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Irish Angling Update
30 April 2009
Editor: Paul Bourke, Angling Information Officer
email: Paul Bourke
Ph: 00 353 (0) 1 8842600
Fax: 00 353(0) 1 8360060
Salmon and Trout Angling
- Flood on Blackwater dampens angling.
- Fantastic salmon and seatrout fishing on Lough Currane.
- Big catches of salmon from the North West.
- Good trout fishing despite poor conditions on Conn and Cullin.
- A great week for salmon on the Drowse.
- Brown trout to 2lbs from the upper Mourne system.
Coarse Angling
- Lough Muckno hitting form.
- School children brave windy conditions at Ross Lough.
- 5lb 8oz. rudd bream hybrid from Lough Ree.
- WATERWAYS IRELAND CLASSIC FISHING FESTIVAL 2009.
- Loughs Agency Coarse Fish Resource evaluation.
Pike Angling
- Pike fishing improves on Blessington.
- Pike angling report from the South West.
- Plenty of pike action in the Shannon Region.
- Pike to 30lb from Lower Lough Erne.
Sea Angling
- Bass are running in North Wexford.
- Sea angling report for the South West.
- West Clare Area shore anglingreport .
- Downings - Rossguill charter boat report.
Game Angling Update
Southern Region
John Flynn reports:
E-mail: enquiries@srfb.ie
29/04/09
Munster Blackwater
Ian Powell reports from the BLACKWATER LODGE fishery on the Munster Blackwater in Co. Cork.
River: Quite high & very dirty at Mallow this morning. Colour is coming from the headwaters & is very peaty.
Run of Fish: Sea-liced fish running hard right up as far as Mallow. Large numbers seen running past Castletownroche on Friday 24th.
Catches: 5 fish for 6 rod days on April 19/20. Two more sea-liced fish on the 23rd. from Ballincurrig.
Methods: Will be spinning & worming until the flood subsides.
Prospects: With the recent rain the river is high & dirty. Further rain tomorrow will probably only make the situation worse coming up to the weekend.
With the fish seen running the upper river on the 24th (before the 2 metre flood on the 26th) & the probability that this latest high water will encourage the May fish to start running - prospects look good for when the river finally gets back into order.
Best Regards & Tight
Lines!
Ian & Glenda Powell
Address: Blackwater
Lodge & Salmon Fishery, Upper Ballyduff, Co.
Tel: 00 353 58
60235 From
Fax: 00 353 58
60162 From
E-mail: info@ireland-salmon-fishing.net Website: www.ireland-salmon-fishing.net
South Western Region
Eileen Carroll reports:
E Mail: swrfb@swrfb.ie
FOR WEEKENDED SUNDAY THE 26TH OF APRIL 2009
KILLARNEY LAKES AND LOUGH LEANE
4 salmon caught on the Lakes averaging 7lbs each.
RIVER LAUNE BEATS 1 AND 2
2 salmon caught on the Laune, one weighing 7lbs and the other fish weighted in at 9lbs.
FLESK RIVER
10 salmon caught averaging 6lbs each.
LAUNE ANGLERS WATERS AND BEAT 3
(REPORT OF BILLY DOWNES, CLUB SECRETARY)Laune Salmon and Trout Anglers' Association waters and Beat 3. No fish to report and not a lot of fishing going on I tried myself twice in the past two weeks no sign of fish to be seen or felt, Billy Downes Secretary
RIVER BLACKWATER
No catches to report
RIVER LEE
4 salmon caught spinning
RIVER BANDON
1 salmon caught on a fly weighing 7lbs and returned
27/04/09
Lough Currane
Vincent Appleby reports on the fishing on the LOUGH CURRANE system.
20/4/09 All quiet on all fronts. Wind SSW light, max air temperature 13.1c and overcast with the odd bit of sun breaking through.
21/4/09 Again Lough Currane was on the quiet side. wind SW light to calm, with reasonable cloud cover, amount of rainfall in the last 24hours 2.1mm, max air temperature 14.4c.
22/4/09 Lough Currane was on the wild side with a fresh to strong SSE wind blowing, even though one could still manipulate a fly or lure, but with all that we Anglers failed miserably in our duties. Amount of rainfall 10mm, max air temperature 14.5c.
23/4/09 On the Salmon front, Mr Simon Chislett of the UK caught a fine 12lbs Salmon on the troll, fishing with his Gillie Mr Brod O’Sullivan of Stella Maris Guesthouse, and you can get Brod on 353(0)879227695.
On the Sea Trout front and fish of the day goes to Mr Martin Clancy of Cork who caught a magnificent specimen Sea Trout of 4.470ks/9lbs13.67ozs on the troll and he was telling me that he had some battle for about 45 minutes and when you see the picture you will know why.
Wind S light to calm and overcast with rain coming in late this evening, amount of rainfall 7.3mm, max air temperature 12.6c.
24/4/09 There was a fine Salmon caught on the troll by Mr Axel Zurbugge of Germany, fishing with his Gillie Mr Sylvester Donnelly of Lake road Waterville. I can also tell you that Sylvester has a fine fishing Lodge looking over Lough Currane and to learn more go to www.Salmonandseatrout.com and click Anglers Rest. Wind NW light to calm with plenty of sun breaking through, amount of rainfall 4.7mm, max air temperature 11.7c.
25/4/09 there were two Salmon caught on the troll, first in my firing line is Mr Ray Burgin, who caught a 5lbs Salmon on the troll with his Gillie Mr Neil O’Shea of www.Oshealoughcurrane.com and staying with Oshealoughcurrane.com one of their hired out boats caught a 9lbs Salmon on the troll. but fish of the day goes to Mr O’Connell of Cork, who caught a fine 9lbs Salmon on the troll and just for the record he forgot his net, and I asked him how did he dispatch his fish and he looked me right between the eyes and said, who needs a net when you have a good right hand, all I can say is, the truth of the pudding is in the eating of, and this is no fishermen’s tale and considering the wild conditions at times to day, they did well. Wind ENE fresh to strong with violent gusts at times and overcast with the odd shower, amount of rainfall 1.6mm,max air temperature10.9c.
26/4/09 There were a good few boats out but all failed miserably in their duties in procuring my noble Salmon or one of Lough Currane’s magnificent specimen Sea Trout. Wind NW fresh to strong this morning and veered SW light to fresh this afternoon and overcast with light rain this morning and this afternoon, amount of rainfall 5.7mm, max air temperature 11.7c. For all Internet Angling enthusiasts its well worth clicking www.activeholidayskerry.co.uk.
Well, that is your ration for this week, from your Gillie and the Waterville fishery.
No spin No fly’s just Facts.
Vincent
Angling Guide and Accommodation
Eureka Lodge, Caherdaniel
Email: salmonandseatrout@eircom.net Web: /www.salmonandseatrout.com/
Shannon Region
Brian McManus reports:
info@shannon-fishery-board.ie
30/04/09
MAYFLY SEASON SLOWLY COMMENCES ON LOUGH DERG
Weather has been abysmal since the weekend with very heavy rain and rising water levels. A few good fish were caught on Sheelin when conditions were favourable - sedges buzzer and olives are worth trying. There is a fishery awareness day organised for the 2nd of May at the Fisheries site in Kilnahard. The LSTPA in conjunction with the ShRFB will be providing casting instruction and Fly tying for young fishermen and women. Other ShRFB fisheries awareness week events are taking place and updates are available on website http://www.education.shrfb.ie Do join in in these fun events.
Next Sunday, 3rd May, the Athlone Anglers Association trout competition for the Donovan Cup will take place on Lough Ree and this is the final competition before the dapp competitions commence.
The Mayfly season has commenced on Lough Derg which to date has been a bit patchy. Angling columnist Peter Gleeson reports on the local club outings on Derg around Garry Kennedy and Mountshannon/Killaloe. We expect the mayfly season to take off fully on Derg this holiday weekend - so do get out and give it a try!.
Friends of Loch an Dochais will host the All Ireland trout competition for anglers with special needs for the Mary Robinson Perpetual Trophy at Loch an Dochais, Kilcormac, Co Offaly on Sunday 31st May, 2009, also a youth competition in association with the ShRFB will be held on the fishery on May 24th.
Western Region
Kevin Crowley reports:
E-mail: kcrowley@wrfb.ie
30/04/09
Galway Weir
Water levels rose significantly again over the last couple of days, with 6 gates now open on the weir. Despite this, good numbers of spring salmon are running the river, with good fishing. Already this season, 88 salmon have been landed at Galway, with 15 this week.
Among the anglers to catch this week were Declan Tuffy, with an 11lbs salmon on fly. Henry Cosgrove landed an 8.5lbs fish on shrimp, while Eoin Jackman had an 11-pounder on fly. Liam Gilsenan fished shrimp and took a fish of 8.5lbs, while Dave O’Reilly took a fine early grilse of 7lbs on fly. Eoin Warner fished 2 days and landed 2 cracking salmon of 10lbs and 12lbs on fly, while Shane Corrigan had a fish of 11.5lbs on fly. Dave Lenihan landed his 3rd springer so far with a 10lbs fish caught on shrimp, and Tommy Geraghty had a 10-pounder on spinner. Eddie Murphy landed a 9lbs springer on spinner, while there were early grilse for John Hetherington (4lbs, shrimp) and Betty Phelan (3lbs, shrimp).
There are very good numbers of spring salmon running, and it looks like another great spring run. Hopefully water levels will drop back to suitable levels for flyfishing soon, if so prospects for the next few weeks are excellent.
Lough Corrib
Fishing on Corrib picked up a bit over the last week, with good olive hatches and some mayfly seen. Wetfly and nymphs fished best, with various patterns taking fish. The Corr na Mona Angling Club held a competition on Sunday, with 48 anglers landing 55 trout. The competition was fished on a catch-and-release basis, with the winning team of John Summerville from Dooras and Kevin Lydon from Cong landing 8 fish, mainly to wet mayfly patterns. Brothers Frank and Robert Reilly were 2nd, with 7 trout, while the biggest fish was caught by Tony McQuin from Oughterard, with a 52cm trout. Elsewhere in that area, Mike Keady from Moycullen fished with D.J. Byrne from Mullingar and landed 5 trout for a day, all released.
In the Oughterard area, fly hatches increased in number towards the end of the week, with good olive hatches by the weekend and a good few mayfly seen as well. Jim Schofield from Trim had 5 trout for 2 days, while Jim Caulfield landed 3 trout on the fly.
The Braithreach na Coiribe club in Galway had a mixed grill competition was won by Noel O’Toole from Galway with 4 trout.
Lough Mask
Over on Mask, while no large catches were reported most anglers did catch fish. Unsettled weather kept many off the lake over the weekend, while others stuck to sheltered locations and bays.
Among those reporting fish were Sean Maloney from Ballinrobe, who hooked and landed 2 fish on Monday outside Lively Bay, best fish was 3lbs in weight which came to a Red Arsed Green Peter. Tom Foley caught 3 fish, mostly to a Green Hopper, including a fish of 3.5lbs. Another angler hooked 2 fish for approx. 3lbs in Cahir to a Pearly Dabbler. Joe Flannery fished for a few hours on Friday around Aughinish and had 3 fish for his evenings effort. Local trophy fish hunter Padraic Kerrigan reported catching an 8.5lb ferox trout trolling on Saturday. We also remind anglers of the new bye-laws in relation to the Ferox species of Trout, the size and bag limits associated with the Corrib, Mask and Carra catchment.
Rune Andre Stokkebekk, a Norwegian angler who fishes Mask every April, reported some great fishing to buzzer in sheltered bays. They took advantage of large duckfly hatches to fish nymphs, emergers and dry fly, and landed 9 good trout averaging 3.1lbs, including one of 4.2lbs landed by Rune himself. They also caught a good few smaller trout that were not weighed. All the fish were sportingly released alive.
Lough Carra
On Carra many small fish were showing up and rising to Sooty Olives over the past few days, but the weather did not help angling effort. Occasional boats were spotted and reports of significance were French angler Jean-Guilt and partner who had 3 fish for their day, including fish of 2.75 and 2.25lbs, released alive. Young local angler Thomas Flannery caught 4 fish over 2 evenings to over 2lbs. Many fish were reported rising around the Twin Islands to buzzers and small Sooty Olives.
A recent fish stock survey on Carra has released preliminary figures, which show that Carra has an excellent and healthy stock of trout. The scientist in charge of the survey, Dr. Martin O’Grady of the CFB, said that “the current trout stock in L. Carra is one of the largest and most balanced trout stocks ever recorded in a survey of an Irish trout lake in the last 30 years. Lake trout anglers should keep a close eye on L. Carra this year and in coming seasons”. Good news for anglers then.
North Western Region
Markus Muller reports:
E-mail: info@nwrfb.com
Week Ending 26 April, 2009
River Moy
The Moy had its best week so far with a total of 56 salmon reported. The Ballina Salmon Anglers Water produced 12 for the week while the East Mayo Anglers stretch accounted for 13. However, the best salmon recorded was taken on Gannon’s Fishery where Jimmy Hutchinson, Northern Ireland, landed a fine fish of 5.4kg (12 lbs.) on worm. Elsewhere, the fly was successful and, on the East Mayo Water, Con Hyland, Straide, had a fine salmon of 4.9kg (11 lbs.) which took his fly. On the same stretch, Paul McGrath, Swinford, had a 3.2kg (7 lbs.) fish on fly while Hans Ulrich Bender, Germany, had one of 2.7kg (6 lbs.) on fly. On Cloongee, Michael Conway, Dublin, had a 2.3kg (5 lbs.) fish on the fly. On the Scott-Knox-Gore Fishery, at Coolcronan, Alan Brown from the UK (pictured), had a 3.1 kg (7 lbs.) salmon on the worm while Hugh McCormack, Drogheda, also had one at 3.1 kg (7 lbs. which took a spinner.
Ballysadare River
The Ballysadare River enjoyed another good week with a total of 41 salmon reported which 25 were released and 16 retained. Seanie Maye, had a fine fish of 4.5 kg (10 lbs.) on a Silver Wilkinson and the same angler had another fish of 5kg (11 lbs) later in the week which fell to a Cascade.
Glencar Lough
Glencar produced two salmon for the week with Jim Fox and Jim Henry each landing fish of about 3.17 kg (7 lbs.)
Carrowmore
The harsh weather conditions discouraged angling on Carrowmore Lake last week but several anglers still braved the elements and fished the Beltra part of the lake where several enjoyed good success. The lake produced a total of 16 salmon for the week with most in the 3 kg – 3.5 kg (6·5- 7·75 lbs.) range.
Lough Beltra
Martin McCoy emailed us this report on the 28th April.
"Just a wee note had two great days on Lough Beltra on the Glenisland side of the lough, getting a 9lb springer on 25/4/09 and a 10 pounder on the 26/4/09.Both fish were released. The fly was a Beltra Badger."
Martin McCoy and his Lough Beltra beauties.
Loughs Conn and Cullin
Cold northerly winds and frequent showers resulted in poor trout angling conditions during the week with little fly life evident. Nonetheless, the Dick Gillespie Memorial Cup which was fished by Castlebar Anglers Association, in conjunction with Healy’s Hotel, resulted in 15 trout being taken by 25 rods on Sunday with a 12” (30.48 cms.) limit applying. It was won by Joe Quinn, Cloghans, Ballina, with 2 trout weighing 1.02 kg (2.2 lbs.) while Kevin Byrne, Castlebar, was in 2nd place with 2 trout weighing ·97kg (2.1). Liam Curry, Ballinrobe, took 3rd prize with a fish of ·61kg (1.3 lbs.).
On the same day, Foxford Angler’s Association, fished for the Frank Devanney Memorial Cup with a 13” (33.02 cms.) limit in force. The competition was won by John Burke, Toomore, with 4 trout weighing 1·8 kg (4kg) while 2nd was Billy McGhee, Ballyvary, with 1 trout weighing ·68 kg (1.5 lbs.).
Elsewhere on the lake, Xavier Gonnet, Austria, was fishing out of Pontoon Bridge Hotel, had 2 trout weighing 1·8 kg (4 lbs) while fishing on Lough Cullin. Daragh McDermott, Laois, had a salmon of 3·62 kg (8 lbs.) while trolling on Lough Conn and, on a subsequent day, had 2 trout for 1·36 kg (3 lbs.) on Lough Cullin. Fishing out of Gortnorabbey, Francie White, Sligo, had 2 trout for ·68kg (1.5 lbs.) on a Green Peter while Padraic Traynor had 1 for ·45 kg (1lb.) on a Dabbler.
Congratulations to local young angler, Ryan Binley, Foxford, who qualified for the Irish Youths Team this year after winning the Youth Championship on Lough Leane, Mullingar recently.
Lough Doon
This small trout lake, near Dromahair, Co Leitrim, yet enjoyed and excellent weeks fishing with Patrick Ward, Co Westmeath, fishing and returning a total of 12 trout for just fours hours fishing while several other anglers also enjoyed a good success. The Bibio and various Buzzers appear to be the most successful flies.
Ballin Lough
This rainbow trout lake, near Westport, continued to fish well this week with several anglers reporting excellent fishing. Michael Swartz and friend, Ballina, got a total of 13 trout of which they released 10. Murphy, Castlebar, had nine of which they returned three, best at 1.3 kg (3 lbs.) Pat Murphy and friend, Castlebar, had a total of 20 trout for their day which they returned 16, best fish at 2 kg (4·5 lbs.)
Northern Region
Lindsey Clarke reports:
E-mail: info@nrfb.ie
Monday 20th to Sunday 28th April 2009
RIVER DROWES
Water levels on the Drowes hovered around 5 to 5.5 on the gauge over the week which gave great conditions for the fly although the winds were predominantly from the east and conditions were often bright and sunny. This seemed not to matter to the salmon and it was a great week with large numbers of salmon caught. The best day was probably Tuesday which was the brightest and sunniest. So much for the theories! Most salmon were caught during the week and although the weekend saw more rods fishing, less salmon were caught!
On Monday, Martin O’Hara recorded a 7½lb salmon caught on a cascade fly from the Mill Pool. Gary Bennett accounted for a 9lb fish from the Washstones caught on shrimp.
Yvonne and Tommy Carson with their salmon
On Tuesday, Frederic Rollin recorded a 7lb salmon caught from the Mill Pool on a Cascade fly. Tommy Carson accounted for 9½lb salmon also caught from the Mill Pool on a Cascade and his wife Yvonne repeated this feat catching an 8½lb salmon from the same pool on a Cascade fly. Tom O’Connell recorded a 9lb fish caught from the Sea Pool on a Flying ‘C’. Gary Bennett recorded a further salmon weighing 8lb caught once again from the Washstones on shrimp which he released. Tony Cusac accounted for a 7½lb salmon caught from the Island Pool on a Gary Dog fly.
On Wednesday, Rory Morrin recorded 7lb salmon caught from the Corry Clay on a Cascade fly. Andy Lattimer accounted for an 8lb fish caught from the Mill Pool on a Cascade fly. Tommy Carson recorded another salmon caught on a cascade fly from the Island Pool and weighing 8lb.
On Thursday, Davy McClelland accounted for an 8lb salmon caught from the Mill Pool on a shrimp. Marty King recorded a 7lb fish caught from the Trout Pool on shrimp. Darryl Kennedy landed a 10lb salmon caught from the sea pool on shrimp and Johnathon Shepherd accounted for a 7lb salmon caught on a Cascade fly from Briney’s.
John Gill and his salmon
On Friday, John Gill recorded an 8½lb salmon caught from the Sea Pool on a Monkey fly. Rory Morrin recorded a further salmon caught weighing 8lb caught from The Cascades on a Silver Stoat fly. Brian McEvoy accounted for a 9lb salmon caught on a Rapalla from the Weir Pool. On Saturday, Colin Gardiner landed a fine 12lb salmon from the Sea Pool on a Munroe Killer fly and Marius Ketyles accounted for an 8lb salmon also caught from the Sea Pool on a Red Ally’s Shrimp fly. On Sunday Chris McDaid landed a 5lb fish caught from the Mill Pool on a Green Highlander fly.
Colin Garner and his salmon
At present the gauge is reading 6 and prospects look good for the coming week.
For info/bookings etc on the Drowes Fishery & Lough Melvin see http://www.drowessalmonfishery.com/
LOUGH MELVIN
Easterly winds predominated once again for most of the week and the air felt chilly. A number of anglers are starting to venture out and a few decent trout were taken mainly towards the weekend on wet flies from the Garrison area and Lareen Bay. The salmon fishing was quiet with few boats venturing out. This was a little surprising. There is certainly good numbers of salmon in the Lough. The first salmon was caught in Rossinver Fishery (fly only) on Saturday and I am awaiting details of the captor.
ERNE ESTUARY
The Erne Estuary remained quiet over the week with few anglers fishing. This was probably due to the winds being predominantly from the east, the still cool air temperatures and the fact the hydro dam was generating all week. As such there is little to report. Shore anglers fishing of Tullan Strand (the adjoining beach) for flatfish accounted for a number of sea trout.
Northern Ireland
Lionel Knobbs reports:
E-mail: lionel.knobbs@loughs-agency.org
24/04/09
Foyle Rivers are in much need of rain at present for the Salmon anglers - with conditions less than favourable.
But, as expected at this time of year, reported catches from the Mourne system are steadily increasing.
The Finn has had a good run of spring fish 'the season' and usually begins to tail off at this time of year... but don't give up just yet! You are still in with a chance of one of these prize fish as they continue to move into the Finn system.
Brown trout fishing at present has been good again this week with quality wild Brownies landed 2lbs and upwards from the upper sections on the Mourne system.
There have been good hatches of flies this week and trout angling should remain good into the weekend.
On the Salmon front a rise in water levels would be helpful, but don't be put off by the less than favourable conditions - often a change in tactics is what is required.
I suggest fishing smaller brighter patterns for Salmon, preferably early morning and evenings, but (as I mentioned before) I witnessed at first hand a large Salmon taken during one of the driest periods - on a bright sunny day! - on an Alexander trout fly.
The main point is you will catch no fish looking over bridges waiting on the best conditions! Give it a go and be assured you are fishing in a system with good numbers of fish, so you are always in with a chance regardless of the conditions!
Information available on day ticket outlets, accommodation, tackle shops etc from Loughs Agency website www.loughs-agency.org
Creggan Country Park
The fishery has been fishing extremely well with good rises of trout in the evening, mostly to buzzers. Having stocked heavily in recent days with fish to 15lbs and more we would encourage all prospective anglers to take care that their leader material is in good condition and up to the job.
Fishing is from 9.00am to 9.00 pm. Info and inquiries to
Creggan Country Park
Westway
Derry
BT48 9NU
Tel. 02871 363133
Cashel Trout Fishery
Anglers are in their element at Cashel with the brilliant weather providing all the ideal conditions to fish Dry Fly. With that in mind some of the large trout have been showing and have been landed by quite a few of our anglers using small lures, Nymphs and Dries.
BIG FISH: Adrian Guy from Limavady bagged 2 beauties weighing 7lb 11ozs and 5lb 5ozs while his son Ciaran bagged 1 @ 5lb 2ozs.
Gavin Mc Laughlin from Feeny released a real clinker of approximately 8lb while Billy Stevenson from (England) had 2 with the total weight of 6lb 2ozs. Sean McAllister bagged 1 @ 7lb 5ozs while Christine Duddy from (Derry) released one of 9lb+. Donncha Steele from (Buncrana) accompanied by his father Chris banked a real beauty weighing 5lb 2ozs and another of 2lb 10ozs.
Arnold Borelan fishing catch and release landed 22 trout on Egg flies and Buzzers while Bernard Mellon from (Maghera) caught and released 38 over two days on assorted Drys and Buzzer patterns. John Hall from (Campsie) caught and released 38 trout over two days which also fell to Buzzers and Dries. Martin Mellon from(Portglenone) and Aidy Askin from (Derry) caught and released 7 trout each on Black Spiders and Brown Sedges.
Paul Ford, Adrian Ford, Christy Mc Cay and Jimmy Mc Cay from (Derry) banked at least 20 trout between them using Dries and small Sparklers. Gary Gaile from (Articlave) and Philip Glenn from (Articlave) released 4 and 1 trout respectively using the Green and White Catswisker. Albert Skeet banked 11 trout in total over two short days which took the Pittsford pea.
John Hasson, Martin Bradley, John Gerd and Sean Donaghy and Andrew Logan averaged 4 trout each which took small Buzzers and Dries. James Kelly, Billy Hazlett, Shane Donaghy , Michael Doherty , Sean Moore , Damien Gallagher, Willie Lowry , Tommy Reilly , Kieran Mc Garrigle, Donald Mc Nair, Darrell Middleton and William Middleton all averaged 3-4 trout using Klinkhammers, Suspender Buzzers.
Rod Licences are now on sale at Cashel Trout Fishery. We are now taking group bookings for any angling club or corporate groups interested in a fun day. Catering facilities are available in the adjacent Cashel Fishing Lodge.
Marlene
17 Birren Road,
Dungiven,
Co L’Derry,
BT47 4SH
Tel/Fax: Dungiven 028777 42159
email: casheltrout@hotmail.com Website: www.cashellakeview.com
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Coarse Angling Update
Eastern Region
Ashley Hayden reports:
E-mail: info@fishingireland.net
27/04/08
Lough Muckno fitting form
Dick Caplice (manager of the Irish Coarse Fishing team), along with local angling guides Peadar O’Brien, Mal McLeod, and Xavier Lafforgue trial fished the Concra Wood section of Lough Muckno last Thursday, April 23rd, 2009. They were not disappointed as good numbers of fish swelled their keep nets.
Fishing the feeder, it was not long before bites started registering and a steady stream of beautifully conditioned fish started hitting the bank. Roach, Hybrids, an odd Perch, and a lone scavenging Jack Pike kept things interesting for the anglers. Bait was predominantly red maggots, with swims being fed a steady supply of casters and crumb.
Top bag was close to thirty pounds of mainly Roach and Hybrids, caught in just under five hours over what was a very easy going session. All the lads caught similar bags, and with the season really only getting going, Lough Muckno is laying down an early marker as a venue well worth visiting.
Southern Region
John Flynn reports:
E-mail: enquiries@srfb.ie
27/04/09
River Barrow
Benny O'Mara co-owner of M & B meats Carlow, presenting Gerry mc Straw Chairman of Carlow Coarse Angling Club with Cups for the Winter League and the Junior League.
The Junior League commences on Saturday 2nd May in Carlow Town.
Shannon Region
Brian McManus reports:
info@shannon-fishery-board.ie
27/04/09
HEAVY RAINFALL HAMPERING COARSE ANGLING SINCE THE WEEKEND
Fishing results have been mixed due to the poor weather conditions over the past week. There were some good fish caught on the hot water at Lanesborough but unfortunately weather has hampered fishing over the past number of days. Water levels on Lough Ree are rapidly rising as we write following heavy rainfall since the weekend. The fresh water on the River Inny has benefited angling though with visiting anglers catching quite well on Bream and hybrids on Tommy Foxe's stretch. Carp to 15lbs were recorded on Ballinafid Lake Mullingar last week. Specimen angler Nick Parry was delighted to land this lovely Rudd Bream hybrid of 5lb 8oz. Our Donamon 'access for all' fishery looked splendid for the ShRFB Fisheries Awareness Open Day - 'take a friend fishing' on April 25th, 2009. 40 junior anglers ranging in age from 6 to 15 fished the 2.5 hour competition. 60 fish were caught. Other events are taking place at different venues throughout the region this week - to May 4th. We'll catch up on these in next weeks update.
Lanesboro
Paul Waghorn of www.lanesboroughangling.ie reports on the recent fishing.
Friday 24th April - The amount of rain we have had today would suggest the river will rise again in the next 72 hours. Today was quite frankly abysmal, the odd angler who tried to fish, failed to impress. Steve from Navan, on a marathon session near the duckpond, was rewarded with the first female tench reported this year, weighing in at 4lb 8oz.
Saturday 25th April - Another difficult day, not only did it rain constantly seeing the river rise another inch but with so few anglers here, there is little to report. Steve from Sligo fished the gusher for a couple of hours and had some success with a big rudd, roach to a pound and several hybrids. As the evening progressed, the weather cleared for a while. A group on the gusher had more success than myself. I wasted 90 minutes for just a solitary 1lb 8oz Hybrid below the bridge where the surface activity was at it's highest so far this year.
Sunday 26th April - Thankfully, I have more to write about today despite the weather being poor. Two visiting anglers from Ballyhaunis did extremely well with Leigh Maitland claiming over 50lb. A Tench of 5lb was caught by Mr Lester from Dublin sharing a bag in excess of 30lb with his son, Ross who caught a lovely Rudd of 1lb 14oz.
With reports coming in of fantastic Roach to 2lb 7oz at the lower end of Lough Ree and 2lb 3oz below Shrule bridge, I was desperate for a piece of the action. I targeted Maladys on the Inny, but struggled in the light rain. Only one Roach required the landing net, but I'm proud to say it was a new personal best at 1lb 15oz. The rest of the session saw barely 5lb in total.
Monday 27th April - Not surprisingly, after the weekends heavy rainfall, the water temperature has dropped back to 52f. The sun came out and made conditions difficult for the few in attendance. I never saw any larger fish caught on my two walks, but as dusk fell the fish started feeding. Willie and Steve from Dublin shared a combined bag of around 35lb which included some good Hybrids, small Bream and a Roach of around 1lb 12oz. The rain never really came until 21.30 by which time I was inside. I had a late afternoon/early evening below Shrule bridge on the Inny but only had 2 Roach of a pound or so and 3lb of bits.
Tuesday 28th April - More rain during the night saw the water level rise to be upon the concrete by the bridge, it's now higher than in February. The conditions are hardly perfect for the coming weekend. Normally I would be mooring my boat on the navigation side just so I can reserve a spot as that is the place to be. It is almost unfishable at it's current height. A 2oz cage feeder would be the minimum requirement. However, there are fish in the main channel. Barry Lister found many showing below the bridge with his fish finder.
As far as I could tell, todays fishing was poor. Not many bigger fish were caught. I had a few pounds of Hybrids and male Roach under the bridge, whilst some others really struggled. In the evening I went to Athlone in search of giant Roach but could only catch 2 Perch so missed any action at Lanesborough.
Paul Waghorn
As we approach the busiest weekend of the year, I would advise visiting anglers to pre-order their bait by phoning the shop on 043 21491 or from the UK, (00353) 43 21491
Lough Ree
Nick Parry sent in this report by email:
"I went back to Lough Ree hoping for the roach bream hybrids. I got a big hybrid alright but was shocked but delighted to discover it was a rudd bream of 5lb 8oz. After two nights baiting with no fish in horrible weather it was 11.30 on the third night as the wind and rain abated for a short time I got this fish on 2 grains of sweetcorn on a size 12 with a cage feeder and heli-rig.
It's my best rudd bream for about 8 years, they are getting pretty scarce these days, unfortunately.
The great thing about this big Lough is you never know what will turn up next, its fantastic.
Best regards
Nick"
Western Region
Kevin Crowley reports
E-mail: kcrowley@wrfb.ie
27/04/09
Ross Lough
Students brave windy conditions to try out Angling with Recreational Angling Ireland at Ross Lough, Co. Galway
Sophian El – Ehmer (8) proudly displays a Roach
Recreational Angling Ireland in conjunction with the Western Regional Fisheries Board and the Central Fisheries Board have started off their offering of free ‘have a go’ at angling sessions with a bang for 2009. 36 participants including 18 students turned up to Ross Lough near Moycullen on Saturday the 25th April to try coarse fishing. The day was led by Mark Corps (an Angling Advisor with the CFB).
The students were all beginners. After running through how to tackle up in the car park students were then taken to the lough. Split into two group’s, one practised casting whilst the other had a talk and practical demonstration on the dark art of preparing baits and ground bait before swoping over.
Then fishing. On a cold and windy day the fish were not keen to put in an appearance though some had more success than others. Lunch was taken back in the car park and then more fishing in the afternoon. From the catch and weather point of view it was not the best of days by any means. These were hard fishing conditions. However there were no moans. A number signed up to other events that are being run by the WRFB this week. All left with broad smiles that would suggest another group have been converted!
For more information about Recreational Angling Ireland and its calendar of free angling events please visit www.recreationalanglingireland.com.
Northern Ireland, Foyle and Carlingford Fisheries
Lionel Knobbs reports:
E-mail: lionel.knobbs@loughs-agency.org
30/04/09
WATERWAYS IRELAND CLASSIC FISHING FESTIVAL 2009
The 2009 Waterways Ireland Classic continued today (Wednesday), with even wetter conditions than those that prevailed on the first day, Monday. Waterproof gear was a must as the 224 anglers lined the wet and windy shores of Lough Erne. Although the hoped-for warmer conditions have yet to arrive, the fishing was consistent, with all of the sections producing good weights.
The consistency of the fishing was illustrated by the fact that the top four weights today all came from different sections. Trory is always a favourite with the anglers and Nicholas Howell from Kilskeery landed himself 23kg 300gm and the top daily prize of £500 from peg 30. Second overall was Peter Jones from Enniskillen whose 21kg 800gm from peg 23 on the Rossahilly section earned him £350. Third and fourth were Nigel Truman from Nottingham and Classic regular Dave Robinson from Barton-on-Humber, who drew Derrychara and Ely Lodge sections respectively.
With local anglers in second and fourth overall, there is very little between the front runners on the Classic leader board. St Neots angler, Tony Watling (Junior) is currently in the lead with a 2-day total of 37kg 520gm, with local angler Peter Jones in second place with 34kg 500gm. A close third is Monday’s overall winner, Andrew Chapman from Ballybay, with a total of 34kg 070gm.
Waterways Ireland Classic week continues tomorrow (Thursday) with the second and final day of the King of the Erne competition. The festival week opened with the Erne Open event. Virtually all of the Classic entrants took part in this one-day match, which included in its entry list young Dougie Carson from Bellanaleck, winner of the recent Waterways Ireland Junior Classic Fishing Festival. One of Dougie’s prizes for winning the Junior Classic was an entry ticket for the Erne Open. Although he did not feature on the prize list he enjoyed his days fishing.
With more rain expected for the remainder of the week, it looks as if the waterproofs will get another outing on Friday, the final day of the 2009 Waterways Ireland Classic. Anglers are however a hardy breed, prepared to brave the elements if they are catching fish and by the end of this week the participants in the Classic will have caught several tonnes and safely returned them to the waters of Lough Erne.
The Classic is sponsored for the seventh year by Waterways Ireland and is organised by Fermanagh District Council in conjunction with the Inland Fisheries Division of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.
For further information please contact Eddie McGovern, Fermanagh District Council, on 028 6632 3110, or Norma Herron, Waterways Ireland, on 028 6632 3004.
27/04/09
Coarse Fish Resource
Loughs Agency Conservation and Protection staffs are considering carrying out an evaluation of Foyle area and Carlingford area coarse fish resource. Initially this review will focus on developing a policy and strategy for the management of coarse fish in the Foyle and Carlingford areas.
Terms of reference need to be developed to ensure an informed policy for the management development and protection of the coarse fishery resource including fish species, habitat and the angling product.
Coarse fish for the purpose of this review will include freshwater fish species of angling importance with the exception of salmon, trout species and eel.
Initial thoughts are that development of the policy will give regard to;
- The current status of the coarse fisheries
- The development needs to optimise the potential of these resources
- The factors that constrain the development and exploitation of the resource
- Interaction with other freshwater species
- Threats posed by the introduction of invasive fish species
- The need for any additional legislation.
The Agency would like to hold an open forum to review this potential project and will have an open day and a consultation process beginning in May 2009.
John McCartney
Director of Conservation and Protection
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Pike Angling Update
Eastern Region
Ashley Hayden reports:
E-mail: info@fishingireland.net
28/04/09
Blessington
On Friday 24 April Willie Nolan reports that "over the recent months the piking was really slow or non existent, but now the weather is starting to pick up the pike are in there spawning cycle and just aren't interested in any type of lures as yet, but there are just one or two jacks that will with perserverance will take an artificial loure, as i myself found out on mondayevening while using a small popper plug i kept casting out and drawing it back over the fish when he finally took it after a good 40 minutes."
On Tuesday 28 April Willie send us the following update:
"The pike have moved out of their spawning grounds in Blessington Lake and are now catchable. I caught a lovely 15'1/2 lb, pike last friday on a mackerel, up from the GAA grounds at Vallymount"
Southern Region
John Flynn reports:
enquiries@srfb.ie
No reports this week - [most recent report 08/01/09]
South Western Region
Michael Hennessy reports:
E Mail: swrfb@swrfb.ie
29/04/09
April has arrived with a wonderful spell of warm dry weather but unfortunately the temperatures are still down both in the rivers and lakes.
Shreelane lakes
Nothing major to report from Shreelane lakes except for the Jack Pike fishing which has been excellent, it must have something to do with the big hens being preoccupied with spawning and the Jacks actually getting to the baits first. John Twomey also informs me that he has purchased 2 new 15ft Angler Fancy boats for the fishery.
Lough Allua
Greg Latour from Tir na Spideoige angling centre reports an improvement in the Pike fishing in recent weeks with fish to 13lbs being taken as recently as the 1st of April. Anglers wishing to avail of Greg’s boats on Lough Allua or his experience can contact him on 026 47151.
Shannon Region
Brian McManus reports:
info@shannon-fishery-board.ie
24/04/09
DUTCH ANGLERS ENJOY GOOD PIKE FLY FISHING IN THE UPPER SHANNON
There has been a dramatic change in weather since last Friday with more than two inches of rainfall in the Catchment and water levels are on the rise as we write. Dutch angling guests of Melview Lodge were over to sample some Irish Pike fishing last week and managed some nice double figure fish on fly. The North Longford AC are holding their annual 3 day Pike angling event over the May Bank Holiday weekend. This is a Saturday & Sunday - 2 day Open Boat event with €3500 prize money. The Athlone Anglers Association always has at least one competition for pike before the madness of the mayfly season, so last Sunday eighteen boats headed out onto Lough Ree in search of our big green friends in an effort to win the Poyntonia Cup. See their report. Dromore Lake Ennis Co Clare produced a lovely 21lb 8oz fish on a fly in a competition for the Special Olympics and it was organised by the Ennis & District Anglers on Sunday 13th April 2009.
Western Region
Kevin Crowley reports:
E-mail: kcrowley@wrfb.ie
No reports this week - [most recent report 05/03/09]
North Western Region
Markus Mullerreports:
E-mail: info@nwrfb.com
No reports this week - [most recent report 05/02/09]
Northern Region
Lindsey Clarke reports:
E-mail: info@nrfb.ie
No reports this week - [most recent report 05/03/09]
Foyle and Carlingford Fisheries
Lionel Knobbs reports:
E-mail: lionel.knobbs@loughs-agency.org
28/09/04
Lower Lough Erne
Angling guide Geoffray Begard sent in these photos of some of his clients from last week. The group had excellent pike fishing on the lough with pike to 1m 13cm (about 30lb). Some of the brown trout in the lake also found it hard to resist the lures on offer.
Geoffray Begard
Angling Guide
Address: 18 Blackwood Mews,
Rockwood Parade,
SLIGO, IRELAND.
Telephone: +353(86) 85.56.125
Email: begardgeoffray@yahoo.fr
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Sea Angling Update
Eastern Region
Ashley Hayden reports:
E-mail: info@fishingireland.net
27/04/09
Bass are running in North Wexford
Sea Anglers were out in force along the east coast over the weekend of the 25th and 26th April. The wind blew from the north with copious amounts of rain falling, especially over Friday night into Saturday morning. Sean O’Keeffe, a teacher at Gorey Community School, bagged his first ever Bass with an eight pound + beauty pictured above. Sean hooked the fish on a beach just south of Courtown, Co. Wexford during an evening session. The Bass was landed after a spirited fight.
Diego Leccardi, along with his friend Tomas Wilde fished Tinnebearna, Co. Wexford on Saturday night last. Between ten pm and midnight the friends landed three Bass, lost a couple in the surf, and missed a number of bites. The biggest fish, tempted by king Ragworm, was landed by Tomas and measured 53 cms. Diego’s fish measured 45 and 48 cms respectively and fell to lugworm.
Courtown Angling Center ran by Joe Byrne and Mick Redmond is a focal point for all east coast anglers. Open seven days a week until late for all your tackle and bait requirements. Contact Joe at: +353 (0)87 661 3145.
South Western Region
Michael Hennessy reports:
E Mail: swrfb@swrfb.ie
29/04/09
April has arrived with a wonderful spell of warm dry weather but unfortunately the temperatures are still down both in the rivers and lakes and unusually also in the sea. What has surprised many anglers around the South West is the numbers of mullet turning up to the rod this early in the season. Big flounders, dabs and plaice will begin their inshore migration now as well.
Youghal to Cork harbour
Gavin Tivy (www.seahunter.ie) tells me he had very little opportunity to get to the wrecks off the Youghal coastline but had reasonable fishing on the inshore reefs with Pollock and Coalies. Shore fishing is starting to pick up with returning flounder, and congrats to Stephen O Neill and Donal Domeney from Cork for catching specimen flounder recently and also to Chris Lipinski who caught a 50cm fish but unfortunately it didn’t make the magical 1.1kg weight.
Cork
Nothing interesting to report from Cork harbour except for the mullet fishing which is excellent.
Kinsale
Dan Lynch of Halfway Tackle tells me that like Youghal at the moment things are quite on the reefs off the Cork coast but everything is due to pick up as the temperatures will rise.
West Cork
A group of anglers from Rotterdam fished on the Lady Louise out of Courtmacsherry and had good fishing on the 1st and 2nd April. On the first day the catch consisted of mainly pollack and coalfish. The 2nd day Mark Gannon ventured further South and Eric Kleiborn landed a specimen coalfish of 15.4lbs on his first Irish angling holiday.
Another group of anglers from Dublin fishing inshore due to inconsiderate weather conditions had some good pollack fishing on the reefs off the Seven Heads on Saturday the 7th March. Patsy Boland landed a near specimen pollack of 11lbs winning the heaviest catch of the trip.
Bantry and Kenmare Bay
Paul Harris from Dromagowlane house in Adrigole reports good catches of bull huss recently from the Airport stretch in Bantry and from Shot Head but what they made up for in quantity they lacked in size with the best only going to 8lbs in weight. The mullet fishing at Ballydonegan and Pallas strands can only be described as awesome at the moment, it looks like the shoals have all arrived together from their winter offshore holidays and this is the first stop as they spread out around the bay.
West Kerry
Kevin Braine from Waterville tells me the bass fishing in Ballinskelligs bay has never been as good with 13 fish recently taken by Kevin and 2 of his clients from one of his secret shore marks. They also had mullet to 4lbs from the same mark, his biggest Bass went 5.5lbs. Mid April will see Thornback Ray fishing start to pick up from Rossbeigh Beach with also the possibility of a big stingray.
North Kerry
Danny McCarthy skipper of Deep Cove out of Castlegregory tells me the shore fishing for bass is excellent at the moment on the beaches of Brandon Bay but the fish are small.
Colm McDaid from Landers Outdoor World reports good catches of flounder and sea trout from Barrow harbour, also plenty of small Bass from the Black rock area of Ballyheigue. No sign of any stingrays yet!
Shannon Region
Brian McManus reports:
info@shannon-fishery-board.ie
24/04/09
West Clare Area – Shore Angling
Big Mullet showing in the harbour at Carrigaholt
Poulnasherry Bay
Dogfish: Dogfish are being caught on sandeel, squid or Mackerel. Thornback Ray absent but should improve.
Carrigaholt Pier
Mullet: Some big Mullet are showing in the Harbour. Ground-baiting essential with Mackerel and bread. Great sport to be had with these hard fighting fish for anglers who persevere!
Baltard
Pollock/Ling/Ballan Wrasse: Anglers fishing into deep water from the cliffs are catching good Pollock to 7lbs and Ling to 6 lbs. bottom fishing with Mackerel or squid . Wrasse being caught on crab or limpet.
Doonbeg
Mullet: Mullet taken here recently on fly.
Kiltrellig, Kilbaha
Pollock: Pollock are being taken on Dexter Wedge or Jelly Worm. Good mark to try Salt Water Fly fishing as the flat rocks are close to the water. Late evening around Low Tide best time.
Castle Point and Bridges of Ross
Mackerel fishing poor with just a few mackerel turning up.
Bill Ryan,
Sea fishing guide
Querrin Shore, Kilkee, Co. Clare.
Tel: +353 87 4130122
Email: info@chillwithbill.com Web: www.chillwithbill.com
Clare Dragoon heads to sea last weekend after a long winter
I got back fishing over the last few days after the winter break. Although I had a few enquires for the Easter weekend I had decided not to start back fishing till last weekend. This was partly because (hopefully!) this will be the last weekend I get to spend a full weekend day with my family till late autumn and partly to allow the water to warm up a bit and bring back the spring shoals of Mackerel that announce the start of another fishing season here.
During the time the Clare Dragoon was out of the water, I took the time to do a few maintenance and upkeep jobs on her. This included getting my passenger licence renewed and replacing some of the fishing gear.
Well last Saturday I headed out into some lovely weather and I was great to be back at sea. Stopping first just west of the Loop, we dropped some lines over the side to see if the Mackerel were about. After a short drift we did manage to find a shoal of them and half filled the bait box quite quickly. It was obvious though that the Mackerel were not wide spread and this was born out over the next couple of days, as getting enough Mackerel for bait proved to be hard work. This should improve every day from now on though. If Mackerel were proving hard to get, the same could not be said about the general fishing. Once we moved off into some deeper water we were straight into very steady fishing. Pollack and Saith were coming in 2s and 3s. There were also some Ling, Haddock and Whiting about. However it is noticeable that the majority of the Pollack are still on the small side with most only around 4lb, with just the odd one heading towards the 8lb mark. A session on a Wrasse mark produced some fine Ballan Wrasse to 3 lbs and some Cuckoo Wrasse to almost a pound.
Over the next week I should be out some more and now here’s hoping for a good summer with lots of fish!
Luke Aston
Clare Dragoon LOCHIN 366, 650HP.
Address: Rahona, Carrigaholt, Co. Clare.
Telephone: +353 65 9058209 or +353 87 6367544
Email: email Web: www.fishandstay.com
Northern Region
Lindsey Clarke reports:
E-mail: info@nrfb.ie
20/04/09
Downings - Rossguill charter boat report
Michael McVeigh of the charter boat Rosguill reports on his first trip of the season.
Water temperature low for April - 9 degrees centigrade. Few mackerel around, but not many. Wrecks - lots of Coalfish & some Pollack.
Lot of unusually small Pollack (1.5 - 2 pounds) on the wrecks. Limeburner fishing well - Haddock, Cod, Gurnards, Ling etc. Bays fishing OK as well.
Hope weather is better in 2009!
Michael McVeigh
Rosguill 43' Aquastar. Twin 310 HP
Base: Downings Operational area: Up to 40 miles out of base.
Address: Baile an Iascaire, Dooey, Atlantic Drive, Downings, Co. Donegal.
Telephone: +353 74 9155080 or Fax: +353 74 55090
Email: info@rosguill.com Web: www.rosguill.com
Foyle and Carlingford Fisheries
Lionel Knobbs reports:
E-mail: lionel.knobbs@loughs-agency.org
28/04/09
The Loughs Agency has added an updated 'marinas and moorings' section to the marine tourism section of the website. Some slipways are covered within this section, too.
This section provides information useful to the visiting sailor and other small boat users - grid reference of location, where to obtain fuel and provisions, the nearest chandler etc.
There is also a downloadable chart showing the vicinity of each mooring, allowing the visitor to plan in advance!
Follow this link to access the marinas and moorings pages.
Northern Ireland
Hamish Currie reports:
27 April 2009
Red Bay
Things are starten to happen in red bay mackerel are in small shoals offshore and a number of specimens are being recorded huss,lsd,spurs and blackmouths along with a few small skate. Tagging program is well under way.
The specimen count is standing at 27 at the moment.
Hamish Currie
Predator II
Red Bay Stormforce 9.1 Rib
Web:http://www.predatorireland.com/
Email: info@predatorireland.com
Telephone Home: 028 2177 1828 Boat:
07720440117
