Fishery manager David McEvoy reports on the fishing fat Delphi for the month of February…
Back up and Running, and 4 for February
Well, it’s hard to believe that we’re already five weeks into the new fishing season. February is a month that I really enjoy here at Delphi as now and again there is a slight hint of Spring in the air and before you know it, you’re back in Mid-Winter and the depths of snow. From an angling perspective I personally love it, as fishing is carried out on a much more leisurely basis and there’s always a chance of that elusive Springer.
Elusive, they were as we finished up the month with 4 landed. Rainfall amounted to 246.2mms(9.69”), so conditions throughout were near perfect, with 74 being the highest and 35 being the lowest water levels recorded. Temperature wise, it was February like, some bloody cold days and some absolutely beautiful days. Most of the rain fell during nighttime hours, which made for some stunning conditions in beautiful sunshine. Fishing pressure was high with 109 rod days out of a possible 116, with some really experienced anglers thrown in for good measure.
First fish of the season was taken by Tomas Ryan from Cong on the 11th, from Duck Run on a Willie Gunn. The fish weighed in at approx. 15lbs and was indeed a cracker to start the season with. This is the second time a member of the Cong Angling Club has landed the first Delphi salmon, with Jurgen Mantel doing so on the 3rd of February 2022, with the exact same fly. With the river being full all the time, we ourselves tried the Stream on Finlough, given the right conditions. Ideally this time of year that would be in the middle hours of the day and if there’s sunshine and a breeze blowing upstream, all the better, as it brings a little kindness and nature into the day.
Our second fish was landed on the 20th by myself. Conditions were perfect and the fish was approx. 9lbs and took a Delphi Collie.
The following day, the 21st Angus Sutherland repeated the feat, again landing a fish of 9lbs on a Delphi Collie. The fourth fish on the 24th, was again in the Stream, taken by myself on a Delphi Collie, weighing 11lbs. It is indeed unusual to have more fish off Finlough in February than off the River, but with the high water throughout, there was nothing to slow them down in the River. There wasn’t an awful lot more activity there, with only two fish definitely lost and one or two others seen. Having said that fish rarely show with us at this time of year.
The February total was slightly below our 10 year average but it’s great to be back up and running again and meeting old friends and welcoming new ones! Thank you all for your support and we look forward to seeing you all again during the season.
Go fishing…
At Delphi Lodge, with many years of experience with the timing of the best runs of fish, we have in place a price system that offers both great value fishing and lets our anglers know when they have the best chance to catch a fresh run spring salmon or a summer grilse or Delphi sea trout.
Delphi Fishery
Delphi Lodge, Leenane, Co. Galway.
Tel: +353 (0)95-42222 Fax +353-95-42296
Web: www.delphilodge.ie
