Learn to Fly Fish on the Blackwater, one of Ireland's Great Salmon Rivers
Ballyvolane House is now offering a fantastic opportunity to either learn or to hone your skills in the craft of fly fishing for salmon or trout on the renowned river Blackwater with one its most experienced and talented fishing guides.
The 2-day course
The 2-day course is based at Ballyvolane House and Blackwater Salmon Fishery. It is designed for up to 4 participants under the tuition of Norman Gillett, who is both a qualified instructor holding the Salmon & Trout Association National Instructors Certificate (STANIC), and a member of the Game Angling Instructors' Association (GAIA). All aspects of modern fly-fishing and spinning techniques are covered but emphasis is placed on as much practical fishing as possible. Courses are held throughout the season, subject to beat availability. All tackle is provided.
The course is spread over 2 days and 3 nights starting with dinner at Ballyvolane on the first night and finishing up after breakfast 2 days later.
Price: €855 per person includes
- All fishing tuition with Norman
- State salmon license
- All necessary tackle and waders
- 3 nights accommodation with breakfast
- 3 dinners
- 2 picnic lunches
The course is designed to be completely flexible and thoroughly enjoyable. Each of the modules may be varied according to the ability and experience of those participating. It is suitable for ladies and gentlemen of all ages who are either complete beginners or would like to progress.
2-day Course Schedule » Show [+]
First Night (Arrival) |
|
| 19:30 | Drinks and dinner at Ballyvolane. |
Day 1 |
|
| 08.30 - 09.00 | Introductions. Sign licences, Collect waders |
| 09.00 - 09:30 | Drive to river. Arrangements and objectives |
| 09.30 - 11:00 | Assemble tackle. Talk on safety. Group Instruction in Roll cast and Overhead cast |
| 11.00 - 11.15 | Coffee and tea break |
| 11:15 - 13.00 | Practice: Individual instruction in Roll cast and Overhead cast. Correction of faults. Shooting line. Casting variations in wind (side, head and tail). Loop control. |
| 13.00 - 14.00 | Picnic Lunch at riverside |
| 14.00 - 15.30 | Talk: Reading the river and likely holding places. Wading safely. Hooking, playing and landing the fish. Etiquette on the river. Instruction in how to cast with a spinning rod; Fixed Spool reel, Multiplying reel. |
| 15.30 -15.45 | Coffee and tea break |
| 15.45 -18.00 | Practical Fishing with Fly rod: Changing direction. Control of fly speed and depth – mending the line. Practical Fishing with Spinning rod – speed of retrieve. Remedies to release snags. |
| 18.00 -19.30 | Break – Return to Ballyvolane. |
| 19.30 - 21.30 | Drinks and dinner at Ballyvolane. |
| 21.30 - 22.30 | Ballyvolane Drawing room: Talk on Life Cycle of a Salmon (with video), taking behaviour, Running and Taking times. Practical instruction on essential knots and their uses. |
Day 2 |
|
| 09.00 - 09.30 | Drive to river |
| 09.30 - 11.00 | Talk: Tackle (rods, lines, reels and leaders); Flies and their selection. Group and individual instruction in Single Spey cast. |
| 11.00 - 11.15 | Coffee and tea break |
| 11.15 -13.00 | Group and individual instruction in Double Spey cast and Snake Roll cast. |
| 13.00 - 14.00 | Picnic Lunch at riverside |
| 14.00 - 15.30 | Talk: Tactics for different river conditions sinking line, floating line, size and patterns of flies/lures. Practical Fishing: Fly and/or spinning. |
| 15.30 -15.45 | Coffee and tea break |
| 15.45 - 18.00 | Practical Fishing: Fly and/or spinning. |
| 18.00 19.30 | Break Return to Ballyvolane. |
| 19.30 - 21.30 | Dinner |
| 21.30 - 22.00 | After Dinner Drinks: Course review and evaluation. Recommended literature and videos. |
Day 3 |
|
| 07.30 – 12.00 | Breakfast. |
1-day ‘quickie’ courses
Price: €240 per person includes
- All fishing tuition with Norman
- State salmon license
- All necessary tackle and waders
- Picnic lunch
Open to non-residents as well as house guests, these 1 day courses are designed for up to four participants under the tuition of Norman Gillett, GAIC who is an experienced Blackwater fishing guide and a member of the Game Angling Instructors Association. All tackle is provided. Courses are held throughout the season, subject to beat availability.
BEGINNER'S COURSE
All the basics are covered including:
- Safety and tackle
- Casting with a fly rod – Roll cast, Overhead Cast
- Casting with a spinning rod
- Knots, wading and correct etiquette
- The life cycle and habitats of salmon – fly selection
- Fishing a typical salmon pool – methods to control fly or bait speed and depth
- Playing and landing a fish
IMPROVER'S COURSE
Learn more advanced casting skills:
- Jump Roll Cast
- Single Spey Cast
- Double Spey Cast
- Snap-T Cast
- Snake Roll Cast
- Tactics and fishing techniques for greater success
TYPICAL 1-DAY COURSE SCHEDULE
| 09.00 - 09.30 | Meet at Ballyvolane, sign licences, collect waders. |
| 09.30 - 13:00 | Instruction and practice |
| 13.00 - 14:00 | Picnic lunch at riverside |
| 14.00 - 18.00 | Practical fishing on the River Blackwater |
