Finally water levels have dropped in Galway, and no sooner had the OPW closed 10 sluice gates on the weir than anglers were wetting a line for the first time this season. That well-known expert angler Dave Lenihan was the first to score, landing the first fish of the season the day after the water levels were lowered. The salmon was 8lbs and was taken on shrimp.
Since then there have been 4 further fish landed, with more fish showing in the river every day. Long-time Galway regular Michael Leonard landed a fine 11lbs fish on shrimp, while Fergal Cormican also had an 11lbs fish on spinner. Local expert Sean O’Toole has also landed 2 fish over the last few days, both taken on shrimp, one of 9lbs and the other 10lbs.
With water levels finally at a fishable level, albeit a bit high still for the fly, weather and water temperatures improving and fresh fish being seen every day, fishing prospects are looking much better in Galway for the coming weeks. Hopefully last year’s excellent run of grilse will mean a bumper spring run this year, we can but hope!
