All eyes to the South East – 15 Salmon in two days – The beautiful Slaney rewarded it’s anglers. On a cold St Patrick’s Day the river provided great sport for its loyal fishermen.  1″ copper tubes on fast sinking tips were the choice of the day. And our choice of the week for ‘Catch of the Week’ goes to this majestic river.

Both Delphi and the Drowes were praying for rain with the water levels low at the start of last weekend. Believe me, looking out the window right now I can see their prayers have been answered. Not only has God sent the rain today but he coupled it with gusts of wind that would skin a donkey! Some beautiful fresh springers did show up at Delphi and on the Drowes Fergal Hanley had a lovely deep 16.5lbs Fish on a Copper Toby from Peter’s Reeds on St Patricks Day.

In a departure from tradition this week Catch of the Week goes to a river and not an angler – The Slaney had a great opening day earlier this week
In a departure from tradition this week Catch of the Week goes to a river and not an angler – The Slaney had a great opening day earlier this week

March 18th saw Carrowmore lake Bangor Erris reporting it’s first Salmon of 2013 with Gary Lloyd from Westport hooking an 8lb fish on a Green Peter. Also with their first salmon are the North Kerry anglers on Saturday. The 8lb fish fell to a rough tied bastard fly at the “Joinings”. While in neighbouring Co Cork at Inniscarra Salmon fishery, Paul Hanley caught a fine 17lb Salmon earlier this week.
The Moy has moved onto it’s third and fourth salmon of the season, both were caught last weekend. An impressive 13lbs and an 11lb salmon both using a worm. Two springers on the fly were reported by the Munster Blackwater and tell us that the fish are moving slowly through the system.

It was brilliant to see the great turn out of young anglers for the opening day on the Tolka river. About 80 anglers participated on this well stocked trout river. Seán Halpin aged 6 from Corduff was one of these. This experienced young man (he has been fishing since he was 3 years old !!) was thrilled to have caught his first fish. He was presented with a rod and reel by Josie Mahon, Dublin Angling Initiative, sponsored by Millard Brothers.

Slightly older than Seán was guide Sidney Kennedy who had 8 pike in three hours on the Lee system and all to the fly. One pike weighing 25lb 4ozs fell to a frog hopper lure, which worked perfectly with the frogs spawning.

The weather for the weekend gives Friday night as being very cold and windy over Ulster and North Leinster, perhaps with some sleet and snow showers and a strong East to Southeast wind. Saturday sees little change with South Leinster and Munster seeing some rain.

Tight lines,
Nancy Hearne
Catch, Photo, Release

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