The Moy system saw its best week of the season so far with over 650 salmon reported. The best of the fishing was again in the tidal section of the river and around and above Foxford town. However, the fisheries along the middle section also reported a slight increase in catch numbers.
On the Ridge Pool , world-class golfer Mark O’Meara fishing together with Sean McManmon enjoyed a great day’s fly fishing with a total of 7 grilse landed, four of which were safely released.
On Wednesday 8th July, John Ryan from Tipperary won the Ballina Salmon Festival Heritage Day Prize for heaviest fish (national angler), while Scottish angler, James Campbell, scooped the trophy for heaviest fish caught by a visiting angler. Both trophies were kindly sponsored by Mayo Shore Angling Club. James caught his five pounder on the Cathedral Beat, while John was successful on the Ridge Pool.
First time salmon angler, Terry Marsh, from the UK will definitely remember his visit to Mount Falcon where he managed to land three fish (all on worm), best at 10 lbs. William McAleese, Scotland, also had three salmon (best at 7 lbs.) but from the Cloongee Fishery and on spinner. Also on Cloongee, Brendan Doyle, Monaghan, caught a 5.5 lbs. fish while spinning.
Further upriver on East Mayo, flyfishing proved to be quite effective. Successful flyanlgers included Gary Clayton, UK, with three fish up to 6 lbs., Alan Micklethwaite with a six pounder and local angler, Billy McGhee, who had a fine 9.5 lbs. salmon. However, other methods such as the worm also produced the goods! Italian visitor, Marco Zago caught 5 fish between 3 and 8 lbs. over two days.
