It’s been a pretty wet week. Parts of the country recorded between 1½ to nearly 4 times their average weekly rainfalls for the time of year. Southwestern and western counties were especially wet. In the northwest Claremorris recorded 63mm of rainfall, 365% of its normal. The wet weather is due to continue for another week, bringing hope to those systems that have yet to see water levels improve…
The recent rain has seen some river levels rise and there have been some great reports of salmon fishing circulating in the west and north west. Some of the Donegal rivers are getting a run of salmon as is the Moy, and Galway Fishery. The south west also saw a good bit of rain and fishing has much improved. The Munster Blackwater was slower to respond to the rain, though levels came up a couple of feet yesterday. Unfortunately water levels have dropped back about 18 inches already.
Not much to report from the the trout angling scene. There is plenty of fly hatching on Sheelin. Millions of caenis and caddis created clouds of fly at times, but the trout have been difficult to tempt and the shifting weather conditions were not much help.
There is not much else to report from the freshwater scene. With coarse angling competitions suspended we’ve not heard much from those out pleasure fishing. Though there are some good tench to be had at this time of year, and at least two anglers have been enjoying what Cavan has to offer in that regard.
We have some sea angling reports in from the east coast where super smoothhound and tope fishing is being enjoyed by charter boat anglers fishing out of Wicklow. On the west coast there have been some good reports from Galway as boats there return to the water. In general we are hearing that there is some good cod fishing to be had by boat anglers.
We are all still operating under the Covid-19 restrictions which is limiting our movements around the country. We urge anglers to adhere to all government guidelines relating to Covid-19 in the hope that we can continue our path towards recovery. IFI is continuing to review the government advice as it comes out and publishing a roadmap for return to the water which gives guidelines on what anglers can expect at each stage of our recovery.
Many charter boat skippers, angling guides and guesthouses will have gaps in their schedules over the coming months due to cancellations from foreign tourists so this year could be a good year to get out there and take advantage of their angling knowledge and sample some of the best fishing Ireland has to offer. IFI have a list of charter boats and angling guides on their website and, as restrictions relax over the coming weeks, now would be a good time to make an enquiry.
A reminder to sea anglers – as part of the Irish Marine Recreational Angling Survey, IFI in consultation with stakeholders have developed a behaviour and attitude questionnaire to inform about the state of sea angling in Ireland. If you consider yourself a sea angler, regardless of your level of ability or enthusiasm, we would love to hear from you.
And now the weather…
Warm today but getting cooler as the breeze picks up. Showery rain in most areas tonight with some heavy and possibly thundery bursts. Frequent showers tomorrow, merging into longer spells of rain at times, with some heavy bursts, especially in parts of the west and north of the country. Winds mostly moderate and westerly in direction but increasing fresh to strong at times along coasts. Highest temperatures between 14 and 17 degrees. Scattered showers on Sunday with moderate westerly winds. Current indications suggest our weather will continue changeable with rain or showers at times, but dry interludes will occur too. Temperatures close to average or slightly below. That’s good fishing weather!
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
- Perfect conditions on the Owenmore in Kerry
- Low water stops salmon running Munster Blackwater
- West Cork rivers seeing some salmon run
- A dozen salmon to 14lb on the Bandon last week
- Low water on the Lee but some salmon being caught
- Few salmon reported from Currane despite small rise in water
- Excellent fishing reported on Carrowmore last week
