Late August in the south of Ireland can be a tricky time for trout fishing. But today I was spending the day on the river Nire. The river Nire is a tributary of the river Suir. The Suir itself is famous for its dry fly fishing. This river system has a fantastic natural abundance of insect life which in turn supports a very impressive stock of wild brown trout.
View Conor’s Irish Trout Adventure Blog Post »
In this months Loop profile, we talk to Loop Pro Team member and Salmon and Trout hunter Conor Arnold!
What was your initial attraction to fly fishing?
I had been fly fishing for a few years, mostly for trout but the first real attraction I had to fly fishing was as a young boy, my local club in Killavullen had a visit from an Irish casting legend in Peter O Reilly. The evening before the open day I remember watching Peter Trout fishing. The grace and delicacy of which is kind of an art form really ignited an interest in me which has turned in to a way of life.
Tell us about your experience Fly fishing in Ireland.
I started fishing around the age of 7, mostly for Trout at the time in my local river the Blackwater and its tributaries. I did a lot of competition fishing for Trout at under age level but we have very prolific runs of salmon in the Blackwater, so it was a natural progression for me to move more into Salmon fishing.
I caught my first Salmon when I was 10 years old. Im not sure who was happier my dad or me! From the age of about 16 I really became fascinated with fly fishing for Salmon. The obsession grew in the following years until I began guiding with the Blackwater Lodge Salmon Fishery. It was while working with the lodge that I became an A.P.G.A.I – Ireland fly casting instructor and full time professional guide. This past year I have started up The Upper Bridgetown Salmon Fishery with a good friend and fellow casting instructor. I have incorporated this into my Guiding business to offer clients fantastic wild Brown Trout and Salmon fishing on some of the best rivers and lakes in Ireland. I feel very lucky to have such a wealth of Trout, Salmon and Sea-Trout fishing on my doorstep.
Where is your ultimate Salmon fishing destination?
I have spent a few years now chasing huge Baltic Salmon in the very north of Sweden. It is not easy fishing as they are not ready takers but the sheer numbers of fish inspire you to experiment and push you out of your comfort zone. To me the challenge of battling with these enormous fish in such incredibly beautiful surroundings is the pinnacle of fly fishing for Salmon. Thats why for 2017 I am delighted to say that I will be hosting trips out there with Fly Fish Adventures and flying the Loop banner.
What is your essential tackle for tackling big Baltic Salmon?
My favourite tackle for tackling powerful Baltic salmon I’d have to say is the 14′ #9 Cross sx, the 15′ #10 Cross sx and the 15′ #10 Cross st fast. While having the power in the butt section to put pressure on the fish they still have the flex to absorb violent head shakes or sudden lunges on a short line… those moments we all hate. The reels would have to be the Opti Megaloop or the Evotec HD 9/13. Both are up to the job of tiring a big Baltic Salmon on a 300m run! Then theres the lines. The GDC heads are perfectly suited to searching different depths while still making the casting enjoyable with sinking lines.
What improvements have you found in fly fishing tackle designed for smaller rivers like those found on your home waters?
In my opinion the greatest improvements in tackle for smaller rivers are the advances in switch rods and the shorter heads to suit these rods. With rods like the Evotec Cast Medium Fast 11′ switch for a #6 and the GDC head to suit, you need very little room for your D loop making casting in tight quarters much easier. Also these outfits are very light and a pleasure to use. Because of the action of the rod they also allow the angler to use light tippets without the fear of breaking. But they also still have they ability to bring fish to the bank quickly so as not to stress the fish too much and release them as quickly as possible. A fine balance well achieved.
In your mind what would be the natural progression of new tackle for switch rod fishing on small spate rivers?
To my mind the next step would be along the lines of Versi-Tip compact heads. These would give the angler the ability to search out different depths and different flows without giving up the appeal of the switch rod.
Which piece of Loop tackle could you not live without?
For me the one item I cannot live without or even put down is the Cross SX 13’2″ #8. It is a dream to cast with handles floating lines and sinking lines flawlessly and when it comes to playing fish it has the delicacy to enjoy playing a Grilse but also the backbone in the butt section to really lean into a decent double figure fish. A real feat of engineering.
Where in the world would your ultimate fly fishing adventure take you and what would you fish for?
Oooh this is a tough one. I would have to say Golden Dorado fishing in the Bolivian jungle would be right up there but fly fishing for Taimen has always been one for the bucket list. I think its the challenge of catching the largest freshwater salmonid in such unspoilt wilderness that makes it so appealing to me. Much the same as chasing Baltic Salmon in Northern Sweden, where my adventure continues!
Check out Conor Arnold & Andrew Ryan on their Irish Trout fishing adventure!
Stuart Foxall’s Cascade Intruder
This months fly of the month is a Cascade Intruder, designed and tied by Loop Pro Team Fly Dresser Stuart Foxall. A deadly weapon during the Autumn & Winter months of Atlantic Salmon hunting.
MATERIALS:
Shank: Waddington
Wire: Intruder Wire
Eyes: Black Brass Dumbbell Eyes
TAIL SECTION
Dubbing Ball: Loop Kola Gold Dubbing
Under Flash: Pearl Krystal Flash
Under Fur: Yellow Fox
Over Flash: Loop Holo Gold Flash
Wing: Yellow Rhea, Ostrich or Marabou
Hackle: Yellow Schlappen
Body: Loop Holo Yellow Star Braid
HEAD SECTION
Dubbing Ball: Loop Kola Gold Dubbing
Under Flash: Pearl Krystal Flash
Under Fur: Black Fox
Over Flash: Loop Holo Gold Flash
Wing: Orange Rhea, Ostrich or Marabou
Over Wing: Orange Amherst Pheasant Fibres
Hackle: Black Schlappen
Shell Back: Jungle Cock Eyes
Loop’s mailing address is:
Loop Tackle Design
Sjöängsvägen 15
Sollentuna SE-192 72
Sweden