Formally opened in 1863, the south lake at Roundwood created by damming the Vartry River, was commissioned by The Dublin Water Works Committee to supply clean water to the city of Dublin. A second embankment (Dam) was completed in 1923 so forming the upper reservoir. Both the upper (north) and lower (south) lakes are first class mature wild trout fisheries which have a reputation for being dour, however the fishery rewards effort so don’t be afraid to put the time in.
Popping up for a couple of hours after tea I was greeted by a mirror calm water upon which a small hatch of silverhorns and an odd plump sedge were dancing in the margins. Here and there mostly out of range one could observe an odd slashy rise. Fishing a dry silverhorn I missed the only rise to my fly while momentarily taking in the view.
A nice breeze from the south or west would have made a difference creating a wave and pushing terrestrials out on the water. Yesterday evening though was about being there waist deep in the stillness, quietly waiting to intercept a rising trout with a carefully placed imitation. The revery remained unbroken…..…
See also: http: Last Day on Roundwood.
