October

Anglers turn their attention to Pike in October. Fly Fishing for Pike has become very popular in recent years and the sport can be very exiting. Different equipment is required for this type of fly fishing as heavier lines are needed to cast very large streamers and poppers. A nine or ten foot rod rated for a #9 wt line does the job nicely. The fisheries board actively net pike throughout the winter months as the species is not indigenous to the Corrib system and is thus managed as a game fishery. There are however plenty of pike in the lake to keep anglers busy. Pike are generally caught by more traditional methods using dead baits and trolling large lures.

The end of September and the start of October spells work time for all angling clubs around the Corrib as they work closely with the Western Regional Fisheries Board and the Board of Works to prepare the feeder streams for spawning trout. The local Headford club always works hard to ensure the Ballynalty, Ballycurrin and Headford rivers are in good shape to help the fish on their journey up-stream.

Trout will run in October if there is enough water in the system and this is a very good time to fish for Pike as sadly they predate heavily on running fish at the mouth of the rivers. Recent experiments by the Fisheries Board has shown that Pike will target trout in preference to Coarse fish in the lakes, so they sould be knocked on the head accordingly by anglers in line with managing the Corrib system as a Game fishery. This may seem controversial to some, but remember Pike are not indigenous to the Great Western Lakes and there are other local lakes where Pike are in abundance and have no impact on trout stocks.