Shane Gallagher from the Drowes Salmon Fishery reports:
As we enter our 12th week of unprecedented winter flood conditions the the gauge is still topping 1 metre. The rain and wind remain relentless with only occasional days of respite when spring seems imminent. Last Tuesday was one such day when temperatures rose in spring sunshine and John Parkinson recorded his first springer of the season. The 8lbs fish took a Rapala at the Stoppage, between the old Sea Pool and the Point of the Meadow. The rest of the week was quiet and the end of the week was particularly wet and stormy and water levels rose further making conditions over the weekend difficult. A number of fish were reported lost over the weekend, including one lost at the net on the third attempt on a butch special toby.

Paul Mc Causland and Colin Gardiner With Their Fish From The Mill Pool and Sand Hole Respectively.
Paul Mc Causland and Colin Gardiner With Their Fish From The Mill Pool and Sand Hole Respectively.

Colin Gardiner’s Fish at a Very Flooded Sand Hole Monday.
Colin Gardiner’s Fish at a Very Flooded Sand Hole Monday.

The sheer volume of water in the current conditions means that when playing a fish, in many pools, the fish has the upper hand. Today, Monday Paul Mc Causland had a fish of around 7lbs on worm from the Mill Pool after an epic battle and Colin Gardiner recorded a fish of similar size on a Firetiger Rapala from the Sand Hole. This morning started off dry and bright, before turning very wet and windy in the afternoon with plunging temperatures and driving rain. Not pleasant fishing conditions for spinning never mind fly fishing. Despite the very high water and stormy weather there does seem to be a few springers about which is encouraging at this stage of the season.
Paul Mc Causland With His Fish on Monday.
Paul Mc Causland With His Fish on Monday.

More wet and windy weather is in store for the rest of the week so there seems little prospect of a significant drop in water levels for the weekend. There is a glimmer of hope in the long term forecast for an improvement in the weather from early March.
Licence Returns
Licences and log books received after Friday 28th February will not have their catch returns included in the salmon ans sea trout catch statistics for 2013, so it is vital if you have not already done so to return licence and log books ASAP. Returns can be posted to:
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Station Road
Ballyshannon
Co. Donegal

Make a booking

Shane Gallagher
Drowes Salmon Fishery

Thomas’ Pool From The Left Bank.
Thomas’ Pool From The Left Bank.

T: +353 (0) 71 98 41055
M: +353 (0) 87 8050806
http://www.drowessalmonfishery.ie/reports/