each passenger. At the Glencar Hotel, Mrs. Breen makes her customers very comfortable, and they get free fishing on the river Carragh from Carragh Lake to Cloon Lake, and on the tributary Bridagh and Carraghbeg (over ten miles). The best side of Carragh Lake is held by Mrs. Breen, and on the opposite side Mr. McGillicuddy Eager lets his fishing, either by season or month. The best salmon fishing is not after April. The Carraghbeg is a sweet trout stream. The grilse come in May, June, and July. 1 Sir M. J. O'Connell is lessee of the Dunloe portion, and Major Oliver Day Stokes is lessee of Ballymallis, and leave is given by them to persons bearing introductions. I am informed that under new arrangements the Laune and Flesk fishings may be, this season, taken by arrangement by the ticket buyers. The Laune is best after June. * For convenience I refer my readers to list of Kerry special flies at the end of the notice of the county. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 133 The trout are not large, except in the Carragh Lake, which Go, Kerry, holds many over 8 lbs. All these lakes (Carragh, Cloon, and Coos) by Glencar hold salmon, and there are trout-holding tarns innumerable. The car fare to any of the lakes is nve shillings out and home, and the boats one shilling per diem, and two shillings with a meal per man. The hotel charges are equally reasonable. Rossbeigh Hotel (O'Shea's) is about the same distance from Killarney and Killorglin as Glencar. It is by the Beigh river, which is excellent in autumn, and less known than the Carragh and the other waters which are fished in, alike from Glencar and Rossbeigh. Carragh is, I believe, the earliest white trout river in Kerry. About four miles south of Rossbeigh is Coomisaharne, a mountain lake full of brown trout and perhaps charr. The Honourable Mr. Wynne is the proprietor here, but there is no hindrance to anglers from the hotels. Mrs. O'Shea provides boats on Carragh, perhaps at the same charge as Mrs. Breen. The white trout run up these waters to the last day of the open season. A few charr are got in all the small lakes. South of Glencar (about twenty miles) is Waterville—all Water- . the Waterville fishings are open to those who put up at the ville. good hotel there—a delightful fishing quarter, which has two hotels, the Hartopp Arms at Lough Currane, and the Butler Lough Arms in the village. The fishing on Currane is free, and Currane. boats can be hired there. The largest salmon are killed in spring, and after the 15th of May not many heavy fish are creeled. The minnow, the spoon, and all natural or artificial contrivances kill. In fact, Waterville fish seem hungry for novelties, which should, however, be of moderate size (spoon two inches, minnow or Devon three inches long). The fly does best in August and September, and the patterns are those of Carragh, blue being the taking shade for grilse, which run to the very last day of the season (15th October). The permission to fish the trout lakes must be got from Sir Maurice O'Connell, Bart., of Lakeview, Killarney. The run of brown trout are small, but pretty. In Currane they attain thickness, strength, and weight to four pounds. The white trout do not run very large, but are beauties. At the head of Currane is Coppul, a free lake, which is a capital but very late white trout lake, and with numerous, but very small, brown trout (Isknagaherig is another name for this lough). The Cummeragh is also a nice Cwtnmc* river, but the Inny has greater claims, and "gives as good ragh. sport with white trout as does its namesake in Longford and Westmeath with brown. The salmon here seldom bring down a counterpoise of more than twelve pounds. They come early, the grilse and white trout late.1 1 Fishermen should know that in the hamlet of Sneem, Co. Kerry. Waterville. Ardshel- laun, Sneem, Black- water. Fiririahy. Kenmare. Sheene. Bought y. Ardshellaun. Black- water. Lough Brian. Eeadford. Anna Cree. Belmiagh. 134 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. White-trout brooklets and the tarns in Iveragh are 1 countless. I shall only mention the Fartagh, the western-! most river in this barony. It runs in near Cahirciveen, and I on it and other streams about, capital white-trout fishing isl got, the Knight of Kerry making no objection. Turning; eastward from Waterville through Sneem, and having-*] crossed the Ardshellaun, the Sneem, Blackwater and the Fiririahy rivers, one reaches Kenmare, at the head of an'! estuary into which those rivers and the Sheene and Roughty discharge close by. The Lansdown Arms is the best hotel, and there is good and cheap accommodation at the Black- water Bridge, some six miles south-west. The fishing is | preserved, but given on request. The Roughty is perhaps the best salmon river, but it certainly is not as good for I trout or white trout as the Ardshellaun or Blackwater. If this river were looked after it would be excellent. It is, however, each season poisoned with herbs by poachers. The white trout fishing is late in all these streams—July and succeeding months. Mr. David Mahony, of Dromore Castle, is the local proprietor about Lough Brian, which has charr and good trout, but spinning is the only mode to take the largest of them. Near Headford (G. S. & W. R.) runs the Anna Cree, a good brown trout river, which discharges into the Flesk, a beautiful salmon and brown trout river, which passes Killarney into the large lake. The river is preserved, but arrangements can be made for it as far as Pap Lake (brown trout and charr). A little but good river (Belmiagh), joins the Anna-Cree, and there are other (the Loo, the Clydagh) sporting streams within easy reach. For brown trout gaudy grouse seem to beat all others, and Kerry trout love a bit of tinsel. No county is more charming to fish in than Kerry. The poorest persons there are courteous to strangers. The charges for boats and cars are very moderate, and that for accommodation reasonably so. The local fly-dressers are unsurpassable, though it is very difficult to follow their written descriptions. Mrs. McCarthy, wife of Tim McCarthy, High Street, Killarney, supplies beautiful, durable, and most taking flies for all the rivers of the county, and I think there is more variety in the local patterns here than anywhere. Haynes and the other Cork tackle men have and tie excellent patterns. Orange, green, blue, and claret prevail in Kerry flies, with dull wings and tinsel, in the salmon, white trout and brown trout. Like the smiles and forms of close to Waterville, grey " home-made" tweed of great excellence is to be bought for a trifle from the poor women who weave it. For its like one has to go to another wild country, Donegal. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 135 her lovely mountains, the rivers of Kerry are very fickle, a Co. Kerry, charming characteristic, as there is no day there without some few sporting hours. The last fishing I commend in $ Kerry proper is Loughs Guttane, Coomclogherane, and Guttane. Carrantwonill. All these hold noble red trout, for which Coomclog- the small" Fiery Brown," " Olive " and " Dun Grey " (bodies), herane. under claret for the first, and bottle green hackles for the Currant- others, is the charming fly; but spinning is better for the wohiU. largest fish. Kerry is reached in the centre by the Great Kerry. Southern and Western Railway, northward from Limerick by Abbeyfeale or Listowel, and from the south-east through lonely Glengarriff, which is in Cork officially, but in Kerry Glen- for fishermen, to whom, it gives white and brown trout in 9arriff- great numbers, and many salmon of average size. There are very good hotels (Eccles' and Roche's); the proprietor of one of them lays himself out to suit anglers. There are at least five lakes which give excellent sport. The Adragoole, Adragoole the Camoola, the Ouvane, and the Mealagh all give sport, Camoola. and are specially good for white trout, which run from early Ouvane. in July to the end of season, and grilse wTith them. The Mealagh. Barlylough, Ballilicky fishings are to be got for nothing, or 7 }j" a very trifle, through Roche, of hotel. The best salmon niiiiiiekv fishing time may be said to be September. The prawn is *' not often tried in Kerry; I can't but think it would do well, and will try'it in the Roughty after a spate in September, when that river is ever kind. The difficulty of describing salmon flies from the descriptions of the best dressers is often insuperable. I give a specimen which was sent me by an artist:— Body—orange floss silk. Hackle—jay hackle, red under. Wing—mixed. This fly may be made with hackle blue or green if required. The following will, however, be understood:— For white trout. 1. Grouse hackle, orange or olive bodies, with or with out mallard wing. 2. Claret body busked big, mallard wing, black hackle. 3. Black body, blue hackle, silver tinsel, mallard wing. For salmon. Greys, as a rule, brilliantly tied and with plenty of jay. 1. Tag—silver; tail topping and hood with sprig of green parrot. Body—two or three twists of orange pig wool, then a turn of blue, remainder grey monkey-ribbed gold twist. Hackle—Orange. Wing—brown turkey or bustard backed mallard. Horns—blue. 136 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. Head—black ostrich. 2. Tail topping and hood (strips). Tag—silver. Butt—twist of purple and twist of black ostrich. Body—a fourth yellow mohair, rest blue-ribbed gold. Hackle—jay up all body, orange hackle over all. Wing—mallard, red macaw, turkey, golden pheasant tail, mixed. Head—black ostrich. Mr. Haynes, of Patrick Street, Cork, has very kindly furnished me with seven patterns for the Kerry lakes and rivers. 1. Tag—silver tinsel, orange silk. Tail—tippet and topping (strips). Body—light blue hackle halfway, then light grey ribbed silver tinsel over corresponding furs. Shoulder—blue jay. Wing—(mixed) tippet, very little golden pheasant tail, red flamingo, over all brown Mallard. Horns—blue macaw. Head—one turn black ostrich. 2. Tag—gold tinsel, orange. Tail—topping. Body—very deeply dyed reddish purple seal, with blue jay hackle from middle to shoulder, ribbed gold. Wing—as in No. 1. Horns—blue and yellow macaw. Head—as No. 1. . Tag—silver and deep orange. Tail, wing, horns, head, as No. 2. Body—first half blue seal, second half purple red seal, blue jay at shoulder. 4. As 3, but body deepest red purple seal under, good red hackle from tail, blue jay at shoulder. 5. Same as 4, but with body of black seal under deepest dyed red hackle, ribbed gold jay at shoulder. 6. Tail—tag as No. 2. Wing—more topping than in 2. Body—half blue seal, half grey seal, claret seal under shoulder ribbed silver. 7. Tag—silver tinsel, light blue. Tail—topping. Body—grey seal ribbed silver, blue jay hackle at shoulder. Wing—mixed, as 1, but a bit golden dyed swan next flamingo. Head—black. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 137 The County Clare does not afford much sport. Its best waters have been Co. Clare.1 spoilt by pikes and net-poachers, but yet the natural capabilities of the lakes and rivers overcome these enemies to sport. Salmon, white trout, and trout are to be got in the rivers, large feroces and pike in the lakes. The Bunratty Bunratty. river is the nearest to Limerick, from which I presume some of my readers will reach Clare. The Sixmile Bridge Station is near the river, and the spring fishing is worth going for, and it is to be had on the easiest terms. I cannot for the moment say through whom, but I believe Mr. Stafford O'Brica, of Cratloe Woods, preserves the lower waters. The autumn grilse (white trout are few) and the trout fishing throughout the season is good. The same may be said of the Fergus, a river which ought to be first-rate at all times, but after spates it is best. Ennis, the county town, is Ennis. situated upon it. I can't say much for the hotels, but lodgings are procurable, and the Club House is one of the few remaining shrines of old-fashioned Irish hospitality. From Ennis Lough Inchiquim is easily reached, and very large trout may be taken in it. Corrofin, in which there is Corrofin. an inn, affords tolerable accommodation. The greatest difficulty on this and the other lakes which extend north from it to a little railway station on the boundary of Galway, is the lack of good boats. Were this supplied Clare, would Clare. repay even an exigent fisherman. At present this chain of jjouahs lakes and Loughs Graney, O'Grady, Tadane, Inchicronin, graney Cooleenahelagh, and Roscroe, all good waters, are virtually q> Qrady closed to anglers, except those, residing near, who have Tadane private boats. Westward the Cloon flowing into the Inchicro- Shannon, and the Coorclare, the Creagh, Annageragh, nin, Doonbeg, Annagh, and Coolenagh into the Atlantic, all Cooleena- hold many white trout in autumn, and deserve attention, helagh, They are all practically free, and can be got at, the first Boscroe. from Kilrush, and then by Kilkee (fair hotel), Miltown Cloon. Malbey (fair hotel), and Ennistimon (inn), to Ballyvaughan. Coorclare. To an angler with a pony trap and collapsible boat Clare Creagh. opens a beautiful and almost untried field for anglers. The All7}age- Kerry and Limerick flies do for trout and white trout, but T^ \ they should be busked full. I have found an introduction Annaai' to a member of the county club as good as a circular letter, c00ienaah. commanding (by all lakes and rivers) boats, bed and board. Kilrush. Waterford, Kilkee. though the county by which the fine rivers Suir, Barrow, Co. Water- and Nore run out, is not at all first rate for fishing. For ford, salmon the Suir, which divides it from the counties of Suir. 1 There is a hotel, the " Golf Links," now open at Lahinch, where some fishing is to be had, and delightful views £$^J other attractions. If Co. Waterford. Clonmel. Carrick. Coolna- muck. Anner. Clodagh. Glan. Coonia- duallagh. Mohr. Coomshui- gaun. Co. Galway. Athenry Junction. (For a portion of the fishings which border Galway [at Mount Shannon, Portumna] see Co. Tipperary, North.) 138 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. Kilkenny and Tipperary, is the only river which may be considered. Most of the fishing is quite free on both banks, and when it is closed on the Waterford bank, it is not at all difficult to obtain permission to fish. Clonmel, with good lodgings, excellent hotel, and Carrick with a very comfortable hotel and lodgings, are the best headquarters. The Coolnamuck, the Anner, the Clodagh, and the Glan hold good brown trout, but for heavy fish Stillogues, Cooma-. duallagh, Mohr, Coomshuigaun, are loughs which really deserve to be worked, Stillogues and Coomshuigaun especially.1 Galway—Mayo—Roscommon, and Leitrim, make up the Western District. Its eastern watershed first goes to the Shannon, its western to the Atlantic. The feeders of the former hold salmon, brown trout, and pike. The direct Atlantic-going rivers have white trout beside. The county Galway is approached from the east by the Midland and Western Railway, and from the south from Clare by rail also (via Athenry Junction). On the journey from south no good river will be passed, nor any adjacent loughs, but Oughter (Lord Gough's) and Rea, and neither are of much value. At Galway one reaches good fishing of a sort, and two fair hotels, Mack's which is small and cosy, and the Railway which is large and clean; the provender in both is very fair, and the charges not quite as unreasonable as in some other Connaught hotels. The salmon fishing in Galway proper is actually in the town; the prison behind the rod, and high buildings on the other side the stream. The fishing is only over a few hundred yards, and is conducted from a gravelled walk bounded by a wall which drops sheer to the water. At the foot of this " stretch " is a bridge, and in this 1 Did I believe much of the varieties of trout, I should put down the " breac-mohr" of the last lough as a corpu- lently distinct branch of the salmon connection. There is little fishing between April and July. The pike fishing about is too good. From Clonmel the Tar, which runs from Clogheen is easy. It used to be a capital brown trout stream to end of season. The best trout on record at Clonmel was killed last season on the Devon bait (8 lbs.). At present Mrs. Bradford, in Clonmel, is a very good guide in matters piscatorial. The Duke of St. Albans reserves, but not churlishly, some of the Anner. Mr. Cooke, Lord Donough- more and Mr. Bagnell preserve the best salmon water. Withal Clonmel is a good fishing-station, especially to those who obtain entrance to the very hospitable club. "Jim Mara," if alive, is the best professional aide. The worm beats all flies on the Suir. (JPide ante Co. Tipperary.) m^lilfe How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 139 bit of water one is privileged to fish at about £1 a rod per Co. Gal- diem (monthly or weekly terms can be made). The numbers way. of salmon seen, and sometimes sea trout, is prodigious, and now and then one or both give excellent sport, especially to prawn fishers, but it lacks the poetry of sport on a wild lough or river.1 No better place can however be selected for novices in salmon casting and lacking fish-lore, as adepts in art and story are often there, ready to relinquish their newspapers to put a tyro up to dodges—never, you know, told other mortal! All the standard patterns used in Ireland do well when they do at all. The " Jock Scott," the " Butcher," and " Captain," for choice. Mike Hearne's " Goshawk " has killed there. In early spring No. 3 is about the best size of iron ; later on the hooks should gradually be used smaller till just before the close time. Application for " a rod " should be made to the Honorary Secretary of the Angling Club. The specials in which Galway fishers profess to place.faith have olive or orange bodies, mixed wings, and a good deal of green feathers and blue jay about them. The local tiers make them well and cheaply. A day or two spent in the picturesque old town is seldom thrown away, as one can hear there all the gossip and wrinkles of the western fishings to Ballina.. Close by and north of Galway is Lough Corrib, L. Corrib. in which are many salmon, though it seldom yields many " good days " except to trout or pike anglers.2 Perhaps no lake in the Island holds such monster pikes and lake trout, 'and for them, not salmon, I would commend this lake to tourists. Indeed, whenever accomplished pike fishers, Mr. Jardine for example, tackle this lake in winter, we may expect the authentic record to be broken. The biggest lakers are killed with the fly oftener here than elsewhere, but a small trout, a minnow, or gudgeon, kills them oftener, and an eel-tail (large) ♦ has an advantage above them all, as ferox and pike take it avidly, and it beats every other lure for the salmon found there. I believe most salmon are got in early spring, but I should prefer the Corrib fishing from July to the end of season, when of course pike may be taken. The following five flies do for the lakers, the white trout, and now and then a salmon in Corrib, and generally about as good as any on any of the lakes in the western district. 1. Tail—two filaments golden pheasant topping. Body—floss silk (orange) ribbed with black silk. Hackle—largest grouse. Wing—largest grouse. 2. Tag—gold tinsel. 1 Hypercritical people say many fish are hooked foul. 2 Nicholas Browne and Lydon are the local quid-nuncs in Galway. Co. Galway. Ill Oughter- ard. Ashford. Awonriff. Boss. Maam. Conne- mara. Ballina- hinch. Galway. Clifden. Oughter- ard. 140 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. Tail—gold pheasant topping. Butt—ostrich herl. Body—maroon-red silk ribbed with black ostrich and very fine gold twist. Hackle—claret. Wing—grouse with Guinea fowl over blue macaw pointers. 3. Olive i |*|®' w°o1' j Body ribbed gold tinsel. Brown mallard wing and tail. 4. Tail—golden pheasant topping. Body—red hackle over black bear. Wing—teal over two golden pheasant. Tippet—feathers, one each side. Head—black ostrich. 6. Body—black silk or horse-hair. Tag—orange silk. Tail—golden pheasant topping. Wing—grey water hen over a small hackie (red). Head—ostrich (black). At Oughterard is a comfortable hotel, from which are reached the best casts on upper Corrib about the islands and under Ashf ord. The Awonriff river (at the door) is worth attention in a strong autumn spate, or after one, in a storm which would make the lake unpleasant. There is a lake (Ross) which holds nice fish; I think the proprietor of the Oughterard Hotel arranges for it, and the tarns, full of trout (a I collapsible," or coracle, is used for these). Maam is the next station, and the north-eastern key to Connemara, as is Ballinahinchthe south-western, and Clifden the western. There is a snug hotel at Maam, within easy reach, loughs and tarns without number, and all free and full of trout.1 Five shillings a day is the highest charge for boats on Corrib. By the mail car from Galway to Clifden (8s. all the journey), the Ballinahinch fisheries are reached, Oughterard being about half-way to the Recess Hotel,2 which accommodates the anglers. Besides the Recess, there is now, I believe, a hotel at Glendalough, which is very comfortable, and within an easy distance of the Ballinahinch fisheries. The quarters here are very comfortable, and the fishing 1 As I write, some arrangements are said to be on foot to obtain " rights " for the sojourners at Maam. I should want none there, but what a mountain pony, a guide, and a portable boat would give me. 2 The Recess Hotel is now run by the M. G. W. Railway. It is extended, improved and moderate. O'Laghlan's Hotel (the Zetland Arms) at Cashel is very good, and in a sport- giving country. 1 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 141 admirable. The largest salmon run is in spring, but the Co. Gal- splendid white and brown trout fishing after about 10th July, way. varies the sport charmingly. To my taste, the rule (for an idle man) at Recess should be woodcocks and wild shooting Becess. from the opening day to 15th March, varied by fishing for large salmon to 15th April. Sea trout, brown trout, and flappers, July and early August. A few grouse, many white and brown trout, grilse, snipe, and running fish to close of season. This can be all done from a very comfortable hotel, where the " nicest people " are always met. The charge is 12/. a month, 61. 6s. a fortnight, 3/. 15s. a week, or 15s. a day. Boat and man, 2s. per diem. The best flies are the Galway Galway. and Beltragh patterns, for white and large brown trout; for small trout, the Mayo (river) patterns. For salmon, take (Patterns the experience of an old patron of Recess. " At Recess, I of flies have fished with perhaps every fly used in the Usk, and vide Co. all the Blackwater and Ballyshannon patterns, and would Mayo.) not care a pin which, except that I should vary the fly in accordance with the season, and the weight and colour of the water. Early spring, big flies. Autumn, small. Heavy water, bigger than when low. In bright weather, bright feather. In thick water, tinsel. The Moy flies jointed are very good, but they must not have the winglets." 1 The authority who writes this is so high, that I leave his dicta without comment. Mr. G. J. Robinson, of Ballinahinch Castle, will supply further information of Ballinahinch. This fishing-station commands numerous lakes beside the waters on which a charge is made, and good brown and sea trout fishing may be got there as cheaply, and perhaps with as much comfort as anywhere. The country about is singularly wild, and has attractions for artists, botanists, geologists, and sportsmen. At Clifden, Clifden some ten miles off, lodgings are to be got, and there is a hotel (Mullarkey's), from which fishing excursions to several mountain lakes is possible, and on none of them is there a charge. To the south, towards Roundstone (good, rough Round- accommodation), which is easily got to from Recess or stone. Ballinahinch, is Lough Faddha, and numerous sister lakes, Faddha which are little fished, and afford beautiful sport. To the south-east again, in the peninsula between Bertraghboy and Kilkeirran Bay, are lakes and rivers into which salmon and white trout run, and which may be called " virgin," but the explorer must be prepared to rough it with the poor and kindly people who exist there. Again, by the coast road, which runs from Casla Bay to Galway, are half-a-dozen rivers scarcely surpassed for sea trout, and their head- B. Bally- water lakelets are as good, and hold beautiful brown trout, new. These—the Bally-new river and lake above it, the Awinriff Awinriff. 1 For winglets, vide Ballina flies. Co. Galway. Owen- boliska. Loughkip. Spiddle. Kylemore. Leenane. Letterfrack. Kylemore Lake. Lough Mask. Cong. Portumna Banagher. Meelick. Bunowen. Shivena. Ballin- asloe. 142 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. and lake, the Owenboliska river and lake, and the Loughkip and linked river which run out at Spiddle,1 are all best got at directly from Galway. They should certainly be fished before starting on the north-west, via Oughterard, Ballinahinch, and Clifden, beyond which the upper half of Connemara is reached from the upper Kylemore and Leenane road.2 Mainly on the left of this road, are several lakes not much fished, and perhaps most accessible from Letterfrack, where there is some rough accommodation. Kylemore Lake affords capital sport, and Mr. Mitchell-Henry, the kindly gentleman who has done so much for this neighbourhood, is not too exigent to sportsmen who are civil enough to ask permission in advance. Lough Mask, which touches Galway County, and is separated from Corrib by a narrow neck at Cong, will be dealt with in the notice of the next county. The best fishing on the eastern side of Galway is confined mainly to the Shannon along Derg, and from Portumna to Banagher.3 In both these little towns are hotels, and good boats and skilful boatmen, and at Meelick there are really some admirable casts, which in early spring and in autumn yield sport. Farm-house lodgings are to be got there, and there is a cosy little inn. Summer fish come up in June, just after the disappearance of the May fly on Derg, and therefore Meelick deserves attention. In any interval which may occur between the May-fly and the summer run, gillaroo may be killed in Derg, and capital brown trout in " the run," and about the islands, at Meelick.4 Above Banagher, the Suck runs in ; it holds salmon, trout, and many great pike, but is dreadfully poached at night. Its best tributaries are the Bunowen and Shivena. None of them deserve much attention from anglers, but no doubt winter pike fishing in the Suck would be exceptionally good, and the best headquarters for it would be Ballinasloe, where is a good hotel, and presiding convivial souls known to all Oonnaught. 1 There is a lodge at Spiddle, which I am told affords accommodation on payment. From it Costello can be easily reached. This is a nice salmon station, and not much surpassed anywhere for white trout, especially Screebe. 2 There is a clean hotel now open at Asleagh which is convenient for the Errive and lakes. The Leenane Hotel, on Killarty Bay, is good and central. 8 A number of salmon pass through Lough Derg and run up the Shannon; the best place, to try for them, of late years, is on the Ford at Portumna, but they are occasionally taken in other parts of the lough—vide Co. Tipperary ante. 4 The Meelick grilse and trout like "grouse," and a special, called the "Major" (after the late Major D ) It is claret pig's-wool body, golden pheasant tail, and a bit of summer duck for wing (body, ribbed gold tinsel). How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 143 Into Mask from Galway run the Owenbrin and other rivers, but they need only be mentioned as being near Leenane, by which the Connemara road enters the County Mayo, and soon touches the Errive, a beautiful salmon river, in Co. Mayo, which the fishing is let at very moderate prices (7s. 6d. a Errive. day, or 8/. a month), through the proprietor of the hotel near by. (The charge for trout-fishing is, I believe, abandoned.) Thence are reached Loughs Nafooney (within the Galway Nafoony. border), Glendawaugh, and Tawnward, and the Awinduff Glenda- below, and the Glendawaugh rivers above it, and the Fin, waugh. Doo, Glencullen and Cullen lakes, at Delphi Lodge, beloved Tawn- and praised by many anglers. On these, and the river ward. which joins tnem to the sea, large salmon in spring, summer fish, grilse, white trout and brown give sport as varied as excellent. I am told there is now a moderate charge made, but Lord Sligo, or Mr. Powell, of Westport, his agent, are very generous with permission to fish and use the lodge, which is now to bo let. To the right of the Westport road, the upper Aille gives exceptional sport to a worm fisher, and Lough Mohr to any owner of a collapsible boat. Westward, behind Croagh Patrick, are the Colony, the Carrownaviska, ^wrowna- and the Bunowen (the Louisburg) rivers, and some moun- v^sfca- tain lakes—Lougall, Nacorra, Garveybeg, Altera, and Muck, j^^^' All these lakes are full of trout, but lack boats, and can't be louqall fished without. Of the rivers the Louisburg is the best, and jyacorra. a very good one. Mr. Garvey, of Tulley, makes easy terms Garvey- for some of the upper waters, and Lord John Brown gives leg. occasional permission for the Louisburg, which is a very late AUora. river, but, when it is not too low, as good for its length as Muck. any I know. Mr. Berridge, who purchased the remnant of the Martin property, has the bank on one side of part of this river, and his agent, Mr. Robinson, would possibly let the fishing; and Mr. Powell will probably do so on Lord Sligo's part. The " Major" (vide Meelick, Galway), and the " Jock Scott," with blue jay hackle at shoulder, are the best flies for this stream I know. A light fiery brown and silver grey do well too. It requires a stiff wind, and one up stream from the north is almost as good as a south-west, which is best of all. There is an inn, and lodgings over a shop at Louisburg, the cheapest hamlet I know for eggs, fowls, and potheen. Across Clew Bay is Newport, which is best got to Newport. by driving round the bay under Croagh Patrick, and through Croagh Westport, a tumbling down, but most picturesque old town, Patrick. by Lord Sligo's Park, where runs a stream into a lake, both full Westport. of small trout. There is little difficulty in obtaining leave to fish these. Mrs. Gibbons' hotel in Westport is one of the 144 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. Co. Mayo, best in Ireland, with only one drawback, the beggars of the town, and the unpaid attache's of the hotel. They are countless as locusts, and as hungry. Less than nine miles from Westport is Newport,1 with a cosy inn, and some late spring salmon and late grilse fishing ; but it is as a white trout fish- Newport ing quarter that it claims great attention. The Newport river. river in the tide-way very often gives sport; higher up, how ever, it runs down so quickly that little is done on it, but Beltragh. some seven miles off it emerges from its mother lake, Bel- tragh, and from about the first week in July to September the 20th, this lovely water affords such white trout fishing as no other place I know. The fishing cannot, without trespass, be got to on the western shores, but on the east the lake is bounded by the public road to Crosmolina. Major Knox owns one shore, and Sir Roger Palmer the other. Sir George O'Donnel used to claim a several fishery of the lake, and though it may be let, there is no difficulty in asking a permission, which I have not heard of his relative, Mr. Thomas, refusing, Beltragh. for he is good-natured. The brown trout in Beltragh are small, and don't take a spinning-bait, nor do the white trout touch anything but the fly. About the mouth of the lake a grilse is not unfrequent, but the white trout fishing is the sport there. They run from 1 lb. to 5 lbs. Take this as an example—Flies first wet after two o'clock: on the way to Castlebar, at 7.40 p.m. Fish killed by one rod in the interval, twenty-eight white trout, one of 5 lbs., four of 4 lbs., two between 2 lbs. and 3 lbs., four under 4 lbs., and all the others between 1 lb. and 2 lbs.; add four herring-sized brown trout, and a grilse of 6 lbs., to complete the creel, to remember which is to think tenderly of beautiful Beltragh.2 There is but one comfortable boat on Beltragh, and that is the property of the police, who have a station at the point where the lake touches the Castlebar road. On the opposite shore, Glenhesk. near Glenhesk, a man called Colleran has a roomy and not uncomfortable boat for an angler, provided with waders' boots or trousers, and a four-gallon vessel for constant use, 1 About a mile from Newport is Lough Furnace, a lough very good for salmon, and very good for " white" (sea) trout, but leave to fish must be obtained from the proprietor. The New Hotel, which is run by the M. G. W. Railway at Mulranny, is excellent, moderate, and in the centre of sport. Lough Furnace is quite accessible from Westport, as there one of " Balfour's railways " is now running. I hear the railway hotel is fairly good, if not quite the rival of Gibbons'. 2 I have no alteration to make in my remarks on Beltragh but that it is said not to be so easy to get permission as when Sir George lived. His niece, Mrs. O'Donnel Thomas, succeeded him, How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 145 by a gossoon employed to bail. Crofton,1 keeper to Major Co. Mayo. Knox, had a boat which was better, and when he can be got for the day, he is a most respectable and reliable fishing companion and oarsman, with perfect nerve in "keeping up " a boat, or gaffing or landing a fish. He has a bed-room to let in his little house, and it would be worth while to stop there when the trout are running in. Those of the head of the lake seem to lose their beautiful sea-acquired silver, but not their condition. The flies I commend are the five which I mention at Corrib (vide Galway), and they do equally well Corrib. for brown and white trout. A friend sends me the following patterns:— 1. " The Hawthorn " (vide ante). 2. " Torc-lan " (boar spear). Tag—orange. . Tail—one spine of topping. Body—black pig's and orange pig's wool in two parts. Hackle—black and blood-red at shoulder. Wing—brown mallard, little bit of topping over all. Cheeks— very small jay. 8. " The Olive Snare." Tag—silver. Tail—mallard. Body—green monkey and olive mohair, ribbed lightly or not at all. Hackle—ginger or olive dun. Wing—mallard. This fly is a capital brown trout fly on all the western waters, and all the varieties of clarets, purples, and fiery- <j§jS| browns, but with a very little tinsel, though showing well.2 4 "Hidden death." Tag—red or orange. TaS—topping (two spines). Body—black silk. Hackle—red. Wing—small tippets, back to back, and covered with brown mallard. In Aehill is a very clean and comfortable hotel (Sheridan's). The proprietor, a good naturalist, has the angling of Keene (lake), which holds plenty of smallish brown trout. When the river from it forces its way out, white trout run up, and the fishing is very good. It usually breaks through m August. This hotel (the Sleivemore at Dugort) has been 1 I hear Crofton is no more there, but that his successor is his counterpart. 2 Since the publication of the first edition of this book the May-fly has extended its flutter over Loughs Mask, Cullen, and Conn, and is now as common and plentiful on western waters as in Westmeath or Loughs Arrow or Derg. & If 1 11 Co. Mayo. L. Foddah, L. Fur* nace.1 L. Feeagh. L. Beltragh. L. Burris- hoole. Mulranny. Lakelet behind Castlebar and Beltragh. L. Clogher? Castlebar. L. Lanach. L.Sauleen. Island Eady. 146 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. lately enlarged, and it is a delightful place for a short sojourn. Fishing, 2s. 6d. a day, boat included. Extra for the river. Rail to Aehill Sound, car and sea thence to Dugort. Of the bog lakes, Lough Foddah (not to be confounded with its namesake west of Newport), on the Castlebar side of Cullen, is the best in Mayo that I know for very large, powerful, but ill-coloured trout. The orange grouse, after the 10th May, is good all over the Mayo waters. As a rule, wool, mohair, or seal does better than silk in Mayo trout-flies. Beyond Newport are the Burrishoole lakes. Mr. Kennedy rents them, but Lord John Browne reserves something for his friends, and both he and the lessee are inclined to be most free in permitting fair angling for salmon or white trout or brown in Loughs Furnace or Feeagh above it. The salmon flies used with most success are Hearne's patterns, and that (Dr. Leonard) from Foxford. For white trout and brown trout those for Beltragh do. Above these Burrishoole lakes the feeding rivers give sport, as do those (westward) along the coast to Mulranny. The best of these is the Tyrena river, which is now, I believe, bounded by the property of Mr. Stoney/of Rosturk Castle, who makes no difficulty about fishing. Dr. Peard celebrated this first-rate white trout river. In a little lakelet, about a mile from Beltragh police barrack, and touched by the road to Castlebar, a gross of small but beautiful trout can be killed in a short day, but there is no boat, and the reeds make casting from the bank impossible. In the "half- parish " (Lord Lucan's property) is a lake (Clogher ?) of which the same is true, and these two lakes almost justify the purchase and porterage of a collapsible boat for themselves. The former is free. Mr. Alick Larminie, of Castlebar, permits fishing in the latter. Castlebar is the county town of Mayo. There are lakes on both sides, but since some drainage operations they have been destroyed for trout fishers. Time was when either " Lanach " (" Church Lake") or " Sauleen " (" Station Lake ") afforded beautiful trout fishing; now there are no trout, except perhaps some monster ferox which dominates the pikes about him.2 In Castlebar there is a very comfortable hotel (Murtagh's), where may be met many persons who will give reliable and nice information as to the whereabouts of fishing; and Mr. Sheridan, the postmaster, is a sure guide and a most obliging gentleman. Tho " Church Lake extends from the river which cuts the town to others which run to Island Eady, below the road to Westport, for 1 Vide ante, p. 138. 3 This hotel has changed proprietors (possibly not for the better, but it is sure not to be much below par, and may be excellent). ■^ How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 147 some miles. All these lakes hold monster and many pike, Co. Mayo. which are little fished for. The proprietress of the hotel can borrow a boat, if she has not one ; and the pike fishing will repay an angler in winter or summer, and during the season the spin may very occasionally secure one of the very large trout, remnants of the declining race. No salmon run up there now, but from opposite the prison down the river to Ballynew mill there are a few very nice trout. In Sauleen, near the railway station, there is some of the best perch fishing in Connaught, which "no one bothers their heads about." In the first part a friend describes the flies for their capture. I do not know that there is a boat on it, but the pike would certainly, and a big trout might, repay tli6 trouble of transferring one to it. At Rehans, on the right jof the road to Beltragh, is Mallard Lake—a capital one for Lough pike; and about the same distance from town (two miles), Mallard. on the Pontoon Road, is Tucker's Lake (boats there), which affords, morning and evening, beautiful sport to trout fishers with red hackle, olive, or silver magpie flies. The trout are small (a pound fish the largest), but they are very plucky and pretty on the side away from the road ; near it they are earthy in flavour and dull in colour. In the little lake behind the bridge they are still smaller and more numerous, and there are legions of small perch. Over the hill to the right of this, Ballavilla Lake has better but few trout, and above it, on the Mountain Road, in Lough Nasplenagh,. are beautiful golden trout, only to be killed with bright flies from a boat. Near the end (at the rocks) are beds of fern, rare even in fern-bearing Mayo, and Ferns. rivalling, perhaps surpassing, those of Killarney. The Clydagn, which runs down from this on its course to the Moy, is a lively little stream, holding trout and an occasional salmon, but except for an artist, its claims are, in such a fishing neighbourhood, not worth much attention from anglers. Between Turlough and Ballyvara the Castlebar TurJovgh: river harbours large, and to eat, remarkably good pike ; as remark- does the Broad at Ballyvara, glorious in autumn for its a^e flapper shooting, and in winter for its waders, snipe, and roun& ducks. Back from Castlemar (fourteen miles) is Ballinrobe, ^'fer' a comfortable quarter, and the headquarters for fishing Lough Mask, and the sweet little rivers, the Robe, the Aile, L. Mask and the Tourmakeady, which feed it northwards.1 1 Since this book first came out the fishing on Lough Mask has been popularized, especially because a Mr. Joyce has built a most excellent hotel on its shore at Mount Gable (Clonbur), and provided a much-needed retreat for anglers and tourists. I have the most gratifying accounts of the hotel, the charges, and the superb sport at all *l 1 ill Pat and Mick2 Boch$. 148 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. Co. Mayo. The flies described for Beltragh do best, the Devon best of artificials, and the minnow and troutlet best of natural baits. Of late years a few green drakes rise on Mask; when they do, nothing else does much good. The early morning is the best time for gillaroo in Mask, pike in high noon. Mask is a place where fish seem to localize—isolate themselves—more than any I know, and the stranger is therefore very dependent on his boatman. I think under Captain Boycott's home, around the islands, near the mouth of the Aile and Tourmakeady rivers the best spots, but the particular runs can only be learned from the locals or experience. Ballinrobe has a tolerable hotel, and its charges and boats are moderate. Near Ballyhauni3, a little town on the railway, are two lakes holding trout, but with more attractions for winter pike fishers who care for mixed shooting and angling with it. Pontoon. Eight miles from Castlebar by car is " Pontoon," where L. Conn, the little cut which separates Loughs Conn and Cullen is L. Cullen. bridged over. Before reaching the bridge is the Pontoon "Hotel," built by the late Lord Lucan to aid sport.1 Beside it is a police station, behind, Benrevagh, lovely in the purple and green brocade which covers her breast like a Venetian lady's robe. A self-planted oak copse backs the buildings, and Cullen smiles in front. Thore are capital boats and capitally well kept, and the boatmen who serve them are admirable fellows. The elder Pontoon I Hotel. seasons, but specialty at May-fly time, but even October is not too late for sport. 1 This hotel has now been remodeled, and is outfitted with a special view to serve anglers. Its proprietor does a great deal for them in boats, &c, and at reasonable rates. As I speak of his hotel I should not pass over other " accommodation " to be got on Loughs Cullen and Conn, especially Mrs. McHale's (very good for the upper part of Lough Conn), and Fitzgerald's, at Errew, and Clarkes's, at Cloghan. A friend praises both. Mrs. Murtagh, of the Moy Hotel at Ballina, had also a house at Rinagry devoted specially to the use of anglers. It is to be let as I write. Those who prefer to stop at her hotel in Ballina are conveyed by car to the lake each day free of charge. And the managers of Flynn's Hotel, at Ballina, are equally accommodating. Both hotels deserve more praise than the run of Irish hotels; yet the arrangement, which a correspondent (an English yearly visitor) gives me, as now adopted at Mount Gable (see above) should prevail in all, i.e. a fixed weekly charge. It is only £7 (to cover all) at Mount Gable, which is about seven miles from Ballinrobe and three from Conn to where the L. Corrib steamer runs from Galway. 2 Drowned, alss! since I wrote of him. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 149 is full of stories of the lakes, knows every turn of them, Co. Mayo, and amongst other virtues is incapable of getting drunk and capable of lighting a pipe with the last match in a Lough Conn cyclone. Cullen, the smaller lake of the two, is yet very large. Its pike are monsters; what trout are in it are very large and very good, .and its perch as large as any I ever saw killed. There are really only two salmon casts in it; one under the big rock at the bridge, and the other a little way out at the " Garraun-bui " (yellow Tlie Bock horse), a big rock which rears itself up where the stream cast, and from and to Lough Conn turns.1 Garraun- The trout in Cullen are oftenest killed spinning. With °ui cast, flies one had better run under the bridge to Conn—after he P°ntoon. has carefully covered the rock and Garraun casts with the "Goshawk," "Black Goshawk," and "Dr. Leonard," the latter tied by young " Devanny " of Foxford, and named in honour of his patron, the presiding sportsman and good fellow of thereabouts. For spring fish in Mayo, from April 1st to May 20th is best time, but no day in the season are these casts without two fish—I have never heard of three being got up. Outside the bridge, in Conn, from the bridge end, Freashlin, or Corryaslin, Massbrook shore, and the mouth of the little2 river which runs out at the Abbey, and that of the Castlehill stream, and so on up to the Deel river, are the best stations, but if the bays and shallow edges on them be well fished this will be too long a course for one day. The Deel mouth is the only cast outside the Pontoon which I think valuable for salmon, but one cannot say where good trout, good pike, a charr or white trout may not be taken. I have not killed or seen many white trout in Conn or its rivers, but I must trust others that there are many. The brown trout satisfy me there. For them the Beltragh flies, a natural minnow, a small trout, an Exhibition minnow (big), or large Devon, all do well, and an eel's tail superbly. The pleasure of trying the prawn at the Rock has yet to come for me. To the right of the bridge, and between " Glass Island " and the Ballina road, is a capital run, and in the deep water under the high rocks a grilse often takes the Grilse. spinning bait, and from Rinagry, along the east shore to opposite the chapel, a long drift in a south wind is delightfully creel-filling. Behind Glass Island, with Nephin bearing due N.W., and Rinmore Point N.E., is the spot for charr. Charr. 1 The stream into Conn from Cullen runs up one side, and another of equal force from Conn to Cullen on the other. I don't venture to explain. Ckedo. 2 This, the " Adrigoole," is a very good stream in spate or just clearing, which takes but a short time. The Deel takes longer, and is therefore more dependable and more fished? 150 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. Co. Mayo. The patterns for Conn, the Moy, and all the lakes and Moy and rivers in Tyrawley and Erris are for salmon:— Erris flies. The " Goshawk," I The "Black Goshawk," The I Grouse and Orange," The "Lightning," The "Green Gosling," The " Caraamore " (" Owenmore " of Francis), The I Dr. Leonard," And the " Maxwell's Memory." 2 Three of four of these have been put together by Hearns, of Ballina, and he has more claim to their " invention " than have fly-dressers usually. The " goshawks " and " lightning " especially, he ties beautifully and cheaply, and is the best BalUna. guide to the fishing at Ballina.3 There are three hotels there, which anglers find satisfactory (I stopped at Flynn's and was well treated). The fishing is open, but it is understood that the fish caught belong to the Messrs. Little, the lessees, They are, however, most generous—ten shillings a day about covers all expenses for boats, men, &c, at Ballina. The spring fishing is best in April, but June commences the season proper to Ballina and lakes combined. The Beltragh patterns do well in addition to a very 1 Moy flies are dressed in joints, and from each of the joints awing (of mohair), which sits under the real wing like a mane, is often tied. 2 This fly was tied by the late Mr. J. M. S , a fine Mayo angler, in honour of Maxwell, author of " Wild Sports of the West," who chronicled Louisburgh and Ballycroy. Its formula is :— Tag—silver, Tail—topping, Butt—ostrich. Body—alternate joints green and black silk. Ribs—silver separating joints. Hackle shoulder, ginger (golden) and jay. Wing—topping over mixed brown. . 3 The Bunree river barely touches Co. Mayo, but as it is always fished from Ballina it should be mentioned here as very good spring salmon, grilse, white and brown trout. The proprietor of one of the Ballina hotels, the " Moy," has lately acquired the exclusive right to fish a stretch of the River Moy (Mr. Vencoyle's water) two miles long, from above the weirs. The charge is three guineas a week, exclusive of cotts, which cost 5s. per diem at Ballina. The Imperial Hotel at Ballina also runs that on Lough Conn, the " Gortner Abbey." W.alshe, a baker in Foxford, ties excellent flies for Conn and the Moy River. How and Whereto Fish in Ireland. 151 large orange grouse with a tail of gold and tied with the Co. Mayo. largest feather, especially the wing, which may be increased with golden pheasant tail. For brown trout the grouse and wrens after May, before then the " olives," " hares' ears and yellow," " March brown," and red brown hackle are best. Hearns in Ballina, Devanny in Foxford, or Martin Tierny (a shoemaker and artist in all crafts he adopts), in the latter town dress beautiful flies. Hearns and Devanny work professionally—Tierny only for sportsmen he likes. Foxf ord may be said to be central for Moy fishing. About there are few good throws, in what used to be the late Mr. Standish McDermott's water—he never refused an angler. Above him I have seldom heard of sport, though why beyond the Ballylahan Bridge the sweet Bally- trout stream does not give up many salmon is incomprehen- lahan sible. What used to be Mr. McDermott's fishery extends from Bridge. there by his house'at Cloongee to Foxf ord. There is a fair Cloongee. hotel at Foxford (Coghlan's), and comfortable lodgings over shop near the hotel. I was very well treated in a rough way in Foxford. Many anglers in summer, and pike-fishers and wild-fowlers in winter, stop there, and with a fixed scale of charges for car, boat, boatman, bed and board, "Mister Fafs " Hotel will be found comfortable. Within a short distance (four miles)is Mr. Evans' lake "Callow"—it gives abundant L. Callow. sport. The fish run to about half-a-pound, but there are some larger. No stranger is prevented fishing. The flies are " olives," " grouses," " big wrens," all busked full. The Kiltimagh, the Gueestaun, Owen Garvey, and Charlestown B. Kilt- rivers, all cover salmon grilse and brown trout (sea-trout magh. but few), but they scarcely demand notice from any but local & Guees- anglers, nor does the Lung near Ballahaderin. Below Fox- taun. ford Bridge the salmon fishing with rod is freely given away, **• Cwen. nor is Captain Pery,1 who owns the next stretch, wont to ^^fJ!jM. refuse a civil applicant. Devanny, the water-bailiff, and ^wn his son are capital " coaches." " Pat" (the Hotel) and ^ * another man, whose name I forget, are capable and obliging. 1 coac^,es.»» From Killala Bay on the east to Broadhaven on the west jyortft there are numerous little known but nice rivers which afford Tyrably salmon, grilse, and trout brown and white, but they require and Erris. to be caught at the happy moment as they go down quickly. The Cloonymore is the least fickle river of these. All of them are crossed by the coast road to Belmullet, via Bally- rpjie castle, where there is an inn. Beyond this, most of the Mullet rivers and streams are preserved till Belmullet is reached.— In the wild peninsula of which this is the fitting chief town, there are but two rivers which yield sport. They are those 1 Captain Pery (some time since he added Knox-Gore to his paternal name) has just died, to the grief of many sportsmen. 152 How and Where to Fish in Ireland Co. Mayo. Bangor. Erris. Ballycroy. Lakes east of Ballina. Loughs Fasky and Tali. Co. Eos- common. Athlone. in Glendarra and another near Bingham Castle. Except as a change from superb sea-fishing, the fishing in " the Mullet I is not valuable. Back towards Ballina is Bangor, in the centre of Erris, which has many good rivers and one fine lake. The fishing has, on most of them, to be paid for, but the terms are not unreasonably high. Mr. Smithwick, of Croy Lodge, Ballycroy,1 makes arrangements for the letting of the Owen-duff and the southern fair-sounding river, with the euphonic name Thaursagaunmore. The terms are not high considering the excellence of the fishing, which is best (I think) after the 10th July. Mr. Aehill O'Mally, to be found in Ballina, will be useful to consult as to these fishings, and a Mr. Scott (brother to the late Mr. James Scott, who had most of the land agencies and fisheries of Erris); these will doubtless be able to let the fishings of the Owenmore, the Glenamoy, the Munhin rivers, and the sporting rights of Messrs. Atkinson or Shaen-Carter. The inn at Bangor is not insupportable, and is the centre for the above rivers and Lough Carrowmore, or Carramore, which is, I believe, free. There are few good boats on it. The Munhin end of the lake gives excellent grilse and white trout after 1st July. The big trout there are veritable feroces. There are none here of those called gillaroo. The " Maxwell's memory," the I Owen More," and " Doctor Leonard," are perhaps the best flies for Lough Carramore and rivers. On the lake, large flies do better than elsewhere. There are several other rivers which afford sport, but the tourist angler needs not their names. To a man who will rough it and explore the county with a portable boat the fishing resources of Mayo are illimitable. All classes are hospitable, and it is perhaps, externally and internally, the wettest county in Ireland. There are several lakes and a few nice rivers eastward of Ballina which properly belong to county Sligo, but which are most accessible from that town. Loughs Easky and Talt are perhaps the best. They lie about ten miles eastward. The pike fishing of the latter is, I hear, excellent, and its trout I know are so. The patterns hereabouts are of Mayo rather than those of the north. In Mayo the eel-tail and prawn are little known, yet there is nothing so good. Of artificials the Devon is the best bait. I have not seen May-flies north of L. Mask, Roscommon can scarcely be considered a good angling county, and yet there are many good loughs in it, and its whole western boundary is the Shannon. The station for the lower portion of the Shannon, which " marches " this county, is Athlone, where 1 Now (I hear) " there is no free fishing near Ballycroy or Belmullet"; there certainly is not so much as there ^s^d to be. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 153 there are two average hotels and ofttimes good lodgings. <?o. Ros- The boats there are better and more skilfully managed than common, on most fishing-stations, and Lough Ree, at the foot of Boats. which Athlone rests, has great beauties and affords good Lough Bee. sport.1 The salmon fishing in spring or autumn cannot be said to be good, and I think few are got by fair fishing, and cross lines and otters prevail. The feroces of Ree are excellent, and (by the Westmeath shore mostly) gillaroo, Gillaroo. bedecked in brightest gold and red, are caught by spinning, and, I am told, by the fly, even the May-fly, in due season. This is the birthplace of ^el-tail angling, and though all Eel tail the baits (Devon's for choice in the deeps, and Phantom in and other shallows) do well, the tail is still supreme. The flies to get baits. good trout are those of Mellick (vide Galway) and Beltragh (vide Mayo). For small trout, those for Lough Callow (vide Mayo). For salmon the Nenagh patterns, but large. From Athlone to Shannon* Bridge the pike fishing is better than aught else, and a hardy man could be worse employed in winter than after the pikes and wild fowl thereabout. From ypn^ fowi the head of Lough Ree to Lough Forbes, the Shannon can be best fished from Longford (vide ante); and Roosky or, preferably, Carrick-on- Shannon which commands Lough Carrick- Bodarg and the intricate extensions which terminate south- onward in Kilglass. The gillaroo here are good specimens. Shannon. Pike harry the small fish. Perch abound in still waters, Loughs but there are few salmon, and as a local says, " they are too Bodarg d d particular in baits, and too d d 'concaited io^o^ndKil- flies.'" From Bodarg, however, to the Broadwater, opening 9^ass- to Rockinham, a good many are killed, and autumn is the best time on Ballina patterns for choice. From Carrick to Drumshambo I believe few fish are brought to creel, but at Battlebridge, where the Ballinamore river runs in, I have heard of a really good and free cast. Westward of Carrick- on-Shannon is Boyle, a comfortable little town, and of Boyle. course near good fishing, else why would its abbey have Boclcin- been a western glory. One can be very comfortable there ham. and reach easily the Oakport and Coote hill water, and splendid Lough Key in Roscommon, or lovely Arrow or LoughKey. Gara in Sligo (vide post). I commend Boyle to trout fishers, and during all the season but especially in early June. The lake fishing is all free, and even where the rivers are reserved. The Mayfly rises here. The Boyle boatmen don't work so well as those in Conn or at Athlone, but they are civil and tractable, 1 The water-bailiff is a good adviser as to " runs," &c, 10s. a day covers everything in boats. Moran, of the " Wineport," and Gilligan, the publican at Coorsin, are good authorities. Since 1886 the Roscommon fishings have much improved, Lately they have somewhat gone back, I bear, 154 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. and moderate in charges (5s. per diem, never more than 7s. 6d.). To the south-east the Castlerea district opens. There is a good hotel there, and like Athlone, Longford, Carrick, and Boyle, it is touched by the railway, but neither Lough O'Flyn or the other lakes north-west of it are worth much, except Lough Glin, on which the May-fly rises and creates sport, and after that Glynn yields big trout to the spinners. In the south of the county, Lough Finshannagh is within easy reach of Athlone, and has, I'm told, been provided, and not an hour too soon, with a couple of useful boats, which can be hired from the owner in Athlone. The County Leitrim is the last county I include in the western district. It is not generally spoken of as a good place for fishing, but its lakes afford sport, and the Shannon bounds it to the southwest. Of the former, Lough Rinn is the best, in the southern barony; it is free, and the May-fly rises on it in Some numbers a little later than in West Meath. Carrick-on- Shannon, or Mohil, affords accommodation; Mohil is close by it. The boats are pretty good, the boatmen better, and the prices moderate (about 5s. a day). From Drumshambo, which has accommodation, a number of smaller lakes, excellent for brown trout, is easy to reach, and Ballinamore covers Lake Garradice, famous for good pikes, beautiful gillaroos, and brown trout. The spoon bait still slaughters there (I am told). Drumshambo is at the foot of Lough Allen, the last of the large lakes through which the Shannon runs. It affords good sport as Lough Derg, and late in the season the Foorish, Arigna, Yellow and other in-flowing Shannon rivers give lively sport to the indefatigable local fishermen. The flies have, however, changed to the Erne patterns (vide post). Manor-Hamilton northwards, on the Sligo Railway, is a cozy little place, and gives access at some few miles to Glenade and Belhavel loughs, the former to the north, the latter southwards. There are charr in both, and good trout fishing. The North-West District is quite first-rate. I include in it the counties Sligo, Fermanagh, and Donegal. Geographically, North Leitrim intervenes between the two former, but for only a little breadth. Sligo Co. Sligo. itself has great advantages, as being easily reached by train, and its best waters are within short drives from good L. Gara. quarters. To the South Loughs Gara and Arrow are within L. Arrow. a few miles from Boyle (vide ante, Roscommon), which is in Co. Bos- common. Castler t a, Lough Glin. Finshannagh. Co. Leitrim. L. Binn. Brum- shambo. Ballina* more. Pike. Gillaroo. L. Allen. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 155 a triangle, of which they and Lough Key (Roscommon) are Co. Sligo. apexes. Gara is said to send up its May-flies earlier than Arrow or Key; I don't think it does. The 15th to 20th May may be said to date the earlier ephemeral rise on all three, but a beneficent natural arrangement produces a variation in the " Drake season " on all three too. On Arrow "Brake the Drake rises till 20th June at least. Gara is a good deal season." poached, and its trout run smaller than Key or Arrow, but any "big ones" which reward industry will be really whoppers. Bait kills most of them after the Drake is off, or as a change then. The best fishing is round the islands at the mouth of the Boyle river, and by the old Castle on the Sligo side, according to the wind. The trout seem to know that the delicate May-flies can't go far against it, Trout, the therefore in the west wind the western shores are best, and wind, and in the east vice versa. Very few salmon are taken on Lough May-flies. Gara, and I doubt if any on Lough Arrow. The flies for the trout on both are those which suit Meelick and the Upper Shannon. In my notice of Mayo I spoke of two lakes which are within easier touch of Ballina than of any as good quarters in Sligo. Of these I prefer Talt, because of the exceeding beauty (they don't run large) of the trout of this rock-bound little lake. Easky is a nice lake too, but the pony and collapsible boat equipped here should Pony and follow down the river of its name, and fish out all the rivers collapsible from Enniscroree, on Killala Bay, to Aughris Head, on Sligo ooai' Bay. White trout abound in all of them, after spates especially, and they are only fished by locals. August is perhaps the best month. The hamlet of Easky affords shelter, and Enniscroree has lodgings designed for " say bathin'." Easky, Talt, and all three rivers are practically Easky. free, the exceptions are only to be learned on the spot. Ennis- Eastward again, towards Sligo town, comes the Ballisodare croree. river and its tributaries, all holding spring salmon (not BalUso- much before May) and a fine run of grilse and white trout ^are f^&r after 12th July. Mr. Cooper, of Markree, exercises some a^* || rights, but the terms, which can be learned (I believe) from 0Sueni8' Mr. Alexander, in Sligo, are not at all onerous, and the river is a very good one. It depends on the arrangements made annually whether fishing for short terms can be got except by the grace of Mr. Cooper, who reserves some " rods " for his friends.1 The little lakes at Tobberscanavan and Bally- Dawley hold trout and perch, but I only mention them on account of their splendid pike, which give excellent wanter- sport. Lough Gill is just above the town of Sligo. Its Lough beauty is entrancing, and its fishing was at one time not Gill. 1 Sir R. Gore-Booth is said to.-b? easily dealt with as are other local proprietors,, ] Co. Sligo. Glencar Lake. Hotels in Sligo. Co. Forma- *agh. Upper Lough Erne.2 Enniskillen. Kesh. Bundoran. Belleek. 156 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. unworthy its beauty.1 To the north is Glencar Lake, teeming trout water, with flies corresponding to Melvin, and just as reliable for the troll or spin. The troutling is the best for large trout, and now and then a salmon will not let it pass. An eel-tail is murderous, but unfortunately attracts the large pike, which is its only drawback from the view of trout fishers. The great pikes in Gill take very large baits, and ga-pe to be looked to by winter anglers, of whom there are few about. About the same distance from Glencar is the Dromcliffe river, and another which runs (also into Atlantic) by the Police Barracks at Grange. Of their merits as white trout rivers after rains, I have had great accounts. There are at least two hotels in Sligo, the I Victoria" and the " Imperial." In one of them I have been nearly comfortable. Sligo has better lodgings than most Irish towns, and more than one club hospitable to strangers. The boat charges in Sligo will not be (all included) more than 10s. per diem, a not unreasonable sum, as the boats are very nice, and there often is an influx of tourists during the fishing season, of which on the whole the autumn is the best part. Lough Gill is not supposed to be a free lake, but the trouble of asking leave, which is never refused, should not be too much for strangers only passingly interested as to whether several, or any, rights of fishery exist there. Fermanagh • is blessed with fishing very superior to Sligo. Southwards from Cavan the river Erne runs in, and recruited by the Castle Sanderson and Woodford rivers, spreads itself into the many tortuous bays and windings which make up the Upper Lough Erne. This upper loch holds here and there a spring salmon, autumn grilse, and everywhere good brown trout. Of its trout flies later. Newton-Butler, Lisnaskea, Maguires Bridge, and Enniskillen are all near. The last has very good hotel and lodging accommodation ; the others all habitable inns. The fishing is practically quite free. From Enniskillen the Bally shannon railway runs round by Kesh, Bundoran, and Belleek to its terminus. In its course the railway rounds all the north side of the lake, and drops 1 There are now no salmon in Lough Gill, and (I'm told) few trout if any. 2 The salmon fishing of the Erne is most strictly preserved by the Ulster Fisheries Company. To get even a rod for smart payment, one must (at least for the best months) I engage " a season in advance, but the Messrs. Moore, the managers, are at least rigidly impartial, and the angling is generally as good as in the more lax time when Dr. Sheil ruled the water. Belleek js of course headquarters. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 157 passengers at the three hamlets, all comfortable quarters, Co.Ferma- within easy reach of the lake. The Enniskillen end of the nagh. lake (Erne) has not for anglers as much attraction as the Belleek end, and Belleek has the additional advantage of being close to Lough Melvin, and the Drowes and Bradogue rivers. Enniskillen, on the other hand, is near the Belcoo Lakes (inn there), rightly called Upper and Lower Macnean.1 I shall have a word of the salmon fishing later, when I have dismissed the sport common to all these lakes, fishing for trout. In all of them the May-fly rises, and later than May-fly. Westmeath. In Lough Erne the 10th of June is early, and it lasts three weeks. During that time the fun is fast and furious. The other lakes are earlier, and the fly is not so abundant. Trolling in all these lakes does well; the minnow and troubling very well, the spoon well too, especially that made by Rogan (of Bally shannon). April and May are the best early months for Erne trout. In the middle of June the night rise comes on, and gives splendid sport: and even on the river permission is never refused. Of trout, the Erne holds brown trout, gillaroo, and feroces, which deserve their name. Many pike too, and perch in countless shoals are there. It is said to have charr in its Charr. depths. Melvin has certainly many and fine trout, which Melvin recall the line, " buxom, blythe, and debonnaire." There are trout. good boats and skilful boatmen on all these lakes; for McNean and Melvin 6s. 6d. a day, whisky and lunch, is the charge. On Erne perhaps a shilling more. The Melvin trout affect a little tinsel, olive and claret bodies, and red, ginger, and black hackles. The eel-tail is everywhere worth a trial, a "casual" (salmon or grilse) being grateful to trout fishers. Of artificials (baits), I can make no choice in these lakes. The ™ 77 Erne open on the 17th May, and till its close (30th September) 8jban^Qn one can always depend on this river for sport, the height of the water affecting it less than many other salmon rivers. The terms are four pounds a week, the angler retaining but two fish, and paying for any others he pleases to keep at market price (about 7s. a lb. for angled fish). No. 1.—Rogan's 1 Parson." Tag—silver tinsel, ruby floss. Tail—a topping, Indian crow, and bit of chatterer at butt. Body—three parts golden pig's wool, one part fiery brown, ribbed with flat gold and silver twist. Hackle—pale yellow, from 1st tinsel. 1 I regret to say Lough Macnean holds pollen, because they are not to be killed angling, and afford an excuse for netting. J *S8 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. Wing—two tippets1 extending to butt under nve toppings. Shoulder—deep claret hackle. Cheek—chatterer. j Horns—blue and red macaw, black head. No. 2.—" The Black and Claret." Tag—silver twist and orange. Tail—a topping, and bit of chatterer. Body—black silk, ribbed gold tinsel, silver twist. Hackle—dark claret from 2nd tinsel rib Wing—mixed tippet, pheasant tail, ibis, green parrot, macaw, gallina, and brown mallard, under two toppings. Shoulder—jay. Horns—blue. Head—black. No. 3.—" Pink and Orange." Tag—silver and ruby. Tail—sprigs of tippet, green parrot, and a topping. Body—one-third orange silk, two-thirds light claret, ribbed gold and silver twist. Hackle—claret, from above orange. Wing—mixed gallina, ibis, tippet, pheasant \ tail, mallard and green parrot, under two toppings. Shoulder—jay. Horns—blue. Head—black. sNo. 4—Tag—silver tinsel, blue silk. Tail—topping, Indian crow. Body—orange floss, covered with golden hackle, and near wing red hackle, then over these, 1st claret hackle, then blue hackle, all ribbed silver tinsel. Wing—two tippets, under golden pheasant's tail, wood duck, and brown mallard, over all topping. Horns—blue. Head—black. Cheeks—chatterer. No. 5.—"Golden Olive." Tag—silver twist, ruby. Tail—a topping, and sprigs tippet. Body—golden olive fur, ribbed flat gold and silver twist. Hackle—golden olive from second rib. Wing and shoulder—as No. 3. 1 Rogan describes the wing in this fly as "Cock of the Rock." I presumed this was tippet, which I have always seen in " Parson," and I was wrong. 2 I do not know if Rogan ties this pattern. I hear great accounts of it. It is difficult to dress. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 159 Messrs. Rogan, of BaUyshannon, tie at moderate prices, Co. Form a- excellently, and I have preferred giving their patterns to aagh. others. In BaUyshannon anglers are made very comfortable at moderate prices at the " Imperial" or the " Erne " hotels. There are some lodgings. A few miles from Bally- shannon (rail between) is Bundoran, a little watering-place, which commands great sport. The Marine hotel has good accommodation. Lodgings, and a few small houses are to be had. At Loughside, at Kinglough, or at Rossinver there are inns. The Bundoran fishing comprises, besides the lake, the Bundoran. Bradogue, the Drowes, and four miles of the Bumiduff. The Bradogue latter is a small river, but in August and September it river. affords nice sport, though the salmon are small. Running P>?owes through a bog as it does, it requires dark flies. The pro- rwer. prietors are Captain Barton, Major Dixon, and the Hon. ^um%^nff Evelyn Ashley. The two latter give, I am informed, " lave mer* for the axin," and Captain Barton's keeper levies a small daily fee and acts as guide. I append three successful patterns. 1 No. 1.—Tag—silver and orange. „ Tail—topping and tippet sprigs. Body—dark fiery brown, ribbed gold. Hackle—dark fiery brown. Wing—small tippet under brown mallard. Shoulder—jay. Head—black. No. 2.—Tag—silver and orange. Tail—topping and sprigs gallina. Body—dark cinnamon, seal ribbed oval gold. Hackle—light cinnamon. Wing—as No. 1. Shoulder—little fiery brown hackle. Head—black. No. 3.—Tag—as No. 2. Tail—as No. 2. Body—black seal, ribbed oval silver. Hackle—deep claret. Wing and head—as in Nos. 1 and 2. Hooks from 2 to 4, as water calls for. The hotel at Garrison is the true headquarters for beautiful Garrison. Melvin and Lough Na Veigh (Mr. Maude's), and Scott or 1 The Drowes is the best white trout river about here, and a small copy of this fly is the most generally killing on it. The Beltragh patterns do well. Curiously the rivers here are not as good as in Mayo, to S., or in Donegal, to N., (for white trout). As on all other Irish waters permission to fish is not so easily got near Bundoran as when this book was first issued. mwv 1 160 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. Co.Ferma- his successor does all he can to make his clients comfortable, nagh. Lord Ely, Mr. Johnston, and Mr. Stubbs, the proprietors, " have agreed to issue a joint ticket" for all their reserved Charges waters at 2s. 6d. per diem, or 10s. a week. The Rogans, at there. BaUyshannon, or the hotel, issue the tickets. It is weU to write in advance to Scott, who makes a cheap arrangement— Boats. 25s. a week for boats and men.1—2The early fish at Melvin are not large, and the grilse fishing there, though good, is not Kilcoo perhaps quite up to that in the Kilcoo river, which runs into river. it. In dead calm weather more salmon are taken in Melvin Natural with natural and artificial minnows than with fly. Of course and other the natural is best. Amongst local anglers I hear of parr baits. tail, but hope none of my readers will adopt it. If they sub stitute the eel-tail or prawn, they will deserve more luck. I accept Regan's patterns for salmon as the best, though I know all the standards, and most of the Kerry and Lee flies do well. (Rogan's) No. 1.—The " Gill." Tag—gold twist. Tail—maUard, gallina, and pheasant tail (strips) Body—three-quarters black seal, one-quarter honey coloured pig's wool. Hackle—red (cock's) dyed olive. Wings—mixed strips gallina, tippet pheasant tail, sword feather, teal and ibis, under brown maUard. Shoulder—jay. Horns—blue. No. 2.—The " O'Donaghue." Tag—silver and yellow. Tail—topping. Body—three-parts: 1st yellow, black middle, claret at shoulder. Hackle—medium claret over black and claret body. Wing—tippet, under mallard. Shoulder—jay. Horns—blue. Head—black. No. 3.—The "Robber." Tag and Tail—as No. 2. Body—three-quarters honey colour (pig), one-quarter deep claret (pig), ribbed oval silver. Hackle—coch-y-bondhu dyed olive, only run on under rise of wing. Wing—as No. 2, jay at shoulder. Horns—blue. Head—black. 1 This is possibly changed. 3 Since commencing I How and Where to Fish," I learn that the Melvin gillaroo rises freely to the fly. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 161 TTo. 4.—The " Fiery Brown." 0n Vtkr. m *i it to. F«r- lag—silver and deep orange. manariL . Tail—topping, sprigs of tippet, and green parrot. Body—fiery brown (seal), ribbed gold oval. Hackle—fiery brown from 1st ribbing. Wing—tippet, and pheasant tail under brown mallard. Shoulder—j ay. Horns—blue. On 1J to 3 hooks. From mid-March to the end of May is the spring season Best sea- Dn Melvin, and first week of June the grilse may be looked sons on for. The free portion of the lake covers 14 miles. The Melvin. Bundrowes or Drowes river, of which the greater part belonged to the late Chief Justice of Ireland, the lessee from Major Tom Dixon, is a capital river which opens with the year. ^ The best spring salmon months are before May, when Best sea- the grUse fishing commences and continues for six weeks, son on The weather and state of the water makes much difference Bun- in this river, but it gives sport to the 30th September. Per- drowes. mission to fish is easily got at Bundoran from the lessee, or in another portion of the fishing, from Major Dixon. The best patterns are— No. 1.—"Rogan's Favourite." Tag—silver and orange. Tail—a topping, sprigs of topping and mallard. Body—half golden olive seal, half orange pig, ribbed silver and gold twist. Hackle—golden olive over the pig. Wing—mixed sprigs, tippet, mallard, gallina, pheasant tail, red pheasant, green and red parrot, teal and peacock wing. Shoulder—jay. Horns—macaw—black head. No. 2.—" Olive Fiery Brown." Tag—as No. 1. Tail—ditto. Body—half golden olive seal, half medium fiery brown pig ribbed oval gold. Hackle—over the pig wool, fiery brown. Wing—tippet and pheasant tail, mixed mallard over all. Shoulder—jay, macaw sprigs, black head. No. 3.—" Black and Orange." Tag—gold and yellow. Tail—a topping, sprigs gallina and ibis. Body—black seal, ribbed oval silver. Hackle—medium orange half way. Wing—mixed sprigs, tippet, ibis, green parrot, pheasant tail, under brown mallard, SJiouJder—jay, 21 Jf^J life I Co. Donegal. L. Derg. Bonegal. The Eask lake and river. The Eany- more, or Inver river. 162 How and Where to Fish in Ireland^ Horns—two red and two blue macaw. Head—black. No. 3.—" Orange grouse." Tag—silver and orange. Tail—topping and sprig tippet. Body—medium orange silk ribbed oval gold. Hackle—mottled cock grouse. Wing—as No. 2. Shoulder—jay. Horns—red macaw. Hooks to fit water, 1 to 4. I should recommend all Bundrowes fishers to try Hayne's Kerry and the Blackwater patterns for change. In dealing with those fishings I have really trespassed on some which geographically belong to the County Donegal, which affords the wildest shooting and fishing, and at the most moderate rates. From the little town of Pettigoe close by the northernmost part of Erne, Lough Derg and half-a- dozen lakelets are got at, and as for some fishers there is a charm in departure on little trodden parts, these waters afford them a nice change. Their trout are excellent, and some of the Derg ones very large. Minnow or small trout do best. Rogans' " fiddle" is said to be excellent. The little hotel at Pettigoe is comfortable and cheap. The town of Donegal is away N.W., some fifteen miles. Halfway one crosses a river (the Ballintra, I think) which holds grilse in June, and a few fish in late autumn. I say nothing of spring, but it has white trout in August and brown trout throughout the season. Probably the Ballintra accommodation would not be good, but at least there is some, and Pettigoe or Donegal are not too far off. At the latter old town there are really good lodgings and very fair hotel accommodation. Into Donegal runs a little river which connects Lough Eask with the sea. The river holds salmon and plenty of white trout in and after autumn spates. The lake itself gives sometimes very fair sport, not before July, but the grilse are small. The white trout fishing is exceUent and the brown trout (feroces too) very numerous and game; charr abound there, and not fished for. There are two good boats. None of these fishings are free, and there are many claimants of the fishing rights, but a sojourner in the hotel there has no difficulty in getting permission to fish. A little " way westward the Eanymore and Eanybeg, near Mount Charles, yield a few salmon and many white trout.1 Indeed, 1 To save writing, I may say that in every water in Donegal are more brown trout than are needed for sport. 1 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 163 when these are fuU no better little rivers can be found, and Co. Done- the salmon are very game. Lord Conyngham, mainly the gal. proprietor here, is very open-handed with permission, but it must be asked. From the Inver river round to Ardara Ardara. there are numerous little rivers which all partake of the same character, and hold a few spring salmon, and less (if any) spring white trout; but in the autumn run they all give delightful sport in fitfully wet weather. At Ardara is Neil McNele's Hotel, and the place is the centre of the Donegal Cottage Industries, which has done more good to the poor people than more pretentious nostrums. The Dungloe, Ardara, and " Rosses fishings may be summed up together. They are mostly in lakes, namely Dungloe, TuUy, Meenuknatore, Meenmore, Meenbam'd, Lough-na-more, and the Rivers Crolly and Derrydruel or Owenmore, and all of them hold white (sea) trout, though in some of the lakes it has been found hard to catch them. The fishing last year about Dungloe beat all former records. Boyle's and H anion's Hotels give excellent accommodation, and at reasonable rates. £2 a month is the charge made by Mr. Herdman of Lion Hill for all the Rosses fishings. There is a third hotel, Sweeny's, I daresay as good as those already mentioned. Fintona (Donegal light railway) is the nearest station. The best parts of the Crolly River have as proprietors General Twigg, Lord Conyngham, and Mr. Peebles. There is a small inn at Crolly Bridge. There is very good salmon- fishing on the Inver River, but permission is not easily attainable. Leave to fish for brown trout is sometimes given by Mr. Doringlen, the owner. Killibegs, six miles off, is the Killibegs. nearest town, and there is a good hotel there, but the railway from Donegal crosses the river within a few yards of the bank. I cannot leave Donegal without telling of Carrick, where is the best rural hotel I have seen in Ireland. When there is water there are countless sea trout in the adjacent river. Killibegs should be the headquarters for these rivers, of which perhaps the Glen river is the best. It is about ten miles westward, and further off towards Glencolumkille there are some wild lakelets, which are simply stuffed with fish. Hitherto they have scarcely been fished (for most the collapsible boat is needed). In Killibegs is a very snug little hotel, and at Ardara another to accommodate anglers of numerous little lakelets towards Sleeve-toey and the Owen-tocker and Owenea rivers, which are crossed by the road to Glenties,1 a hamlet, with a nice inn. About nine Glenties. -1 From the Glenties, Lough Fin, on the Letterkenny road, is got at, and should not be neglected. It holds charr and the largest gillaroos and feroces. In Glenties can be purchased home-made tweed and hosiery which are just suited to anglers. 104 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. Co. Donegal. Bungloe. L. Lagha. Loughs Beagh and Glen. Church Hill. L. Fern. miles off is Dungloe, the Ultima Thule of anglers in Ireland, and surrounded with lakes full of fish and practically un- courted. There is an inn there now. When I knew it the coastguard's or police officers' or " his reverince's " hospitality gave the only assured hope of shelter. With a collapsible boat one can have supreme enjoyment there. Even without it there is some of the best autumn fishing in the island. Olives and clarets do best here for trout, and one of the former dre ^sed with seal with a golden hackle over it, and a symptom of gold thread ribbing and brown mallard wing, was productive of a great creel for the writer. In brightest calmest weather (seldom seen there) a minnow spun in the loughs about Dungloe is very killing. Dungloe for most anglers is untried. Gueedore the next station, is better known, and has a hotel, built by the late Lord George Hill, which leaves little to be desired by sportsmen.1 Its charges are very moderate, and the fishing, which is well looked after in stream and lough, can be had for a no large sum by the day or for longer. There are very good boats and men at unusually low rate. So much is honestly done for anglers at Gueedore that it is unnecessary to be prolix about the fishing there, but there is a little lake, seldom tried, east of Derrybeg, which should not be left unfished after heavy autumn rains. From Gueedore to the east, to Rathmelton or Letterkenny, it is difficult to guide on account of the wealth of waters and fish in them, but the " Beagh " on one side the main road, the river to the Glen Lough, and the Lough itself, afford splendid sport. On Beagh at least there is a boat. I believe that some rights are claimed by the trustees of the late Mr. John George Adair, but there is no practical difficulty about leave to fish. The real drawback about here is the want of where to lay one's head at night. Some sort of accommodation is to be got near Gartan Lough (at Church Hill), and from there the Leannan river can be fished down to sweet Lough Fern and Rathmelton, by a route with reaches for salmon, white and brown trout, 1 Mr. A. Robertson manages this hotel very well, and one can fish during the best months (for four weeks) June, July, August, at 10s. a day. Weekly or monthly tickets are issued at greatly less rates, but none except to those who ,put up at the I Gueedore Hotel," which is moderate in its charges. During April, May, and October the fishing is free. In September the rates are low. Boats are 2s.; boatmen 2s. 6d. for the day, and for the lakes above the hotel (for brown trout and always free) one must have a boat. Occasionally the salmon fishing is extraordinarily good. For the present the nearest railway station is at Letterkenny, but the ex$§nsion t° Gueedore; js in actual formation. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 165 to mark the way.1 The hotel at Rathmelton is comfortable, Co. Done- and the trout fishing aU free. For salmon fishing there is gal. no difficulty in getting it without charge. From the 1st July, all this western and north-western Donegal offers abundant spoils to fishers, but its spring fishing cannot be said to approach the Blackwater, Lee, Bandon, or many other southern and western waters. Not that there are not fish of a certain size (sixteen pounds about the biggest), but the rivers of ever-showered-upon Donegal are seldom in good order in spring. Loughs Fern and Eask, and one or two near the sea in the Rosses, do afford spring fish, and it is weU to remember that lake fishers are greatly independent of the colour or thickness of the water. The fishing in Lough Fern is all at the disposal of the landlord of the Rathmelton Hotel. He has boats there to be let at a very moderate charge. There are numerous tarns and streams full of trout, and some charr. Some of them hold salmon and white trout too. At Letterkenny the Swilly runs into Letter- the estuary called by the same name. It holds spring kenny. salmon, white trout, grilse, and is practically a free fishery, as is the Finn, which, running from beyond, and by Stran- prlar (hotel there), passes Lifford; and so with the Mourne B.Mourne. from Tyrone, into the Foyle and to ocean. Lifford is the Lifford. frontier and capital town of Donegal.2 It has a fair hotel, and either from it or from Strabane excellent fishing can be got free, or by mere request. Beside the Mourne, in The County Tyrone, there are not many rivers which call for particular mention: Co. Tyrone. they hold a few spring salmon, some grilse, and some autumn white trout. But well-watered Tyrone has at least eight brown trout rivers, which in many places would be sufficient to sustain a high reputation. A large number of these are preserved, but not against fair angling. Newton Stewart has an excellent hotel, and there is a lake there (Lough Catherine), which cannot be fished but by leave of Lough the Duke of Abercorn, which repays the pike fisher. Those Catherine. who would fish the Mourne, the Derg, and Shrule rivers for an occasional salmon and more numerous white trout will be repaid after May. The really good fishing of this county, for those who count their success by the weight of single 1 North of Rathmelton, on the peninsulas which project on each side of Mulroy Bay, are numerous little rivers, and some loughs which give great sport, especially with white trout. All of them are free, or easy to get fishing on. 2 In Donegal the Erne patterns prevail. I have seen the Moy and Cork ones do just as well, and the Standard Trehernes too- t66 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. Co.Tyrone. captures rather than by number, is to be got in "Lough L. Neagh. Neagh," which is an inland sea spoken of later on. Beside Newton Stewart, Dungiven, Omagh, and Castlederg afford accommodation. No county has a greater variety of water, rapids, turns, and deep pools. Lord Castlestuart, Major Hamilton, and all the proprietors give the fishing freely. But before leaving it I would draw the attention of anglers to the Augnacloy river, which I can personally vouch holds lusty brown trout.1 The County Londonderry, Co. Lon- to the west, has a fishing river running out near Ballinagard donderry. station, which is a good autumn river of the second class. Newton || [8 easily reached by rail from Newton Limavady,2 as is the Limavady. better river, the Roe. Spring salmon, with white trout and grilse in autumn come up this; but this county is raised Bann. from second class by the Bann, which discharges below Coleraine. Coleraine. Below the town, which has good hotels, the fishing is quite free, but only practicable from boats ; and they are very well manned, and cheap. Above, the charge for fishing is to be arranged locally, and amounts to something like (I am Portrush. told) about six shillings a day. At Portrush, about severi miles away, there is a capital hotel, and the fishing of the river above Coleraine, where the preservation is very strict, can be arranged from there (the landlord being empowered) on very easy terms. The Bann is, perhaps, one of the best rivers in Ireland, and its fish were heavier than most of those on the north or north-west coast of Ireland.3 The upper waters are very sporting. From the 25th June Kilrea.4 to the 8th August is the best time. At Kilrea there is a little hotel, and about there capital sport is to be got in LoughBeg. Lough Beg. But this latter can be reached from Lough Neagh. The Bann flies locally used are peculiar, but I think the Standard, " Jock Scott," "Doctor," &c, are as good as any, and I am sure the Erne and May-flies do well. The eel-tail and prawn are excellent lures there. I pass over in a short way the counties Monaghan, Armagh, and Down. The two first have many rivers and a few loughs which afford sport, but only with brown trout; and I don't know 1 The Derg is a splendid breeding salmon river, but it is remarkable that no salmon ever runs out of it into the lake of the same name, from which the river issues. 2 Made immortal by Thackeray and Peg. 3 I hear that the Bann fish are not large now, but in greater number than ever. 4 The hotel here is not at all the worst in Ulster. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 167 of any in Armagh which deserve special mention but the Co. Blackwater river (which divides this county from Tyrone), Armagh. and its neighbouring loughs, and Lough Gullion by the L.Gullion. Bann above Portadown. But in the County Monaghan are Lough Muckno, and near it Lough Ross, which hold Go. Mona- good trout and capital pike. Every stream here has trout, I J?*, but none of a size to attract a tourist fisher, even in streams 'Muckno. miming through the grounds of landowners. The County Down has plenty of small brown trout fishing, but I don't know Co. Down, one of them worth much attention but the Ballinahinch Ballina- river, on which I believe Capt. Ker makes no objection to hinch. fair anglers. The best of its lakes used to be Lough Aghery, between Dromore and Ballinahinch, and I know that near a little watering-place called Newcastle there is one which gives excellent sport to brown trout fishers. Most of the lakes are enclosed in private parks. The Blackwater river, which runs into Strangford Lough, justly celebrated for its wild fowl shooting, gives a few white trout in spring and is better in autumn. I believe the fishing is Lord Dufferin's, but there is no difficulty in getting the needful leave to fish. I cannot say that I know any " special" for the trout of Londonderry, Tyrone, Armagh, Monaghan, or Down. I am told the Liffey patterns and, for a change, a green grouse do best. In the County Antrim, which closes the N.E. district, and my tour of Irish fishings, Co. the Bush, the Bann, the Ballycastle, the Glendun, the Antrim. Glenarriff, and Glenarm rivers all hold spring salmon grilse, Glendun, and white trout. The Bann (vide ante) and Bush are, of ^uarriff, course, the best of them. Both hold good salmon, but with G}enarm a blusterous north-west breeze I think the palm should go «J'eri' , to the Bush. The fishing on it cannot be got free, and it ie us ' lets well, but aU things considered it is worth looking to, and I don't know any late season fishing in Ireland which is better. The flies should be smaller than in western streams. Mr. C , who has been most successful on it, kills on Erne flies, but his best day was with the " Lightning " (a Moy-fly, vide ante). From Ballymoney, where is a comfortable inn, the Upper Bush can be fished out.1 1 Mr. Hutchinson, of the Manor House, or it may be the trustees of Captain MacCartney, of Lissanoure Castle, make easy terms for the fishing. Bradford of Belfast supplies good fishing appliances to North of Ireland fishermen. i68 How and Where to Fish in Ireland. Co.Antrim. n The Glenarm river holds spring salmon and white trout, and autumn salmon and white trout too. Lord Antrim's agent makes no objection if leave be asked. The Ballycastle river gives good sport, and Sir Frederick Boyd and Mr. John McGildoney, who, I hear, claim the sporting rights, L. Neagh. are not difficult in the matter of leave. Lough Neagh is best got at from the Antrim (E.) side. Randalstown, Antrim, Lisburn, Lurgan and Dungannon (this in Tyrone), Toome all are points oVappui for it. But Toome Bridge,1 which is Bridge. on the railway, and beyond Randalstown, is perhaps the best station of all, as the little lake (Beg) just above it affords capital and constant sport when the Great (an inland sea) Neagh is too boisterous or sullen. Taken on the whole, the Antrim shores are much the best. The flies which attract the " Bodagh " (great lake trout are so called there) must be of grilse size, but spinning is really the only mode by which they can be often circumvented. It is said that the May-fly sometimes rises on the Shanes Castle shore. I doubt it; but the number of small trout in Neagh which can be captured in all the little bays, writh a chance of a charr now and then in the deeps, and the certainty of monstrous trout at the edge of the deeps (spinning), makes Neagh a really delightful place for those who wish to fish with everlasting expectation and a certainty of surprise. There are very large pike and perch in all the still bays. The boatmen are the worst I have met in Ireland, presuming to know everything, and very ignorant. They are, however, honest and kindly, and not extortionate if they be not encouraged. Parts of the lake are full of pollen, and how to take them in a sporting way is a problem I would set out for anglers. This north-eastern district, with which I end my tedious volume on tours, is naturally not so good as many others in Ireland, but being better preserved it will repay a tourist, especially a trout fisher who is fortunate to know somebody who knows anybody a member of the hospitable Ulster Club, in Belfast, where are found most of the proprietors who good-naturedly protect waters and seemingly for the advantage of " strangers by the way passing." The kind spirit this Club's members show, is but of a piece with what any gentleman may expect from rich or poor in Ireland. Irishmen are not identical with Englishmen; great iUs have occurred to both from an impossible endeavour to force 1 The O'Neill Arms Hotel at Toome Bridge is comfortable, with a moderate tariff; the fishing, however, of Lough Neagh has fallen off, and will never be restored without active measures be enforced against the net men, especially the "pollen" *§§ men. How and Where to Fish in Ireland. 169 them to be so. Both have, however, some good qualities in common: kind hearts and open hands. I hope this book may encourage many Englishmen to trust and try my countrymen. In Ireland their first greeting will be certainly " Caed-mil-failthe."1 I mistake much if the parting words of the kindly tourist-angler be not as mine to him, " Bannath Lath."* LICENCE DUTIES PAYABLE IN EACH DISTRICT BY ROD-FISHERS. 1. Salmon 2. Cross DlSTElOT. Bods. Lines. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1. Dublin ...... 10 0 2 0 0 2. Wexford . 10 0 2 0 0 3. Waterford 10 0 2 0 0 4. Lismore . . 1 0 0 2 0 0 5. Cork 10 0 2 0 0 6.1 Skibbereen 10 0 10 0 6.3 Bantry . 10 0 10 0 6.3 Kenmare 10 0 10 0 7. Killarney 10 0 2 0 0 8. Limerick. 10 0 15 0 9. Galway . 10 0 2 0 0 lO.i BallynakiU 10 0 2 0 0 10.2 Bangor . 10 0 2 0 0 11. Ballina . 10 0 2 0 0 12. Sligo 10 0 2 0 0 13. Ballyshannon 10 0 2 0 0 14. Letterkenny 10 0 2 0 0 15.1 Londonderry . 10 0 2 0 0 15.2 Coleraine , 10 0 2 0 0 16. Ballycastle « 10 0 2 0 0 17.1 Drogheda 10 0 2 0 0 17.2 Dnndalk . 10 0 2 0 0 The general charges in Ireland for accommodation, fishing, and boats, and boatmen are higher than they were wont to be. In few do they run to beyond five guineas a week, and such a charge is exceptionally high. It would be only a gratuitous advertisement to set out the tariffs of each hotel. 100,000 welcomes. 2 May the Lord keep thee. TABLE SHOWING THE CLOSE SEASONS FOB SALMON AND TROUT No. and Name of District. Boundary of • District. Killarney (continued.) 8. Limerick. 0. Galway 101. Ballina- kill. 102. Bangor. Tidal. Fresh Water.. Dunmore to Hags Head. Hags Head to Slyne Head- In the River Inny and its Tributaries, and all Lakes running into said river, 30th September and 1st May. In Waterville River and its Tributaries, and all Lakes running into said river, 15th July and 1st January. Between 31st July and 12th February, save Maigue River and River Cashen and Tributaries, and save between Kerry Head and Dunmore Head, and between Loop Head and Hags Head, and all Rivers running into the sea between those points. For River Cashen down to its Mouth and Tributaries, between 31st August and 1st June. Between Dunmore Head and Kerry Head, and all Rivers flowing into sea between those points, between 15th September and 1st April. Between Loop Head and Hags Head, and all Rivers running into the sea between those points, between 15th September and 1st May. For Maigue River, between 15th July and 1st February. Between 15bh August and 1st February, save in Corrib or Galway River and Lakes and Tributaries, which is between 31st August and 16th February. 11. Ballina . Same as Tidal.* Slyne Head to Pigeon Point. Pigeon Point to Benwee Head. Benwee to Coonamore. Between 31st August and 16th February, save in Louisburgh and Carrowuisky Rivers and Estuaries. For Louisburgh and Carrownisky Rivers and Estuaries, between 15th of September and 1 st July. Between 31st August aud 16th February, save in Newport and Glenamoy, Burrishoole and Owengarve Rivers and Estuaries. For Newport River and Estuary, 31st August and 20th March; Glenamoy River and Estuary, 15th September and 1st May; Burrishoole and Owengarve River and Estuaries, 31st August and 16th February. Between 12th August and 16th March,, save Palmerston and Easkey Rivers, wbich is between 31st August and 1st June. Between 15th Aug and 1st Februs save in Corrib or C way River, betw< 31st August and 1 February. Same as Tidal. Same as Tidal. Between 31st July a: 1st February, sa Palmerston and M key Rivers, which between 31st Augi and 1st June. * Close Season for Fixed Engines for the capture of Eels, between the 10th January an^i other rivers in the Limerick District between 31st December and 1st July in year followni the Coleraine District, which is between 10th January and 1st June in each year, and sa IE DIFFERENT DISTRICTS IN IRELAND ON 31st DEC, 1895.—Con. Angling with Single Rod and Line. Date of last change. Principal Bivers in District. No. Between 31st October and 1st February, £ave Feale, Geale, Cashen. and Maigue Rivers and Tributaries, and save also in Mulcair River, and save in all rivers running into the sea, between Loop Head and Hags Head, and between Dunmore Head and Kerry Head. For Feale, Geale, and Cashen and Tributaries, between 31st October and 16th March; for Maigue and Tributaries, between 30th Sepr ember and 1st February; for Mulcair River, between 31st October and 1st February; between Loop Head and Hags Head, between 30th September and 1st March; and between Dunmore Head and Kerry Head, between 30th September and 1st April. Between 15th October and 1st February, save in Cashla, Doohulla, Spiddle, Ballinahinch, Crumlin, Screeb, and Inver Rivers and their Lakes and Tributaries, which is between 31st October and 1st February, and save Oughterard River and Tributaries, 30th September and 1st February. Between 31st October and 1st February, save in Carrownisky River— between 31st October and 1st July, and save Louisburgh River and Tributaries, between 31st October and 1st June. Between :i0th September and 1st May, save in Owenmore and Mun- him, which is between 80th September and 1st February; and save in Burrishoole, between 31st October and 1st February; and save Owengarve and Glenamoy, between 31st October and 1st May; and save Owenduff or Ballycroy, and Ballyveeny and Owenduff, and all rivers in Aehill Island, between 31st October and 1st February. Between 151 h September and 1st February, save Cloonaghmore or Palmerston River and Tributaries —tidal, between 31st October and 1st February ; upper, between 31st October and 1st June; and save Easkey River and Tributaries, which is between 1st November and 31st January. 13th October, 1874. 17th September; 1873, 27th August, 1879. 19th August, 1882. 8th September, 1885. 26th December, 1871. 23rd October, 1S76. 17th September, 1877. 20th August, 1878. 10th July, 1879. 27th January, 1887. 1st June, 1872. 20th December, 1880. 1st June, 1872. 7th October, 1875. 5th December, 1876. Do. 19th December, 1870. 10th July, 1877. 25th January, 1881. i Shannon, Dee? Fergus, Doon- beg, Cashen, Maigue, &c. 9. Corrib, Cashla, Loohulla, Spiddle, Ballinahinch. 101. Erriff, Dau- ross, Louisburgh, Carrownisky. 102. Newport, Owenmore, Burrishoole, Owengarve, Glenamoy, Ballycroy, 11. Moy, Easkey, Cloonaghmore. inly, save in the River Shannon, which is between the 81st January and 1st July, and in alt jiid save in Drogheda District, which is between 30th November and 1st July, and save is $£so in Comb or Galway B,iv$r, which i* fc^weea the 10th February and 1st July in each y«ay, PEINCIPAL IEISH RAILWAYS. Athenry and Ennis Junction. Athenry and Tuam. Athlone Branch. Bally castle Line. Ballymena and Lame. Ball'yroney and Katesbridge. Banbridge and Scarva Branch. Banbridge and Lisburn Line. Banbridge Junction. Belfast Central Line. Belfast and Northern Companys*. Belfast and County Down. Holywood and Bangor Branch. Belturbet Branch. Bundoran Line. Carrickfergus and Larne Branch. Castleisland and Gortatlea Junction. Cavan Branches. Clara and Banagher. Clara Branch. Coleraine and Portrush. Cookstown Branch. Cootehill Branch. Cork and Bandon (West Cork and Kinsale Sections). Cork, Blackrock, ana Passage and Steamers. Cork and Limerick Direct. Cork and Macroom do. Cork, Toughal, and Queenstown Direct. Draperstown Line, Drogheda and Kells. Dublin and Antrim Junction. Dublin and Howth. DublhTand Meath. Dublin, Wicklow, and Wexford. Do. Kingstown Line. Dundalk and Greenore. Fermoy Branch. Fermoy and Lismore. Finn Valley. Great Northern. Great Southern and Western. Kilkenny Branch. Killarney and Tralee Branch. Killorglin Branch. Letterkenny. Limavady and Dungiven. Limerick and Ennis. Do. and Foynes. Do. Castleconnell, Killaloe. Londonderry Central. ' Londonderry and Coleraine. Londonderry and Lough S willy. Midland Great Western. Mayo Branch. Navan and Kingscourt. Newry, Warrenport, and Rostrevor. Omagh Branch. Parsonstown and Nenagh Branch. Parsonstown and Portumna Branch. Sallins and Baltinglass Branch. Sligo Branch. Sligo, Leitrim, and Northern Counties. Waterford, and Central Ireland. Waterford, Dungarvan, and Lismore.- Waterford and Limerick. Do. Southern Branch, Do. Newcastle and Tralee Line. Waterford and Tramore. Waterford and Wexford. West Cork and Hen Valley. West Donegal Line. TOURIST TICKETS FROM DUBLIN TO KILLARNEY AND BACK Will be issued by the Tbains which run dieect to Killarney, AT ABODT THE EOLLOWING FaRES, VIZ.:— Single Ticket for One Passenger Ditto Two Passengers Ditto Three „ Ditto Four H Ditto Five „ Ditto Six „ Ditto Seven „ Ditto Eight „ Available for Returu on any day WITHIN ONE CALENDAR MONTH. The time of these Tickets can be extended upon the terms stated in the Company's Tourist Programme. N.B.—Tickets to KILLARNEY can be obtained at the principal Stations on the London and North-Western, Midland, Great Western, Lancashire and Yorkshire, Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire, North Staffordshire, Caledonian, and North British Railways, and Railways in Ireland. &INGSBRIPGE, DUBIiXW, 1st Class. 2nd Class. . £2 10 0 £2 0 0 .4 10 0 3 12 0 6 7 6 5 2 0 8 0 0 6 8 0 . . 9 7 6 7 10 0 . 10 10 0 8 8 0 . 11 7 6 9 2 0 . 12 0 0 9 12 0 CAB AND CAR FARES. In Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Belfast the oar fares are fixed at •peoial rates. The drivers must show (on demand) tickets inscribed with distances and charges. Elsewhere the rate for one horse is fixed at-Eightpence a mile, and half fare for return journey (same day). For two horses the fare is One Shilling per mile both ways. The driver is paid by " tips " from passengers. INDEX. Abbeyfeale, 121. Abbey-Liex, 104. Aehill, 145 et seq. Adragoole, R., 135. Adrigoole, R., 149. •Aharlow, R., 118. Aile, R., 143 et seq. Allaghaun, 121. Allen, L., 154. Allua, L., 126. Altora, 142. Anauscaul, 131. Anna-Cree, 134. Annagh, L., 108, Annagh, R. (Clare), 137. Annageragh, 137. Anner, R., 119, 138. Antrim, 167 et seq. Ara, R., 118. Ardara, 163. Ardshellaun, 134. Arigna, R., 154. Armagh, 166 et seq. Arraglin, R., 123. Arrow, L., 153 et seq. Arvagh, 108, 122 et seq. Ashford, 146. Askeaton, 121. Asleagh, 142. Athenry, 138. Athgarvan, 98. Athlone, 153 et seq. Athy, 102. Aubeg, 123. Aughnacloy, R., 166. Avoca, 111. Avonbeg, 111. Avonmore, 111. Awin-a-curragh, R., 128. Awinriff, R., 140, 141. Bagnallstown, 111. Ballavilla, 147. Ballilicky, 135. Ballina, 139, 148 et seq, Ballinahinch, 140, 141,143. Ballinamore, R., 153,154. Ballinasloe, 142. Ballinrobe, 149 et seq. Ballisodare, 155. Ballitore, 103. Ballybunion, 131. Ballycastle, 151, 168. Ballyclough, 123. Ballycroy, 152. Bally-Dawley, 155. Ballydehob, 128. Ballyfin, L. (roach), 104 Ballyfinboy, R., 115. Ballyhaunis, 148. Ballyhooley, 124. Ballymahon, 108. Ballymeallis, 132. Ballymoney, 167. Ballymore, 106. Ballynean, 128. Ballynew, R., 141. Ballyragget, 104. BaUyshannon, 157 et seq Ballyvaughan, 137. Baltinglass, 110. Banagher, 142. Bandon, 121, 127 Bane, L., 105. Bann, 166 et seq* Bannow, R., 114. Barly, L., 135. Barrow, R., 102, 111. Beagh, 164. Beenaskee, 131. Beg, 166. 178 Index. Beigh, R., 133. Carrick, 163. Belhavel, L., 154. Carrick-on-Shannon, 153. Bellooo, L., 157. Carrick-on-Suir, 138. Belleek, 156. Carrig, 124. Belmiagh, 134. Carroonaviska, R., 143. Belmullet, 151. Carysville, 125. Beltragh, L., 144. Cashel, 119, 140. Belvidere, 105 et seq. Cashen, R., 131. Bertraghboy, 141. Cashla, 141. Bilbo, R., 118-20. Castlebar, 146 et seq. Black, R., 108. Castle Connell, 119 et seq. Blackwater (Boyne), 101. Castlemaine, 131. Blackwater (Cork), R., and flies, Castlemartyr, 128. 124 et seq. Castlepollard, 105,106, 108,109 Blackwater (Kerry), 134. Castlerea, 154. Blarney, 127. Castle Sanderson, 156. Blessington, 98-9. Castletown, R., 101. Bodarg, L., 153. Castletown-Roche, 124. Boro, R. 113 et seq* Cavan, Co., 97,107 et seq. Borrisokane, 115. Hotel, 109. Borrosoleigh, 118. | Black Rail," 109. Boyle, 153. Celbridge, 98. Boyne, R., 101. Central District, 97 et seq. Bradford, 119. Charlestown, 151. Bradogue, R., 159. Church, L., 146. Bray, R., 110. Ciamalthe, R., 117. Brian, L., 134. Clandragh Point, 108, Bridagh, R., 132. Clare, Co., 137 et seq. Bride, R., 126-7. Clashmore, R., 126. Broadhaven, 151. Clifford, 124. Brusna, R., 104, 113, 114. Clifton, 140 et seq. Bumiduff, 159. Clodagh, R. (Kerry), 134. Bundoran, 159 et seq. Cloghan, 148. Bunowen, R., 142 et seq. Clogheen (Waterford), 133. Bunratty, 137. Clonbur, 147. Bunree, 150. Clonmel, 119—138. Burrishoole, L., 146. Clonakilty, 128. Bush, 167. Cloomaduallagh, L., 138. Cloon, Coos, Ls., 132 et seq. Cahir, 119. Cloon, R., 137. Cahirciveen, 134. Clooneymore, 151. Callow, 151. Clydagh, R., 147. Camogo, R., 121. Coachford, 122, 127. Camolin, R., 114. Colony, R., 143. Camoola, R., 135. Cong, 142, Cappall, Cummeragh, Ls., 133. Conn, L., 97, 148 et seq. Cappoquin, 125. Conna, 123. Car-fares, 177. Connemara, 140 et seq. Carlow, Co., Ill et seq. Convanmore, 123. Carrabeg, R., 133. Coolatin, 111. Carragh, L., 132 et seq. Coolenagh, R., 137. Carramore, 152. Coolenahelagh, 137. ^arrantwohill, 135. Cooleraine, 166 et seq. [ Index. 179 Coolnamuok, 138. Drumshambo, 153-54. Coomeragh, 133. Dublin, 97. Ooomcloghrane, L., 184. Dugort, 145. Ooomisharne, L., 133. Dune or mack, R., 114. Coomshigaun, L., 138. Dungiven, 166. Coorclare, R., 137. Dungloe, 162 et seq. CootehiU, 108, 163. Dunleer, 101. Coppal, 133. Dunmanway, 127. Corbally weir, 119. Durrow, 104. Corkaginny, 131. Cork, Co., 121 et seq. Cork patterns, 123, 124, 125. Eanybeg, 162. Corrib, L., 139 et seq. Corrofiin, 137. E anymore, 162. Early white trout on eastern Costelloe, R., 142. Crag, North, 125. 9 South, 125. coast, 101. Eask, L., 162. Easky, 152 et seq. Creagh, R., 137. Crolly, R., 163. Cullen, L., 148 et seq. Cummeragh, 133. Currane, L., 133. Currantwohill, L., 135. Ehernagh, 121. Engfield, 101. Ennel, L., 105 et seq. Ennis, 137. Enniscrone, 155. Enniskerry, 110. Enniskillen, 156. Ennistimon, 137. Dale, R., 101. Dan, L., 111. Dargle, 110, 111. Dead, R., 120. Deerin, R., 109-10-11. Erne flies and baits, 157 et sea. Erne, L. and R., 109, 156 et 'seq, Errew, 148. Erris, 152. Errive, R., 142 et seq. Delphi Lodge, 143. Delvin, R., 97, 100-101. Faddha, L., 141. Derg, L., 113-14-16, 157 et seq. Fane, R., 101. Derg, R., 165. Fartagh, R., 134. Dernagollia, 108. Feagh, L., 146. Derravaragh, 105 et seq. Feale, R., 131. Derrybeg, 164. Fergus, R., 137. Derrydruel, 163. Fermanagh, Co., 156 et seq. Dheel, 148. Fermoy, 122. Dheel, R., 121. Fern, L., 164 et seq. Dingle, 131. Fethard, 119. Dissour, 128. Finea, 109. Dodder, R., 99. Finglas, R., 131. Donegal, Co., 162 et seq. Finesk, R., 126. Doo, 143. Finn, L., 143 et seq. Doonbeg, 137. Finshannagh, 154. Down, Co., 166 et seq. Fiririahy, R., 134. Dripsey, R., 127. Fish (names of), 95 et seg- Drogheda, 101. Flesk, R., 132. Dromcliffe, R., 156. Foddah, L., 145. Dromineer Bay, 113-14-16-17. Foorish, R., 154. Dromore, 167. Forbes, L., 108, 153. Drowes, R., 159. Foxford, 151 et seq. i8o Index. Funcheon, R., 123 et seq. 1 Hi-Regan" netbow, 5. Furnace, 144,146. Holycross, 118,119. Q-ALWAY, 187 et seq. Ilen, R., 128. Galy, R., 121,131. Inchicronin, L., 137. Gara, L., 153 et seq. Inchigelagh, L., 126. Garradice, 154. Inchiquin, L., 137. Garrison, 159. Innishannon, 127. Garryhinch, 103. Inny, R., 105-6-7. Gartan, L., 164. Inny, R. (Kerry), 133. Garvegbeg, L., 143. Irish names, 95 et seq. Gillaroo, 108. Iron, L., 105. Gill, L., 155 et seq. Isknagaherig, L., 133. Glandore, 128. Iveragh, 134. Glan, R., 118, 138. Glasshaboy, 128. Kanturk, 123. Glenabeigh, 164. Kellishandra, 109. Glenade, L., 154. Kells, 101. Glenamoy, 152. Kenmare, 134. Glenarm, 167,168. Kerry, Co., 130 et seq. Glenarriff, 167. Kerry flies, 135 et seq. Glencar, 132-3. Key, L., 153 et seq. Glencar (Kerry), 132-3. Kilbarry, 125. Glencar, L., 156. Kilcolman, 124. Glencolumkill, 163. Kildare, 97, 102, Glencullen, L., 143 et seq. Kilkee, 137. Glendalough, 111, 140. Kilkeirran, 141. Glendawaugh, L., 143 et seq. Kilkenny, Co., 112 et seq. Glengarriff, 135. Killakee,R.,99. Glenhesk, 144. Killala, 151. Glenriver, 163. Killaloe, 116 et seq. Glenties, 163. — lessees, 118. Glinn, 154. hotels, 116. Glinn, (Knight of), 121. boats, 117. Glore, L., 105. Killarney, 131. Glyde, R., 101. Killarty, 142. Gortmore, 124. Killorglan, 131 et seq. Gougane-Barra, 126 et seq. Killybegs, 163. Gowna, L., 106-8. Kilmallock, 121. Graighnamanagh, 113. Kilmurray, 125. Granard, 108. Kilrea, 166. Graney, L., 137. Kilrush, 137. Greese, R., 103 et seq. Kiltimaugh, 151. Gueedore, 164. Kinane, L., 105-6-8-9 Gueestaun, 151. King's County, 97. Gulladoo, L., 108. King's River, 99. Guttane, L., 135. Kinsale, 128. Knots, 9, 10, 11, 3: Hacketstown, 111, 112. Kylemore, 142. "Hautin" (Hobbin) (Kerry), 130. Headford (Kerry), 134. Lagha, 164. Hearne's flies, 150 et seq- Lahinoh, 137. Hilliard (tackle), 116. Lattera, 115. Index. 181 Laune, R., 181 et seq. Meenmore, L., 163. Lee, R., 122-8.6. Melvin, L., 157 et seq. Leenane, 142. Middleton, 128. Leighlin Bridge, 112. Milstreet, 122. Leitrim, Go., 154 et seq. Miltown Malbey, 137. Lerr, R., 111. Mohill, 154. Letterfrack, 142. Mohr, L., 143. Letterkenny, 164 et seq. Monaghan, Co., 166 et seq Leyne, L., 105-6. Monastrevan, 102. Liokey, R., 126. Moone Abbey, 103. Liexlip, 98. Morning Star, R., 121. Liffey, R., 97-98, Mount Charles, 162. Lifford, 165. Mountmellick, 103. Limavady, 166. Mountrath, 103. Limerick, Co., 119 et seq. Mountshannon, 116, 117. , " Harling," 119. Mourne, R., 165. Lismore, 122. Moynalty, 101. Lisnakee, 156. Mrs. MoCarthy, fly-dresser, 1S4. Listowel, 131-5. Muck,L., 143. Lombards town, 124. Mulcaire, R., 120. Londonderry, Co., 166 et seq. Mullingar, 106 et seq. Longford, Co., 97, 105, 108 et seq. Mulranny, 144. Loughall, 143. Multeens, R., 118. Lough Fin, 163. Multifarnham, 106 et seq. Loughkip, 142. Munhin, R., 152. Loughmuoknoo, 165. Lough-na-more, 163. Naas, 98. Loughnaveagh, 159. Nacorra, 143. Loughside, 159. Nafooney, L., 143. Louisburg, 113. Namuck, L., 143. Louth, 97, 101. Nanny, R., 100. Luggelaw, 111. Nasplena, L., 147. Navan, 101. Maam, 140. NaVeigh, L., 159. Macknean, 157. Neagh, L., 168. Macollop, 125. Nenagh, 115, 116 et em. Macroom, 126 et seq. guide, 115. Maganey, 102. Nestor (tackle), 120. Maguire's Bridge, 156. Newbridge, 102. Maigue, R., 121. Newcastle, 167. Maine, R., 99. Newport, 143 et se%. Maine, R. (Kerry), 131. Newport, R., 117. Mallard, L., 147. Newton-Butler, 156. Mallow, 122. Newton-Stewart, 166. Manorhamilton, 154. Newtown-Forbes, 10S. Marstown, 125. Nobber, 101. Mask, L., 97, 145 et seq. Nore, R., 104 et seq. Mattock, R., 101. North Crag, 125. Mayo, Co., 143 et seq. North-east District, 161 et seq. Mealagh, R., 135. North-west District, 157 et seq, Meath, Co., 97, 100 et seq. Meelick, 142. Oakpobt, 153. Mddnbam'd, 16? O'FIyna, L., 164 182 O'Grady, L., 137. Oldcastle, 109. Omagh, 166. OoJa, 121. G*m, E., 121. Ouell, L., 106 et seq. Oughter, L., 109, 138. Oughterard, 140 et seq. Ouvane, R., 135. Owena, R., 163. Owenboliska, R., 142. Owenbrin, R., 143. Owen-duff, R., 152. Owen Garvey, 151. Owenmore, R., 152. Owenskaw, R., 121. Owen-tocker, R., 163. Ownas, R., 103. Pap Lake, 134. Passage, 130. Pettigoe, 162. Pike (Ballyfin), 104. Piltown, 113. Pontoon, 148 et seq. Portarlington, 103. Portmarnock, R., 100. Portroe, 117. Portrush, 166. Portumna, 117, 142. Powerscourt, 110. Queen's County, 97. Queenstown, vide Cork. Ramor, L., 107-8-9. Randalstown, 168. Rathangan, R., 103. Rathkeale, 121. Rathmelton, 164 et seq. Recess, 140 et seq. Ree, L., 105-8,153 et seq Rinagry, 148. Rings, 6. Rinn, L., 154. Rinn, R., 108. Roach (Ballyfin), 104. Rathcormick, 123. Roaringwater, 128. Robe, B., 147, Rockingham, 153. Roe, 166. Index. Rogan's flies, 157 et seq. Roscommon, Co., 152 et seq. Roscroe, L., 137. Ross, L., 140. Ross, L., 167. Rosbeigh, 133. Rosses, The, 162. Roughty, R., 134. Roundstone, 141. Saints' Island, 108. Sallins, 98. Santry, R., 99. Sauleen, L., 146. Screebe, R., 141 et seq. Shannon Bridge, 153. Shannon, R., 115 et seq. Shanough, 131. Shercock, 110. Shielin, L., 105 et seq. Shivena, R., 142. Shrule, 108, 165. Six-mile-Bridge, 137. Skerries, 100. Skibbereen, 128. Slaney, R., 110, 111, 113. Sligo, Co., 154 et seq. Smeralagh, 131. Sneem, 134. South Crag, 125. South District, 114 et seq. South-eastern District, 110 et seq. Spiddle, 142. Stillogues, 138. Stratford, 110. Suck, R., 142. Suir, 111, 119. Sutton, Sir Richard, 107. Swords, R., 100. Tadane, L., 137. Talt, L., 155 et seq. Tar, R., 138. Tawnward, 143. Templemore, 119. Thaursagaunmore, R., 152. Thomastown, 112. Tipperary, Co., 113 et seq. Tolka, R., 99. Tobberscanavan, 155. Toome Bridge, 168. Tourig, R., 126. Tourmackead^, 147. Index. 183 Tralee, 131. Triogue, R., 103. Tucker's L., 147. Tuilamore, 104. Tullow, 111. Turvey, R., 100. Tyrena, R., 146. T5rrone, Co., 165 et seq. Vabtry, L., 99,110, 111. Virginia, 109. Waders, 12. Waterford, Co., 137 et seq. Waterville, 122, 133-4. West Distriot, 133—148. Westmeath, Co., 97, 105. Westport, 143. Wexford, Co., 113 et seq. White's, Mrs. R., 99. Wicklow, Co., 98, 109-10 et seq. Wooden Bridge, 111. Woodford, R., 156. Woodstock, 112. Yellow, R., 154. tt NOW READY.—A New Guide to the Coast Scenery of Ireland. With 62 Illustrations. 2s. 6d. ; by post, 2s. 9d. ROUND ERIN:.0*Wsh^ZlZiByways By T. O'NEILL LANE, Author of " The Way about Ireland," 1 The Way about the Irish Lakes and Rivers," &c, &c. OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. Irish Times.—" We find no dry pages in the book. There is something for every taste—for the antiquarian, the sportsman, the botanist, the man of letters." Weekly Freeman.—"It is not merely a useful guide-book, mapping out routes and suggesting tours, but also beguiles the traveller on his way with tales, sketches, and folk-lore. It is attractively written, and takes in the best part of Ireland.| Manchester Guardian.—" Mr. Lane intersperses his descriptions with, many amusing old stories and legends, and not a few practical hints for the traveller." Sheffield Independent. — " An easily written chatty guide to Ireland. Will be helpful to strangers." The Edinburgh Evening News.—"The author knows the brightest spots in ' Erin's lovely Isle,' and knows how to describe them. It is much more than the average guide-book. Ireland, with her lakes, rivers, mountains, and seaside resorts, is described with an evident love and an intimate knowledge of the subject." Belfast Evening Telegraph.—"Visitors to Ireland will find many to suit but none to excel ' Round Erin.' " Hertford Times. — " Instructive and entertaining." Kerry Evening Post.—"One of the most interesting books of the kind that we have yet seen. It appeals to the general reader as well as to tourists." Kerry Sentinel.—"Mr. Lane has a keen eye for scenic beauty, and a graceful descriptive style." SIMPKIN, MARSHALL & CO., Stationers'Hall Court, London; JOHN MENZIES & CO., Edinburgh and Glasgow,- EASON & SON, Dublin; T. O'NEILL LANE, Abbeyfeale, co. Limerick. University of British Columbia Library DUE DATE Grio Donep Spe_ Th mi!ef Lak- to the Excell- forPt For Ii: FI Folio, r high- _.g the )f 3i tril 1st fating, IRoom E ette). "An FORM 310 I One ui. ps uesu ctuLuorimes on tnese subjects/'—Truth: I The Fishing Gazette, under the editorship of Mr. E. B. Marston, has attained a high standing as an authority on piscatorial subjects."—Daily News. London : SAMPBOiNT LOW, MAESTON & COMPANY, Limited, St. Dunstin's House, Fetter Lane, Fleet Street, E.C. 60198 5 WOODWARD LIBRARY PATRONIZED BY H.B.H HARDY' REELS & ARE BEYOND COMPETITION. 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University of British Columbia. Library. Woodward Library. Harry Hawthorn Collection. SH611 .D85 1902
Fishing--Ireland
How and where to fish in Ireland; a hand-guide for anglers, by "Hi-Regan"
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