While the Galway Fishery is closed again due to the current hot weather, it did open for the few weeks since the last heatwave in late May, and the grilse run has started in the River Corrib. Water levels remained high, with 3-4 gates open for most of the last few weeks, making wading and fishing difficult and impacting on angling effort and catches.
Among the anglers to meet fish were Thomas Falconer, with a lovely 9lbs springer on shrimp, and Brian O’Rourke, with a 6lbs grilse also on shrimp. Michael Griffin landed 2 grilse of 5 and 5.5lbs, and local angler Sean O’Toole had 2 fish to 6.5lbs.
Joseph Martin ha da nice 6lbs grilse on fly, and John Ryan a half pound better, also on fly. John had a better fish on fly a few days later – 7.8lbs – while Jim Ryan had 2 grilse to 6.5lbs on fly. Davey Hoy from Northern Ireland had a 5.5lbs grilse on fly, and Conor Kinahan had a fine 7.5lbs grilse on shrimp. A good number of other anglers had single fish.
While catches are down due to conditions, good numbers of salmon have been reported upstream, from Cong, Clare River and on the lake. Also of note is the good condition of the grilse this year, well-fed fish with very few under 5lbs.
The fishery is now closed with water temperatures above 20C, even with 2 gates open, and given today’s forecast of air temps in excess of 30C and possibly breaking records, it may be a good few days before the water cools sufficiently to allow the fishery to reopen.
Go Fishing
To enquire about availability, contact the fishery at 091 562388 or email galwayfishery@fisheriesireland.ie
