Fishery Inspector Kevin Crowley reports from Galway:
In common with salmon fisheries around the country, the spring salmon fishing in Galway has been disappointing, but over the last 2 weeks grilse have been showing up in increasing numbers. Water levels have remained stable at 2 sluice gates open on the weir, enabling flyfishing to be practiced over the whole length of the beat.
There were 24 fish landed for the opening 10 days of the month, with most being grilse taken on shrimp. Annie Taylor (UK) had a nice 8lbs salmon on shrimp. John Mugan from Moycullen had a 4lbs grilse on shrimp, while Donegal man Paul Gallagher had a good day, taking fish of 8lbs and 6lbs on shrimp. Fellow Donegal man Martin Marmion took a fine 8.5lbs salmon on shrimp, while Aidan Spooner from Clare landed 2 grilse to 4lbs on shrimp. Northern Ireland visitor Jim Adamson landed a 4.5lbs fish on shrimp, while Clare angler Fergus Glynn fished the fly and landed a nice 4lbs fish. Frank O’Hara from Laois also landed a 4lbs grilse on fly, as dis Athenry angler Declan Tuffy (released), while Roscommon man Marcus Kennedy took a 7-pounder on spinner, and finally Brian King from Limerick landed a 7lbs fish on shrimp.
With grilse appearing on the tide every day and moving upstream, and water levels set to drop further with settled weather, fishing prospects are quite good for the coming weeks.
Kevin Crowley
Inspector
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Iascach Intíre Éireann
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Teach Breac, Earl’s Island, Galway, Ireland