Well it was a mild and relatively dry winter, but the Atlantic certainly made up for that over the last week with torrential rain and high winds at times, and water levels have risen in most areas. Some rivers are in flood, while some are benefiting from the extra water, particularly the Drowes, where 7 spring salmon were taken for the week. The conditions made for tough fishing on Lough Currane, where fresh fish were in short supply. On the Bandon and the Laune, floods need to recede a bit more for anglers to have a chance.
Anglers on Corrib were thin on the ground (or water!) last week, with heavy rain and cold temperatures putting many off, although an improvement this week should see more activity. Despite the conditions, anglers who did venture out encountered some great trout, both on the troll and flyfishing. Despite the inclement weather, Waterford City Anglers had fantastic sport on Saturday, where it took 18 trout on Carrigavantry to win a competition. Further north, Lough Sheelin opened on the 1st, and Gina Tanczos from Hungary opened the lake’s account with a beautiful trout, which is our Catch of the Week.
Rising water levels have impacted on pike angling, and much smaller bags than usual were reported from the final qualifier of the National Pike Championships, which was won by Paul McCarthy with 7 fish for just under 15lbs.
Sea anglers are a hardy bunch, and the weather didnt deter anglers aboard Kit Dunne’s boat out of Wicklow on Saturday, with 10 specimen spurdog already caught by 11am! Shore anglers in Cork also enjoyed some sport, with the West Cork anglers venturing east to Ballinwilling for a competition and recording some nice fish, including a good painted ray for Danny O’Riordan.
The forecast for the coming week is much more spring-like, with temperatures getting milder, even into the mid-teens Celsius, and while some rain is forecast, not as much as last week and water levels should continue to moderate.
Safe fishing to all and tight lines, especially here in Ireland.
Kevin Crowley
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Headlines
Salmon angling reports
- Currane bedevilled by windy weather
- Seven salmon from Drowes last week, Melvin quiet
- Laune in flood, anglers wait for levels to fall
- Flood on Bandon over weekend, better conditions to come
Trout angling reports
- Over 8m of trout wins Carrigavantry Cup
- High water levels don’t deter the trout on Corrib
- Gina gets first trout of the season on Sheelin
Coarse angling reports
Pike angling reports
- Predator anglers fish World Shore Qualifiers on the Cusher
- Mostly jacks at final National Pike Championships qualifier
- Lough Key pike fly competition is won to Mark
Sea angling reports
- Wicklow Boat Charters spurred on to success
- Tough fishing at Kilgore for Menapia anglers
- Shore angling possible around Galway city despite floods
- West Cork anglers make most of the fishing at east Cork venue
- Tough conditions restrict kayak angling in southwest
Other reports
- Pairs Species Hunt to support Irish Ladies Shore Team
- International Coarse Fishing Festival 2017, Lanesborough
- Anglers’ Preferences for Fishing Site Attributes
- Ken Whelan and Jason O Riordan Angling Courses 2107
News clippings
- EU backs investigation into climate change on fish and shellfish in Irish Sea, Irish independent
- Michael Viney: The fish disappearing from Irish waters, Irish Times
- Broadening angling’s appeal in Killinarden, Irish Times
- Lime leak leads to fish kill in the Vartry, Wickow People
- THE LAST CAST: First salmon caught in Cork, Leitrim Observer
- Minister puts spotlight on pike threat to pearl mussel, Connacht Tribune
