Fishery manager Jim Stafford reports on fishing for the week to the 25th August, which started with a big spate of 1.7m on the 20th/21st – levels then dropped back to 0.82m on the 23rd.  Heavy showers increased levels back up to 1.0m on the morning of the 25th. Fish continued to run through the counter throughout the week.

Good fishing continued for Anthony Holden and John McCullough, both from Dublin, who caught another 6 fish.  Anthony caught 2 grilse on a Cascade in the Sea Pool and Gauge Pool on Beat 9.  John caught another grilse on an Orange Shrimp in Yellow Banks on Beat 5 – John also returned a nice sea trout of 2lbs.  John then finished up with another 2 in Doyle’s Pool on Beat 6 on a Silver Rat and Orange Shrimp, and another one from Poleen on Beat 4.

Mario Sanz, Germany, caught his first ever Atlantic salmon on a Black Shrimp pattern in the General’s Reach on Beat 9 and also caught a sea trout in Yellow Banks on Beat 5.  Rudy Djuinhoven from the Netherlands caught a sea trout in Yellow Banks.

The Otter Pool on Beat 7 produced a grilse for Bertrand Gautier, France.   Philip Harte, Ireland, caught a grilse and a nice sea trout on a Stoat’s Tail on Beat 6.

Dirk Odemann, Hamburg, Germany released a fish estimated at 6lbs which he caught on a Cascade in Yellow Banks on Beat 5, and was unfortunate to part company with another 3 grilse.  Fishing the Bridge Pool on Beat 9 a Gold Head Cascade produced a fresh run fish of 7lbs for Jeremy Abgrall, France – the fish was returned to the water.  Nick Fenton (NI) caught one in the Colonel’s Pool on Beat 6.

Once again Neil Spellacy’s good fortune continued on Beat 5 with 3 salmon. best estimated at 8lbs and a sea trout – Neil retained one fish and released the other two – all fish were caught on a Black Shrimp pattern.  Fishing the Erriff for the first time and all the way from the Orkney Isles in Scotland Mike Sutherland caught 3 grilse – 2 from the Colonel’s and another from Humps & Hollows – all fish were taken on a Stoat’s Tail. Stuart Topp, also from Orkney, released one estimated at 5lbs and lost another very big fish taken on a micro Cascade in Black Banks on Beat 6.

The total catch for the week was 19 salmon (of which 13 were released) and 7 sea trout.

To book fishing or accommodation at Aasleagh Lodge, contact Jim at +353 95 42252, or check www.aasleaghlodge.ie for details.