The weather has been much milder this week, with showers in some areas but plenty of dry, bright weather as well. The sunshine has put a smile on many faces, as has the lifting of travel restrictions, and the prospect of better days ahead as the vaccine rollout accelerates. Seeing loved ones again is top of the list for everyone, but not far behind for anglers is the chance to visit favourite fishing venues again. Finally we can do that, while still staying safe and observing Covid safety guidelines for everyone.
The trout lakes would not be the same without an influx of anglers at mayfly time, and I’m sure there were busy piers on many lakes Conn and Cullin have been fishing well despite difficult conditions, and the mayfly has kicked off on Lough Arrow too. Reports from other lakes are hard to come by, but we understand that hatches, and fishing, have been good over the past week. Not all trout anglers are fly anglers, and this time of year can produce excellent quality ferox trout on some of the lakes. Our Catch of the Week this week is this magnificent 78cm trout from Corrib.
River fishing is also hotting up, with trout feeding hard both on nymphs and on the surface as hatches pick up. This week we feature two great videos from Eamon Conway of Táin Flyfishing. The fisrst has some great advice on how to fish the deadly perdigon nymph, while in the second, both dry fly and nymphing techniques are covered.
Sea angling is also picking up as water temperatures increase. There was good boat fishing reported from Donegal Bay, where anglers on the Fiona Tee out of Killybegs had some fine cod, ling and pollack.
The bright conditions and low water in many rivers didn’t suit salmon angling, but Carrowmore Lough in Co. Mayo has again produced excellent fishing. Anecdotal evidence so far is that the spring run has not been prolific, but the average size of fish has been excellent, with a 16lbs fish landed on both the Moy and the Boyne this week. There were also a few landed in the Killarney area, but the best of the river fishing was on the Drowes River, with 15 landed for the week. The Ilen River also saw good fishing after a drop of rain, with 10 fish reported.
Salmon anglers on the River Lee should note that due to Covid restrictions, brown tags for the remainder of the 2021 aseason will continue to be allocated via lottery. Details are here.
Some of the Irish Kayak Anglers enjoyed the return to inter-county travel with a trip to Lough Derg, where they enjoyed prolific sport catching pike and perch on lures.
There were no coarse angling reports, but as clubs and federations prepare for the return to competition angling in June, we expect to hear a lot more on this front shortly.
Go Fishing Week
While Go Fishing Week is over for another year, the many videos and webinars that feature will remain available to view on our YouTube channel.
Other News
As part of a multi national European project, ‘DiadES’, (www.diades.eu, Presentation Video) we are assessing the recreational fishing interest in migratory species (e.g. thin-lipped mullet, smelt and flounder). We have a survey currently underway and anglers are invited to contribute here.
Another survey is focussing on plastic pollution in our waterways, and researchers would very much welcome input from anglers here.
Last Call for 2020 Salmon Logbooks
The return of last year’s salmon licence logbooks has been low. Anglers are reminded that the data collected is vital to the management of salmon stocks, and it is a legal requirement to return your logbook. If you have not done so already, please dig out your logbook and put it in the post!
And now the weather…
It’s been a great week for the plants in the garden, which are loving the warmer temperatures, sunshine and showers to keep them watered. That looks set to continue, with the weather remaining somewhat unsettled. Rain tonight and early tomorrow will be followed by showery weather with spells of sunshine in between. The outlook for the rest of the week is similar, showers and temperatures of 11-14 degrees. So bring your waterproofs, but don’t forget the sunblock, and above all, get out there!
Safe fishing to all and tight lines, especially here in Ireland.
Kevin Crowley
Catch, Photo, Release
If you have an angling story to share with the Irish Angling Update please send it to reports@fisheriesireland.ie.
All the angling news
Salmon Fishing Reports
- Just 3 salmon for the week on Currane
- A nice 16lb salmon on the Boyne but fishing is slow
- New draw for brown tag on the Lee announced
- Some more Salmon reported from the Drowes
- A few salmon from the Flesk, one from the Laune
- Fishing Low and Slow on Blackwater
- Decent salmon and sea trout fishing on the Ilen after rain
- Just a few salmon from the Bandon, more rain needed
- Some good salmonlanded on the Lee, grilse showing too
- Make it two!…another 16lbs. Salmon caught on the Moy!
- Great fishing on Carrowmore continues
- A bit of water in the Owenmore and a few fish running
Trout Fishing Reports
- Loughs Conn & Cullin fishing well despite difficult conditions
- Great fishing on the Nore at the weekend despite wind and rain
- Mayfly kicks off on Arrow
- Mayfly up on Corrib
- Perdigon masterclass with Táin Flyfishing
Pike Fishing Reports
Sea Angling Reports
- Cod, Ling & Pollack for Fiona Tee in Killybegs
- DiadES Ireland – Fishing for ‘less well-known species’ survey
- Sea Angling News – Return To Competition and Great Conservation Video
- Nurse swops frontline for fishing line to catch specimen Shad
