FISHERY FOCUS - IRELAND THE DAWROS RIVER & KYLEMORE LAKES Text and photographs by DANNY GOLDRICK Silver Run Publishing 2008 www.silverrunpublishing.com
A good wave and the prospect of a fish on Kylemore Lake. ALL THE TIME we hear it s an angler s paradise. Well, let me say, if there is such a place in Ireland then it must be in the West of Ireland; and getting a little closer to the spot, it must surely be the Kylemore Fishery. Of all the wonderful waters fished in my years of trout and salmon angling there are few to match this fishery. Not for its big bags of salmon and sea-trout, purely for the sheer beauty and tranquility found throughout its varied course in the heart of Connemara country. From one s first visit the heavenly peace of its waters and surroundings sink into one s mind and heart and remains there forever. The area is dominated by ancient woodlands and soaring mountains. Close to the fishery are two major buildings, Kylemore Abbey, of which more later, and Kylemore House. Kylemore House, built in 1785, commands a magnificent view over Kylemore Lake and is situated at the very top of the fishery. Beyond is a range of mountains to the south, mostly in green with ferns giving a blend of colour in the autumn which is hard to match elsewhere in the country. The mountain immediately to the
west of the house is blanketed by a magnificent oak plantation, which also adds dramatic colour in the fall season. At a time when a lot of mountains and hills in Connemara are being excessively overgrazed by too many sheep, the ones closest to Kylemore still hold the same beauty as when the first occupants of the house gazed upon the scene. Further down the fishery, set on the shores of Castle Lough, near the outflow of the Dawros River, sits the magnificent Kylemore Abbey. The abbey is the monastic home of the Benedictine Nuns, with a long tradition stretching back over 300 years. Visitors to Kylemore Abbey are always greatly impressed by its majestic beauty and the sense of tranquility found throughout its ancient corridors, rooms, lovingly tended grounds, and to the little gothic church hidden away by the lake shore. The classic mansion stands in the midst of great scnic beauty and overlooks a lake bordered by ancient woodlands of mature oak, beech, and sycamore. Rhododendrons are widespread on the mountain sides and cast a white and purple cloak in May and June which is relished by all visitors. The Dawros River flows through the abbey grounds and has been fished by anglers for hundreds of years. Although quite small in size, the river is easily covered from the bank with a single-hand rod. This is probably why it is such an attractive fishery for the average game angler. The nuns of the abbey has had control over 5.5 miles of river and fishing on all or part of the three lakes since 1922, but recently it was decided that the management of the fishing would be undertaken by a group formed specially to restore and develop the fishery. The group s brochure for the fishery states: Hidden away between the mountains of Connemara and the Atlantic Ocean, the Kylemore Fishery is a wild and beautiful place. The open panoramas of the lakes contrast with the intimacy of the river to give a variety of fishing combinded with stunning scenery unrivalled anywhere in Ireland. The new managers have purchased new boats and engines for the lakes. The river and streams have been improved, casting stands have been restored, and An enchanting pool on the Dawros River.
a whole new approach for the overall betterment of the fishery has been initiated. Some of the greatest assets of the fishery are its spawning streams, said to be some of the best in the country. A programme to ensure they provide the best habitat possible for juvenile salmonids is now underway. The Kylemore Abbey Fishery has a variety of fishing to offer. It can produce salmon at any stage during the season, which runs from 1 Feruary to 30 September. Fishing is by fly-only and takes place on the river beats and three lakes. Rods normally rotate on a half-day basis. Spring salmon are usually present from the beginning of the season, and although little spring salmon fishing has ben done in recent years, it appears that there is a strong chance of a fish early on. Spring fishing requires dedication and not minding some inclement weather! However, the rewards are worth it for the spring fish run between 7 and 12 lb. The main run of grilse normally takes place during the last week of May and first week of June. (The last couple of seasons have seen the run delayed, like many rivers elsewhere, until July. Ed.) A fresh spate at this time will bring silver-fresh grilse in from the sea.although the best of the grilse run is over by early August, there is always the possibility of a later run of fish through to the end of the season. Some of the favourite fly patterns include any of the well-known shrimp tyings: Alley s Shrimp, Bann Special, Curry s Red Shrimp, along with the Collie Dog, and Kylemore Killer. The fishery produced 137 salmon in 2007, which was an improvement over the past few seasons, and no doubt the drift-net buyout which began last year also helped. The fishery also produced 314 sea-trout, which is good considering there was little angling pressure at the fishery last year. Over the years sea-trout were the magical part of fishing the Dawros River and the Kylemore lakes. Stocks suffered a setback in the 1990s, but seem to be slowly recovering of late. Indeed, some worthwhile runs have occurred in recent years with catches of 438 in 2001 and 651 in 2004, and many quality fish amongst them. Sea-trout traditionally begin to enter the Kylemore Fishery towards the end of June, all depending on the tides. Kylemore House stands on the shores of Kylemore L
Kylemore Lake, the largest and undoubtedly the best lake on the system, is mostly owned by Kylemore House and Nancy Naughton. The fishing is shared with Kylemore Abbey. The lake is at the head of the system and is about a mile in length. It takes but two minutes to walk from Kylmore House to where the boats are moored, which is very convenient, especially if returning to the house for lunch. Nancy Naughton has been catering for anglers at Kylemore House for over forty years, with Janet McDonnell. They have five boats available for guests and will arrange the services of a boatman for you. The address is: Kylemore House, Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland. Tel: 95 41143. Email kylemorehouse@eircom.net The whole fishery is fly-fishing only. I find that a trout rod of between 9 to 10-feet is sufficient for summer salmon and sea-trout. Sometimes a two-hand rod is useful in stormy conditions or early season when big flies are used. A seven or eight weight floating line (sometimes an intermediate can be useful) is the most popular, linked to a 6 to 8 lb leader. The flies mentioned previously will suffice for seatrout as well. The best time to visit is from July to September, when the fishery has a good stock of fish in it. September is often the most producive month of all. You can catch salmon there in a lmost any weather conditions but a strong wind is hard to beat, either on the lakes or river. across the lake from the west pushed our boat towards the shore, despite my efforts on the oars. Meanwhile Donall had to kneel on the bottom of the boat in order to contend with his leaping, silvery salmon. Eventually the engine was started in order to head the boat into the wind and oncoming waves. Several times we tried to land the fish, but each time the salmon evaded the net, its head boring downwards and away from the fast-moving boat. Finally I took to the oars again and maoeuvered the boat stern first towards the sandy shore. Donall alighted from the boat on to the beach, still holding on to the rod and salmon. Within minutes he beached the fish and then proudly held it up for me to see. He then removed the Gosling fly from the salmon s mouth. Later, in a calmer part of the lake Donall landed a second 6-pounder, once again on the Gosling! It s a good fly on Kylemore Lake, but overall no beter than the Green Peter, Silver Doctor, Bibio, or Claret Bumble fished on size 8 and 10. I have many more wonderful memories of fishing at Kylemore, but none to match this experience because it was my son who caught two salmon this time, and on a Mayfly pattern seldom fished anywhere on a Connemara fishery! For fishing at Kylemore Abbey Fishery contact Nigel Rush, the fishery manager. His telephone number is 095 41178 and can be contacted there during office hours or at home on 095 41161. Visit the website www.kylemoreabbeyfishery.net The email is nigelrush@eircom.net Over the years I have enjoyed every one of my visits to Kylemore Lake, rarely leaving the place without a salmon landed. One evening I shall always remember. It was late and quite stormy and as my son Donall got the boat ready I speedily arranged our tackle. Donall, who had been working with the fishery board in the Kylemore district and helping anglers visiting the fisheries, adivsed the use of a Bibio and a large Green Peter. However, I had already tied on those flies but selected a size 8 Gosling for the point on both casts. When he saw his cast he uttered We are not fishing Corrib or Mask, why have you chosen a Gosling. I told him to wait and see. Within half-an-hour he was into a salmon. The storm and high waves sweeping