Paul Hanely made the most of yesterday’s beautiful weather and headed to the Lee. The water seemed to be about 8C – the warmest it has been for a few weeks. Paul fished a size four flying “c” down the run. He hadn’t moved anything and just as he was about to move further upstream a small salmon head and tailed above him. He quickly covered the fish and took bottom with a few casts but as the fish did not respond he cast wider, touching bottom with every cast but no pull or touch.
The salmon showed once more and it seemed to be sitting high in the water so Paul changed over to a smaller size three flying “c” and met the fish on his second cast! The salmon came in to fight close to the bank and kept rolling on itself making for a nervous few minutes. After tailing the salmon it was clear it was very fresh – a hatchery salmon of about six pounds. Letting the salmon rest up for a few moments Paul then released it back in to the river. In Paul’s own words “If only all spring fishing days could be so perfect, nice warm sunshine and an obliging salmon”.
Compliments of: Paul Hanley,
Salmon fishing in Ireland
Web:http://salmonfishingireland2012.blogspot.ie/
Lindsey Clarke reports on the salmon angling at Lough Melvin…
Monday 8th to Sunday 14th April 2013.
Lough Melvin remained very low and very quiet. There were few boats that ventured out after salmon. Ernie Lowden did record a 10lb salmon caught trolling from between the County River & Ward’s Point but that seems to be it!
The last two days have brought sun and air temperatures have risen appreciably. If we can get rid of these gale force winds the lough should really fish well.
For bookings/guides etc on the Rossinver Fishery contact Bill McNeary, Tel: 071 9854930 or Jim Hoye, Tel: 0831197428
For info see http://www.rossinverfishery.com/
Lindsey Clarke reports on the salmon fishing from the River Drowes
Monday 8th to Sunday 14th April 2013.
The river remained very low all week and was only reading 0.4 metres on the gauge by the end of the week. At least air temperatures rose towards the end of the week but Sunday brought strong winds.
The fishery was fairly quiet which is not surprising given the very low water levels. There was however 4 salmon recorded for the week. Visiting overseas rod Bob Amlung recorded 2 salmon caught weighing 9 & 9½lb. These were caught on a Rapala and a fly respectively both from the Sand Hole. There were 2 more salmon caught of which we are awaiting details one of which was caught at the Meadow.
There has been some heavy rainfall in the last 2 days though this has not equated to more than an inch rise in water levels at present. More rain is forecast and hopefully this will give a badly needed rise in water levels.
Terry with his perch. Hopefully the start of a great specimen year
Terry Jackson decided to put his Shakespeare Agility Barbel rods through their paces in a search for “lunker” perch last weekend…
“I thought the weather had improved from the recent bout of snow and easterly winds. The snow has gone, thank goodness, but the biting easterlies remain persistent. This time, I teamed the rods with an old pair of Cardinals loaded with Berkley XTS 8lbs b/s nylon. I have had some cracking specimens on this line and am fully confident with it by this stage.
Safely in the landing net. As fat as butter and 41 cms long.
It was too cold to go searching for shoals; I just wanted to laze under the brolly all day and wait for passers-by. Maybe this was a poor decision, as I only had one bite all day. However, all was not lost. My one and only bite of the day resulted in a sizeable stripey, which immediately chased away those east-wind blues. Specimens don’t come along too often, but when they do, it makes the long drives and previous blanks all worthwhile. It’s great when a plan comes together!
Terry with his perch. Hopefully the start of a great specimen year
Terry has created a gallery of the specimens he has had in recent times. There are some great Irish fish featured in it and it is well worth a look – Specimen Fish Album
The Irish Specimen Fish Committee over-sees the verification of Irish Record and Specimen Fish captures. Interesting information on species, where and when caught, and best baits or lures can be found at http://www.irish-trophy-fish.com/.
The Mountmellick Angling Association on the River Barrow hosted the T.A.F.I. Leinster River Championship on Sunday 14th April 2013. The competition was held on a catch and release basis with a minimum size limit of 20cm’s to the fork of the tail.
The competition was divided up into two beats. The fishing on beat 1 was from Bay Bridge down to Portnahinch Bridge while beat 2 continued on from Portnahinch Bridge and on down to Kilnahown Bridge. It was decided that each angler would get an opportunity to fish both beats, and half way through the competition each angler changed beats.
Forecast for the day from Met Eireann predicted very windy conditions with sunshine and scattered showers. Strong to near-gale force south to south-westerly winds would gust 90 to 100 km/hr and anglers were not disappointed, as this prediction was fulfilled.
Mountmellick is located at the foothills of the Slieve Bloom, and allot of rain fell on on the mountain, this had quite a knock on affect on the water levels and from 2pm onwards, the River Barrow in all it’s glory, changed from gin clear to a chocolate brown and begin to rise quickly, bringing down stream allot of river debris..
In some parts, wading was difficult but was required in order to hunt down fish on the opposite bank, that took shelter from the strong currents.
In the latter part of the competition the changing river conditions played a pivitable part in the final results, where some anglers struggled, other kept the head and still found fish in such harsh adverse conditions. Anglers needed to be quick with changing tactics as the river coloured and began to rise, those that did, were rewarded.
The Top 3 Anglers
Eamonn Conway (Dundalk, Co Louth) 9 trout
Robbie Phelan (Mountmellick, Co Laois) 9 trout
Shane Callen (Dundalk, Co Louth) 8 trout
The largest trout – Eamon Conway (Dundalk, Co Louth)
All the head lines go to Mr. Ivor O’Connor of www.ivorsfood.com and his gillie Mr. Sion Brain of www.kbfishingireland.com and for good reason. They caught a fine 11 lbs Salmon on the troll and Ivor had one hell of a battle with my Noble Salmon. Wind SW light and mild with rain this morning and fine bright sunshine this afternoon.
Sion takes the honor.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Mr. Jim Sayers.
There was some good action on Lough Currane today in the Salmon department, first in the striking zone was Mr. Jim Sayers of Waterville, caught a lightening fresh 10 ¾ lbs salmon on the troll on the North side of the Lake and staying on the North side, Mr. Peter Keenan of Tipperary, fishing with his Gillie Mr. Bob Priestly, also caught a 10 lbs Salmon on the troll, wind calm SW then veered NW this evening.
Peter Keenan.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
It was a wild day on Lough Currane today with a strong SW wind blowing down the Lake and all fishing stations on the north side were at a standstill, but the same couldn’t be said for the south side and for good reason, Cork anglers Mr. Vincent Donnelly, and his friends, caught a fine 8 lbs salmon on the troll down by the Table Rock, they were in a hired out boat from www.lakelandshouse.com
Monday, April 15, 2013
Again it was a wild day on Lough Currane and come 2pm all the boats on the north side were blown off the lake, but the same couldn’t be said on the south side, where Mr. Tim Van Der laan, of Holland, fishing with his gillie Mr. Terence Wharton, caught the first specimen Sea Trout of the 2013 season, on the troll, weighing in at 9lbs. Wind SW strong and overcast with heavy rain and just for the record, there is a good flood coming down the Commeragh.
Dutch Angler Mr. Tim Van Der Laan with his 9 lb. sea trout which wins him Catch of the Week
Mark Carolan tells us of the Drogheda Coarse Anglers Club outing to Lough Muckno on Sunday last the 14th of April. After much anticipation Mark reports that “The Battle On The Boyne” spring/summer league of the Drogheda Coarse Anglers Club, finally got under way. Eight Anglers in total turned up for the first match of six, to fish White Island on Lough Muckno, Castleblayney.
With gale force south westerly winds whipping up the water some of the anglers had a bit of a challenge on their hands. The predominant and best method on the day was the feeder fished with a three foot tail into eighteen feet of water at thirty five turns out. On the hook maggot and caster found the better fish, of which there where Roach, Perch and Hybrids.
The best weight was put together by Mark Heffernan, who had an outstanding total of forty seven fish, giving him a very impressive weight of thirteen pounds and ten ounces. Mark showed his match pedigree by ringing the changes with his hook bait and presentation to keep the fish coming all day. Also in the money today was David Byrne who has to be said had the most difficult peg of all, but he really made the best of it. Well done to all our competing members today and we are all looking forward to the next match which will be held at Lough Shrinnky on Sunday the 28th of April. Finally, a quick mention for the winner of last years league Paul Murray and his son Jamie who unfortunately could not fish today because of a recent car accident Get well soon lads and hope to see you back on the bank soon.
The Drogheda Coarse Angling Club continues to actively recruit new members so if you are interested in joining this progressive club why not drop Secretary Mark Carolan an email to
marktheangler@gmail.com or give him a call on 087 2801178
Ballyduff beat was fishing well, water is high and in these conditions a 10lb springer was taken by syndicate member Martin Cronin.
3 new beats have been opened up river above approx 20km from Fermoy in Killavullen, Co Cork.
Ballincurrig is the most well known of the three located near Ballthooley Bridge and in home of the well known Churchills pool.
Blackstone is on the far bank and is a good all round beat for fly,spinners and bait fishing.
Magners is an excellent beat for fly fishing.
The picture below is of syndicate member Seamus Kelly with gillie Connie Corcoran (on crutches after breaking his leg in 3 places, still cant be kept off the river). Fish was caught on the first week of April and was a 13.5lb springer taken on the cascade fly.
Prices for fishing vary from €35.00 to €125.00 per rod per day according to season.
For more information contact Liz or Len Tomlinson on 00353(0)586 0897 or 079711 628880 or email: lentomlinson@me.com
€50 for 2 days fishing Note: No Bloodworm/Joker and Eels cannot be weighed in and must be returned immediately after being caught
Fishing 12 – 5 on Saturday 5th(Draw @10am in Mother Hubbards) & 11 – 4 on Sunday 6th(Draw @9.30venue TBD. Presentation/Refreshments after match in Enfield)
Pegs must be booked at least 1 week in advance due to limited numbers
For further details, bookings and enquiries:
( Phone:Sean on 0868115526 : Email: pro@ncffi.ie : Web: http://www.ncffi.ie
The Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association (ILFA) opened their 2013 season in style on Lough Caragh in Co. Kerry, over the Easter Weekend with a trial on Easter Saturday and a fundraiser competition on Easter Sunday.
returning after a cold day
But a deep blue sky and bright sunshine, did nothing to combat the arctic bite of the easterly wind. The anglers had to contend with the thermometer not rising above 2*c for the whole weekend.
On Saturday, eight women and their boat men braved the swirling wind and were well wrapped up in multi-layers, they fished from 11am until 5pm. Through the cold they persevered and all the women were rewarded with seeing beautiful-wild-brown Lough Caragh trout mostly 0.5lb who were lured to their flies and put up a very energetic performance before being netted.
Julie Gerry
The winner of the day was Julie Gerry, fishing with a new member Cher McCrave and her boatman Liam Buckley. They started fishing at the river mouth but had to work hard all day and Julie caught most of her nine fish after 4pm.
Second was Jenny Casey with five fish for 114cm and Cher McCrave on her first outing with the ILFA came in joint third with four fish for 104cm along with Mary Murphy.
In keeping with the terms under which the ILFA fish their competitions the fish caught during the trial were handled with care and safely returned to the water.
Julie and Jenny return
A very successful competition to raise much needed funds to support the Ladies International Flyfishing Championships, which is happening on Lough Caragh in June, was held on the lake on Easter Sunday. The International week will see three teams and their supporters travelling from England, Scotland and Wales to join with the home team made up of 12 women from all over Ireland.
Easter Sunday morning proved to be very cloudy and an almost balmy 6*c. However once out on the water the anglers taking part in the fundraiser found that the wind was still a cold-easterly-swirling wind and everyone tried to stay fishing in the shelter for most of the day. Rain at 4pm and an even stronger wind made fishing a complete challenge.
Davy Breen was the angler who triumphed in the adverse conditions and his two fish for 50cm won him a fishing jacket sponsored by John Buckley of Emerger Tackle. Mary Murphy was second and won an Orvis fly reel sponsored by Lawrence of Ultimate Fishing while Hubert Smith and Kevin Gerry were joint third winning an O’Connaill Hand Made Easter Egg sponsored by Domnick McAtamney, and a Flypad sponsored by Ifish Ireland.
fishy cake prizes
The anglers warmed up with an on shore barbeque generously provided by Davey Breen. His venison burgers were in great demand and the stewed tea in a saucepan on the barbeque was very welcome to warm the hands of everyone.
The ILFA, wish to thank, the Lough Caragh Anglers for their very warm welcome and for their help in staging both events. The ILFA are particularly grateful to the anglers who supported the fundraiser and thank everyone who kindly donated the great prizes for the weekend.
Any ladies interested in joining the Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association or competing for the Irish Ladies Team competing in Wales in 2014 please visit www.irishladiesflyfishing.com or ring Julie Gerry on 087 2055094
