Ireland on the Fly

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.

Listen & Follow on Apple or Spotify:

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 get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.irelandonthefly.com

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.

Listen & follow on Apple or Spotify:

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.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.irelandonthefly.com

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 [email protected].

 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 get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

***

Dry Dropper Masterclass with Peter Driver

Continuing 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 [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.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 and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

***

Dry Dropper Masterclass with Peter Driver

Continuing 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 [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.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 Driver

Continuing 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 [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.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.

Listen & follow on Apple or Spotify:

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 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 [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.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.

Listen & Follow on Apple or Spotify:

For more information you can also visit the Dodder Anglers Facebook page at:https://www.facebook.com/dodder.anglers 

Image: Dodder Anglers' Association.

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.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.irelandonthefly.com

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.  

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 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. 

On Thursday 20th June, one of Ireland's most renowned salmon anglers, Paddy McDonnell, gave a live webinar with insights and advice as to 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 sat down with Ireland on the Fly presenters, Tom Doc Sullivan and Daire Whelan, with tips and advice to catch more salmon this season.

** This webinar is now available to you to access and watch back at any time, plus you will also receive a copy of Paddy’s notes.**

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.

Register and pay for your access to A Salmon Masterclass with Paddy McDonnell at:

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5708122751527998295

Stay 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 [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.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.

 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. 

On Thursday 20th June, one of Ireland's most renowned salmon anglers, Paddy McDonnell, gave a live webinar with insights and advice as to 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 sat down with Ireland on the Fly presenters, Tom Doc Sullivan and Daire Whelan, with tips and advice to catch more salmon this season.

** This webinar is now available to you to access and watch back at any time, plus you will also receive a copy of Paddy’s notes.**

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.

Register and pay for your access to A Salmon Masterclass with Paddy McDonnell at:

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5708122751527998295

Stay 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 [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.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.   

***

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. 

On Thursday 20th June, one of Ireland's most renowned salmon anglers, Paddy McDonnell, gave a live webinar with insights and advice as to 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 sat down with Ireland on the Fly presenters, Tom Doc Sullivan and Daire Whelan, with tips and advice to catch more salmon this season.

** This webinar is now available to you to access and watch back at any time, plus you will also receive a copy of Paddy’s notes.**

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.

Register and pay for your access to A Salmon Masterclass with Paddy McDonnell at:

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5708122751527998295

Stay 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 [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.irelandonthefly.com