David Reid with his 18lbs 4oz fish from the Wash Stones on prawn on Thursday.
Drowes Fishery manager Shane Gallagher reports on the last few days on the River…
The water level has dropped to 0.54 metres on the gauge in brilliant April sunshine. The weather may be a little bright for fishing but the rise in temperatures, hatches of olives and duckfly and the arrival of swallows and the cuckoo are most welcome after a long wet winter. Fishing remains slow for the time of year but there have been some nice fish in the mid to high teens reported both caught and lost.
David Reid with his 18lbs 4oz fish from the Wash Stones on prawn on Thursday.Richard Todd with his fish from the Island Pool on fly.
Among the fish reported over the past week were, Peter Zahnd who had a fish from the Eel Weir on the 9th and a second fish the next day from the Nursery, both on rapala, David Reid who had an 18lbs 4oz fish from the Wash Stones on shrimp on the 10th, Richard Todd had a 5lbs fish on fly from the Island Pool and Lawrence Mc Manus had a 5.5lbs fish on worm from Brineys, both on the 11th, Billy Grimes had a 7lbs fish on prawn from the Old Sea Pool yesterday and Kevin Burke had a 10lbs fish from the Black Hole on a flying c at lunchtime today.
Lawrence Mc Manus with his fish from Brineys on worm.
Quite a few fish, including some good double figure fish have also been reported lost, including one from the Island Pool this morning. The weather forecast is for continued dry, warm and settled conditions for the rest of the week and over the Easter weekend. Water levels are good but the current bright conditions are not ideal for fishing.
Dave Lenihan, Salthill with the first salmon of the season from the Galway Weir
Finally water levels have dropped in Galway, and no sooner had the OPW closed 10 sluice gates on the weir than anglers were wetting a line for the first time this season. That well-known expert angler Dave Lenihan was the first to score, landing the first fish of the season the day after the water levels were lowered. The salmon was 8lbs and was taken on shrimp.
Since then there have been 4 further fish landed, with more fish showing in the river every day. Long-time Galway regular Michael Leonard landed a fine 11lbs fish on shrimp, while Fergal Cormican also had an 11lbs fish on spinner. Local expert Sean O’Toole has also landed 2 fish over the last few days, both taken on shrimp, one of 9lbs and the other 10lbs.
With water levels finally at a fishable level, albeit a bit high still for the fly, weather and water temperatures improving and fresh fish being seen every day, fishing prospects are looking much better in Galway for the coming weeks. Hopefully last year’s excellent run of grilse will mean a bumper spring run this year, we can but hope! Dave Lenihan, Salthill with the first salmon of the season from the Galway Weir
Simon Tarpey with a cracking 5.25lbs Corrib trout, taken on a size 16 dry post hackle midge during the duckfly hatch, April 2014
Frank Reilly reports that the last 2 weeks on Corrib have seen pretty good fishing during the good duckly hatches, although the duckfly is petering out now, with some olives starting to appear.
The week up to the 6th saw mixed reports of duckfly hatches, with the north and south ends having the best hatches, and anglers reporting poor hatches in the Greenfields area. Fishing in the Cornamona area for the week was slow with very few anglers fishing. Peter Curran fished for one day and landed 2 trout for3lbs. The Greenfields area had mixed fishing, with 22 anglers fishing for 38 rod-days and landing 27 trout. Seamus O’Loughlin from Ennis fished with a friend for 1 day and landed 7 trout (all returned) for 12 lbs. Don Stiffe and Mick Bradley also fished for 1 day, landing 2 trout (both returned) for 4 lbs. Lloyd Vincent and Ian Mc Ginley, England fished for 2 days and landed 7 trout (all returned) for 13 lbs. Sean Dixon, Ennis fished for 2 days and landed 5 trout for 9lbs. The Ennis Anglers held their first competition from Greenfields on Sunday the 6th April with 8 anglers landing 10 trout. 1st was Basil Shields with 2 trout for 5.5lbs. Joint 2nd was Brian Mc Inerney and Tommie O Loughlin, also with 2 trout each.
The Oughterad Anglers held the Bartley Mc Gauley Cup on Sunday the 6th of April with 42 anglers landing 15 trout. In 1st place was Mike Faherty with 2 trout for 1.52kgs. 2nd was Willie Molloy with 2 trout for 1.2kgs. 3rd was Mick Coyne also with 2 trout for 1.16kgs. The winner of the youth section was Cillian Tierney, with 1 trout for 0.65kgs. Fish of the week went to Joe Creane, Roundstone, with a trout of 6.5lbs. The catch of the week was Larry Kelly, Dublin and John Jack, Scotland with 38 trout (all released) for 53lbs for their week.
The lower lake saw good fishing reported, with 6 anglers landing 24 trout for 20 rod-days. John McCarthy, Tuam started his season well landing 4 trout (all returned) for 7.5lbs. Larry McCarthy and Dara Lynch fished for 1 day and landed 7 trout (all released) for 13.5lbs.
Frank was in touch again this week to report that the duck fly hatches are coming to an end, with anglers reporting small hatches of olives. The number of anglers fishing in the Cornamona area is well down on other years, with anglers reporting poor fishing, however Peter Curran fished for 2 days and landed 3 trout for 5lbs.
Anglers fishing the Greenfields area reported the best of the fishing was early morning or late evening. The Galway Garda A.C. held their first competition on Wednesday the 9th April 2014 with 12 anglers landing 3 trout over the limit. 1st was Phil Donoghue with 1 trout for 3.2lbs. 2nd was Seamus Kelly with 1 trout for 1.4lbs. 3rd was Christy Reilly also with 1 trout for 1.2lbs. Mick McCluskey and Morris McDavitt (Northern Ireland) fished for 5 days and landed 12 (10 released). Frank and Paddy Guilfoyle from Ennis fished for 1 day landing 4 trout for 7lbs.
Anglers fishing the lower lake again reported good fishing. Larry McCarthy, fishing with one angler landed 37 trout for 7 days (35 released) – their best fish was 4.75lbs. John Ryan and a friend from Dublin fished for 2 days and landed 7 trout for 15lbs. Larry provides boat hire, guiding and B&B accommodation and can be contacted at www.corribangling.com
Simon Tarpey also enjoyed some good fishing on Corrib during the duckfly, his best fish coming on a day out of Birchall with friend Robbie Pitman. The trout weighing 5.25lbs was taken on a size 16 dry post hackle midge. Robbie ably assisted on the oars as the fish took a while to get in. The beautiful trout was weighed and then sportingly returned. Well done Simon!
Simon Tarpey with a cracking 5.25lbs Corrib trout, taken on a size 16 dry post hackle midge during the duckfly hatch, April 2014
Ronan Cusack reports that the excellent fishing has continued on Mask over the last 2 weeks, as the boat moorings finally begin to fill up around the lake. Weather conditions have been variable over the past few days with a mixture of sun, rain and light winds. Anglers willing to adapt and vary their angling techniques have done well and reaped the rewards.
Members of the Dargle Angling Club enjoyed a break at Hall’s Angling Centre. The 9 anglers had 24 fish over the two days with their best fish weighing 4.25lbs. The lads also had a further 3 trout over 3lbs and all fish were released to fight another day. Simon Tarpey, also staying at Hall’s, had 6 fish on dries, with his best fish 1.5lbs (also all returned). Martin McCoy from Northern Ireland spent 3 days wet-fly fishing on Mask and he had 15 good trout plus numerous undersize fish during his visit.
Young Ballinrobe Anglers Cian Sheridan and Conor Cusack had a day to remember this week when the landed a 12lbs ferox trout on their first outing of the season. No doubt that will only whet the appetite, and the lads will be keen to get out over the Easter holidays!
Cian Sheridan and Conor Cusack with the magnificent 12lbs ferox trout they landed on their first outing of the season on Lough Mask, April 2014
Ballinrobe angler Denis Kelleher had 3 nice fish puling wet flies last week in stormy conditions (best fish 2.5lbs). Martin and David Connors, Northern Ireland, had a very productive day on the Sunday boating over 20 trout with almost half exceeding the 13 inch limit. Noel Moran and Kevin Sheridan from Ballinrobe had 4 fish in calm conditions on the Saturday using a combination of dries and buzzer (best fish 2lbs). Ronan says “overall the lake is fishing extremely well and well worth a visit”.
Ronan also guides on Mask and can be contacted at [email protected] or at 087 2869487
Other catches reported from Hall’s Angling Centre included Pat Hogan from Dublin, who had 2 fish of 2.5lbs and 1.5lbs on Saturday. Ivan McGaw (Northern Ireland) landed 11 trout on Friday and 9 on Saturday, best 2lbs. Richard Dodds had 6 trout on Friday, followed by 7 on Saturday, all between
1 and 1.5lbs. Kenny Halliday took 5 fish on Friday, and 7 on Saturday to 1.5lbs. Pat Cox and friend Garry from Northern Ireland landed 9 fish on Tuesday, best 2.5lbs with most of the rest around 1 to 1.5lbs. Hall’s provide boat hire, guiding and self-catering accommodation, and anglers should contact David or Helen on 094 9541389 or check www.lakeshoreholidays.com
Margaret Gorman from Isham Self-Catring at Dringeen Bay was also in touch last week, with a nice report and a great photo of her daughter Paula and twins Ronan and Karl. Dad Pat brought the kids out for an hour on the local bay on Sunday the 30th, and Paula caught two beautiful trout weighing 2.25lbs and just under 4lbs. Another case of “Dad, when are we going fishing again?!”
Ronan, Paula and Karl Gorman from Cong, Co. Mayo, with two fine trout for over 6lbs they landed in Dringeen Bay on Lough Mask on a recent outing.
There were reports of fantastic fishing out of Dringeen the previous week – Jimmy Fleming and Dan McAuliffe from Killarney, Co. Kerry fished from Dringeen Bay for two days, and reported some of the best fishing they have ever experienced. They landed 16 trout on the Monday, with a further 10 on Tuesday. Most of the fish were returned. While some of the fish were small, some were in the region of 1.25 to 1.5 lbs. Fly patterns were varied with fish being taken on Gorgeous George and Claret Bubble amongst others. Kieran McNicholas and two friends fished on the Thursday, and reported a fantastic days sport, landing 20 trout, most of which were returned. Anglers are reporting lots of activity, with fish feeding freely on the surface. As water levels continue to drop, and temperatures are on the rise, things look good for the week ahead.
Boats are available for hire from Isham – with or without outboard motors. For further information on accommodation and angling advice, please contact Margaret Gorman at 094 9546582 or email [email protected]
Pawel Orłów from the Fishmaniak fishing club reports on their competition which was held last weekend 13th of April on Lough Kinale. The event was very successful and the weather was brilliant for pike fishing – a mix of clouds and sun.
Nine enthusiastic contestants took part on this venue and managed to catch 44 pike all together. The biggest pike was caught by Maro60 – 80cm and Zielix – 80cm. After the event we had a barbecue and the prize-giving.
The Results of the Competition are as follows:
1st place – Janis – 14 pike, 2nd place – Pawel Orlow – 8 pike, 3rd place – Zielix – 5 pike, 4th place – Maro60 – 3 pike, 5th place – Maciek1 – 4 pike, 6th place – Moto- 4 pike, 7th place – Bartek – pike, 8th place – Lechu961- 2 pike, 9th place – Sebkis – 1 pike.
Competition Winner Janis With a Nice 72cm PikePawel Orlow With One of his 8 PikeAnother of Pawel’s Pike Taken at the Kinale CompetitionWinners Receiving Their Honours at the Weekends CompetitionLures Were Very Effective on Lough KinaleJanis With Another Nice FishAll Fish Were MeasuredMembers of the Fishmaniak Fishing Club at the Weekend Competition
Water levels are just about perfect in the River Boyne, so its no surprise that a few fresh fish have been reported caught and released recently in the Navan area. Fish have been observed running through and there have been unofficial reports of an odd fish being caught. This week however comes the first confirmation that fresh fish have been caught by anglers in the Navan area and they are all good sizes as well. A nice thirteen pounder was the smallest of the fish and was followed by two 15lb fish and the best salmon was a beautiful 17lb fresh run fish which was taken on the fly by Pat O’Toole from Trim. The water is dropping and clearing and according to local anglers is in perfect condition fro salmon fishing.
Details on fishing in the Navan area can be obtained from the Navan Anglers Association website at http://navananglers.com/ and from the three tackle dealers Clarkes Sports Den, East Coast Angling and Anglers World.
The River Boyne is designated as a catch and release River for Salmon fishing. Details of the regulations can be found at www.fishinginireland.info
David Tantrum from Waterford City & County Trout Anglers Association reports from Carrigavantry /Knockaderry lakes:
Mr Eifion Evans Retired President of the British Veterinary Association trying his hand at fly fishing, after a lapse of 50 years. He caught and released browns and rainbows up to 6 lbs.
..and back you go…
There are still some vacancies in the Carrigavantry cup competition on Easter Sunday. This in aid of the Waterford Hospice and is open to all with fabulous prizes.
Contact Michael at 0861073086 for entry and details. Knockaderry is fishing exceptionally well for the experienced angler with overwintered fish to 8lbs being caught .
FLY FISHING ON KNOCKADERRY CARRIGAVANTRY BALLYSCANLON
Carrigavantry – This 30 acre reservoir is hidden in the hills behind Tramore. The lake can be fished from the dam and road and the rest of the lake shore needs waders. The deepest part is the island at 10 feet.Prolific hatches of lake olives and damsels occur. Stocking is with both browns and rainbows. You could loose your catch here to a 20lb Pike!
Knockaderry – The deepest part of the lake is 24 feet at the dam tower, the average depth is 6ft and this results in good weed growth. Trout fatten fast in this fertile water on caddis, snails and stickle backs, while lake olives,buzzers sedges and damsels bring on prolific rises. This 80 acre reservoir is a traditional top of the water drift fishery.
New members are welcome and an active programme of fly tuition is pursued to encourage beginners and get our youth out into the countryside.
Fisheries Information Manager Markus Müller reports from Lough Conn and Cullin – Week ended April 13th:
Trout fishing on Loughs Conn and Cullin had been steady during the week with traditional wet fly methods working best.
On Lough Cullin, Paul Caslin and Peter Gray, both Castlebar, had 9 trout, best at 1.5 lbs. Chris Meadows, UK/Swinford, reported some trout around the one pound mark from Browns Bay on Lough Conn, while Jim O’Brien and Karl Mathews, both Dublin, boated 7 trout off Glass Island. At the northern end of Lough Conn, local anglers, Ian Wise and John Warren had numerous trout over the week averaging one pound, best at 1.5 lbs., while Padraic Traynor, Crossmolina, took 3 trout (best at 2 lbs.) in Bog Bay
Foxford Angling Club held the Devaney Cup on Saturday 13th April. A total of 15 anglers took part and recorded 7 wild brown trout for weigh in. Results were as follows:
1st – John O’Connell, Pontoon (2 trout for 3.75 lbs.)
2nd – Billy McGhee, Ballyvary (2 trout for 2.8 lbs.)
3rd – Stephen Browne, Knockmore (2 trout for 2 lbs.)
4th – Michael Tiernan Jnr., Foxford (1 trout for 1.25 lbs.
Markus Müller
Fisheries Information Manager ——————————————–
Iascach Intíre Éireann
Inland Fisheries Ireland, Ballina
Delighted with their catch from Killala Bay – the group from Düsseldorf, Germany, on board the Leah
Fisheries Information Manager Markus Müller reports on a cheerful bunch of anglers fishing in Mayo :
Donal Kennedy, skipper of the Leah, reported on some nice mixed fishing for a party from Germany. On Thursday 10th April a party of 5 anglers from Düsseldorf, Germany and another angler from Foxford set out from Killala Harbour for a day’s fishing in Killala Bay. The weather was fine and bright with a sharp north-west wind which made the sea a little choppy but still fine to fish.
Delighted with their catch from Killala Bay – the group from Düsseldorf, Germany, on board the Leah
The first drift was a little fast and only produced a few pollack together with some pouting. However, as the drift slowed down, some nice cod (best at 6 lbs.), coalfish, ling, more pollack, and pouting were caught with many small ones returned alive. All of the party returned ashore well pleased with their outing and it was a nice end to their stay in Ireland.
To book a day’s fishing in Killala Bay contact Donal Kennedy on +353 (0)0868174509 or visit http://www.dkennedyangling.ie/
Markus Müller
Fisheries Information Manager ——————————————–
Iascach Intíre Éireann
Inland Fisheries Ireland, Ballina
Happy US visitors, Will Rinehart & Andrew Lindley, with one of their fly caught Mayo pike
A round-up of the news from Fisheries Information Manager Markus Müller:
Local angling guide, Kenny Sloan reported some more pike action from the Foxford area for two of his clients. US visitors Will Rinehart and Andrew Lindley from Indiana enjoyed some nice pike fishing. Since conditions were quite windy, little boat fishing took place and a range of different methods were tried including flyfishing, trolling and deadbaiting from the shore. Although the bigger fish were not feeding the two US anglers enjoyed their day on the water catching their first pike on the fly. In total they caught and safely released 5 pike up to 87cm. They hope to return next year to try their hands at some more pike and salmon fishing in Co. Mayo.
Happy US visitors, Will Rinehart & Andrew Lindley, with one of their fly caught Mayo pike
To book a day’s guiding or boat hire contact Kenny Sloan on +353 (0)949256501 or +353 (0)87 9670310 or visitwww.pikemania.co.uk
Markus Müller
Fisheries Information Manager ——————————————–
Iascach Intíre Éireann
Inland Fisheries Ireland, Ballina
