Home Salmon fishing reports Drought conditions make for tough fishing on the Moy

Drought conditions make for tough fishing on the Moy

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James Cosgrove from Cloghans releasing a nice springer from the River Deel

Declan Cooke reports

The Moy Fishery beats in Ballina have remained closed to anglers during the Covid-19 crisis but will be re-opening on 8 June on a restricted basis. Anglers residing within a 20km radius of Ballina will be allowed to book and fish on the famous beats (Ridge Pool, Cathedral Beat etc.) with social distancing and travel regulations being rigorously enforced.

As a result, catch records for the Moy are well outside the expected ranges with club and private waters gradually trying to get back to normal operations and the bulk of this year’s grilse run yet to move into the river. The prolonged drought of spring and early summer has also taken it’s toll on salmon fishing with the exceptionally low water levels restricting runs into the river and presenting difficulties for both outward migrating smolts and the returning adults. Last week, just 3 fish were reported from the East Mayo Anglers’ fishery. This beat usually provides the best fishing on the Moy in the late spring /early summer period but conditions are anything but ideal for salmon angling as we desperately wait for rain.

Just upstream of the Moy Fishery is the Ballina Anglers Association water. During these drought conditions, the best of the salmon angling is usually to be had in the lower reaches of the river. With the tidal beats still closed, the Ballina Association water appears to be offering the best prospects for local salmon anglers and 9 fish were reported from this beat over the last week. All were grilse in the 3 – 5 lbs range.

A small number of salmon have also been reported from Lough Conn and the lower end of the River Deel.

James Cosgrove from Cloghans releasing a nice springer from the River Deel

How’s the river doing? Check the Ridge Pool Webcam

 

For more about the River Moy and its fisheries, including prices and maps see – https://www.fishinginireland.info/salmon/northwest/river_moy_system.htm