Ireland on the Fly

With the salmon run beginning in earnest this month, the Blackwater's Conor Arnold joins us this week to tell us about the unique May salmon that arrives in the river, and whether the spring run's decline could actually herald an increase in the back-end? Plus, Tom has a mayfly update from Corrib, and we'll be bringing you more mayfly updates from across the country over the next few weeks so stay tuned for those. Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

Stan Headley is a fly angler and fly tyer who would be known to so many people in Ireland and the UK.  A regular contributor to Trout & Salmon magazine down through the years, the Orkney angler also penned three books - The Loch Fishers Bible, Trout & Salmon Flies of Scotland and Reflections on the Loch which became the go to source for Scottish lochs' fishing – but he was also a fan of fishing in Ireland too and was a regular visitor to these shores. However, due to illness, Stan says that his fishing days are now behind him and so this week's interview with him is one tinged with sadness but also fond memories as he joins us to look back on an incredible life in fly fishing, what it meant to him and the similarities and differences fly fishing Irish loughs and Scottish lochs.Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

This week we're delighted to bring you our first episode from the river bank.  Only a few days ago Daire was lucky enough to fish the Slaney River for the first time on the Ballycarney Fishery beats in the company of the fishery manager, Peter Wadding. Spring salmon fishing on the Slaney has been on our bucket list for a while now and although Daire travelled in hope rather than expectation, things couldn't have turned out better….. Plus, there's an update from Salmon Watch Ireland on their Freedom of Information request in relation to the salmon farm licence applications and why the government is refusing to divulge mortality rates from these farms as it's not in the ‘public interest'. Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

This week it's a book club episode with Patsy Peril, who co-wrote (with Deirdre Nuttall) ‘Swimming Upstream: one man's fight to save the Atlantic salmon'. It's a fascinating memoir about the life of a netsman on the River Shannon.  Patsy talks to us about the importance of the salmon to the communities and villages along the Shannon and how the building of Ardnacrusha decimated a way of life for so many. He talks about his work as a netsman and the increasingly difficult years, dealing with industrialisation, pollution, salmon farms and overfishing which led to the decline of salmon numbers before his eyes. But he also details his efforts to fight for the salmon and a friendship with the lifelong wild salmon campaigner, Orri Vigfússon, that developed along the way. ‘Swimming Upstream: one man's fight to save the Atlantic salmon' is available in all good bookshops.  Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

He's The Scientific Angler on YouTube whose videos of Corrib, Arrow and Sheelin show brown trout fishing in Ireland at its best, but what's also great about Ronan McWilliams' fly fishing videos is his honesty. He's not afraid to say when he's blanked and when he's found it tough – authenticity as he says is what it's all about. Ronan also tells us about the mystique of the Blue Stacks in Donegal and why he loves nothing better than getting away from it all fishing on remote hill loughs.  For more from Ronan, visit his channel at https://www.youtube.com/@thescientificangler.  Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

Education about and local engagement with rivers and water catchments are vital for empowering communities, kids and parents to be custodians of their local environments and one group that has been doing fantastic work in this area since the 1990s has been Streamscapes. It came about after Paul Kearney and Mark Boyden set up the Coomhola Salmon Trust in West Cork in 1989 and evolved then into Streamscapes, working with local communities and schools in the area of aquatic and biodiversity education. Mark joins us on this week's episode to tell us more about the work that they do, the importance of empowering local communities and how it can help with the next generation in realising the importance of their environment and river catchments near them. Images thanks to Streamscapes.ie and for more information visit Streamscapes.ie Irish Youth Fly Fishing Team Fundraising Raffle We wanted to also mention the Irish Youth Fly Fishing Team Fundraising Raffle with prizes of a lake boat, fly rods, engine, hotel stays, angling vouchers all up for grabs.   Tickets are €50 each and limited to just 500 and all proceeds go towards the youth team costs for attending the World Youth Fly Fishing Championships in the USA later this year, so all for a great cause and tickets are on sale now from Frank Dempsey on 087 2351830 or email fgdempsey@gmail.com.  The draw takes place on June 21st.  Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

George McGrath is well known to listeners of the Ireland on the Fly podcast, a friend of the show he has joined us on numerous occasions. If you have listened to him before you will no doubt be aware that he and Tom Doc will at times, break out into speaking Irish. George has a great love for the Irish language and is a fluent speaker and Tom, hailing from Joyce Country, is fluent as well. It was with this in mind that we decided to record a bonus episode during Seachtain na Gaeilge last week. This is a week where the Irish language is promoted throughout the country.Tom interviewed George and the whole episode is in Irish. It is about George's background in fishing and his life on his beloved River Suir.   For those listeners who only have a little Irish here are a few pointers to help you along and here is what is discussed in the interview in this order:-       Where George got his Irish, neighbour from Connemara, evening meetings-       Where George hails from-       How he started in fishing, eels and then on to trout, his first fly rod, the polar opposite of a travel rod. Thumbing and travelling to the fishing.-       An unusual lift from a blind man-       Pollution problems and the environment -       His YouTube Channel and why he does less hunting, once again the problems in the environment. Swimming against the tide-       Opening day 2025, Euro Nymphing (The Lob) and streamer fishing. He talks of some of the big streamers.-       Salmon on the river. His biggest trout, no catch and release when he was growing up, fast food Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

This week we're joined by Evo Smyth, originally from Latvia, but living and fly fishing in the Irish midlands for the last twenty years. Although only taking up fly tying ten years ago, Evo quickly made a name for himself as a fly tyer of some skill and his flies have been in demand around the country. Evo tells us about his fly fishing and fly tying journey and has some really helpful and insightful advice for anyone looking to improve their own fly tying skills. Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

Spring is in the air and it feels like the season is finally starting to click into gear and for many salmon anglers you'll be thinking of trips to book and plans to make. But one of the big issues affecting wild salmon and sea trout numbers is the presence of salmon farms in some of the most pristine locations around our Atlantic coast. The issue of salmon farming is something we continually cover on this podcast and for this week's episode we catch up with John Murphy from Salmon Watch Ireland to find out about updated legislation that means salmon farms are having to renew their licences. This also means it's a time for action and opposition to these renewal applications and John Murphy tells us what can be done to counter the increasing threat of salmon farms to the environment and our wild fish. To find out more go to:www.salmonwatchireland.ie Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly. 

This week we're finding out about a fly fishing club that bucks the trend and continues to grow its membership. Kilbride Anglers Club has long been an innovative and forward thinking club since it was first founded in 1940 and its chairman Martin Kearney joins us on this week's episode to tell us how the club expanded beyond its Liffey waters to the Kells Blackwater as well as having 14 boats around the lakes of Ireland. But it was a pollution incident on the Kells Blackwater twenty years ago that forced the club into restoration and expanding beyond just its rivers.To find out more about the club go to:https://kilbrideanglersclub.com/ Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.Image: https://www.kilbrideanglersclub.com

This week it's a fly tying book club special with Barry Ord Clarke aka The Feather Bender. Barry's new book, Advanced Fly Tying Techniques has just been released and is a must-read for anyone looking to develop their fly tying skills further. We spoke to Barry about his incredible fly tying career, his hugely successful YouTube channel and his unusual introduction to learning to tie flies. For more from Barry visit:https://www.thefeatherbender.com/https://www.youtube.com/@Thefeatherbender Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

It's a first for us I believe on this week's episode as we speak to Ulster man Willie Holmes from the fishing shop he managesby the Ch'illiwack river outside Vancouver in British Columbia in Canada. Willie was originally a building contractor who then set up and ran the well known Moorbrook trout fishery in Coleraine before making the leap and moving to Vancouver full time where he now gets to fly fish for incredible steelhead and Pacific salmon. Willie tells us about his journey and why he now calls British Columbia home.You can also view a live feed of the Vedder/Ch'illiwack river that runs by the fishing shop at:https://www.pacificrivers.com/camera/Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.Image: https://tourismchilliwack.com/

While we're into February and slowly the season is beginning to come to life, you may not have much of a chance to wet a line in the coming weeks so have you thought about building your own fly rod? Brian Martin is a Fermanagh angler based in Galway who last year set himself the goal of doing just that and as he explains on this week's Ireland on the Fly, it's actually not that difficult and he encourages any fly angler to give it a try. If you've been dreaming of a specific rod for your own fly fishing needs, then maybe you won't have to shell out a fortune for a branded one and could actually build one yourself. Plus, Brian also tells us about his love of dry fly fishing and the incredible migratory lake brown trout that he targets during the summer months. Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

You may have seen the report recently about a tagged salmon that was detected in the Erriff and was subsequently discovered to have travelled nearly 2,500km from south west Greenland. It's incredible and direct evidence showing the journey that the Atlantic salmon has to endure to spawn in our rivers and so to find out more we spoke to the IFI's Glen Wightman who told us about the discovery and what it means for our understanding of the salmon's life.The full story from the IFI including the map of the salmon's journey is at:https://www.fisheriesireland.ie/news/press-releases/ifi-picks-up-trail-of-salmon-that-swam-from-greenland-back-to-mayo-0  Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

Sally Barnes is a remarkable woman who has been at the forefront of the Irish artisan food revolution since the 1980s, when she first started smoking wild salmon. But what has a smoker got to do with fly fishing?  Sally, who has been married to a fisherman, and lives on the west Cork coast, has seen and experienced first-hand the decline the Atlantic salmon has undergone in modern times. Sally's story is a remarkable one and her insights perceptive and well worth listening to for anyone concerned about our changing environment and its effects on the Atlantic salmon. To find out more about Sally's work and courses go to:www.Woodcocksmokery.com  Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

This week we're finding out about the unique and special Lough Carra, renowned for its marl bottom which gave the water an alluring blue and aquamarine appearance. Not only that but the fishing – and mayfly fishing especially – was pretty spectacular.  But like so many things in nature, Lough Carra went into decline due to eutrophication. However, the Lough has many interested stakeholders, not least the local communities, which have been vociferous and active in their attempts at restoring Carra to its once greatness. And Tom Byrne, of the Lough Carra Catchment Association, and lifelong angler, joins us to tell us more. A great resource on Lough Carra is at:https://loughcarra.org/ And here's an interesting paper on the marl crusts of the lough:https://loughcarra.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/The-Marl-Crusts-of-Lough-Carra-by-Dr-P.-Doddy-2019.pdf Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

Happy New Year to you all and we're into the start of another year and another season which can only mean one thing and that's catching up with Shane Gallagher from the Drowes Fishery to find out how the opening days went on the river. Shane also looks back on the 2024 season, discusses the fall off in the spring run and why 2025 just might be a year to be hopeful. Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

We hope you're enjoying the Christmas break and relaxing at the vice, reading a fly fishing book or even heading out to a fishery....we'll be back in the New Year with new Ireland on the Fly episodes but in the meantime, enjoy an episode from August 2024 with Paul Molloy from Oughterard whose family has been steeped in Irish fly fishing for generations living and working by the shore of Lough Corrib. And as a kid growing up, Paul tells us of the mayfly market where they would be selling mayflies by the dozen and then as he got older how he got more and more into the fly tying side of things becoming an All Ireland Youths champion. These days Paul lives in Tipperary but the call of the loughs is strong and he tells us why Corrib is still so special to him. Pic: https://www.Instagram.com/Pauly_MolloyRate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple or Spotify, plus you can sign up for our newsletter on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

This week we're revisiting an episode from June 2024 with the infectious enthusiasm and positivity from salmon angler, Sean McLaughlin.....The 2024 salmon season is well under way and we're waiting for the grilse run, but having spoken to anglers around the country it appears that numbers are still down and following a similar path to 2023. However, if you've been despondent and down in the dumps about the salmon, fear not, for this week's guest, Sean McLaughlin, who is a salmon angler based outside Derry and a Loop Tackle ambassador, is here to put some positivity and hope back into the season. He gives us reasons why we should remain optimistic and eternally hopeful and always enjoy our salmon fishing, no matter what. ‘Never stop in search of happiness,' as Sean tells us.   You can follow Sean at:https://www.instagram.com/sean_mclaughlin21/https://www.youtube.com/@seanmclaughlin5258  Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple or Spotify, plus you can sign up for our newsletter on IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

Newfoundland might be a couple of thousand miles from Ireland but the Irish influence is a strong one in the most eastern part of Canada in terms of people, culture, language and fly fishing. Jamie Pike is a Newfoundlander of Irish descent who is a passionate salmon angler and professional fly tyer and he visited these shores for the first time to tie at the recent Irish Fly Fair. We caught up with Jamie to find out more about fly fishing in Newfoundland and why we need to try bombers and the riffled hitch more on Irish waters. Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

‘It's been the strangest of seasons,' George McGrath tells us on this week's Ireland on the Fly.  George is a friend of the show and well-known fly angler based in Tipperary on the River Suir.  We've spoken to George previously about the nitrification of his stretch of the river that has seen it clogged with weeds during the summer making it all but unfishable. But now, it's so bad on the water, George has been forced to give up the trout rod during the summer months and go pike fishing elsewhere. George joined us to highlight what he sees as the lack of care and lack of action against the pollution of our rivers and waters and asks where it will end and what is going to be done about it?For more from George visit his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@springerspanielful and his video on the River Suir can be viewed at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdJ4fZrFE7E&t=1s&ab_channel=Gundog%26Fly  Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

It might be the off-season for many of us, but have you considered grayling fishing in the UK at this time of year? Known as the Lady of the Stream, the grayling are best fished for in winter time and Mark Driver, one half of Piscari Fly, has plenty of experience fishing for them in Wales in the winter months and he joins us on this week's Ireland on the Fly to give us the ins and outs of where and how to catch grayling on the fly. Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

We've already released our river trout and salmon reviews of the season so now it's time for this week's Ireland on the Fly episode focusing on Corrib, Sheelin, Melvin, Arrow and other loughs. We spoke to Eamonn Ross and Mike Keady to find out how the fishing went throughout the season and what key learnings there were from the difficult conditions at times during the year. Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

It's time for our salmon review of the season and who better to talk to than one of the most knowledgeable salmon anglers we know, Paddy McDonnell. Paddy gives us an excellent run through of the season on the Moy, as well as the Owenduff, Owenmore and Carraghmore, plus we get into seal predation, coping with the conditions, the place and importance of the salmon in Irish culture and the vexed question of hatcheries – to hatch or not to hatch. Plus, this week we're linking up with the Conservation and Science Podcast by Tommy Serafinski of TommysOutdoors.com which is focused on hunting, the outdoors and conservation that we thought might be of interest to the Ireland on the Fly listeners, so we spoke to Tommy to find out more about his show. Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

We've got the first of our season review episodes this week and we're focusing on river brown trout with River Nore guide, Dan O'Neill, who gives us the lowdown on his local river as well as those nearby including the Kings and the Suir.   Dan will be telling us about conditions throughout the year, hatches and of course some of the fish highlights as well…. Thanks also to everyone who entered the competition for tickets to the Irish Fly Fair, the answer was Fermanagh as to what county the event is being held in and the winner was Mark Dunne. Stay tuned over the next few weeks when we will have our salmon and loughs trout season review episodes as well. Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

We're into October, the nights are closing in, and for some of you, pike fishing awaits, or evenings fly tying at the vice. But the off season also means the Irish Fly Fair in November and this week's guest is Darryl Mooney who tells us about his involvement as the fly manager and some of the incredible fly tyers who will be jetting in from around the world. And we have two tickets to give away to the event – just listen to the question we ask about the fair during the show and email your answer to info@irelandonthefly.com. Plus Darryl tells us about an incredible trip to Bosnia for grayling that he had this summer and with his years of being involved in the fly fishing tackle trade, he tells us why we maybe need to be looking more towards the carp industry for innovation and insights.  Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

It was very saddening to hear the news that John Gierach, the world famous and beloved fly fishing writer, has passed away at the age of 78.He was a huge inspiration to us here on Ireland on the Fly for his books, personality, style and approach to fly fishing as well as life.  There was much we could all learn from him.And so, in honour of the late, great John Gierach, we remember him with a repost of an interview we did with John in April 2023 when his last book, All the Time in the World, was released.John explained why he saw himself as a writer first and angler second, discussed the hard work and process behind his writing success, which began with Trout Bum in 1986, and he also delved into why he headed west to Colorado to begin a life lived based solely around fly fishing.All the Time in the World was a poignant title, with John explaining how he came to choose it when remembering a fly fishing friend who had passed away.  Little did we think that just 18 months later, John Gierach too would pass on to the eternal river.“Later in life,” he wrote. “The death of a friend is no longer unbelievable because you've learned about mortality the hard way, but that doesn't make the news land any easier.”John Gierach, 1946-2024, ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

So, that's pretty much it for the season for brown trout, sea trout and salmon fly anglers.  Currane, Sheelin and a few other lakes are still open until October 12th but for the vast majority of you the rods are being put away for the winter. Over the coming weeks we'll be reviewing how the season went on the rivers and loughs around Ireland for salmon and brown trout so stay tuned for those episodes… But this week we catch up with a salmon angler who moved over from England just three years ago and discovered salmon fishing that he is in thrall to.  You might have seen some of George Kavanagh's incredible images from the Suir on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/george.kavanagh.58) and it was no surprise to learn that George is a commercial photographer who has worked all around the world on shoots. Salmon fishing is his other passion though and the recent move to Ireland opened his eyes to the salmon fishing that was on his doorstep.  Sometimes it takes someone to come in from elsewhere to maybe make us appreciate what we actually have here…… Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

This week we're ‘following the fin' with Louth native, Joe Quinn, who has been based in Mayo for the last fifty years, and is a well-known international angler who has fished for salmon, sea trout and his first love, brown trout. We talk to Joe about brown trout on Lough Conn, night time sea trout fishing, why he ditched the salmon rod over twenty years ago and find out some special fishing stories from New Zealand. Plus, he tells us how a GoPro retirement present to himself has seen him set up an ever-growing YouTube channel at:https://www.youtube.com/@JoeQuinnFollow_the_fln  Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

We spoke last week about the disastrous escape of thousands of farmed salmon from Killary Harbour and the consequences that will have on the wild fish stocks on the west coast of Ireland. Billy Smyth is chairperson and co-founder of Galway Bay Against Salmon Cages which has been instrumental in fighting the development of fish farms and raising awareness about their dangers in Irish waters and so for this week's episode we spoke to Billy to get more information about the Killary Harbour escape and find out how campaigning and public protests really can have an influence and effect on the government and politicians. Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

For the last few weeks of the season we wanted to speak to fly anglers to find out how their season has gone. You hear different stories about how conditions have been and how loughs and rivers have fared around the country, so what has it actually been like for anglers on the ground? This week, James Barry, the fisheries scientist and highly accomplished all round fly fisherman, joins us with some of the highlights from his 2024 season, including a first trip to Patagonia, some incredible mayfly fishing on Sheelin, a consistent run of salmon over the summer months and now some autumn bass to look forward to…. Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

It's hard to believe but we're into the final few weeks of the salmon and brown trout season and while you're trying to fit in as much fishing as you can, for this week's Ireland on the Fly we wanted to find out how some of the loughs are fishing for brown trout in September and we're joined by Dominic Kerrigan, a fanatical fly angler who regularly fishes Melvin, Erne and Sheelin and he gives us his tips for this month. Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

Glenda Powell, who is well known in Ireland and abroad as a fly casting instructor and guide on the river Blackwater joins us on this week's Ireland on the Fly. In recent years Glenda has also been organising trips for salmon, sea trout and Arctic char to places such as Patagonia, Greenland and Iceland and having just spent two months in the land of fire and ice catching her personal best Icelandic salmon as well as some incredible sea trout and brown trout, we decided to catch up with her to find out more about the fishing as well as the ongoing protests amongst the population against the country's increasing fish farms. Plus, Glenda tells us of her love of travelling to new places to fish and how it also makes you appreciate just what we've got back home as well. Keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple or Spotify, plus you can sign up for our newsletter on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

This week  we speak to Judd Ruane, the well-known sea trout fishing guide on the Moy Estuary.   Judd talks to us about the incredible days he has had as well as some of the famous names that have been in his boat, plus you'll also hear about 16 years on the road touring Ireland, the UK and America with a Glen Miller style big band. It's fair to say that Judd has more than a few stories to tell about sea trout and a whole lot more…. And if you want find out more about fishing on the Moy Estuary, visit fishingireland.ie Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple or Spotify, plus you can sign up for our newsletter on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

The Costello & Fermoyle fishery in Connemara is one that evokes historic nostalgia mentioned as it was in Kingsmill Moore's A Man May Fish as a favourite location of his for sea trout. The fishery comprises the Casla River and a series of lakes, including Glenicmurrin, Fermoyle, Clogher, and the Schoolhouse Loughs, set in beautiful scenery against the backdrop of the Twelve Pins mountains. Although the numbers of sea trout are not as they once were, the Costello & Fermoyle fishery is still a popular one for anglers chasing salmon and sea trout in historic surroundings and for this week's fishery focus episode Tom spoke to the fishery manager, Brian Curran, to find out more about the river and loughs in this incredible location. To find out more about fishing on Costello & Fermoyle, contact Brian at:https://www.irelandwestangling.ie/

This week we're joined by the prolific angling writer, Chris McCully. Chris has been a regular contributor to Trout & Salmon magazine and in his spare time has written not just on fishing, but also English academic works as well as poetry. In Ireland though he's probably best known for 'Nomads of the Tides: Fishing for Irish Sea Trout', which he wrote with Ken Whelan back in 2013 and it's still a hugely respected and definitive book on sea trout fishing around Ireland. We've plenty to talk to Chris about for this book club episode, including his recent memoir, 'The River of All Goodbyes', and one that got our interest, 'Names of the Fish - In British & Irish Freshwaters'.  Did you know, for example, that there are over seventy different words for sea trout with plenty of Irish versions as well.  Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple or Spotify, plus you can sign up for our newsletter on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

Joining us on this week's show is Paul Molloy from Oughterard whose family has been steeped in Irish fly fishing for generations living and working by the shore of Lough Corrib. And as a kid growing up, Paul tells us of the mayfly market where they would be selling mayflies by the dozen and then as he got older how he got more and more into the fly tying side of things becoming an All Ireland Youths champion. These days Paul lives in Tipperary but the call of the loughs is strong and he tells us why Corrib is still so special to him. Pic: https://www.Instagram.com/Pauly_MolloyRate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple or Spotify, plus you can sign up for our newsletter on https://www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on https://Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

We're nearly at the end of July and how has Ireland's most prolific salmon river, the Moy, been doing in what's been another difficult season? We wanted to find out if the grilse run had given any positivity to anglers this summer and so we decided to catch up with East Mayo Angler Garrett Ruigrok to find out more.  Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple or Spotify, plus you can sign up for our newsletter on www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

Mick O'Farrell is an Irish fly angler and is that rare breed who moved to the UK and subsequently established a high reputation for himself on the stillwaters in England, in addition to his prowess in Ireland. He became well known for his book, ‘A Passion for Trout' and could often be read in UK fly fishing publications discussing stillwater tactics and flies. With best intentions to retire to Ireland, he has a new book out called, ‘Trout and Grayling Flies: An International Masterclass' and he joins us on this week's Ireland on the Fly to discuss his fly fishing life in Ireland and England and how anglers from both countries have helped to develop and improve fly fishing techniques on the two sides of the Irish Sea. If you're interested in purchasing a copy of Mick's new book, you can email him directly at mpofarrell1@hotmail.co.uk.   Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple or Spotify, plus you can sign up for our newsletter on www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly. Dry Dropper Masterclass with Peter DriverContinuing our popular Ireland on the Fly Masterclass series, this July we're delighted to be joined by Peter Driver of Piscari-Fly fame who will be giving a masterclass on the dry dropper technique for river brown trout.At the height of the summer there's no better way to target river trout than with the deadly combination of dry fly and nymph underneath.  Whether they're taking on top or sub surface, Peter Driver will giving invaluable tips and advice.For river trout anglers this will be a must-see webinar on Thursday the 25th of July.Tickets cost €10 and to register and pay go to:https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2927294018476207710 ** Loyalty discount **We are pleased to announce that we will again be offering a loyalty discount of 50% if you have paid for two or three of our previous webinars this year.The 50% discount to the Dry Dropper Masterclass will be refunded to your account in the days after purchase.Who is giving the Masterclass?Peter Driver, Irish international, founder of Piscari-Fly, former National Rivers Champion, and one of our most experienced brown trout river anglers.How do I access the webinar?Once you register, you will receive an email with your unique link to log-in to access the webinar.If I can't make it on 25th July, can I still watch the webinar back?Yes.  All paid registrants will receive a link to view the webinar on-demand as many times as you like, in addition to a copy of Peter's notes.Register and pay for your access to the Dry Dropper Masterclass with Peter Driver at:https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2927294018476207710 For more information email us on info@irelandonthefly.com

For this week's episode we're focusing on salmon and the recent decision in Norway to close thirty-three of the country's most prolific rivers in the southwest including the Gaula and Orkla. It was a decision that caught many unawares, including anglers who were on their way out to Norway and one such angler was Johnny Casey who we spoke to before on the podcast about his love of salmon fishing and the next generation of the sport in Ireland. Johnny tells us of his shock at the news when landing in Norway, how they had to scramble to make last minute changes of plan and what local anglers are saying over there about the decision and what it might mean for the wider salmon angling community and our own home waters.  Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple or Spotify, plus you can sign up for our newsletter on www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly. Dry Dropper Masterclass with Peter DriverContinuing our popular Ireland on the Fly Masterclass series, this July we're delighted to be joined by Peter Driver of Piscari-Fly fame who will be giving a masterclass on the dry dropper technique for river brown trout.At the height of the summer there's no better way to target river trout than with the deadly combination of dry fly and nymph underneath.  Whether they're taking on top or sub surface, Peter Driver will giving invaluable tips and advice.For river trout anglers this will be a must-see webinar on Thursday the 25th of July.Tickets cost €10 and to register and pay go to:https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2927294018476207710 ** Loyalty discount **We are pleased to announce that we will again be offering a loyalty discount of 50% if you have paid for two or three of our previous webinars this year.The 50% discount to the Dry Dropper Masterclass will be refunded to your account in the days after purchase.Who is giving the Masterclass?Peter Driver, Irish international, founder of Piscari-Fly, former National Rivers Champion, and one of our most experienced brown trout river anglers.How do I access the webinar?Once you register, you will receive an email with your unique link to log-in to access the webinar.If I can't make it on 25th July, can I still watch the webinar back?Yes.  All paid registrants will receive a link to view the webinar on-demand as many times as you like, in addition to a copy of Peter's notes.Register and pay for your access to the Dry Dropper Masterclass with Peter Driver at:https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2927294018476207710 For more information email us on info@irelandonthefly.com

You may not be into competition fishing but when the FIPS-Mouche World Championships are on surely you can't help but wonder how the Irish team fared when pitting itself against the best in the world at fly fishing on rivers and lakes? This year the Worlds were held in the south of France where John Buckley, the Killarney angler, was the team captain, and while we might not be expected to medal going up against the likes of the French and the Spanish, the Irish team went out as always with high hopes. John tells us how it was our best overseas performance ever, as well as telling us about his own fly fishing life that began around the lakes of Killarney and developed into a love of competition fishing.Daire & Tom also discuss the salmon river closures in Norway and increased calls for catch and release in Ireland and the UK.  Here are the links mentioned during their discussion:https://salmonwatchireland.ie/2024/07/01/please-help-atlantic-salmon-in-2024/https://gaulasalmon.com/33-norwegian-salmon-rivers-closed/  Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple or Spotify, plus you can sign up for our newsletter on www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly. Dry Dropper Masterclass with Peter DriverContinuing our popular Ireland on the Fly Masterclass series, this July we're delighted to be joined by Peter Driver of Piscari-Fly fame who will be giving a masterclass on the dry dropper technique for river brown trout.At the height of the summer there's no better way to target river trout than with the deadly combination of dry fly and nymph underneath.  Whether they're taking on top or sub surface, Peter Driver will giving invaluable tips and advice.For river trout anglers this will be a must-see webinar on Thursday the 25th of July.Tickets cost €10 and to register and pay go to:https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2927294018476207710 ** Loyalty discount **We are pleased to announce that we will again be offering a loyalty discount of 50% if you have paid for two or three of our previous webinars this year.The 50% discount to the Dry Dropper Masterclass will be refunded to your account in the days after purchase.Who is giving the Masterclass?Peter Driver, Irish international, founder of Piscari-Fly, former National Rivers Champion, and one of our most experienced brown trout river anglers.How do I access the webinar?Once you register, you will receive an email with your unique link to log-in to access the webinar.If I can't make it on 25th July, can I still watch the webinar back?Yes.  All paid registrants will receive a link to view the webinar on-demand as many times as you like, in addition to a copy of Peter's notes.Register and pay for your access to the Dry Dropper Masterclass with Peter Driver at:https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2927294018476207710 For more information email us on info@irelandonthefly.com

Stevie Munn is a well-known name in Irish and UK fly fishing circles as someone who has worked in the tackle trade, guided and instructed and also set up the Irish Fly Fair first in Galway before moving to Enniskillen. Stevie is a fanatical fly fisherman who will cast a fly for salmon, sea trout and brown trout – especially the beloved dollaghan trout of Lough Neagh which have included 20lbers in the past. Growing up in Belfast at the height of the Troubles, Stevie tells us why fly fishing in the nearby countryside was such an important escape for so many from the city and it's little wonder that Belfast still has such a sizeable fly angling community to this day. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple or Spotify, plus you can sign up for our newsletter on www.IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly. Dry Dropper Masterclass with Peter DriverContinuing our popular Ireland on the Fly Masterclass series, this July we're delighted to be joined by Peter Driver of Piscari-Fly fame who will be giving a masterclass on the dry dropper technique for river brown trout.At the height of the summer there's no better way to target river trout than with the deadly combination of dry fly and nymph underneath.  Whether they're taking on top or sub surface, Peter Driver will giving invaluable tips and advice.For river trout anglers this will be a must-see webinar on Thursday the 25th of July.Tickets cost €10 and to register and pay go to:https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2927294018476207710 ** Loyalty discount **We are pleased to announce that we will again be offering a loyalty discount of 50% if you have paid for two or three of our previous webinars this year.The 50% discount to the Dry Dropper Masterclass will be refunded to your account in the days after purchase.Who is giving the Masterclass?Peter Driver, Irish international, founder of Piscari-Fly, former National Rivers Champion, and one of our most experienced brown trout river anglers.How do I access the webinar?Once you register, you will receive an email with your unique link to log-in to access the webinar.If I can't make it on 25th July, can I still watch the webinar back?Yes.  All paid registrants will receive a link to view the webinar on-demand as many times as you like, in addition to a copy of Peter's notes.Register and pay for your access to the Dry Dropper Masterclass with Peter Driver at:https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2927294018476207710 For more information email us on info@irelandonthefly.com

The Dodder is a unique and special river that flows through Dublin's south city boundaries with salmon, sea trout and incredible brown trout in it – a fact not many capital cities can claim. But as an urban river it faces many, ongoing challenges and Mark McAndrew, who is on the committee of the Dodder Anglers Association and fishes the river practically every day during the season, joins us this week to tell us about the remarkable survival and growth of the Dodder river as well as the challenges it faces in the future.For more information you can visit the Dodder Anglers Facebook page at:https://www.facebook.com/dodder.anglers  Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple or Spotify, plus you can sign up for our newsletter on IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.Image: Dodder Anglers' Association.

The 2024 salmon season is well under way and we're waiting for the grilse run, but having spoken to anglers around the country it appears that numbers are still down and following a similar path to 2023. However, if you've been despondent and down in the dumps about the salmon, fear not, for this week's guest, Sean McLaughlin, who is a salmon angler based outside Derry and a Loop Tackle ambassador, is here to put some positivity and hope back into the season. He gives us reasons why we should remain optimistic and eternally hopeful and always enjoy our salmon fishing, no matter what. ‘Never stop in search of happiness,' as Sean tells us.   You can follow Sean at:https://www.instagram.com/sean_mclaughlin21/https://www.youtube.com/@seanmclaughlin5258  Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple or Spotify, plus you can sign up for our newsletter on IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly. A Salmon Masterclass with Paddy McDonnellAre you passionate about fly fishing but struggling to catch more salmon? With declining numbers, having the right tactics and understanding how and where to catch salmon is more important than ever before. At 8pm on Thursday 20th June, join us for a special Salmon Masterclass with one of Ireland's most renowned salmon anglers, Paddy McDonnell, to learn how to increase your catch rates on the water. Born near the famed River Moy, Paddy had already caught thousands of salmon by his 20s and has dedicated his life to helping others catch salmon on the rivers and lakes on the west coast of Ireland.For this Masterclass, Paddy will be sitting down with Ireland on the Fly presenters, Tom Doc Sullivan and Daire Whelan, with tips and advice to catch more salmon this season.Don't miss out on this unique opportunity where you will also get the chance to ask Paddy the salmon questions you've always wanted to know. And don't worry, if you can't make it on 20th June, you will still receive a recording of the webinar to watch back at any time. Tickets cost €10 and you can register and pay by going to:https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5708122751527998295** 50% Loyalty Discount **As a loyalty bonus to those who have attended our two previous Masterclasses, we're also pleased to offer a 50% discount for this Salmon Masterclass webinar.If you already paid for our two previous Masterclasses and sign up for this one, then the €5 discount will be refunded to your account after you register and pay for this third webinar.Just to say thank you for your loyal support of our Masterclass Series!Who is giving the Masterclass?Paddy McDonnell, one of Ireland's most experienced and most respected salmon anglers, guides and instructors.How do I access the webinar?Once you register, you will receive an email with your unique link to log-in to access the webinar.When is it on?8-9pm on Thursday, June 20th.If I can't make it, can I still view a recording of the Masterclass afterwards?Yes, all paid attendees will get sent a link to access and view the recording of the webinar afterwards.Register and pay for your access to A Salmon Masterclass with Paddy McDonnell at:https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5708122751527998295Stay tuned for our masterclasses throughout 2024, covering salmon, rivers, loughs, streamers, lures, dries – everything to make you a better salmon or trout fly angler, helping you to catch more this year and learn from the best.For more information email us on info@irelandonthefly.com

Internationally renowned fishery scientist, Ken Whelan, issues a call to action on the latest episode of The Last Salmon. He says that ranching can and will work to help improve salmon numbers in relation to supporting a rod fishery for anglers and he explains to us the background to its successful development and implementation – albeit with caveats and cautions. Likening it to racehorse breeding, he points to the Burrishoole ranching programme and the work of Dr. David Piggins and says this is the model that can be followed for supporting a rod fishery in lieu of wild stock. Whilst wild fish conservation measures must continue to be carried out, drastic and innovative action is needed, says Ken, if we are not to see entire salmon stocks disappear. Image: Burrishoole Fishery #thelastsalmon #fightforthewildsalmon The Last Salmon is a new podcast hosted by renowned actor, Jim Murray, and award-winning producer, Daire Whelan, which offers hope and solutions to the tragic story that is unfolding for an iconic species in crisis - the wild Atlantic salmon.  Listen and follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, and for regular updates, follow the show at Instagram.com/TheLastSalmon. A Salmon Masterclass with Paddy McDonnellAre you passionate about fly fishing but struggling to catch more salmon? With declining numbers, having the right tactics and understanding how and where to catch salmon is more important than ever before. At 8pm on Thursday 20th June, join us for a special Salmon Masterclass with one of Ireland's most renowned salmon anglers, Paddy McDonnell, to learn how to increase your catch rates on the water. Born near the famed River Moy, Paddy had already caught thousands of salmon by his 20s and has dedicated his life to helping others catch salmon on the rivers and lakes on the west coast of Ireland.For this Masterclass, Paddy will be sitting down with Ireland on the Fly presenters, Tom Doc Sullivan and Daire Whelan, with tips and advice to catch more salmon this season.Don't miss out on this unique opportunity where you will also get the chance to ask Paddy the salmon questions you've always wanted to know. And don't worry, if you can't make it on 20th June, you will still receive a recording of the webinar to watch back at any time. Tickets cost €10 and you can register and pay by going to:https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5708122751527998295** 50% Loyalty Discount **As a loyalty bonus to those who have attended our two previous Masterclasses, we're also pleased to offer a 50% discount for this Salmon Masterclass webinar.If you already paid for our two previous Masterclasses and sign up for this one, then the €5 discount will be refunded to your account after you register and pay for this third webinar.Just to say thank you for your loyal support of our Masterclass Series!Who is giving the Masterclass?Paddy McDonnell, one of Ireland's most experienced and most respected salmon anglers, guides and instructors.How do I access the webinar?Once you register, you will receive an email with your unique link to log-in to access the webinar.When is it on?8-9pm on Thursday, June 20th.If I can't make it, can I still view a recording of the Masterclass afterwards?Yes, all paid attendees will get sent a link to access and view the recording of the webinar afterwards.Register and pay for your access to A Salmon Masterclass with Paddy McDonnell at:https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5708122751527998295Stay tuned for our masterclasses throughout 2024, covering salmon, rivers, loughs, streamers, lures, dries – everything to make you a better salmon or trout fly angler, helping you to catch more this year and learn from the best.For more information email us on info@irelandonthefly.com

It's time for our second and final mayfly update from around the country and this week we're hearing how Lough Sheelin and Lough Arrow fared with Eamonn Ross and Jackie Mahon.   Eamonn explains how the fishing was fantastic the first week the mayfly was up with some incredible fish being caught, but it's been tougher since then. Meanwhile on Arrow, Jackie describes it as patchy, and similar to many other places, if you were able to hit it at the right time, the fishing could be top drawer, but outside of the windows it was proving to be much harder.  Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.    Plus you can sign up for our newsletter on IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly. A Salmon Masterclass with Paddy McDonnellAre you passionate about fly fishing but struggling to catch more salmon? With declining numbers, having the right tactics and understanding how and where to catch salmon is more important than ever before. At 8pm on Thursday 20th June, join us for a special Salmon Masterclass with one of Ireland's most renowned salmon anglers, Paddy McDonnell, to learn how to increase your catch rates on the water. Born near the famed River Moy, Paddy had already caught thousands of salmon by his 20s and has dedicated his life to helping others catch salmon on the rivers and lakes on the west coast of Ireland.For this Masterclass, Paddy will be sitting down with Ireland on the Fly presenters, Tom Doc Sullivan and Daire Whelan, with tips and advice to catch more salmon this season.Don't miss out on this unique opportunity where you will also get the chance to ask Paddy the salmon questions you've always wanted to know. And don't worry, if you can't make it on 20th June, you will still receive a recording of the webinar to watch back at any time. Tickets cost €10 and you can register and pay by going to:https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5708122751527998295** 50% Loyalty Discount **As a loyalty bonus to those who have attended our two previous Masterclasses, we're also pleased to offer a 50% discount for this Salmon Masterclass webinar.If you already paid for our two previous Masterclasses and sign up for this one, then the €5 discount will be refunded to your account after you register and pay for this third webinar.Just to say thank you for your loyal support of our Masterclass Series!Who is giving the Masterclass?Paddy McDonnell, one of Ireland's most experienced and most respected salmon anglers, guides and instructors.How do I access the webinar?Once you register, you will receive an email with your unique link to log-in to access the webinar.When is it on?8-9pm on Thursday, June 20th.If I can't make it, can I still view a recording of the Masterclass afterwards?Yes, all paid attendees will get sent a link to access and view the recording of the webinar afterwards.Register and pay for your access to A Salmon Masterclass with Paddy McDonnell at:https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5708122751527998295Stay tuned for our masterclasses throughout 2024, covering salmon, rivers, loughs, streamers, lures, dries – everything to make you a better salmon or trout fly angler, helping you to catch more this year and learn from the best.For more information email us on info@irelandonthefly.com

Hatcheries.  It's a contentious issue amongst the salmon angling community and with numbers of salmon continuing to drop, more and more anglers are asking can and should it be introduced to their river? For this week's episode of The Last Salmon, we wanted to find out more about the pros, cons, nuances and science behind it and are joined by David Summers, Fisheries Director of the Tay Fisheries Board, where they run the very successful Kelt Reconditioning Projectand Professor Phil McGinnity at UCC who has been working in fisheries research and management for more than quarter of a century.Image: tayrivers.org #thelastsalmon #fightforthewildsalmon The Last Salmon is a new podcast hosted by renowned actor, Jim Murray, and award-winning producer, Daire Whelan, which offers hope and solutions to the tragic story that is unfolding for an iconic species in crisis - the wild Atlantic salmon.  Listen and follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, and for regular updates, follow the show at Instagram.com/TheLastSalmon. A Salmon Masterclass with Paddy McDonnellAre you passionate about fly fishing but struggling to catch more salmon? With declining numbers, having the right tactics and understanding how and where to catch salmon is more important than ever before. At 8pm on Thursday 20th June, join us for a special Salmon Masterclass with one of Ireland's most renowned salmon anglers, Paddy McDonnell, to learn how to increase your catch rates on the water. Born near the famed River Moy, Paddy had already caught thousands of salmon by his 20s and has dedicated his life to helping others catch salmon on the rivers and lakes on the west coast of Ireland.For this Masterclass, Paddy will be sitting down with Ireland on the Fly presenters, Tom Doc Sullivan and Daire Whelan, with tips and advice to catch more salmon this season.Don't miss out on this unique opportunity where you will also get the chance to ask Paddy the salmon questions you've always wanted to know. And don't worry, if you can't make it on 20th June, you will still receive a recording of the webinar to watch back at any time. Tickets cost €10 and you can register and pay by going to:https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5708122751527998295** 50% Loyalty Discount **As a loyalty bonus to those who have attended our two previous Masterclasses, we're also pleased to offer a 50% discount for this Salmon Masterclass webinar.If you already paid for our two previous Masterclasses and sign up for this one, then the €5 discount will be refunded to your account after you register and pay for this third webinar.Just to say thank you for your loyal support of our Masterclass Series!Who is giving the Masterclass?Paddy McDonnell, one of Ireland's most experienced and most respected salmon anglers, guides and instructors.How do I access the webinar?Once you register, you will receive an email with your unique link to log-in to access the webinar.When is it on?8-9pm on Thursday, June 20th.If I can't make it, can I still view a recording of the Masterclass afterwards?Yes, all paid attendees will get sent a link to access and view the recording of the webinar afterwards.Register and pay for your access to A Salmon Masterclass with Paddy McDonnell at:https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5708122751527998295Stay tuned for our masterclasses throughout 2024, covering salmon, rivers, loughs, streamers, lures, dries – everything to make you a better salmon or trout fly angler, helping you to catch more this year and learn from the best.For more information email us on info@irelandonthefly.com

This week's episode is a fascinating look at the famous Castleconnell Fishery on the River Shannon in Limerick with Pat O'Connor who is chair of the Castleconnell River Association. It's a fishery steeped in history when it was internationally renowned for its huge salmon in the 1800s to the early 1900s and it became a thriving centre for tackle development including the Castleconnell rod. But since the Ardnacrusha development dammed the lower part of the Shannon in 1929 to provide power for the nascent Irish Free State, the fishery became a shadow of itself, and coupled with modern day issues around salmon numbers, it's reckoned that they're now at just 3% of their historic levels. But, the Castleconnell River Association is trying to do its part in helping to save the existing broodstock and increase the numbers through conservation measures and ambitious projects. Pat O'Connor takes us through the incredible history of the fishery as well as the work they are doing with some hope for the future.  Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.    Plus you can sign up for our newsletter on IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

Simen Saetre is the co-author (along with Kjetil Ostli) of ‘The New Fish: The Truth about Farmed Salmon and the Consequences We Can No Longer Ignore' and joins Jim & Daire on the latest episode of The Last Salmon to talk about their years of research into the salmon farming industry and the shocking information they discovered along the way.  #thelastsalmon #fightforthewildsalmon The Last Salmon is a new podcast hosted by renowned actor, Jim Murray, and award-winning producer, Daire Whelan, which offers hope and solutions to the tragic story that is unfolding for an iconic species in crisis - the wild Atlantic salmon.  Listen and follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, and for regular updates, follow the show at Instagram.com/TheLastSalmon.

We've our first update of the mayfly season for this week's show and Mike Keady joins us to tell us how Corrib has been fishing. The weather has been unsettled and cold which hasn't helped things, Mike tells us, but he does expect it to pick up for the next 1-2 weeks so if you have the opportunity do try and make the most of it before it finishes up on Corrib. On Derg, Shane Creamer was out fishing for the week but he did send in an update with word that it has been very slow.  However, there have been some bumper days when winds were light and some very good fish caught in the 4-6lb bracket on dries. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.    Plus you can sign up for our newsletter on IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

The Owenmore Fishery has been in the news recently with the State buying up the river and lands that are situated on the Dingle peninsula in Kerry. So what does the future hold for the fishery and what is the fishing like on the river and lakes in one of Ireland's most scenic locations? Frank Maunsell has been the fishery manager there for over a quarter of a century and he joins us on this week's show with tales of poachers, fishing and tactics that you'd scarcely believe but are well worth listening to….. We've also had many people get in touch about last week's episode with Rory Harkin of Rory's Tackle shop in Temple Bar – especially their cult t-shirts - and Rory's have kindly given us 5 t-shirts and baseball caps to give away so just listen to this week's episode for the question and email the answer to info@irelandonthefly.com to be in with a chance of winning. Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.    Plus you can sign up for our newsletter on IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.