You don’t need me to tell you that the weather has been incredibly wet recently. The weekend saw some of the worst rain in a week where between 2 and 5 times the normal weekly rainfall fell. The driest parts of the country had more than twice the normal rainfall for the time of year and Gurteen in Tipperary recorded more than 5 times what would normally be expected. Up to 98mm of rain has been recorded at weather stations, and there is still a lot more to fall before the month is done…
Salmon rivers are flooded and angling is not an option at many fisheries. Before the worst of the weather this week there were a 3 springers reported from Delphi, and we’ve heard of another salmon on the Drowes, but there’s not much more to report, other than floods.
There is little to report from the trout scene too. Some anglers braved the conditions on Corrib. Keeping to what shelter they could find some fine trout were met and fish to 7lb were caught and released on a mix of methods, from trolling to wet fly.
There were a few coarse angling clubs that managed to get out on Sunday to fish winter league matches. We have reports from the Erne, Muckno and O’Briensbridge. Floods made it tough going at each venue but some decent fishing was enjoyed by the anglers, all things considered.
Pike anglers were also out at the weekend. Breffne Pike Anglers managed to get some decent fishing at a small Cavan venue and there were a couple of other clubs who were also out around the north east. In the midlands there was good fishing on the Royal Canal. A young French angler had a 92cm pike and fly tactics accounted for a number of other fish at the weekend.
Believe it or not, shore anglers enjoyed near perfect conditions on Sunday. The sunny south east living up to its reputation again! Hectic fishing was enjoyed by Menapia anglers with over 600 fish caught and released. Whiting, dabs, rockling and dogs featured in the catches. Not far away the South Shore anglers also enjoyed fine conditions. The water was coloured but fished well enough with doggies dominating catches.
And now the weather
It wouldn’t bee the weekend without a storm, and so we welcome Jorge. There’s an Orange warning for the west coast, which can expect a lashing. Severe winds expected on Saturday will reach mean speeds of 65 to 80km/h with gusts of 110 to 130km/h, possibly higher in very exposed areas and there’s an elevated risk of coastal flooding. The rest of the country is on a Yellow wind warning and there’s a Yellow rain warning for Munster, Connaught and Donegal. Given the the amount of rain we’ve already had and the severity of the winds forecast, it’s looking like a wild end to February…
Safe fishing to all this weekend and tight lines, especially here in Ireland.
Myles Kelly
Catch, Photo, Release
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All the angling news
Salmon Fishing Reports
- More wind, more rain, more sleet and snow, but no salmon for Currane
- Three salmon so far at Delphi despite gales and high water
- No Springers yet from the Bandon
Trout Fishing Reports
- Derravaragh anglers open for members, Lough Lene competition
- Weather windows in a tough week allow Corrib anglers to meet a few fish.
Coarse Angling Reports
- Paul Eyers wins round 8 of Erne Anglers winter league
- Jacek Janusz wins CM Lakelands Winter Feeder League
- O’Briensbridge flooded but Munster Anglers persevere
Pike Fishing Reports
- Derravaragh anglers open for member, Lough Lene competition
- Decent pike fishing on Royal Canal with fly and lure
