They do say ‘in like a lion and out like a lamb’ about the month of March and, so far this March, the proverb remains true to form. The last week has definitely been in the ‘lamb’ category compared with the orange and yellow wind warnings that came before it. Dry settled weather is set to continue until the middle of next week – and many fish and anglers alike prefer settled weather – so do make the most of it and get fishing if you can.
The storm before the calm brought good surf for the Killybegs Mariners, who made the most of the opportunity to target surf loving Donegal bass. Some nice catches of mixed species also featured for anglers fishing more sheltered areas around the harbour.
Salmon are still running in good numbers and, in Leenane, the young Gavin brothers and their cousin Mollie caught a fine 6lbs 12oz ranched salmon from Delphi; a St. Patrick’s Day memory to cherish and hopefully the first of many salmon for the youngsters. On the Moy, the third fish of the year was landed in Ballina, while further north, the Drowes is still producing the goods for local anglers where more fresh fish were caught.
In the south west, there were a handful of salmon caught on the Lee, where the first reported fish was landed on March 11th. There are also plenty of fish showing on the Blackwater for the time of year, although anglers are scarce. The Bandon and the Bride are yet to report a fish, while over on Currane, the anglers put their brown tags back in their bags as another week passed without any silver.
Trout season finally began on many of our rivers on St. Patrick’s Day, with long-frustrated anglers availing of the good weather to take to the riverbank. The King’s River in Kilkenny was one such river just waiting to be fished and it didn’t disappoint.
Trout fishing has also been good on the Munster Blackwater and on the River Bride, where small fish are plentiful and willing to cooperate.
On the loughs, some duckfly have started to hatch and the slight increase in temperatures will spur them on. We have one report from Lough Conn, where trout have been tempted by Dabblers and Minkies, but only when the weather allowed the anglers out. A super 5lbs fish was also caught on Lough Gara in Sligo earlier in the month by Darren O’Brien.
Anglers are advised that under the current Level 5 Covid 19 restrictions the Cork stocked trout lakes due to reopen 1st April will remain closed until further notice. The Kerry lakes, due to reopen 1st May will also remain closed if current restrictions continue.
In other news…
Inland Fisheries Ireland have launched the ‘Why I love to fish’ video competition as part of Go Fishing Week 2021. We want you to submit a short video of your fishing adventures and to tell us what fishing means to you. Entries are welcome from individuals or groups, fishing clubs, youth clubs, centres and projects are all invited to take part.
The competition is open to everyone over 18 years of age. If your video includes anyone aged under 16 years of age, only a parent/guardian may submit the content. The overall winner will receive fishing tackle to the value of €100 and there will also be prizes for runners up and special categories.
The closing date for entries to ‘Why I love to fish’ is Friday, 9th of April 2021. For more information on the competition and how to apply please visit www.fisheriesireland.ie/lovefishing.
For information on Go Fishing Week 2021 and how to get involved visit www.fisheriesireland.ie/gofishingweek.”
And now the weather…
The next few days will see some settled weather, remaining dull but mainly dry with highs of 10°C to 13°C and overnight lows of 3°C to 6°C with light breezes. There will be patchy drizzle in some parts, mainly in the west, around our coasts or on higher ground, and some mist will form in near calm conditions. This pattern should remain until Tuesday of next week when the wind will strengthen, followed by more unsettled weather with rain due to arrive midweek.
Safe fishing to all and tight lines, especially here in Ireland.
Paul O’Reilly
Catch, Photo, Release
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All the angling news
Salmon Fishing Reports
- Drowes dropping nicely
- River Moy Angling Report Week ending 14/03/21
- First salmon reported from Cork’s River Lee
- Young local rods make us all jealous at Delphi
- Winds ease and lake settles, but no salmon from Currane
- First reported Foyle fish of 2021
Trout Fishing Reports
- Long wait is over for King’s River trout
- Lough Conn Angling Report Week ending 14/03/21
- SW Stocked Trout Lakes – Closed
- Lough Gara trout for Darren
Sea Angling Reports
Other News
