Ronan Murrayreports on a super fishing trip in the Cavan/Monaghan area…
What a trip it’s been for Martin Allington from the UK, Martin landed an astonishing 110 pike for his week with us.
But it wasn’t only a numbers game, there were plenty of bigger fish in the mix with and impressive 30 pike over 90cm. It doesn’t stop there though. Martin landed 17 pike over a meter with the best going 112-113cm. It was just one of those week’s when you could do nothing wrong!
Notes: Irish Pike Fishing Guides is located in Cootehill, Co. Cavan. This location gives easy access to a vast selection of waters, from intimate and ‘hidden’ loughs to the vastness of Lough Muckno and the mighty River Erne. With this range of venues, we can offer a wide variety of angling methods to suit your wishes – and cope with most weather conditions!
Irish International Ronan Murray is one of Ireland’s leading Pike Fishing Guides.
Ronan has represented Ireland twice and has won 2 Gold Medals in International matches against England and has been awarded 15 All-Ireland Team Medals over the years.
With over 5 years full-time guiding experience, Ronan can make your dreams come true with a range of options to suit all disiplines.
Whatever your requirements you can be assured that Ronan can tailor a package for you.
Jonathon O’ Keeffe was in touch to share the news of a fantastic first ever fish caught on Reece O’ Keeffe, age 11. Reece was out on Lough Lene to celebrate his birthday and he did so in style catching a catching a beautiful Rainbow trout.
Also out on the day was Swiss angler Oran Sciboz who caught his first Irish trout.
The boys had a great day catching 4 trout in total.
Niall Butler was in touch with this report from the Erne…
The weather was beautiful but there was a cold Easterly blowing. Both children, Adam and Niamh, wanted complete fishing gear for Christmas and have only been out of a handful of times since. So myself, Niall and mum Michelle took the kids to the mighty Erne for some lure fishing.
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It was a slow start to a beautiful day but first off the mark was Michelle with a lovely jack pike. Then Adam hooked into another Jack pike and a perch which brought a very glad smile to a very happy young man.
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We then moved venues and with that Michelle caught another Jack pike shortly followed by Niamh hooking into a nice little perch making another child extremely happy.
To finish it off Michelle caught the final pike and we decided to call it a day at that. Happy faces all around thankfully.
We have enjoyed some lovely weather this week, with non-stop sunshine and blue skies here in the west of Ireland, and temperatures up to an unseasonable 19C! Met Eireann report that March was mild, dry and sunny, with average temperature 1.4 degrees above the long-term average. Rainfall was just 38% of normal, and sunshine was above average everywhere, particularly in the east. That dry weather has continued into April, with more dry weather in the forecast too. While spate rivers are very low as a result, the dry sunny weather has been good for anglers elsewhere, with sea anglers in particular enjoying the good weather.
A good lucking Ballan Wrasse, but just short of specimen length
Many clubs are well into the competition season now, and the Munster Shore Lesague got off to a great start, with 54 anglers enjoying good fishing at Cheekpoint. Fish of the day went to Jim O’Brien who landed a super 61cm bass on his last cast!
Jim’s fine last cast bass
Galway Bay SAC anglers were put through their paces by a horde of dogfish at Renvyle, where the winner, Kevin O’Hara, had a great catch of 36 fish, and all the competitors were kept busy all night.
David McEvoy reported on some nice fish during March at the Delphi Fishery, including an early fish off Doolough, but low water is making fishing conditions difficult and they will be hoping for a drop of rain. It was another quiet week on Lough Currane, where Vincent Appleby surmises that salmon tariffs are in play!
Coarse
Portumna Coarse Angling Club‘s recent matches are showing some good catches ahead of the popular Portumna April Festival. The club fished the Salmon Run on March 23rd and the top 3 anglers all weighed in over 20lbs.
River trout fishing is really picking up now, with Peter Driver reporting on good fishing from the Nore and Suir for some of his customers. Peter also reportrs on the Oughterard competition on Lough Corrib, where windy conditions made for difficult buzzer fishing.
Our correspondent, Brenda Montgomery, has another fantastic report from Lough Sheelin, where poor weather on Saturday produced the best fishing of the week, with all boats reporting fish. Trout are still taking around rocky shores and headlands, feeding in the shallows, and lures like the minkie were most successful. Check it out here for another great read from our resident wordsmith.
Fine weather made for a great day on the Dodder, where the Dodder Anglers held a family fun day, with IFI staff assisting to show novice anglers how to target the resident trout. Well done to all for a great day on the river!
Artur Sztejno was fishing on Sunday with his son Xavier, using small lures, but after several fruitless hours, Xavier switched to a slightly bigger bait, and was soon into a fantastic trout of 60cm+, a PB for Xavier and a deserved winner of Catch of the Week.
Xavier Sztejno with his Catch of the Week
Pike
Regular Belgian visitors JP and Alain enjoyed a great week at Melview Lodge in Longford, boating 74 pike as well as a nice trout for Alain, his first Irish trout.
The Irish Federation of Pike Anglers held a boat competition on Garadice Lake in Leitrim on Sunday. There were plenty of pike caught throughout the day. Top angler at close of play was well known competition angler Joe McDermott who landed a fine pike of 103cm to take the prize.
Transition Year students Nikita Greidans and Jack Keenahan are working together at Blackwood Bait and Tackle. As part of this school programme they are supplying reports to the Irish Angling Update, and this week, Jack takes us through his setup for deadbait fishing for pike. Give it a read for some great tips.
And now the weather
OVERVIEW: Dry through the period. Plenty of sunshine during the days with temperatures gradually increasing further. Chilly during the nights
A brief interlude in the dry spell today, as patchy rain and drizzle spreads westwards from the east coast, but rainfall amounts will be small and not enough to impact water levels. A return to dry and mostly sunny conditions over the weekend. Highest teps 11-18C, warmest in the west. Light to moderate E/SE breezes, fresher on Saturday. Next week sees the good weather continue. High pressure will continue to dominate our weather for the rest of the working week bringing dry conditions with plenty of sunshine. Temperatures in the mid to high teens.
Kevin Lyons reports again from Longford, where he hosted some Belgian clients who enjoyed their trip.
JP and friend Alain from Belgium were here once again for their first trip of three booked for 2025, they managed a total of 74 pike for the week. There was also an unexpected bonus for Alain while fishing for pike, a nice trout and his first in Ireland. Kevin said , “Well done guys, and we look forward to welcoming them back in August for both some coarse and pike fishing. Thanks again guys, see you later in the year.”
Alain with a nice pikeJean–Pierre with a pike using dead baitsAlain with his first Irish trout
Kevin has over 30 years experience of fishing in Ireland and is happy to offer a guided tour on your arrival, and to advise where the on-form waters in the area are. We can arrange your bait order so it’s here when you arrive. Melview offers free use of 17ft lake boats with engines to our guests (pay fuel only) and Kevin is happy to assist with any pre-baiting requests. Maps and other information regarding fishing are also available.
David McEvoy reports on fishing at Delphi during March.
Conditions for the early part of March were good, again the water was high some of the time but as usual clear and fishable. Despite the presence of some really experienced anglers, it was only on the 8th of March that we landed our 3rd fish. It was just reward for Max Groener who hadn’t landed a fish here in 10 years but managed to do so 10 years to the day and in the exact same pool, the Waterfall again. The fish was taken on a Willie Gunn and was 8lbs.
Alexander Mills followed this up on the 11th, with another fish from the Waterfall, this time on a Collie Dog and weighing approx. 5.5lbs. Karsten Kronborg then had one of approx. 5lbs off the Turn Pool on the 14th on an Allie Shrimp. There was also a double figure fish lost at the net the same day, also in the Turn Pool.
The second half of March saw mostly dry weather, and water levels are now getting quite low. We had another fish taken by Simon Osterberg of approx 7.5lbs off Doolough on a Willie Gunn. Then 2 off Finlough – George Lederle’s fish approx. 7lbs on a Delphi Collie, and Urs had a fish of approx. 6.5lbs on a Willie Gunn. Finally Tomas Ryan landed a fish of approx. 7lbs on a Wolverine. That brings the catch to date to 9 spring fish – overall disappointing, but reflective of the trend elsewhere.
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.
On March 28th Blackwater Trout and Salmon Fishery reported that one of their guests landed the fishery’s second salmon of the season. It was another beautiful springer of 9lbs on the button and safely returned. Another larger fish also lost after a 10 minute battle. River levels at the time was 0.50m at Ballyduff with a water temperature of 9.6°C.
Go fishing…
Guided fishing, clubs, private fisheries etc
Blackwater Salmon and Trout Fishery
Blackwater Salmon and Trout Fishery control a number of beats of the Munster Blackwater.
Blackwater Salmon Fishery has 3 beats downstream of the weir and 2 upstream of the weir. Blackwater Salmon Fishery offers fishing on approximately 5 miles of the river Blackwater. The fishing is spread throughout the middle section of the river to offer good sport throughout the fishing season. Due to the location of the beats, fishing can still usually be offered in low or high water. Contact Glenda Powell: Lismore, Co Waterford, Email:[email protected] Mobile: +353 (0) 872351260 Telephone: +353 (0) 5853929 Web: www.blackwatersalmonfishery.com
Fortwilliam Fishery & Self-Catering Cottages
Fortwilliam Fishery offers two miles of double bank salmon and trout fishing over five beats on the river Blackwater.
Our salmon include – Springers, May Salmon, Grilse, Back End Salmon, and in Summer sea trout.
Our beats provide a wide variety of water, suitable for both beginners and the more experienced fishermen.
Fortwilliam Fishery, Glencairn, Lismore, Co. Waterford, Ireland Web: www.fortwilliamfishing.ieEmail: [email protected] Tel: (00353) 87 8292077 or 058 75299
Careysville Fishery
Careysville Fishery offers some of the best salmon fly fishing in Ireland and includes 26 named pools. It is considered by many to be one of premier beats for salmon fishing in Ireland. Wading is excellent and among the numerous streams, pools and glides there is a great variety of fly fishing to suit both complete novice and challenge the most competent of fly casters.
At Lismore Castle & Golf Course Fishery, we offer nearly two miles of two inter-linked beats, the Castle Beat & the Golf Course Beat.
The legendary Castle Beat consistently ranks as one of the top Salmon beats on the River Blackwater, for the number of Atlantic Salmon caught per rod. The Golf Course Beat offers about 1.5 miles of fishable water through meandering majestic countryside. The Golf Course beat offers a number of bewildering pools suitable for unmatched spinning and bait fishing.
For bookings contact Joe Willoughby on Mobile no. 00353 87 8295449 or Email: [email protected]
We provide Day Tickets for some prime Salmon fishing in Mallow Co. Cork. We have excellent fly water, shrimping worming and spinning also. We also have very competitive Day rates and we have very recently upgraded our fishing.
Tickets available from “The Bridge House” and “Vincent Downes Menswear” Mallow.
Located on the Munster Blackwater in the south of Ireland. Situated mid river between the towns of Fermoy and Mallow. A productive left bank beat in stunning surroundings.
For bookings contact Conor Arnold: +353 87 755 4682
For details on availability and conditions of fishing for salmon and trout on the Longueville House waters please contact them at Contact : Longueville House Hotel, William O’Callaghan Address : Mallow, Co. Cork. Telephone : 00 353 22 47156 Email:[email protected] Website: www.longuevillehouse.ie
Artur Sztejno was fishing on Sunday with his son Xavier. their plan was to fish small lures, 6-9 cm. Unfortunately, this didn’t workout and 4 hours of casting from their drifting boat proved fruitless.
After midday, Xavier decided to switch tactics. He opted for a larger 12cm lure in sea trout colour, and to stop casting in favour of trolling to find an area where trout could be found.
On the way to what looked like a promising spot where the water shelved from 15 to 30 feet there was an “atomic” strike and, boom!, he was in.
Xavier Sztejno holding up his new PB wild brown trout of 60cm plus
Xavier did a great joy of playing the fish to the boat. A powerful, fighter of a trout and when measured came in at over 60cm. His new PB. After a photo or two the fish was safely released and swam off strongly.
Vincent Appleby is back again this week reporting from Lough Currane…
March 26, 2025. The patience of Currane anglers is being tested, influenced by the decreasing water levels. Regarding the weather forecast, the wind is variable, ranging from gentle to moderate SSE, S, SSW, and S. For yesterday’s weather data, the recorded rainfall was 0.7mm, the maximum air temperature reached 12.6°C, and there were 3 hours and 8 minutes of sunshine.
On March 27, 2025, the Currane anglers experienced no activity in all areas, which aligns with the previous day’s observations on water levels. Regarding the weather, there is minimal rainfall predicted, as indicated on Met Eireann’s Currane weather chart. Today’s weather featured fresh to strong winds from the SSW, shifting to SW and WSW, with an average wind speed of 33km/h and gusts up to 54km/h, along with occasional overcast conditions. Yesterday’s weather included 0.1mm of rainfall, a maximum air temperature of 12.8°C, and 0.4 minutes of sunshine.
March 28th, 2025. Similar patterns were observed with respect to the activities of Currane anglers. If you have been following my reports, it becomes evident why Currane anglers exhibit commendable patience. The wind was fresh from the Northwest, occasionally shifting to the Northeast, accompanied by intermittent showers and reasonable cloud cover. Regarding yesterday’s weather, there was 6.7mm of rainfall, the maximum air temperature reached 12.3°C, there was no sunshine recorded, and wind gusts ranged from 35 km/h to 65 km/h.
March 29th, 2025. Seven Currane boats were active, though no reports of any catch-and-release salmon were received. Weather conditions included variable winds which were fresh from the SSW, veering to SW, W, and WNW, with overcast skies throughout the day. On the previous day, the recorded rainfall was 0.8mm, the maximum air temperature reached 10.6°C, and there were 7 hours and 9 minutes of sunshine.
On March 30, 2025. Seven boats were on Currane Lake, and reports indicated a quiet day for all anglers. The wind was light to gentle and varied from WNW, W, WSW to SW, WSW, accompanied by substantial cloud cover. The previous day’s weather recorded 4.8mm of rainfall, a maximum air temperature of 12.2°C, and only 0.1 minutes of sunshine.
On March 31, 2025. Six Currane boats were out on the water. Unfortunately, there were no catches to report on this bright and sunny day. As we look ahead, it is worth noting that tomorrow marks the implementation of President Trump’s tariffs, coinciding with April Fool’s Day. Currane anglers have faced salmon tariffs since January 17, and it is hoped that these tariffs will be lifted tomorrow. The weather conditions included a gentle to moderate SSE variable wind. Yesterday’s weather data indicated no rainfall, a maximum air temperature of 13.6°C, and 0.4 minutes of sunshine.
On April 1, 2025. Four Currane boats navigated the rough waters of Lough Currane under bright and sunny conditions. Unfortunately, wild Salmon tariffs remain in effect on this April Fool’s Day. The wind was fresh to strong from the Southeast with minimal cloud cover. The previous day’s weather recorded 0.1mm of rainfall, a maximum air temperature of 16.5°C, and 10 hours and 6 minutes of sunshine.
Sunset at Waterville on the Butler Pool
On April 2, 2025. Three Currane boats were on Lough Currane, but no Wild Atlantic Salmon were caught. The weather at Currane was variable with moderate winds from the East, Southeast, and East-Southeast, occasionally becoming fresh with strong gusts ranging from 35km/h to 50km/h. The previous day’s weather included no rainfall, a maximum air temperature of 16.2°C, and 12 hours of sunshine.
Inland Fisheries Ireland wishes to remind anglers that the Conservation of Sea Trout (No.7 or Kerry District) Waterville Area Bye-Law No. 971 of 2019 remains in effect. This Bye-law prohibits the retention and possession of any sea trout (Salmo trutta L.) taken by any fishing engine or by rod and line in the Waterville area i.e. that part of the sea eastward of a line drawn from the most westerly point of Bolus Head to the most westerly point of Lamb’s Head and to all the waters discharging in to it.
The Bye-Law mainly affects seatrout fishing on :-
the river Inny (Knockmoyle) and its tributaries
the waters of the Waterville system, including the Waterville River, Lough Currane, the Cummeragh River and all their tributary rivers and lakes
For more information on the daily conditions, all the craic and news be sure to check out Vincent Appleby’s Salmon and Sea Trout blog for regular reports with back dates, petitions, public consultation notices, readers letters and videos and more of what’s happening on Currane.
Notes: Located at Lakelands House Bed and Breakfast and Self Catering Accommodation, on Ireland’s best sea trout lake, Lough Currane. Frank is a professional angling guide and boatman.
Sea angling can be arranged with local operators.
Boat Hire
Boats for hire. All boats and engines are moored on the farm, 300 metres from the house, with easy access from the road with car park and boat shed.
Notes: Having ghillied on Lough Currane for over 30 years Vincent is a great choice for those looking for a guided service or flyfishing instruction on the Lake. All ages are catered for and even experienced anglers will benefit from the watercraft and fly-lore unique to Lough Currane. All tackle is provided and accommodation can be organised if required.
Had a most enjoyable 2 Days with returning Angler and friend of AAWC John Bent at the weekend. John comes from a coarse fishing background and was keen for another crack at the hard fighting West Cork Mullet.
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We divided our time between surface floater and feeder fishing, depending on the tides and weather conditions, during a short spell of calm and mostly fine weather. We had all the drama of hits and misses on the surface and some pretty tough feeder fishing possibly due to spawning activity, along with dropping water levels at one location and despite a day of torrential rain shortly before.
I look forward to doing it all again soon!
Go fishing…
Contact me now to arrange your 2025 Guided Trip or Workshop –- Mullet, Pollock, Bass, Wrasse, Fly or Lure, Kayak or Shore, plus Junior Coarse Fishing.– [email protected]
David has been lure then fly fishing since the mid noughties with some of the best guides and anglers in Ireland and abroad.
Kayak fishing by lure & fly now takes him and his guiding guests beyond the shore to target Pollock, Bass or Wrasse with the chance of other species such as Codling, Coalfish, Mackerel or Garfish.
Shore fishing at night is also a very special experience.
Boat Hire
Salmon and Sea-Trout fishing Guide
