On the River Fane, Bernard Devenney of the Dundalk Salmon Anglers reports that as the salmon fishing season on the Fane comes to an end most anglers will look back on this year as one of the best for many years. What made this year different from others years was the size and quality of the fish being caught. Salmon up to & over 20 lbs were caught, released and lost. During the last week, despite heavy and rising water some excellent fish were landed. John McCaughey, Haggardstown, Dundalk had a very large fish approximately 17lbs which was released. Anthony Reynolds from Castlebellingham had a lovely 12lb fish, Michael Wilson from Craigavon had two fish for the week, one 11lb and one 7lb. Anthony Carty, Dundalk had a fish of 11lbs which was returned, David Crawley from Dundalk had a fine fish of 8lbs, Stephen McCabe from Dunleer had a fish of 8lbs and Paddy Cudden from Ardee who had two large fish the previous week had another fish this week of 7lbs. There have been many more fish caught by other anglers and in all cases the fish are all larger and heavier than previous years.
On the last day of the 2011 season the Club held its annual end of season competition today 12th October. A total of 8 salmon were landed one of which was released by its captor. This fish weighed 10lbs. Of the 7 fish weighed in 2 fish weighed 10lbs.
Bernard commented “this year there has been a definite increase in the number of Salmon making their way back to the rivers that flow into Dundalk Bay and together with with the excellent fishery protection being provided by the local staff of Inland Fisheries Ireland the fishing in coming years can only get better”.
Matt Campbell reports that the Dundalk Brown Trout Anglers held their salmon competition on the Fane on the 2nd October. Conditions were poor due to rising water levels which rose 2.5ft with recent rain. Two salmon were caught in the competition weighing 6.5lbs and 4.5lbs. On Monday the 3rd 16b salmon were taken on the clubs waters the biggest of which weighed in at 13.5lbs. Tuesday and Wednesday saw a combined total of 13 fish and an additional 10 salmon were taken up until Tuesday 11th October. The fishing season ends today Wednesday 12th. October.
A few weeks ago Robert Babbington caught and released a lovely cock fish on the Fane. The fish weighed in excess of 14lbs and was returned unharmed to the river.
