T
he older I get, the stranger the weather seems to get. When I was in school, the summer months were May, June and July, and it seemed we always had some decent summer weather by the time the summer solstice rolled around. Now it appears the meteorologists define summer as June to August, and the weather of late, with the longest day occurring yesterday, makes it feel like summer is only coming, but the evenings will already be drawing in. While we have had some nice days, the northerly airflow over the last week has kept temperatures decidedly below average, or so it feels! A bit of heat and settled weather would be very welcome. And a petition to move the summer solstice a month later!
Salmon angling has picked up significantly in Galway, with 82 fish to the rod so far in June, mostly on the fly, with the ever popular classic Stoats Tail proving very effective. The Moy saw a big increase in catches, with 227 fish reported for last week, and finally some good fishing for the lower river, where the Moy Fishery saw 32 fish landed.
Angling effort on the Munster Blackwater is well down on other years, but fishing is slowly improving, with the best fishing on the beats downstream of Fermoy. After a few grilse were caught last week, Lough Currane saw quieter sport this week, while a few salmon were reported from Killarney, both from the Flesk and the lakes.
Northerly winds have made for difficult conditions on the Moy Estuary, but Judd Ruane reports a good head of sea trout in the outer estuary, with good numbers caught on calmer days.
All quiet on the western front – with the mayfly finished the great western lakes are a lot quieter this month – but river fishing for browns is proving very good in places. Peter Driver reports excellent evening fishing on the Nore, with trout taking freely and small upwinged olive patterns proving irresistible.
Keith McDonnell also had a great session recently, taking advantage of a fall of spent mayflies to enjoy some cracking fishing, landing wild browns of incredible size – to find out just how big, read the story here…
Further south, Dave Edwards of West Cork Charters reported an encounter with a monster porgeagle estimated at 400lbs, but they failed to hook up. They did, however, hook plenty of other fish, with the pick of the bunch being Bert McGregor’s specimen coalfish (his 50th specimen!) which wins our Catch of the Week. Well done Bert!
RIP
On a sad note, there was tragic news yesterday of an angler dying after falling from rocks in Co. Donegal. We express our sincere condolences to the man’s family and friends. Without speculating on the incident, we would appeal to anglers fishing rock marks to be extra cautious, particularly in wet or inclement weather which can make rocks marks very slippery. Check the weather and tides, don’t go near the water if there is a swell, and do wear a personal flotation device such as a lifejacket. Let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to return too.
In other news
Inland Fisheries Ireland calls all sea anglers to participate in the 2024 IMREC Survey. The Irish Marine Recreational Angling (IMREC) Diary was launched in 2021 to help monitor recreational catches of marine species in our waters. A primary aim of the project is to collect data that will help all stakeholders to better manage, conserve and protect the fisheries resource, thereby providing benefits for recreational sea angling in Ireland and supporting those small businesses involved in the sea angling sector.
And now the weather…
Cloudy with outbreaks of rain continuing to spread eastwards over the country this afternoon, with occasionally heavier bursts. A clearance to sunny spells and isolated showers will follow from the west later today.
On Saturday, cloudy conditions in the west will gradually extend eastwards through the morning and early afternoon with patchy light rain and drizzle. Brighter and drier intervals will spread from the west during the evening. Highest temperatures 16 to 21 degrees in light to moderate southwesterly winds.
Sunny spells on Sunday and staying mainly dry. Highest temperatures 18 to 23 degrees in mostly light southwesterly or variable breezes.
A warm day on Monday with sunny spells. A few showers will likely develop in the afternoon. Highest temperatures 20 to 24 degrees generally in light southerly breezes.
Tuesday will be slightly cooler with temperatures of 18 to 21 degrees with light winds. There are likely to be some heavy showers, merging to longer spells of rain in the west.
The further outlook through the midweek period is for unsettled conditions with rain or showers at times and temperatures around normal for the time of year.
Don’t forget to check the forecast before heading off and if you’re going to sea, check the tides.
Safe fishing to all and tight lines, especially here in Ireland.
IFI Staff
Catch, Photo, Release
If you have an angling story to share with the Irish Angling Update please send it to reports@fisheriesireland.ie and don’t forget that all of our fishing reports are available on our dedicated Angling Ireland Facebook page.
All the angling news
Salmon Fishing Reports
- Salmon catches up significantly on the River Moy
- Difficult fishing on the Moy Estuary but calmer days produce good numbers of sea trout
- Sport improves in Galway with grilse arriving in numbers
- Salmon angling slowly improving but not many fishing on Munster Blackwater
- Another few salmon from the Killarney lakes last week
- Some grilse on Currane last week but quiet so far this week
Trout Fishing Reports
- Keith McDonnell makes an Impact on big river browns
- Ireland on the fly: Dublin’s River Dodder, an incredible story of regrowth
- Anglers getting good trout to 2.5lb on Lough O’Flynn
- Poor hatches and poor evening rise on the Bride
- Would you Belize it! A wet day on the Maigue
- Great evening fishing on the Nore – Piscari-Fly Update
Coarse Angling Reports
- Good fishing reported at Portumna as new bridge opens
- Drumkearry fishes well in Cm Lakelands FeederKing qualifier
Pike Fishing Reports
- 2024 Lure Team Ireland Qualifiers fished on Upper Erne
- Six pike over one meter for Martin and Michael in Boyle!
