In the end last week was all about rain. Average rainfall was 2 to 4 times more than normal. The ground is totally sodden, the rivers and lakes are full and every extra drop that falls is rolling over the wet ground and going straight into the waterways. Not ideal for angling…
Despite all that there was some big news this week. A couple of more rivers opened on February 1st and Delphi marked their opening day with a couple spring fish including the first salmon to be released this year. We also heard reports of fish from the Laune and Flesk in Kerry as January drew to a close but none yet from Currane or any of the Donegal rivers. Unfortunately the floods on the Munster Blackwater meant no fish there either. On the subject of salmon angling, we want to remind all the salmon anglers who have not yet returned their logbooks from last season to please get them into us; the information is key to work on conserving salmon.
First Catch and Release salmon of 2021 – Delphi Fishery
Pike angling also features this week and Siggy Latour of Tir na Spideoga on the shores of Lough Allua was out on the lake last week. She was rewarded with some great fishing which was crowned by pike of 101cm.
A new season opens shortly on Corrib, and this year anglers will have a new option for accommodation, boat hire and guiding, with the opening of Birchall Guesthouse on the western shore of the lough. Good luck to all involved, it’s great to hear of success stories for the angling sector after the year we’ve had.
Lockdown news
As the days get longer more and more anglers will be thinking of starting their own season. Just a reminder that the lockdown has been extended until March 5th. Angling is permitted as exercise once you stay within your 5km area and adhere to all other public health advice. We outline what the implications are for anglers here.
And now the weather…
Saturday, will be mostly cloudy, with just a few bright or sunny intervals. Further scattered showers in Leinster and east Ulster. Mainly dry further west. It will be cold with highest afternoon temperatures of 4°C to 7°C, and light to moderate north to northeast breezes. Sunday will be a similar sort of day and again dry for the most part. After that the outlook is for the weather to be bitterly cold and wintry into next week. The Beast from the East is back, but will his bite be worse than his bark?
Safe fishing to all and tight lines, especially here in Ireland.
Myles Kelly
Catch, Photo, Release
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All the angling news
Salmon Fishing Reports
- Another quiet week on Currane as anglers wait for a salmon
- Red Letter Opening Day At Delphi Despite Lack of Guests
- Floods spoil opening day on the Munster Blackwater
- Look and Learn: 3 knots for salmon anglers with Noel Fitzmaurice
- Did you apply for a River Lee brown tag? Draw results here
- Look and learn: Choosing a salmon fly for the Blackwater with Noel Fitzmaurice
