Cong Canal March 27th

[shane kennedy]

I had my first day back on the canal today but unfortunately the gods didn't smile.
Wet fly fished and gave the nymphs a try but the day was very blustery with heavy showers of rain and hail. All the same it was good to get out for a cast. I'm working in Cong/Clonbur for the next 2 weeks so i might have to take some extra long lunch breaks.

[Paul Sherington]

Thanks for the info - very informative. Hoping to fish there on Wednesday this week

[Phil Donoghue]

Good advice there Shane re the Cong canal, I think I met you there once...this is a dangerous spot alright and the banks near the lake are covered with a scree type broken rock that can give way underfoot...not somewhere to venture if your dodgy on the feet( as I am)..the roadway into the lake too is rough especially the last 400 yards or so, my advice to anyone driving in is to park up before you get to the end and walk the last bit..fishing can be good but it can get very crowded alright!!

[shane kennedy]

On the Canal, above the eel weir at the mouth with Lough Mask is definately the best spot but it can get pretty crowded at weekends and during the summer.
Another good spot is further downstream and you access this area by the bridge on the Ballinrobe - Clonbur road. It has to be said that the wading here can be frightening and should only be attempted if the guage at the bridge reads below 1m and you have chest waders and a big pair of balls. I waded this last week alone for the first time and its a pretty daunting spot. Head upstream from the bridge via a small track road until the road ends at a gate marked keep out. Whether you keep out or not is up to you but fishing can be excellent upstream of this gate!!!! A 5 min walk will bring you to another bay with the lake and on old lock gate. You can enter the water from here but there are few places to get out once you start to wade. Advisable to bring a friend!

[Paul Sherington]

I'm hoping to try there next week, weather permitting. Do you fish by the junction with the Mask? I'm also still hoping to try the Cong River as well. Been on the Corrib a few times but without success.