Just 3 weeks to go until the start of the 2015 salmon season on the River Drowes. There has been no shortage of rain ensuring good winter levels. Gillaroo spawning has been prodigious this season by all indications while salmon spawning has yet to get underway in earnest as the fish continue to pair off and jockey for position.
The salmon catch statistics for 2013 have been published by Inland Fisheries Ireland. The full report can be downloaded from salmon and sea trout report 2013
The total rod and line salmon catch for the river Drowes for 2013 was 904. Of which 590 were retained and 314 were released. Of these, 279 were multi sea winter fish, caught in the period 1st January to 31st May. Of these spring fish, 193 were retained while 86 were released. 625 one sea winter fish, or grilse were recorded in the period 1st June to 30th September. Of these 398 were retained and 228 were released. The peak months for catches were June and July. Fly, again accounted for the largest number of fish with 36%, followed by spinner, 25%, prawn/shrimp 19%, worm 15% and other 5%.
The TAC, Total Allowable Catch for the Drowes for 2015 has been set at 2739.
River Leannan
Some excellent news for early spring fishers is the announcement that the River Leannan will be open on a catch and release basis from January 1st. Hopefully this will be the first step in restoring what must be potentially, one of Europe’s pre-eminent early spring rivers, back to its rightful place.
Knock the priest on the head bring a camera instead
There are little changes to announce ahead of the new season. Permit prices for the Drowes remain unchanged for 2015 at €25 for a day permit and €300 for a season permit. Fishing commences at 8.30am on Opening Day. The tackle shop will be open from 6am on New Year’s morning and from 8.30am on preceding mornings.
A GoPro Action Camera will again be on offer for the first caught and released spring salmon from the fishery of 2015 as part of the “Knock the priest on the head bring a camera instead” initiative.
There is an article on the fishery in the current (December) issue of Trout & Salmon magazine. Thanks again to Chris Mc Cully, Gardiner Mitchell and Denis O’ Toole for making it possible.
Shane Gallagher
Drowes Salmon Fishery
T: +353 (0) 71 98 41055
M: +353 (0) 87 8050806
http://www.drowessalmonfishery.ie/reports/
Make a booking
For info/bookings etc on the Drowes Fishery & Lough Melvin see http://www.drowessalmonfishery.com/ or Tel: 071 9841055 (8am to 12 noon).
