Gerry Merrick provides a report from the Ballisodare Fishery – 22nd July 2026
Fishery Closed for the past two weeks
The last two weeks at Ballisodare Fishery have been enormously stressful for salmon due to extremely high water temperatures in both the river and the estuary, generally exceeding 23 deg.C, with readings over 25.0 recorded on occasion. However, dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels remained high, over 100% Sat and generally over 9 mg/L. Levels of under 70% are lethal for salmon, so we had a comfortable margin in that respect.
Sample readings from our portable sondes:
Our fixed and portable sondes continue to play a vital role in allowing the Club to make informed decisions based on timely and accurate data.
Mortalities
Unfortunately, some mortalities were also recorded; the vast majority of those recovered had signs of predator marks. Seals are posing a major problem this season, with young seals killing many salmon for sport and not even bothering to eat them in many cases. Prior to angling ceasing, one visiting angler from Wales, having hooked three salmon, all of which were confiscated by seals.
Water Quality Analyst / Science Officer.
On a more positive note, Ballisodare Fishing Club is excited to welcome Dr. Finnian Hartnett in the role of Water Quality Analyst / Science Officer.
Finnian will play a key function in supporting Ballisodare Fishing Club CLG’s environmental, conservation and community-focused programmes.
This role will involve helping to deliver projects that improve, restore and maintain the rivers and water sources of the Ballisodare Catchment for the benefit of the local community, the protection of the environment, and the conservation of wild salmon and other aquatic life.
