Fishery manager Jim Stafford reports on fishing for the first 2 weeks of September. Water levels and angling conditions on the Erriff varied through this period, with some big spates, and several days of strong gale force westerly winds.
Inigo Tellaeche and Jesus Cabeza from Spain visited on an annual fishing trip to the Erriff, and Inigo landed a fish of 10lbs on a Collie Dog in the Black Banks on Beat 6 while Jesus caught one of 8lbs in the Falls Pool on Beat 9 on a Shrimp Fly. Christian Muller, Germany, caught a grilse in the Sally Pool on Beat 7 on a Green Highlander. Kevin Mitchell had a grilse in the School House Pool on Beat 3 on a Cascade and also 2 sea trout taken on a Daddy. Jean Francois Calver, France had 3 salmon in the one day from Beat 5 – best fish 10lbs taken on a Black Shrimp and 3 sea trout taken on Beat 3.
Ash Mathews, Moyard released a fish estimated at 12lbs which was caught on a Cascade in School House, and another of 4.5lbs caught in Gowlans on Beat 3. Dr. Eoin Bresnihan, Oughterard released a grilse of 4.5lbs and a sea trout – both were caught on a Yabbie in the Willow Pool on Beat 6. Rudy Van Djuinhoven and Mario Sanz from the Netherlands and Germany caught a sea trout each on Beat 4. Fishing the Tawnyard Potholes Pat Nolan, Nenagh, caught and released 2 salmon of 9lbs and 5lbs, as well as 5 sea trout to 1.5lbs. David Dugdale, UK, caught one in the Yellow Banks on a Willie Gunn while Steve Andrews, UK, fishing a Bibio on the General’s Reach released a grilse of 4lbs. Simon Westwood, UK, released a grilse caught in the Tawnyard Potholes on Beat 3.
Joe Pilkington, Clare released a hen fish of 10lbs caught on a Cascade in the Dog Pool on Beat 2 Humps and Hollows on Beat 6 produced a fish of 9.5lbs for Freider Hompesch, Germany and Eva Hompesch released a nice sea trout caught in the Quarry Pool on Beat 2 on a Muddler.
Total catch for the period was 18 salmon and 32 sea trout, of which 8 were caught on Tawnyard Lough. A total of 12 salmon were released, and all 32 sea trout were returned to the water again.
To book fishing or accommodation during the last weeks of the season, contact Aasleagh Lodge at 095 42252, or check the website at www.aasleaghlodge.ie