Bernard Devenney of the Dundalk Salmon Anglers reports that the Salmon fishing finally came to a close on Friday 12th October on the River Fane and many anglers were out trying their luck. The water level had risen almost two feet the previous day so conditions were not exactly perfect. However, six Salmon were known to have been caught on the Dundalk Salmon Anglers stretch with the heaviest, a lovely 10 1/2 lbs fish being caught by Anthony Reynolds from Castlebellingham. The other fish were caught by Maurice Matthews, Dundalk 8lbs, William Burke, Dundalk 7lbs,Ā Mick McShane, Dundalk 7lbs, Stephen McCabe, Dunleer, 7lbs and Raymond Connolly, Blackrock 4lbs.

 

Anthony Carthy with his 16lb Salmon from the Fane
Anthony Carthy with his 16lb Salmon from the Fane

The heaviest Salmon caught on the Dundalk Salmon Anglers waters for the season was a beautiful fish of 16 lbs caught by Anthony Carty of Dundalk. Anthony also lost two other bigger fish during the season which he estimated to be well over 20lbs. Paddy Cudden of Ardee also lost a similar large fish.

Generally the fishing on the Fane this year seems to have been comparable to last year. Some very big Salmon were seen in the river this year and indeed last year and this can only be good for future years ahead.

Another report wasĀ receivedĀ from further up the river on the Ballintra Fishery where angling guide Tom Cogan from Carrickmacross caught a fine salmon of 16 lb on a flying c duringĀ the last days of the season. It give him some scrap and he almost lost it round a tree but Tom skillfully managed toĀ controlĀ it, steer it round the snag and then battled this LeviathanĀ for 15 mins before finally subduing the fish.

 

Angling Guide Tom Cogan with a Superb Fane Salmon
Angling Guide Tom Cogan with a Superb Fane Salmon

Now that the season is over, Bernard says that the members of Dundalk Salmon Anglers Association will switch their efforts to help protecting the Salmon in the river,Ā looking after their Salmon Hatchery andĀ planningĀ what work needs to be done on the river during the next six months.

Finally, all anglers in the North and Mid Louth area are very grateful for the great work done by the staff of Inland Fisheries Ireland throughout the past year. Their great work contributed immensely to the very good angling we had this year.