Posted by brian russell on Thursday, February 10, 2022
Well here we are again about to commence another season after all the turmoil of the last few years things have started to look up. Travel has opened up and people have become accustomed to the new way of life - already I have bookings from the States, South Africa and and am thrilled at the opportunity to show overseas visitors the wealth of fishing that we have to offer here. Our winter has been relatively mild and as such I am expecting our wild browns to be well fed and ready to go when season kicks off March 1st. Looks like the competition calendar will be up and running this year again although the Commonwealth Championship which I was to compete in has been postponed to 2023 now.
Posted by brian russell on Thursday, February 10, 2022
Well here we are again about to commence another season after all the turmoil of the last few years things have started to look up. Travel has opened up and people have become accustomed to the new way of life - already I have bookings from the States, South Africa and and am thrilled at the opportunity to show overseas visitors the wealth of fishing that we have to offer here. Our winter has been relatively mild and as such I am expecting our wild browns to be well fed and ready to go when season kicks off March 1st. Looks like the competition calendar will be up and running this year again although the Commonwealth Championship which I was to compete in has been postponed to 2023 now.
Posted by brian russell on Tuesday, April 6, 2021
Who could ever have imagined it! Like so many all over the world the last year has had far reaching consequences for a fly fishing guide. Totally just didn't happen and it is hard to imagine when the situation is going to change. On the positive side I am starting to see some enquiries but as expected these are mainly from the local market and realistically can't see any overseas interest happening this season anyway.
On the fishing side of things 2020 was still a great year for fishing with our rivers seeing fantastic runs of salmon. Our Lough Neagh trout known as Dollaghan where also in substantial numbers and the back end fishing in September and October was prolific. Lets hope this year is as fruitful.
Our season is underway at present and the river wild brown trout fishing has been great since the season started in March and we will look forward to warmer days and falls of terrestrials end of April and start of May.
Posted by brian russell on Tuesday, January 8, 2019
The 2018 season in Ireland commenced with heavy snowfall on the 1st march and although the eyes were freezing to the line wild trout were still eager to come to weighted nymphs on my local streams. March as a result of the extreme conditions was relatively quiet from a guiding perspective but I used the free time to maximum effect by optimising my own time with the rod. As the weather warmed up we were to start and see fly hatches increase and hawthorne and black gnat fishing was good on some waters while a little disappointing on others. Salmon and seatrout angling was patchy as a result of the heat but if prepared to fish unsociable hours success could still be guaranteed.
From a competitive point I made the Ulster Rivers team 2018 and narrowly missed qualifying for the 2019 Irish Rivers Team in a very strong field of anglers. I did however represent The Irish Rivers Team in 2018 on the River Ure in England gaining my 13th International cap. We narrowly missed out on Gold running up Silver medalists while I was individually 3rd in the comp and also won the trophy for largest fish. I fished the Melvin Open again this year and was happy to finish 4th. So all in all not a bad year on the competition front.
From a guiding perspective I had a very satisfying and enjoyable season helping my clients from all arts and parts to enjoy their days on the water. From first timers to seasoned avid anglers we never failed to enjoy our day and land a few fish along the way. Low water compounded our angling with the extremely hot summer but again if you were prepared to be flexible in your approach trout and salmon could still be encountered.
Now its back to the vice and roll on 2019
Posted by brian russell on Friday, November 15, 2013
Well that was a short, sharp and eventful season. Fishing in Ireland 2013 had it all from the worst snow in the Spring to a near drought summer. The spring saw heavy hatches of olives, and while the black gnat was very patchy the mayfly where abundant and the blue wing, sedge and midge fishing was fantastic on the balmy summer nights. When prepared to adapt to meet the prevailing conditions great sport can always be had on our rivers. I read once in the days when I was gainfully employed working for others that a guides life is far from easy. I have now discovered how true this is but I also once read that there is also more to life than money - suppose its like the doctor says "all about balance". This year has been eventful to say the least, I have made many new clients from all arts and parts who I now regard as friends, who have provided me with as much enjoyment as I have them ( I hope!). I have guided clients as far South as the other side of Cork and am a great believer in watercraft - if you have it you can travel anywhere! I have enjoyed watching young anglers smile like the proverbial cat as their father takes their picture with a fine trout. Have also enjoyed the wry smile on the not so young who constantly remind me what this sport of ours is all about - we never tire of it yet still display that boyish look of despair when Trutta or Salar betters us. I haven't lost sight of the old adage of you are never too old to learn and many of my clients have shown me a thing or two this season. On a personal mote I had occasion to smile as I regained the Irish National River Champion title on the Munster Blackwater in July which qualifies me for 2014 International in England. I also attained my 1st4 Sport Angling Coaching qulaification and done my First Aid training. I have a few months now to spend replenishing depleted flyboxes in preparation for the 2014 season as I prepare for repeat clients who are due back with me next year and hopefully a few new ones. (Might just chase old Esox and perhaps a trip or two chasing ladies (grayling)).
Posted by brian russell on Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Well suppose I was always expecting great things after the mild winter but who could have forecast the quality of early season trouting that we are experiencing on the Bann, Cusher and Lagan. Trout and LDO's are both plentiful and Tuesday 13th March gave me an incredible couple of hours on the Bann with the fish in fine condition and up on the olives. What a fantastic combination an olive klink and size 16 baetis nymph are at this time of year. Thomas my middle son ( aged 12) proved the effectiveness of this set up on Sunday morning on the Cusher with the olives popping up from as early as 9.30am and took full advantage returning many fine fish up to 14 inches. The trout are in such great shape at the minute I tremble to think the quality of fish we will be playing by the time the black stuff is on the water - truly exciting times ahead of us!