While we all love nothing more than swinging our favourite Salmon flies across the stream , when high summer arrives and with it low water conditions and associated high water temperatures , we usually need to vary our tactics for a chance of any regular success .

There are a number of techniques , some old , some newer , which can improve our chances and which moreover can be very exciting and successful .

Small Flies

The starting point for any Summer salmon fishing has to be with fly size . While the actual pattern will depend on local conditions and indeed the anglers preferences , there are a few basic principles which should be adhered to . Small sparsely dressed and often drab patterns are frequently best  , though the old adage of bright fly for a bright day and dark fly for a dark day is always worth bearing in mind . 

Early morning and late evening are often the best times of day for a taking fish and efforts are best concentrated on faster broken water at the head of pools , although handlining a small fly through deep slow pools can sometimes be surprisingly effective . 

A stealthy approach is vital - wear drab coloured clothing to help blend in to the background and maintain a low profile using any available cover when possible . Keep wading to a minimum .

Use lighter weight tackle - Often it is more appropriate to use a single handed trout outfit rather than a large double handed salmon rod and heavy line . Presentation can be improved by using longer , finer leaders . 

                    Small summer doubles                                                                             Concentrate on fast water in the pool necks

Riffle Hitch

This most exciting and visual technique is a standard tactic in countries such as Iceland , Canada and Russia and can work just as well in the rivers of the British Isles .

The idea is to make your fly skate across or more correctly 'in' the surface film , causing a small wake on the water attracting the fish's attention . Actual pattern is probably not that important but size is crucial and can be anything from 1/2" or less to several inches long .

Hitch flies can be tied on small single or double hooks where 1 or 2 half hitches added behind the head will produce the desired riffle effect . Plastic tubes of various sizes are perhaps most commonly used and in this case the leader is passed through a small hole on the side or underside of the tube allowing the fly to skate the surface .

This is a great searching tactic and fish may splash at the fly several times before taking . A small wet fly cast to a fish which has risen to the hitch but which has not come again often provokes a reaction .

                     One on a small hitched Sunray Shadow                                                                 Typical small hitch tubes

Nymphing

A newer tactic for Salmon , nymphing has never the less come to prominence in recent seasons and has proved to be devastatingly effective on occasions .

To fish at a consistent depth and for bite detection nymphs are frequently used in combination with an indicator but can be fished without , 'dead drift' . One very exciting aspect of nymphing is in very clear water conditions when individual fish can be spotted and fished for .

Fly patterns used are similar to large , Trout nymph dressings and should be heavily weighted to sink quickly to the fish's level . Unlike other Salmon fly fishing techniques , when a take occurs you should tighten immediately .

                     Delphi Springer on a Stonefly Nymph                                                                          Small but heavily weighted nymphs      

Sunk Fly

Although there is nothing new about fishing a deeply sunk fly in summer conditions , modern developments in tackle , tying materials and fly design have radically changed the possibilities for deep sunk fly presentation .

It may seem counter intuitive to fish deep in low water but getting down to the fish can be just what is required and the vast array of various density sinking lines , sink-tips and leaders in combination with small heavy flies , tied on bottle tubes or using brass or tungsten coneheads , provides endless possibilities .

                               Tungsten conehead Red Francis                                                                                 Small heavy tubes

For a smaller band of anglers however the beginning of the Salmon season is the signal that the search is on , not in the rivers but in the wild loughs of the west and an altogether different challenge compared to the river fisher . Make no mistake , lake fishing for Spring Salmon is no easy business and can be hard work , but the reward of seeing a large silver fish roll over your tripping bob fly only feet from the boat must be one of the most exciting moments our sport has to offer .

As you may gather springers behave very differently in a lake than in a river and fortunately for us can be free rising , taking relatively small flies much higher in the water than you might expect and on occasions at such shallow depths that can surprise even the most experienced lough fisher . 

           A strong fish comes to the net on a rough day on Beltra                                       

Highly specialised tackle is not really required and most anglers will have a single handed 10' #7 or #8 wt. rod somewhere in their armoury which will suffice perfectly well , although the advantage of a longer rod of 11' or more in working the bob fly at a further distance from the boat is very real . The popularity of switch rods in recent years means many anglers will already own a longer rod that can be used single handed , which when partnered with a suitable line will be perfect for lough Salmon . 

Standard practice in early spring is to use sink tip or perhaps full intermediate lines and rarely is it necessary to use anything with a greater density than a medium sinker as the most productive areas and therefore where most fishing is done are generally of a depth between 2 - 10 ft .

Although we all love our reels (and who doesn't like a bit of 'bling' ?) , the truth is that for this kind of fishing the reel is possibly the least important item of tackle . Whether it has a disc drag or click check mechanism , is large arbour or standard construction , is of purely personal preference and so long as it is of good quality , runs smoothly and most importantly has a large enough capacity to hold the line and at least 100m of backing , will be adequate for the task .

Make sure your reel is well loaded with backing  - This 17lb springer took in 3ft of water and ran off 100m in a few seconds

Just like salmon fishing anywhere every water breeds it's own special and unique fly patterns not to mention individual anglers own preferences , but as a very broad generalisation , flies for stillwater salmon fall into two main categories - slim/heavy dressings designed to sink quickly and fished on the point and bulky/lightweight patterns for use as dropper/bobfly .

Irish shrimps such as Bann Special or Curry's Red make excellent point flies as do modern longtail dressings like Cascade and Park Shrimp  , often dressed on heavy weight doubles for extra ballast in sizes 6 -10 depending on conditions . 

Dropper patterns are used in a similar size range and are usually tied on lightweight salmon irons or strong trout hooks and while there are some salmon fly patterns , such as the Beltra Badger and Eamon Kennedy's very effective  Jaffa and Jonah Lomu dressings which are designed specially for this role many of the most widely used and successful flies are large bushy trout fly patterns . Green Peter , Bibio , a host of bumble patterns and Muddlers are all employed successfully . 

Traditional lough style tactics generally work best , casting a short line , with a smooth retrieve slightly faster than the speed of the drifting boat and raising the rod to bring the bob fly tripping back to the boat in the surface film of the water . Most fish take in the first 2-3 pulls or as the top dropper comes to the surface .The old saying that you won't catch a fish if your fly is not in the water is never more true than in this type of fishing .

The lovely Beltra Badger , a deadly dropper pattern and not only on Lough Beltra

Spring Salmon used to be found in many of Ireland's western loughs , from the North of Donegal to Kerry in the South West and while a number still have a small run there are a few which continue to shine and which can on their day produce memorable sport .

Co.Mayo's Lough Beltra is a fine big lough of 21/4 miles long and 1 mile wide . Close to the small town of Newport it occupies a beautiful setting and is surrounded by mountains and rough pasture .

The fishing is divided east and west between Glenisland Co-Op and Newport House respectively , with the best Spring Salmon drifts being in the north west corner from Clarke's point to the mouth of the inflowing Crumpaun River , some distance out from the beach at the northern end and close in all along the eastern shoreline .

The salmon average 8-12 lbs with the real prospect of fish in the upper teens of pounds and are solid , strong and hard fighting . Beltra has never been stocked or tampered with and the fish are as truly wild as their surroundings .

http://www.loughbeltra.com/

http://www.newporthouse.ie/fishing.html

Carrowmore Lake , regarded by many as one of Ireland's premier spring salmon destinations , lies close to the town of Bangor Erris in North West Mayo .

It is a large and relatively shallow lough , over 4 miles long and at it's widest point almost three miles across and can occasionally become rather coloured after heavy winds due to the silty nature of the bottom which can spoil fishing for a day or two . Given good , more settled conditions the fish can be free rising making for very exciting and productive fishing .

Access to Carrowmore is controlled by Bangor Erris Angling Club who helpfully have produced a map indicating where the best drifts are to be found . Paradise Bay , Bog Bay , by the mouth of the Glencullen River and along the white shore are among some of the most productive areas .

http://bangorerrisangling.com/

                                                              Fin Lough Delphi , inflowing river in the distance

Fin Lough is the first lake on the famous Delphi system close to the town of Leenane Co.Galway . 

It is a small and mainly shallow lough situated amidst spectacular scenery and although it can produce a fish from almost anywhere several spots are worthy of special attention . The mouth of the inflowing river is a noted hot spot for a fish as is the shoreline in front of Wren's cottage and what angler wouldn't be enticed by the area in the south west corner known locally as salmon city .

Delphi run a salmon ranching programme and fish of hatchery origin are removed upstream but all must pass through Fin Lough meaning that on occasions the lough can hold a very large stock . All wild fish must be released to continue their journey while all hatchery fish , identified by their clipped adipose fins , must be retained .

https://delphilodge.ie/fishery-2/the-fishery/

Here at Mid Antrim Angling Centre we stock many products from the Hodgman range and believing as we do that we should have confidence in the products we sell , tested waders , jackets and boots from the range on a recent fishing trip .

We will feature waders and jackets in a future review after extended use and in this article will deal with the wading boots .

The Testing Ground

We tested the boots on a weeks fishing trip to Iceland . Just about every kind of terrain likely to be encountered was negotiated - boulder strewn river bed and banks , steep grassy slopes , tough climbs and long walks - and the boots were subjected to some serious punishment both in and out of the water.

                                    Icelandic testing ground                                                                               Challenging conditions for angler and equipment

The Boots

The Vion and H5 boots were on test , sharing many common features including the unique sole system , the main difference being the Vion is made from waterproof nubuck leather while the H5 has an abrasion resistant synthetic upper . 

Both boots performed admirably over the week , proving to be very comfortable over extended periods of wear and providing great support and protection thanks to neoprene linings , padded collars and reinforced moulded rubber toes .

The corrosion resistant lacing system worked well and should prove to be kind to laces and with a wide opening boots were easy to put on and take off .

                   Vion Wading Boot                                                                                           H5 Wading Boot

H-Lock Interchangeable Sole system 

One of the really special and unique features of these boots is Hodgman's H-Lock interchangeable sole system . Extra secure dual locks hold the soles firmly in place and cannot come off unless both front and rear locks are disengaged simultaneously .

We found the system to be simple , secure and totally reliable although there is an easily mastered knack to removing the soles which can be a little tricky for the first time . 

Each pair of boots is supplied with two pairs of soles , plain felt and Hodgman's specially formulated Wadetech rubber . 

We used the Wadetech soles exclusively all week , never feeling the need to change them and found grip to be excellent on almost all surfaces both in river and on the banks . The one exception was on some flat , very smooth rocks in one pool on which frankly any sole type would have struggled to retain grip .

Studded felt and studded Wadetech soles are available separately providing a versatile system for any terrain.

  More products from the Hodgman range

                     Aesis Sonic Waders                                                                                                   H5 Waders                                                                        Aesis 3in1 Jacket                                                                       Aesis Shell Jacket

A fishing licence is required by law for all freshwater fishing in Northern Ireland . There are two distinct licencing authorities covering different areas .

• Department of Agriculture,Environment & Rural Affairs  (D.A.E.R.A.)
• Foyle,Carlingford & Irish Lights Commission (F.C.I.L.C.) also known as the Loughs Agency

On payment of a small fee an endorsement is available to allow anglers licenced in one jurisdiction to fish legally in the other area .

Licences are available in two categories - Game licences and Coarse licences .

Game Licences

Game species include Salmon , Trout , Sea-Trout and Char .

A Game licence is required for each rod used by anyone over 12 years of age in the DAERA area and for all ages in the Loughs Agency area .

In the DAERA area a Game licence may also be used for Coarse fishing but with only one rod at a time . Anglers wishing to use more than one rod must purchase a separate licence for each rod used .

Coarse Licences

Coarse species include Pike , Bream , Perch , Roach , Carp , Tench , Rudd , Eels .

A DAERA Coarse rod licence is required by anyone over the age of 12 years and entitles the holder to use up to two rods . A separate licence is required if an additional rod is to be used . Anglers of all ages require a licence in the Loughs Agency (FCILC) area .

A coarse licence does not entitle an angler to fish for Game species or in any water designated as a Game fishery .

Mid Antrim Angling Centre are distributors for DAERA and both licences and permits may be purchased in-store . 

DAERA and FCILC  licences and permits are also available to purchase online .

• DAERA licences & permits
• FCILC   licences & permits

                                  A typical Kellswater Dollaghan                                                                                                Releasing a good Salmon   

Permits

Being in possession of a valid rod licence does not confer the right to fish any particular water . Permits are issued by the fishery owner , giving the angler the right to fish in that fishery .

Fishery owners may be ;

• A private individual
• A company
• An Angling Club
• DAERA - Public Angling Estate

DAERA permits are available online or in-store and we also sell day-tickets for a number of local waters on behalf of the angling clubs . 

• Gracehill , Galgorm & District AC  -  River Maine & Cloughwater River
• Kells , Connor & Glenwherry AC  -  Kellswater River
• Braid Angling Club                           -  River Braid
• Clough & Glenravel AC                    - Cloughwater River
• Hon. The Irish Society                  - River Lower Bann

Following our wader maintenance guide will improve the lifespan of your waders, keeping you clean , dry and leak free for longer.

Condensation - the enemy within

But I thought they were supposed to be breathable I hear you say. Well they are, but some condensation is inevitable. Add a bit of dust and dirt in the dark recesses inside your waders and you have the perfect breeding ground for mould which in turn will destroy breathability, prematurely breaking down the waterproof membrane and causing leaks.

Scrub up ...

Actually don't scrub but do please wash and clean your waders, both inside and out, sponging gently with warm water over the entire surface and paying special attention to the feet.

Do not use detergents as it is possible the membrane could be damaged and don't wash them in a machine ...

Hang 'em high ...

After washing or when damp after use your waders should be thoroughly dried. It's very important to dry them inside out and hanging upright provides the best air circulation. When fully dry turn them the right way in and repeat the process. When you're happy that the waders are completely dried, fold them neatly and store in a cool, dry place.

Whether you use your waders a handful of times a year or on a weekly basis, proper care and storage will substantially increase their lifespan.

Here we've listed a few of the most useful and popular accessory items for the fly angler.

Forceps/Pliers

This is one item no angler should ever be without. Vitally important for the safe removal of hooks from the fish we catch, some also double up as scissors and de-barbing pliers.

Look for a pair with locking jaws and large comfortable finger holes.

Nippers

If you're one of those anglers who habitually bites their line, your dentist will love you for getting a good set of nippers.

Available in many shapes and sizes but all doing the same job of cutting and trimming line. Many are designed with an inbuilt needle for cleaning hook eyes or unpicking knots, while some have added extras such as a hook sharpener or nail knot tying tool and perhaps replaceable or re-sharpenable blades.

Zingers/Retractors

These little gadgets are ideal for holding all your tools securely and are usually attached by pin or clip to your vest, jacket or luggage. Most are fitted with a retractable cord or wire, or alternatively a strong curled bungee cord. Usually produced in single or double zinger models which are useful for attaching several tools at once and heavy duty versions for landing net and wading staff attachment are also available.

Floatants

Essential for dry fly fishing, floatants come in several different formats, each type having pros and cons.

Liquids are good for large flies, generally requiring a few false casts to dry but do sometimes leave a slick on the surface.

Gels are one of the most widely used floatants, require little or no drying time and can be applied to a specific area of the fly such as a Klinkhammer post. They can be a little temperature unstable, solidifying in cold conditions and turning liquid when it's hot.

Sprays are also good for large flies and while convenient and fast drying do tend to be a little wasteful.

Powder type floatants are very good for CDC dressings and some even act as a desiccant, removing excess moisture and re-proofing the fly in one go.

Sinkants

There is little that will put off shy feeding fish in calm conditions more than a leader floating on the water surface like a tow rope, making some form of degreaser or sinkant essential.

Sinkants come in two main varieties, paste/putty types for use on leaders and tippets while liquid sinkants are best for sinking flies.

Floatant/Sinkant bottle holders

Essential little items that can save the frustration of hunting through vest pockets for your bottle of floatant just when the trout are rising. Available in two basic types, those with a suction cup and those made of webbing or leather. Both types hold the bottle firmly upside down for easy application and are attached securely to vest or jacket by a clip.