With a total of 68 salmon, anglers on the Ballisodare Fishery enjoyed their best week of the season so far. Most fish were released and averaged 7 lbs. The majority of the fish were again caught on the fly and worm, with some anglers trying the prawn at the falls.
A group of visiting anglers from Spain were particularly successful landing a total of 14 salmon up to 10 lbs. Other notable catches included a fine 13 pounder for flyangler, Denis Crawley, a 10 lbs. salmon for Hubert Henry (also on fly) and a nice brace of salmon for John Connolly weighing 7 and 10 lbs. (one released). Juvenile angler, Owen Cushnahan, also did very well, catching two fish of 4 lbs. and 6 lbs. on worm.
Cascades and Cascade variants seemed to be the best working flies for the week.
Newport House reported some catches for their guests. On the Newport River, Cathal Hoban had an 8.5 lbs. fish, while Niall Berwick caught and released two salmon of approx. 7 and 11 lbs.
Lough Beltra also produced some salmon during the week. Amongst the successful anglers were Richard McDowell, David Nevin, Martin Hughes and Ian Conn who all had nice fish between 8 and 11 lbs. Manfred Bunzel, Germany, also scored on Lough Beltra with a grilse of 6 lbs.
Best flies for the week were Beltra Badger as well as various Shrimp and Cascade patterns. With the recent rise in water levels, prospects for the coming days are looking good.
To book fishing on Beltra West and the Newport River contact Newport House at +353 (0)98 41222 or visit www.newporthouse.ie. To fish Lough Beltra East please visit www.loughbeltra.com.
Elaine Waterworth with a lovely Moy Estuary sea trout
The Moy had its best week of the season, so far, with a reported catch of 197 salmon. However, it was a difficult week for anglers as water levels fluctuated for most of the time. Conditions improved towards the weekend and as a result most fisheries, particularly in the middle and upper part of the river, recorded some good catches.
The Coolcronan Fishery produced its first two salmon of the season. Harald Retsch, Germany, and Patrick Doherty, Northern Ireland, had fish of 8 lbs. and 10 lbs. respectively. Both salmon were taken on worm. Byrne’s also reported the first fish of the season, a 6 pounder on worm for Roy Buckley. On Armstrong’s, John Keane, Northern Ireland, landed a 10 pounder on worm, while local angler, Padraic O’Boyle, had a cracking 17 lbs. springer on Gannon’s while spinning. Sam McConnell, Northern Ireland, was successful on the Foxford Fishery, where he caught a 9 lbs. salmon on spinner.
A proud John Ellis, UK, displaying his 9 lbs. Moy salmon
On Rinanney, Stephen Scott, Scotland, and Eric Stalsman, Belgium, were amongst the lucky anglers catching 2 salmon each averaging over 10 lbs. All four fish were taken on worm. German anglers, Sebastian Merkofer, Markus Ulmer and Michael Döbele, all had fish ranging from 7 lbs. to 10 lbs., while UK visitor, John Ellis also got a fine 9 lbs. fish on the Foxford Salmon anglers water.
Upstream of Foxford, on The Cloongee Fishery, Jürgen Kettlitz, Germany, had 3 salmon between 7 and 8 lbs., all on worm, while French visitors, Mathieu Pilorge and Andre Rolland had a 9 pounder each on spinner.
Anglers also enjoyed good fishing on the East Mayo Association water (www.eastmayoanglers.com). Amongst the successful anglers were a group of flyanlgers from Co. Meath. Simon Cassidy, John Maloney and Noel Padden all had great sport on the fly catching fish around the 9 lbs. mark.
Moy Estuary
Strong North winds restricted fishing for most of the week on the Moy Estuary. However, Judd Ruane, skipper of the Pegasus, reported 17 sea trout over two days for his clients.
Elaine Waterworth with a lovely Moy Estuary sea trout
To book a day’s sea trout fishing visit www.fishingireland.ie or contact Judd on +353 (0)87 6736969.
Michel Allonsius of France caught a fine 7 lbs 5 ozs Sea Trout on the fly
Fishing from one the Waterville Boats, [email protected], Mr. Michel Allonsius of France caught a fine 7 lbs 5 ozs Sea Trout on the fly. Now we head upstream to the Commeragh, an angler fishing on his own caught 2 Salmon in the 6 to 7 lbs class. Wind NNE fresh with showers and very cold.
24/5/14 Mr. Markus Kruse of Germany, caught two fine Salmon on the fly, 7 ½ lbs. and 12 ½ lbs, fishing the Soutside with gillie MD. Mr. Jan Timmerman fishing with his Gillie Mr. Frank Donnelly of www.lakelandshouse.com caught a fine Salmon on the troll, in the 7 lbs class.
Mr. Sean Smith of the UK and Waterville, caught a cracker of a Sea Trout on the fly, weighing in at 6 lbs 15 ozs. As always Sean was fishing with his Gillie Mr. Neil O’Shea of www.oshealoughcurrane.com Wind NE and overcast with showers and very cold. Cold or not, if your out there you can still catch my Noble Game fish in these difficult conditions.
25/5/14 Malcolm caught a fine 9 ½ lbs. Salmon on the troll, while fishing with his gillie Mr. Sion Brain of www.kbfishingireland.com and fishing out of www.lakelandshouse.com and just for the record they also lost a Salmon in the 9 lbs class.. Wind N light with reasonable cloud cover.
26/5/14 Mr. Dermot Wynne of Dundalk, fishing with his Gillie Mr. Eric Jouen of Waterville Boats, [email protected], caught a cracker of a Sea trout of 6 ¾ lbs on the fly. Mr. Arthur White of the UK, caught and released a fine Sea Trout in the 6 lbs class, while fishing with his Gillie Mr. Bob Priestly.
Arthur Photo taken by Bob Priestly
Now we cut across the lake to the Southside, Gillie Mr. Frank Donnelly of www.lakelandshouse.com and his clients, caught 2 fine Sea Trout on the troll ranging from 2 lbs. up to 2 ½ lbs. and in Franks hired out Boat department, Mr. Malcolm Capper and Mr. Neil Thomas of the UK, caught 2 fine Sea Trout on the drift ranging from 2 lbs up to 3 lbs. Wind, what wind was there wouldn’t have blown a candle out.
27/5/14 Straight to the Salmon/Grilse department, all the headlines go to Mr. Pierre Loyer from Paris France,who caught a fine 6 ¾ lbs, Salmon on the troll, while fishing with his Gillie MD and he kept his PHD. Now we head for the Sea Trout fly department, Mr. Harry Feeney, caught a fine 3 lbs Sea Trout on the fly while fishing with his Gillie Mr. Dominic McGillicuddy of www.fishingwithdom.com
Pierre Loyer from Paris France,who caught a fine 6 ¾ lbs, Salmon on the troll
Now we cut across to the Southside and the hired out boat fly department of www.lakelandshouse.com Mr. Malcolm Capper and Mr. Neil Thomas of the UK, caught two Sea Trout ranging from 2 lbs up to 3 lbs. Staying in Franks Hired out Boat department, Mr. Dara Touhy of Dublin, caught a fine 3 lbs Sea Trout. Now we head upstream to the upper Lakes, Guests fishing on Lough Derriana, with their Gillie Mr. Frank Donnelly of www.lakelandshouse.com caught 4 Brown Trout up to 2 lbs. Wind SE light to fresh with good cloud cover.
28/5/14 Lough Currane was on the quiet side in all departments, with bright sunshine and hardly a cloud in site, at least we anglers have a reasonable excuse for not Procuring my Noble Game Fish. Wind WNW light.
That is your ration for the week on Lough Currane, from your Gillie and the Waterville Fishery, no spin no fly’s just facts. Vincent Appleby
The rivers and lakes of Waterville drain a large catchment and are regarded by many as the foremost Salmon and Sea-Trout fishery in the country. The lake system is well developed with access to boats and guides being readily available to the tourist angler. The Sea-Trout caught here are renowned for their size and quantity. For more details see Waterville lakes and rivers system
Mike wishes they all could be Californian... Mary and her prizes catch.
Mike Flanagan reports on a pike trip for American clients
California couple Mary and Allyn Degram were finishing up their 2 weeks holiday in Ireland, and contacted me about trying to catch their first Irish Pike. They drifted into town for a two-night stay before heading back to Dublin and flying home to California.
Thats a take. California couple Allyn and Mary with super pike.
Allyn is a very keen shooter and angler so we really got on well, and I even brought him back down to Springfield to check out my working dogs.
Mike wishes they all could be Californian… Mary and her prizes catch.
We had a super day talking fishing and shooting, and got some magical pike to take the bait. I believe out photographs are catching on in Livermore, California as I E- mailed a few scenic shots from the Midlands. Allyn is retiring next year, and high on his list is a return visit to Ireland.
Midlands Angling provide a top class Guiding service covering many of the top coarse and game waters across the Midlands. Visiting fly anglers have landed some fine trout while out with Midland Angling Guides, pike anglers also recorded some net bursting catches including many pike over 20lbs. Top waters include Lough Ree, Ennell, Owel, Lene, Mount Dalton, and Glore Lake just to mention a few. Michael Flanagan Midland Angling
Pike and Trout angling guide.
Lough Owel is the venue for this years International fly fishing Championships, which started yesterday, Wednesday May 28th . Over 3 days teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England will venture out on Owel, and some super trout will be caught.
ohn Collinson and his super Owel trout.
The lake is fishing quite well and last week Belfast angler who was staying in Mullingar for a few days caught up with some lovely Owel trout. John Collinson has fished the Western lakes, plus the likes of Sheelin, but it was his first trip on Owel. John was very impressed with the fishing on Owel, and a return trip is planned.
Midlands Angling provide a top class Guiding service covering many of the top coarse and game waters across the Midlands. Visiting fly anglers have landed some fine trout while out with Midland Angling Guides, pike anglers also recorded some net bursting catches including many pike over 20lbs. Top waters include Lough Ree, Ennell, Owel, Lene, Mount Dalton, and Glore Lake just to mention a few. Michael Flanagan Midland Angling
Pike and Trout angling guide.
Dooner on song on Ennell. Ollie dooner pictured with Rex
> Beaumont Cup.
Michael Flanagan, angling guide and reporter, reports that last Sunday May 25th Lough Ennell Anglers fished their first club competition. It was a magical day with nice hatches of Welshman Buttons, and the odd May Fly having a few trout on the feed. Plus we had the added bonus of some live music from the concert at Belvedere.
John Tyrrell finished 2nd in rex Beaumont Cup on EnnellRex beaumont Cup winner Ollie Dooner fishing partner > Tommy Dufy and Ennell chairman David O, Malley pictured.Dooner on song on Ennell. Ollie dooner pictured with Rex Beaumont Cup.
The Ennell trout were certainly moving to the beat and 13 fish were caught on the day, plus many undersize fish caught and returned. Ollie Dooner took top rod and picked up the Rex Beaumont Cup with a trout of 2.454lbs, 2nd place was John Tyrrell with 2.336lbs, 3rd Mick Flanagan 2.320lbs, and 4th Sean Goulding 2.156lbs.Presentation took place at Whitebridge Bay with David O, Malley Chairman of L.E.T.P.A. presenting the winners with their prizes. Ennell Anglers will be back in action on July 25th when we fish the Jimmy Nea Cup. It’s a Friday and the Peter fishing will be in full swing. Fishing is from 7pm-11pm.More on this in the coming weeks.
Midlands Angling provide a top class Guiding service covering many of the top coarse and game waters across the Midlands. Visiting fly anglers have landed some fine trout while out with Midland Angling Guides, pike anglers also recorded some net bursting catches including many pike over 20lbs. Top waters include Lough Ree, Ennell, Owel, Lene, Mount Dalton, and Glore Lake just to mention a few. Michael Flanagan Midland Angling
Pike and Trout angling guide.
An Tóstal was inaugurated in 1953 to depict the varied aspects of Irish life and culture throughout the country of Ireland. Drumshanbo in County Leitrim has the distinction of being the only place that An Tóstal has continued to run every year since 1953 and angling still has a place on the schedule of events…
Fishing Competition
Senior and Junior Classes
Sunday June 1st
Trophies and Prizes
Alternating deflectors on a drained stretch of the Owengarve
So far there has been a very positive reaction to the international survey being undertaken by Australian researcher Craig Copeland. Ireland has provided over 200 responses so far but the more points of view he has to work with the better his study on anglers opinions of the importance of habitat will be. So please take a few minutes to take part in this initiative and have your say… https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FishersandHabitat
And everyone who takes part is in the draw for some great prizes. Alternating deflectors and bankside fencing on a drained stretch of the Owengarve
All about the survey
Great fishing is about the prospect of lots of quality fish while spending time enjoying the outdoors. Quality fish come from healthy populations enjoying good water, plenty of food and access to habitat. When we have dams, denuded riverbanks, culverts, dredged gravel beds and poor water quality we don’t have healthy fish and we certainly don’t have great fishing experiences.
That is why Inland Fisheries Ireland is working to improve fish habitats. It’s a simple equation: the more quality fish habitat, the more quality fishing you will be able to enjoy.
Improving fish habitats involves all of us and we need your help. To improve what we do, we would like to know more about you, what you know and what you think about habitat.
We are taking part in an international survey with counterparts in the USA, UK and Australia. The survey should take no more than 5 minutes and is available by clicking here. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FishersandHabitat
All the information is anonymous and not related to your email address. We are pleased to offer prizes:
€300 tackle voucher
10 IFI measuring mats
10 copies of Brown Trout in Ireland
10 copies of Channels and Challenges
There’s a link at the end of the survey that takes you a separate, unlinked page where you can enter the draw for these great prizes.
Thanks for helping making our fishing better!
Joining in on the dawn chorus Saturday morning paid off with a sparkling, stocky grilse of about 5lbs on the fly. Its great to see these entering the system now, along with some good sized springers. The best fish I heard of at the weekend tipped the scales at 11lbs.
Once again and it is without doubt my favourite salmon fly, especially for fresh fish. Dressed in sizes to suit the water level you wont go far wrong with one tied to the end of your leader. When I started fishing with the standard cascade I couldn’t conjur a pull but when I acquired a dressing which included the fluoro green trigger point there was no looking back.
Hand lining, as the fly was coming to the end of its swing across the main current, induced this fish to take with conviction. It pays to always retrieve a few yards of line before recasting as it just might inspire a following fish to pounce. Keeping the fish in the water while being unhooked made sure it swam away with gusto.
Grilse, especially the early fish, don’t take their time in ascending the river even when the water is low. Whilst having a quick flick with a spinner on Sunday a host of trout followed the flying c to my feet and next cast it was a grilse which had just entered the pool. Unfortunately it showed no more interest but walking back upstream I could see the same fish slowly creeping its way up at a leisurely pace.
The photo above is of a similar sized, very fresh salmon I observed last year in a lower volume of water just downstream of Dunmanway, approximately 35 miles upstream from where the river enters the sea. It will be very interesting to see how the fishing develops with the next rise in water levels!
