Mean air temperatures across Ireland over the past week were generally average or slightly below for the time of year and, as we head for the second half of October, a noticeable sign of the change of seasons is the plummeting air temperature. There is now a definite chill in the nighttime air, as the mercury sinks to low single digits. Falling air temperatures also means falling water temperatures and this can bring a change of guard on the fishing front, as we will soon start to see fewer warm water species around our coasts and an increase in those that prefer cooler water.

The cooler temperatures and longer nights also prompt our salmonids to start thinking about the next generation, with trout spawning generally taking place in Ireland between November – January and salmon in December and January. These annual spawning cycles are the very reason that we have a closed season for trout and salmon fishing and our final handful of late season fisheries closed this week on October 12th.

Sheelin gold for Almha McDonnell

It looked like the season was going to fizzle out on Lough Sheelin, as the going had been tough in recent weeks, but a late flurry of activity in the end of season hotspots brought some super fish sliding to the net in the final few days there. Lough O’Flynn saved the best for last, with their Last Cast fishing competition fishing surprisingly well despite the wet, blustery conditions there. Trophy winner John Burke doesn’t want to put his rods away yet, as he claimed top spot for the second time in a month. Further south in Waterville, the season did fizzle out in the end, with few fish caught in the closing days of what was another mixed fishing season for Currane.

Super 107cm fly-caught pike for Gerald

For many multi-talented anglers, as the salmonid season draws to a close, the pike season starts. Now is when the game fishing gear takes the place of the pike gear in the tackle shed. True to form, the pike fishing can be very good in October, and regular visitor Gerald from Austria landed some cracking pike on the fly in Roscommon. Not quite as experienced, but just as keen, was youngster Padraig who got his very own PB in County Clare – he wins our Catch of the Week this week! In Cork, Butzelhaeschen showed his experience by topping a field of 18 anglers in his 21st Lough Allua Pike Challenge. If any competition pike anglers are looking for some action, Tulla and District Angling Club are inviting all pike anglers to the John Punch Memorial which will be fished on October 30th from 11:30am to 4:30pm on Lough Graney.

Padraig’s pike

On the coast, the Killybegs Anglers have been prolific as ever, with good catches of flounder and bass from local beaches. Out in the bay, the Bluefin fishing was frantic and frenzied for the Fiona Tee, with missed strikes, spectacular hook ups, fish spitting hooks, crazy bait balls and even a good fish or two brought alongside, all keeping the crew on their toes. In Galway Bay, the relentless winds have caused problems for the Brazen Hussy II, as skipper john Fleming would like to track down a Bluefin or two himself; however, the cod and pollock fishing has been pretty good for his crews when they could get out.

Pollack

From our seas to overseas now, as we have a couple of reports from Irish teams who participated in international events this week. Firstly, commiserations to the Predator Lure Team who finished 15th at the FIPSed World Boat Angling Championships held on the Slapy Reservoir in the Czech Republic. The team were disadvantaged compared to their competitors but will hope to learn from their experiences for future events.

Predator Team Ireland L-R Jacek Gorny, Tomasz Kurman (Mgr), Simon Gibson, Steven Powell, David Dennis, Andrew Powell

On a more positive note, congratulations to Michael Buchwalder who took the individual silver medal at the 11th FIPSed Feeder Fishing World Championship for Nations; Michael is the first ever medal winner in this discipline for Ireland. Team Ireland had a strong second day to finish 6th overall, so this is a massive achievement all round and a really positive year for Irish coarse angling following Charlie Richards gold medal at youth level.

Feeder Team Ireland L-R Front James O’Doherty, Michael Buchwalder, Rimantas Kondrackas, Tony Hopkins, Brenton Sweeney (Manager). Rear Charlie Richards, Johnny Mckinley
Michael celebrates with Team Manager Brenton

To wrap up – if you have landed a specimen fish this year and wish to claim a specimen award, please get your forms in before October 31st, and if you fished for salmon or sea trout in 2022 please return your logbooks.

And now the weather

Heavy showers will move into western coastal counties overnight Friday with the potential for some thunderstorms and hail, tracking eastwards across the country in fresh breezes. Lows of 3°C to 7°C.

Saturday will see frequent heavy and potentially thundery showers, mainly in the west  but becoming widespread elsewhere during the day as strong south/southwest winds develop, but turning drier overnight. Feeling cool with temps of 9°C to 13°C in the day, 3°C to 7°C overnight.

A dry and bright start to Sunday, but cloud will build from the south bringing outbreaks of heavy rain nationwide. Daytime highs of 10°C to 14°C, lows to 6°C overnight. Monday and Tuesday will be milder, with highs to 15°C or 16°C.

Safe fishing to all and tight lines, especially here in Ireland. If you’re heading to the coast, don’t forget to check the tides.

IFI Staff
Catch, Photo, Release

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