Blackwater View Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Cuilcagh: The cache owner is not responding to issues with this geocache, so I must regretfully archive it.

Please note that if geocaches are archived by a reviewer or Geocaching HQ for lack of maintenance, they are not eligible for unarchival.

Cuilcagh - Community Volunteer Reviewer for Geocaching HQ (Ireland)

More
Hidden : 3/14/2006
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
1 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works
Looking for a different adventure?

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:

The cache is a small to medium tabloc box, wrapped in black material.

The river Black Water is one of Europe's premier salmon fishing rivers, that meanders through some of the most valuable farming land in Ireland. It's also know as the Golden Vale.

Blackwater Munster (Cork).

Seasons
Salmon and Sea Trout : 1st February to 30th September
Brown Trout : 15th February to 30th September

Rising in east Co. Kerry, near the source of the Brown Flesk River, the Munster Blackwater flows for 105 miles east, through the counties of Cork and Waterford until it's reaches the tide at Careysville. It's cachement area is some 1200 odd square miles and provides drainage for 5 mountain ranges. In times of heavy rainfall the levels of it's 15 mile long, narrow estuary, that dominates the southern province, can fluctuate by upto 12 feet on the guage at Careysville. The peaty nature of the land in the upper reaches and of some of the tributaries gives the water it's pronounced, distinctive dark colour. It is, indeed "black" water. The geology of the catchment is divided between old red sandstone, limestone and lower limestone shales.

The river is famously noted for it's enormous run of salmon over the years. The average size of the brown trout is rather small and it's not a noted sea-trout fishery. Blackwater's distinquishing feature is that it probably holds more species of fish than any other river in Ireland. It is the only one to hold dace. Roach were introduced to Ireland in the late 1800s via the Blackwater.

It is important for salmon anglers to note that the water conditions fall into four different categories, depending on the colour.

In a flood, when the river carries a lot of suspended solids, it will be heavily coloured and unfishable.
It is known as "dark water" when it has a lot of colour, but not much suspended solids. In these conditions, spinning is more likely to succeed.
In slightly coloured water, a fly, spinner or worm will take fish.
It is said that the Blackwater doesn't really run clear until July and at this time, some maintain that fly or natural shrimp will give the best results for salmon.

The river is chracterised by mighty pools, lovely streams, glides and, generaly, a good push of water coming through except in very low water.

Careysville Weir, downstream of Fermony, is one of the dominant features of the river. It controls the run of fish in low, cold water conditions. Alot of fish lie back and refuse to run. But, when the water rises, or in high water, they will run the weir. Consequently, the fishermen on the river often remark that "You can get a spring fish at Millstreet on opening day". Meaning that there are always fish upstream of Fermony from early in the season.

Fishing Methods.

The Blackwater has to be regarded as a great multi-method salmon river.
Spinning and fly fishing are allowed on all fisheries, but on some, the use of worm and shrimp is prohibited. It is probably true that there is no one method that is effective in all conditions. If you have to choose just one method, make it fly. For those who blindly place all faith in shrimp, wait for the clear water period in July before fishing, to avoid dissapointment.

Tube flies, Esmond Drury trebles or even big single hooks, upto size 4/0, are used for spring fishing

In summer, smaller flies, size 6 to 12 are best called for. Flies with a touch of yellow or lemon seem to work well and favoured patterns include Lemon and Grey, Garry Dog, Munro Killer, Thunder and Lightning, Curry's Shrimp, Stoats Tail, Blue Charm, Hairy Mary and Silver Stoat's Tail.

Since this is a river with a lot of streamy water, it's not surprising that the spun shrimp is a frequently used method for summer fish, but one that requires a lot of tackle and not a little skill.

For the spring and back end of the season, large spoons (upto 28 grams), spinners and Devons upto 3 inches are used. Smaller brown and gold Devons and Lane minnows are favoured by some in the summer.

Visit the new Geocaching Ireland discussion forum HERE

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Onyylqhss, onpxfgnvef gb urnira.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


Advertising with Us