Lough Derravaragh Angling Report By Brenda Montgomery, IFI November 1st – December 8th 2014
Dronore, Derravaragh December 5th 2014
Meteorological winter officially kicks off on December 1st and this was compounded this week by temperatures dropping to under zero and cold North easterly winds sweeping across Derravaragh on some days as the month progressed on.
Lough Derravaragh, sometimes known as Donore lake is a winding and intricate stretch of water, very narrow except at the north end where it widens out to circa 4 kilometres. This lake, best known for its magical connection with the Irish legend of the Children of Lir had a scattering of anglers fishing its waters every week since November with numbers increasing slightly at the weekend. There were good catches of fish particularly pike but perch, hybrids and roach were also recorded.
The southern end of the lake is best for pike particularly around Clinton’s bay and Donore. While a boat offers a distinct advantage the Southern neck of the lake at Crookedwood allows for excellent shore fishing subject to permission from the landowners.
On November 9th the annual Philip Moffatt Memorial pike fishing competition was held on Derravaragh. 16 anglers took part with the cup being won by Killucan man Christy Deesey, second place was taken by Martin Moffatt, Mullingar, third was Seamus Ledwitch, Multyfarnham. This popular pike competition is now in its 20th year and was initiated by Martin Moffatt in memory of his brother Philip who was a fanatical fisherman with an immeasurable love of this lake which stretches over 3000 acres.
The small memorial slab in memory of 3 friends, at Donore, Derravaragh – requiescat in pace
The Derravaragh anglers held their annual Christmas Pike Competition on the lake on November 16th which attracted 17 senior and 3 juvenile anglers. Pat Daley was presented with the Johnny Owens Cup for his achievement.
The Lough Derravaragh Angling Association will be holding their AGM in February 2015 and all are welcome (date to be decided later). This progressive club promotes and encourages angling in the Lough Derravaragh system and assists in the protection of the waters from pollution and illegal fishing with a view to improving wild brown trout stocks within the system. Membership levels for 2014 stand at 46 senior anglers and 13 juveniles. Anyone interested in joining should contact Joe Keena at 086 8722449.
Up-Coming Events
The Derravaragh Anglers will be hosting the Abbot & Tight Lines Brown Trout Competition in March 2015. For further information please contact Joe Keena at 086 8722449
Derravaragh (Crookedwood) at night – December 8th 2014
Tanya Breslin (nee Moffatt) presenting the Philip Moffatt Memorial Cup to winner Christy Deesey, Killucan
Brenda Montgomery IFI
