Blackwater Lodge is looking forward to the opening of the salmon season on the Munster Blackwater this Saturday, February 1st, 2014. Unfortunately the forecast is not good. Ian Powell reports on the current conditions and likely levels for the weekend…

If current conditions continued, the river could be in moderately good order as it was beginning to clear on WEdnesday evening the level was starting to fall more quickly.

However, the ground has been completely saturated for weeks, so little rain is needed to bring the level up again. Unfortunately, it looks as if the weather could be against us as yet another depression is heading towards us from across the Atlantic. Met Eireann forecasts a severe storm (Status Orange Warning) with  25 to 40 mm of rain expected in Munster…

water levels
This was the river below the Lodge on January 29th. at 10.45am.
The Ballyduff gauge height was 2.06m. It had fallen a further 25 cm by 20.00

Prospects

If we do get the amount of rain which looks to be forecast, then we will probably be flooded off the river for Saturday’s Opening. At best, the river will probably only be in heavy spinning order, unless of course our request for just one small miracle is granted.

With all the high water and the mild temperatures, there is a very good chance that the spring run is coming in, so the first springer could be landed rather soon.

Ian Powell
Blackwater Lodge

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Blackwater Lodge & Salmon Fishery
Upper Ballyduff, Co. Waterford.
Tel: 00 353 58 60235     From UK: 0871 474 0135  (10p/min any time!)
Mobile: 00 353 87 235 21 20
E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ireland-salmon-fishing.net