Simon Ashe gives us a roundup of the 2013 season at Ballynahinch in Connemara:
The months of August and September provided fishing success not seen at Ballynahinch for over 20 years. Over those two months, 120 salmon were caught on the Castle Stretch, with 60% of these fish being released. The total catch for the 2013 season was a whopping 149 salmon which was more than double the total achieved in 2012. Between 30th July and 26th September there were only 3 blank days on the fishery. The sheer number of salmon resident in the lower beats throughout the season provided for fabulously entertaining fishing days for our anglers, regardless of their success.
Sna Beg, Beats 4, 5 and 6 provided the most fantastic fishing and there was no particular fly the proved to be more successful than any other. Some long forgotten patterns used on the fishery during Ranji’s time such as the Logie and Rusty Rat were reintroduced by some of our regular anglers who had great success throughout the season.
The dry spell during July gave us a period of 17 days straight with no salmon from 12th – 29th July, however, it would appear the low water levels were the catalyst for our success in August and September. Fish that entered the lower beats during the dry spell were not inclined to moved upstream following the rain thus ensuring a healthy stock remained in the Castle Stretch all season long.
The Sea Trout Season
The sea trout return in 2013 was very encouraging and registered very strongly on our fish counter. We even saw large numbers of them migrating in late June, however, for some bizarre reason, they were incredibly difficult to catch. The anecdotes coming from anglers on Lough Inagh told a similar story, however, the important news is that our stock continues to improve, albeit slower than we initially expected.
The Final Day Fish-Out
The annual Ballynahinch Fish-Out took place on Monday 30th September with our regular anglers and guides vying for the Mikey Conneely Perpetual Trophy. Following an immensely enjoyable day, the top prize was won by long-time local guide Frank Flaherty who returned a 8lb salmon on Sna Beg, taken on a small Green Peter fly. In total, 5 salmon were caught and released on the final day with Greg Forde, Dr John Casey and Kevin Keaney also having success. The coveted trophy for the largest salmon of the season was won by regular Galway angler, Stephen Cullinane, who landed a magnificent 17lb salmon from Beat 6 on 2nd August. This was the largest salmon landed at Ballynahinch in over 10 years and ranks up there with a 15lb brown trout landed by Stephen from Sna Beg in 2011.
Prospects for 2014
The life cycle of the Ballynahinch grilse, which makes up the majority of our stock, follow a 4 year cycle, meaning that in 2014 the progeny of the 2010 stock will return. In 2010 we registered our largest return to the catchment of grilse since our counter was installed, so are quietly confident of another strong year next season. The fluctuating marine survival witnessed over the past 20 years will also have a great impact on the final return so we are praying that our 2014 grilse, now feeding off the Faroe Islands, will make it back in large numbers next summer.
Fishing Reservations for 2014
The reservations staff are busily accepting requests for fishing bookings for next season. Please contact Martina Kearney ([email protected]) in the reservations office for more information
Great Autumn Accommodation Rates Now Available Please visit our website for some very favourable accommodation packages now available. Visit the link ‘Here’
Ballynahinch Castle,
Recess, Connemara, Co. Galway.
Phone: 095 31006
