Conditions are now very low on the River Moy, as Ballina celebrates its Annual Salmon Festival. Over 550 salmon were recorded for the week, with catches reported from throughout the system. Despite the low conditions, fresh grilse are moving daily, although they seem reluctant to settle in large numbers in the lower river fisheries. Fish have been taken on all methods throughout the week.
The Moy Fishery had 54 salmon for the week, 39 of those from the Ridge Pool and 9 from the Cathedral Beat. On the Ridge Pool, Henri Tromelin, France had one of 9lbs on the fly with Yannick Tromelin landing one of 5.5lbs and Paul Ashworth, England, also scoring with one of 6.5lbs. Among those to land fish off the Cathedral Beat was Geraldine Ashworth, U.K. who had one of 4lbs on a spinner.
The Ballina Salmon Anglers’ water had 71, although catches were less plentiful towards the end of the week. At Mount Falcon 9 were landed while the Knockmore and Attymass waters’ also produced reasonably good numbers.
Byrne’s, Armstrong’s and Gannon’s fisheries all enjoyed a good week while at the Foxford Fishery 55 were caught including two of 7lbs and 10lbs for Paul Mally, Co. Meath, taken on a spinner. Rinnaney and the Foxford Town waters all yielded good numbers and at Cloongee, 45 were recorded.
Geoff Belcher, U.K. landed two at Cloongee, while Michael Timlin, U.K., had three, his best 5.5lbs caught on the worm. East Mayo once again had a very good week, recording 120 salmon, 37 of them being released. Garrett Ruigrock, Co Dublin enjoyed a great week with 8 salmon on the East Mayo water, releasing 6 of those. Ronnie Morris, N.Ireland, also had success, with one of 8lbs on fly.
