Mayfly Time On Lough Corrib West Of Ireland May 21st – 28th 2011

After all the anticipation it’s here, our annual trip to “The Corrib” at Mayfly Time. We caught the last fast ferry to Dublin, after that all cancelled because of imminent gales. Four intrepid anglers arrived at our house at Ballycurin Bay on the North East corner of the Lough, which by now was showing white tops with the wind. Boatman Andrew Boyd turned up later only to tell us the whole of May had been blighted with strong winds and low temperatures, not good news, maybe it would improve, it didn’t. Couldn’t go out Monday, boats damaged at moorings all-round the Lough, rest of the week we were restricted to fishing areas close to base, unfortunately the trout in our area had seen a lot of pressure so activity was slow.  “Highlight” of the week was Dan Atkinson’s 4lb 14oz Brownie to his own tied dry “humpy”. His favourite Greys 10’ 5wt streamflex was put to the test but coped well. My best was 3½ - 3¾ caught pulling wets on my tried and tested Hardy 11’ Marksman Drifter 6wt.  It was a very hard week. Never mind always 2012 to look forward to: Many thanks to my friends and fellow anglers Alan, Dan & Gerry, Larry and Michelle McCarthy @ “Corrib View”, were as always very helpful and great hosts. Julian Shaw John Norris of Penrith 01768 864211 www.johnnorris.co.uk