Ballyhass Lakes

gary29428

Has anybody fished here recently, was there a few years ago and wondered was it worth a return trip.

Thanks

BoarHunter

Been there a few times. People are friendly, shop is very good but over all very pricy. fishing can be dead for long periods. I won't make the trip anymore to be honnest. There is better value out there

gary29428

Thanks for the heads up BoarHunter, will stick to Laois Angling centre so.

SeaFields

BoarHunter wrote: »

Been there a few times. People are friendly, shop is very good but over all very pricy. fishing can be dead for long periods. I won't make the trip anymore to be honest.

Have to agree with Boarhunter. Used fish there a bit but there is better value around.

coolwings

Did you like fishing in the super clear water? I have not been on Ballyhass yet, but I'd guess the clarity's good for picking up on the trout's behaviours.

SeaFields

coolwings wrote: »

Did you like fishing in the super clear water? I have not been on Ballyhass yet, but I'd guess the clarity's good for picking up on the trout's behaviours.

The clarity is good for the trout too to pick up the anglers behaviour

I must say that when you park the car and look down into the water, seeing those big trout cruising around does bring with it a sense of excitement!

calerbass

gary29428 wrote: »

Has anybody fished here recently, was there a few years ago and wondered was it worth a return trip.

Thanks

Hi, id give it a miss if i were you............fished their some time back at the bottom lake where you can fish without a boat.........was more like a public park, full of youths that were not fishing,messing about, and dogs running in and out of water, no control their at all.........waste of money:D

patakadarragh

Ive fished laois and ballyhass..i find them both good but i will no longer be going to ballyhass after finding laois.

I love to see the fish in the clear water in ballyhass but it can be so dead for so long and hearing some of those bait anglers roaring and shouting and messing in general doesnt do it for me.....

gary29428

Yeah, was at Laois yesterday and the fish are quality. Water was a little coloured but still managed up on 50 fish, mostly to CDC dries. Buzzer doesn't seem to work there as well as other managed fisheries but the dry fly fishing is good. Was talkin to a lad down there who fishes Cloghan in Offaly and says it's a very good stockie lake, anybody ever been down there.

Foxdenis

Hi, this is my first time posting anything on this site.. Myself and a friend of mine fished Ballyhass lakes today. We started off in the lower lake for around 2hrs (along with another 10 anglers) but no one there had any joy. Tried spinning, worm and fly. We then tried the main fly fishing lake and was the same. Only saw 1 fish breaking the surface all day. Are they even stocking it anymore. It used to be a great spot but not too sure now. Anyone else hear anything on this?

experimenter

Well I can tell you Ballyhass is a cracking lake with alot of specimen fish..

You have to remember that fish are not stupid and become accustomed to seeing a fly or lure...so you need to try different things..

Have you looked at previous posts on here about Ballyhass..

Even do a google search, Campbell Bard has written a good review of Ballyhass..

It's one of my favorite lakes, and anytime I head home to South Limerick to see the folks, I try to pay a visit to Ballyhass for 1/2 day's fishing. I have never blanked there, YET!

http://www.ballyhasslakes.ie/reviews.asp

http://www.ballyhasslakes.ie/Trout%20Fisherman%20Article%20Feb%2009.pdf

coolwings

Foxdenis wrote: »

Hi, this is my first time posting anything on this site.. Myself and a friend of mine fished Ballyhass lakes today. We started off in the lower lake for around 2hrs (along with another 10 anglers) but no one there had any joy. Tried spinning, worm and fly. We then tried the main fly fishing lake and was the same. Only saw 1 fish breaking the surface all day. Are they even stocking it anymore. It used to be a great spot but not too sure now. Anyone else hear anything on this?

Hi Denis,
Welcome to the forum.
At this time of year it is unusual to see any surface activity, because winter fly life is almost non existent.
But the deeps are still cold water, and sun won't penetrate to warm them, and food items leave there, or go into hibernation.
Therefore the trout frequent the edges right now. At this season I would be fishing no more than 1 - 3 yards from the bank for my best shot at getting fish! The only warmer water right now is the shallows. If you walk right up to the waterside, they're gone. They can see movement 20 metres away in such clear water, so they are usually disturbed before being fished over.

You didn't say what ways you fished, just what lures you used. But the way you do it more important than what you use, and not being seen at this time of year is vital.

Ballyhass Lakes

The fishing has been challenging here of late but im sure like the other replies are saying it is time of year and conditions rather then lack of fish.

We still stock the lakes here regularly. Over the last two weekends we hosted the Munster Bank fishing competition in which the winner was crowned with a catch of 17 fish on the one day. A testament of the great fishing still on offer here.

We would love to see you out here again soon and hopefully bringing with you better luck. (failing that are lake manager Tom will tell you what they are going for on any giving day!! Create your own luck )

Some recent catches also up on our facebook page here;

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ballyhass-Lakes/125450137535#!/pages/Ballyhass-Lakes/125450137535

bitemybanger

Two Ballyhass threads merged. Same topic.

SeaFields

Ballyhass Lakes wrote: »

Hi guys,

We have actually recently reduced our prices at Ballyhass. We are now offering a full days fishing for 20 Euro.

We recently hosted the Munster bank competition here and had some great fishing.

Hopefully at this price you cant rule us out.

What do you get for €20? Is it C+R? Can you keep a fish? I thought a few years back that a C+R ticket was €15, I'm not sure?

jett

But looking at the prices of stock fish from the hatchery in Roscrea the cost of the fish is a small part of the overall cost of a fishery.
On that basis why are Ballhass not competing with other fisheries at the same price and allowing anglers to take a brace if they wish?
A turn around in stock is surely a good idea with fresh fish available.
I am not saying overstock but a fishery where say 4 fish can be caught in a session would seem adequate and compares favourably with stockie bashing match style.
A nice eatable 2-3 lbder in one day would make most anglers days special.
The result may be a more profitable fishery.
For myself I am not doing a 100 mile + roundtrip for nothing to take home and neither are my mates.
Of course if I blank thats down to me but its nice to have a special meal as the occasional reward.
Takes the pressure of of killing scarse Salmon and Brownies, personally I think a rainbow is better eating.
Just my opinion and a bit of feedback for the fishery.

Daroxtar

Rainbows just out of the farm taste like dirt. Nothing beats a nice half pound brownie on the pan. Nothing.

jett

Good quality Rainbows are like a less oily form of Salmon.
Some Brownies can be earthy, depends on water and food quality.
If there are lots of Brownies then its fine to take them, personally I find them in decline.
Or else I am just no good at catching them.

ironbluedun

jett wrote: »

If there are lots of Brownies then its fine to take them, personally I find them in decline.

yes jett you are 100% correct brownies are declining.......too many anglers are still killing them, and guess what, thats why they have declined..........;)

ironbluedun

SeaFields wrote: »

What do you get for €20? Is it C+R? Can you keep a fish? I thought a few years back that a C+R ticket was €15, I'm not sure?

would you really want to eat those force fed rainbows?

SeaFields

ironbluedun wrote: »

would you really want to eat those force fed rainbows?

Nope! Don't eat fish at all. Was curious as to what you get for the money tho. Say for example the SWRFB lakes will be opening over the next few weeks. For €15 you can fish for the day and take 4 trout away. Herself eats them too and reckons they are as nice as salmon. They do have a lovely pink flesh and are a good size. I've never given her a commercial fisheries rainbow tho to compare.

jett

I fed Rainbows to fermoy based relatives who were raised eating Blackwater Salmon, for ST Pats.
They all thought they were best quality fresh sea Trout!
I have never ate an "Earthy" rainbow but I have had quite a few mushy earthy Browns.
The Browns have been exploited to the extent that they are so valuable they all go back as far as I am concerned, even the farmed ones.
I put a 6lb Suir Brown back on the 30th Sept last year, the landowner whom had fished all his life thought it was a Salmon. He thought I was mad returning it even though it was full of eggs. He said he used to kill 30 an evening and could not understand where they had all gone.
Another clubs Chairman ( oops chairperson) said I was mad puttin it back as it was predator of small Browns!
This just about sums up stupidity.
There is nothing more beautifull than a Trout. They are all of different markings but each as perfect as the other.
Don't Judge resteraunt and mongers rainbows like the real thing.
Fast breeders, can be caught all year an die young so no need to feel guilty eating them.
BTW that Brown I pu back could have been 12 years old. It would have looked sad on a plate.

coolwings

Jett: I agree with everything you said in that post!
I also eat the rainbows, and return wild fish. Rainbows are fine eating and my own fishing is not damaged by taking them since they are replaced by the fishery.
Wild browns when killed vary greatly in eating quality, but larger ones are rare given the number that get chapped while they are still trying to grow.
One man's big brown to be killed and proudly showed off is another man's medium sized fish needing a chance to grow bigger!

ironbluedun

interesting......i have never eaten a rainbow trout, i dont fish for them that often, anyway would you lads not be a bit worried about the stuff they are fed on?...pellets and all that sort of stuff?

jett

They seem to thrive on the fish pellets, if they are lucky enough to be wild for a few weeks they will be like salmon.
There is a dye in the fish food to pinken the flesh.
Its not reccomended you eat too many! But one a week would be harmless.
Perhaps some of the wild fish are just as full of toxins? who knows?
For anyone who has not tried it, you can fish on stocked lakes just as you do on a River, don't worry about casting too far, most people line fish. Trad flies and nymphs will work fine. You can strip a lure and watch them chase it for a diversion.
Warning they may be bred fish but they can be as moody as any other fish.
They can take erraticly ie, like London buses, none for 3 hours and then three come along at once!

coolwings

ironbluedun wrote: »

interesting......i have never eaten a rainbow trout, i dont fish for them that often, anyway would you lads not be a bit worried about the stuff they are fed on?...pellets and all that sort of stuff?

What I do is go to a stocked water about once a month, and provided the manager wants, I take the regulation one, but often I offer to pay for another couple, prepare the one fresh, and freeze the extra.

But on the pellets side of things: think about eating chicken they get mainly processed feed, as do many small farm animals. We have all been eating meat from stock grown on pellets for decades.
I am much happier eating rainbow trout which have time to cleanse in the fishery down the road, than sea ranched salmon which may have been treated with unfriendly anti sea louse concoctions up till relatively recently before harvest.

Ballyhass Lakes

SeaFields wrote: »

What do you get for €20? Is it C+R? Can you keep a fish? I thought a few years back that a C+R ticket was €15, I'm not sure?

Please PM BallyHass directly if you have specific pricing queries

okedoke

Do you put fishing reports online anywhere?

jett

A simple question.
What do you estimate the natural mortality rate is at Ballyhass.
In other words the difference between what goes in and what comes out assuming that the base stock is constant?
Averaged over a year.
This is not a trick question and there is no agenda other than curiosity.
It may indicate that taking more fish would improove the/a fishery.
After all Rainbows do not live very long compared to other species or Brown trout.
Thanks,

Antoennis

okedoke wrote: »

Do you put fishing reports online anywhere?

Yap Ballyhass will have reports in our newsletter
http://www.ishootandfish.ie/march2011e-zine.pdf

Ballyhass Lakes

jett wrote: »

A simple question.
What do you estimate the natural mortality rate is at Ballyhass.
In other words the difference between what goes in and what comes out assuming that the base stock is constant?
Averaged over a year.
This is not a trick question and there is no agenda other than curiosity.
It may indicate that taking more fish would improove the/a fishery.
After all Rainbows do not live very long compared to other species or Brown trout.
Thanks,

Apologies for the late reply to this question.

By law we must record any natural fatalities in our stock. Thankfully we have no records of this nature. On the very rare occasion we do find a dead fish, unfortunately its usually due to poor fishing practices. What I have been told also is that rainbow have a lifespan of four to six years where brown have a lifespan of up to four.

Regarding our stocking practices pop in any day and have a word with Tom. He will have any information you are looking for.

Any other queries you have, call in at any point and we are only too happy to show you around and have a chat.

Ballyhass Lakes

SeaFields wrote: »

What do you get for €20? Is it C+R? Can you keep a fish? I thought a few years back that a C+R ticket was €15, I'm not sure?

Please PM BallyHass directly if you have specific pricing queries

jett

I may be thick but indulge me. You have no natural fatalities? This seems remarkable or am I too take it that you mean old age or disease rather than miss handling? If so this appears remarkable.
It would seem that you only replace taken fish?
I was led to believe by various fish farmers and fishery owners that Brownies lived for ages (unless caught) and Rainbows only past one or two spawnings.
Perhaps Ireland is unique and contrary to the findings of the vast majority of UK fisheries, could be something to do with cooler water conditions here as water can get very warm and de oxygenated in England.
Thanks

Tigerandahalf

To Ballyhass Lakes:
Is €20 the fee for each day of the week or is cheaper during the week?
What type of fishing is allowed on the lake? Is spinning allowed?
Is it catch and release or are you allowed to take what you catch?
Final question...can you rent a rod and what price?

Cheers.

Ballyhass Lakes

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

To Ballyhass Lakes:
Is €20 the fee for each day of the week or is cheaper during the week?
What type of fishing is allowed on the lake? Is spinning allowed?
Is it catch and release or are you allowed to take what you catch?
Final question...can you rent a rod and what price?

Cheers.

Please PM BallyHass directly if you have specific pricing queries

Tigerandahalf

Thanks for the reply. I went there recently. It's a nice set up, nice area around there. Toilets, shower etc. However, the fishing was very disappointing, not even a bite. We went spinning on the small lake, used spinners, worms and a minnow, but no luck. Small lake wouldn't cater for much more than 10 or 12 people at a time. The big lake looked nice but couldn't fish there as we didn't have fly equipment. Others fishing there that day had no luck either. Don't know if it was just the day in it (or time of day) or whether the lake is not stocked enough. Some people told us the fish were fed pellets there so maybe they just weren't hungry.

experimenter

Feeding pellets, that would be a first for Ballyhass and something I wouldn't believe myself.

I have fished Ballyhass for years and whenever I am visiting the folks in Limerick I try to get down for a 1/2 day catch and release. I have never blanked there, and always caught fish...

Fishing is not just a case of grabbing a fly rod, putting on a fly and pulling it in...there's a little more to it than that and maybe if you asked the lads at Ballyhass, I am sure they would be more than happy to provide you with what is the correct setup to use on the day.

Ballyhass can be challenging and provide some great sport.

Did you not look for advice on what tactics would work on the day??

Have a look at these articles, might give you some tips..

http://www.ballyhasslakes.ie/reviews.asp

http://www.ballyhasslakes.ie/Trout%20Fisherman%20Article%20Feb%2009.pdf

Tigerandahalf

Ya we did ask but we got the impression that the fish were just not biting or not there. I read back through some of these posts. I think 2 tier pricing could be an option, especially when the fishing is poor. We only stayed for 2 hrs and at €20 it was expensive enough. Then again if you are only going to go fishing 3/4 times in the year, it may be worth it. If you had to buy a salmon licence plus a permit you could be talking about paying €50 for a day's fishing on a river like the Feale. Easy to see why people would take the risk. I wouldn't pay that kind of money when you have fellas netting the fish at the mouth of the river. Anyway getting back on topic, Ballyhass would be good if you could actually catch a fish or two. If you are going to pay the €20 you might as well make a day of it and bring a picnic basket with you and try out both lakes. I'd say during the week would be best, bit quieter.

Tigerandahalf

Just on a side note what do the fish eat during the cold winter months when fly life must be very low.

beer enigma

Morning Lads,

This thread is falling very close to commercial promotion for BallyHass, which is against Boards rules, so can I ask that you PM Ballyhass Lakes directly with any queries rather than post here.

I'm sure if Ballyhass wish to advertise or run a paid forum, boards would be only to happy to facilitate

I've no problem with discussing the fishing on Ballyhass, but not pricing and offers please

thanks

Ballyhass Lakes

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

Just on a side note what do the fish eat during the cold winter months when fly life must be very low.

Well I will have to check with Tom again on this but alot of life falls into the lake from the far side because of the steep banks. I have also dove on the lake on numerous occasions and know that there is an awful lot of vegitation on the bottom. There is also alot of very tiny trout in the lake, so the bigger stock talk advantage of this.

And also from the last post, the fish are never pellet fed.

Ballyhass Lakes

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. I went there recently. It's a nice set up, nice area around there. Toilets, shower etc. However, the fishing was very disappointing, not even a bite. We went spinning on the small lake, used spinners, worms and a minnow, but no luck. Small lake wouldn't cater for much more than 10 or 12 people at a time. The big lake looked nice but couldn't fish there as we didn't have fly equipment. Others fishing there that day had no luck either. Don't know if it was just the day in it (or time of day) or whether the lake is not stocked enough. Some people told us the fish were fed pellets there so maybe they just weren't hungry.

Sorry you had that experience. Maybe it was just the day that was in it. I know I was there on sunday, and it was pretty busy on the small lake and only one father and son went home without a catch. I was watching it closely. Alot of other youngsters were catching fish for the first time.

alanrebelsw

Anytime i fished there i caught fish..a lot of work sometimes but normally if your doing the right things you will catch some awesome fish..some fishermen think they only have to put a fly on the water and wait for the action

TrimTOODLE

I was there about a week ago, got 6 rainbows, all around the 2lb mark,* best fighting fish iv'e ever experienced on a fishery* . 3 on self tied wet flies.. ( spider with pearly head, peacock herl buzzer) and 3 on dry flies ( Grey wolf and klinkhammer) Ill be visiting again soon!!

t2009

Too many bait anglers,also kayaks to put up with.It,s not a real fishery anymore.They'll do anything down there now for money,outdoor pursuits you name it, they'll try it.I rmember when it first opened as a fishery,no piers shelters or anything but it was a great spot then.Keep your money try a proper fishing only venue.

experimenter

Bait Anglers are only on the 2.5 acre lake..

The main lake which is 12 acres is fly only....and that's where you should be if you want to fly fish..

Ballyhass is a top fishery, and when I visit the folks in Limerick, I try to get a boat (which I get for free) and fish for a few hours, I've never blanked in Ballyhass, in fact I've had some good quality fishing...

When I did start to fish Ballyhass many years ago, I was fishing from the banks only, which can be tough but I still had fish to the net, as my confidence improved, I now head out on a boat and go in search of fish at different depths using different tactics..

What I would like to know is have you passed on your feedback to the fishery manager??

Fishing is more than just casting a fly and hoping for the best.. :eek:

t2009

A free boat ?? I wonder why you get that when everybody else has to pay..hmm strange that.Anyway i've fished all over ireland most of Europe and have been to alaska.Not bragging now, but i'd say i know about fly angling' and not just for stockies!If you want to experience some top trout fisheries just pop over to england for a few days,you'll see ballyhass in a different light.:D

Ahorseofaman

TrimTOODLE wrote: »

I was there about a week ago, got 6 rainbows, all around the 2lb mark,* best fighting fish iv'e ever experienced on a fishery* . !

I've fished Ballyhass 3 times in the last 2 weeks just on the small lake,my first time I got 22 :eek: and the next 2 times 6 and 5.Definitely agree with this quote.I think the first visit was a fluke but there is definitely quality fish and plenty of them.Staff are helpful and facilities are good and it is a lovely spot.On the negative side it is pricey, especially if you are only going over for a couple of hours in the evening and I too don't like leaving without a fish or two.
Also I found the big lake almost impossible to fly fish from the bank, very few spots and most of those are blocked behind in some shape or form and 95% inaccessible and a boat is another tenner,so I just went back to the small lake.Just a suggestion on each of my 3 visits I ended up giving basic tips and hints to young fella's and beginners who were struggling to catch fish and all succeeded might someone not stroll down every so often and give beginners some pointers,surely someone who catches and takes home a nice trout will be more likely to return and maybe become a regular customer rather than someone who spent 20 quid and eight hours and went home empty handed.And again please give an evening only discount

trout fisherman 918

i fish at ballyhass alot and i catch plenty of fish there i had a 12lber about 6weeks back

t2009

Nice trout that well done on landing it.But honestly how many more fish of that size are in there????? Not that many in my humble opinion.Still, i'm sure when people hear about your trout it'll send em scurrying off to spend their hard earned cash in Ballyhass.People, people, people, when will yee wake up.I have nothing against ballyhass or its owners but lets call a spade a spade.This is an overpriced, noisy,way way way overrated fishery that is mainly unfishable from the bank (main lake) bar a few spots and i mean a few.On top of that there are the kayaks!! Yes i said kayaks with their occupants splashing all over the shop.And to top it all off the LAST time i fished there a guy appeared behind ny back after absailing down the rock face behind me,another little money spinner they have going at the FISHERY.Look i could go on and on and at the end af the day it's just my opinion but if you want quality fishing at a reasonable price you won't get it here.Anyway well done on that fish.

MadDog1999

I have fished there two or three weeks ago and had brilliant success.Around 8 monsters from the upper lake but I had no scales to weigh them:(