Catch Photo Release

Normally we open with a word on the weather but this time we’re taking the opportunity to promote our catch and release initiative – #CPRsavesfish. This campaign highlights angling and the importance of conservation. The hashtag #CPRsavesfish has been placed at a number of bridges and other locations across the country to engage the public around the pursuit of conservation focused angling.  CPR angling is proven to contribute to the maintenance of healthy fish stocks and helps to ensure future generations will continue to enjoy the sport we love so much. If you share a catch and release photo on social media please use the #CPRsavesfish to help promote the message.

Bright conditions and dropping water levels saw salmon anglers struggle at a number of fisheries. Rains improved the fortunes of some but in general it was not easy work. There were over 300 fish caught on the Moy; an impressive number given the conditions. Grilse are continuing to run despite low water conditions at rivers in Leitrim, Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kerry and Cork. The rain that has been forecast should see salmon angling improve considerably over the weekend.

Stephen Turner of Athlone is a big trout specialist who concentrates his efforts on Lough Ree. Stephen recently caught two smashing trout; 13lb and 17lb. Both fish were released after a photo – #CPRsavesfish. In general though it’s been a quiet time for trout anglers.

Lough Muckno has been a hive of activity and the quality of the angling justifies the number of events that are taking place on the lake. Over the weekend Steve Harwood won the IADA One Day Open, Neil Mallinson won the Garda Open and the July Festival is currently underway. Venues along the River Shannon from Lanesborough to Portumna are all reporting good coarse angling as are some canal venues.

Pike anglers are reporting good fishing on those ever reliable fisheries – the River Suck and Lough Derg. Summer piking can be very exciting, especially when fish are taking top water lures, but anglers are reminded to give the fish they catch plenty of time to recover as the warm conditions can take a toll on these predators.

As exciting as summer piking is there is probably little that compares to seeing a fish of 100lbs or more throw itself 12 feet in the air during a fight. Mako shark are famous for this but not something Irish anglers can expect to catch. But Henry Kelly fishing on the Silver Dawn did catch a Mako at the weekend, the shark did leap during the fight, and this incredible fish wins Catch of the Week.

Henry Kelly with this Mako
Henry Kelly with his Mako – Catch of the Week winner
#CPRsavesfish

Blue sharks and porbeagles were reported from a number of charter fishing centres around the country and big tope were landed at Wicklow.

Inland Fisheries Ireland will launch a Funding Call for 2017 on Wednesday, 9th August 2017. The funding call, which forms part of Inland Fisheries Ireland’s National Strategy for Angling Development, will include the following funding streams:

For more information see fisheriesireland.ie/funding

As we go to press there is a rainfall warning in place for Galway, Mayo, Clare and Kerry. The outlook is for changeable, unsettled conditions over the weekend. Showers, drizzle, mist, rain and sunny spells. The windy conditions we are experiencing now should ease over the next couple of days.  It’s shaping up to be a good weekend for anglers…

Safe fishing to all and tight lines, especially here in Ireland.

Myles Kelly
Catch, Photo, Release

If you have an angling story to share with the Irish Angling Update please send it to [email protected].

Headlines

Salmon fishing reports

Trout fishing reports

Coarse angling reports

Pike angling reports

Sea angling reports

Other news

News clippings