Irish Angling Update 🎣 13 September 2024

September 13, 2024

After the Indian summer of last weekend, where temperatures hit highs of 25°C in places, we’ve had the first proper taste of autumn this week, with noticeably chillier mornings and ever darker evenings. The forecast for next week is for warmer, drier, more settled weather to return, so all is not lost, and there will be opportunities to fish in relative comfort again. The fish are not oblivious to the changing seasons either and, for many anglers, now is the time to catch a big one, as the harvest season is a time for bigger fish to feed well before winter sets in…

We start this week with some of the biggest fish in Irish waters – the mighty bluefin tuna – a fish that has been seldom seen in the reports this season due to the strong winds that have plagued us throughout the summer. There has been an increase of bluefin sightings all along the west coast, and Killybegs Fishing Trips have really made up for lost time with a great week’s bluefin fishing. We hope that the more settled weather to come will increase the numbers of tuna trips in the coming weeks.

Charters and small boats have been making the most of the weather windows, and Jim Clohessy used one to have a smashing day’s shark fishing in Cork. In west Cork, patience was key for skate fishing in Courtmac, but also important for kayak guiding specialist, David Norman, for whom it felt good to finally get afloat. In Clare, sheltered marks in the estuary were once again productive, while on the Galway side of Galway bay, the Brazen Hussy II made the most of warm sunshine and lovely sea conditions last weekend with some very nice fish. On the east coast, the tope were biting for anglers fishing with Wicklow Boat Charters and in the south east, Cormac Walsh did well for bass when the big tides were building.

On the competition scene, special (but overdue) mention to the Italian team who won the World Boat Championships (U21) that was hosted in Donegal from Aug 24th-31st. Once again, high winds caused havoc for the organisers, but that couldn’t take away from a very professionally run event. In Mayo, the Newport SAC held their annual teams competition in a calm Clew Bay under clear blue skies while, on the shore competition scene, the Munster Open Shore was fished on Inch Beach in Kerry at the weekend, with Troy Francis taking the gold medal.

In freshwater, the Belturbet Autumn Festival was held last week, with Belturbet’s own Roger Baker taking the honours there. The IASCaire Feeder Club kicked off their Autumn league in Killeshandra and, in Westmeath, the National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland held Youth Team Qualifiers on Gaulmoylestown pond – with some impressive weights from the next generation. In Wexford, the 9th round of the Sensas Summer League took place at Oaklands Lake where, as ever, weights put scales to the test. Away from the competition scene, regular British visitors, Andy and Pete, had another great week of pleasure angling with Melview Lodge.

Also staying with Melview Lodge were regulars Thomas and Pete from the Netherlands, the guys were after pike and they had some good fish to 98cm on local lakes, while over on Lough Ree, Fish Tales hosted a pair of beginners who caught pike like old pros.

In Mayo, salmon fishing has been good for the time of year on the Moy, with 109 salmon reported caught this week. In Kerry, Lough Currane has been windy and wild but the odd grilse was caught on the troll and some trout were caught on the drift when conditions allowed. On the Laune, only one salmon was reported caught and that fell to a spun lure.

Still in Kerry, but fishing for trout and not salmon, were junior anglers who took part in Killarney Salmon and Trout Anglers Try Fishing evening held on Barfinnihy Lough. Twenty three young anglers participated and all of them took home wonderful memories! On the wild trout loughs, Piscarifly reports that Lough Corrib has been tough, Senan Stanley reports that Derg has been ideal for lure fishing and, in Mayo, Lough Conn will host the Kieran Lynn Perpetual Cup this Saturday, September 14th. The Dublin Trout Anglers held their latest competition on Bohernabreena reservoir at the top of the Dodder system, while further south in Limerick, Paddy Dunworth reports that the conditions on the Maigue have been good for photos, but diabolical for fly fishing.

To wrap up the trout reports this week, we head to Lough Melvin, where Rossinver Fishery Syndicate and Foyle River-catchment Outdoor Group (FROGs) jointly organised the World Youth Lough Open competition on Sunday, September 8th. Forty two young anglers fished the event and it was 15-year-old Jack Reidy, from Loughrea in Galway, who won the event with a total of 7 fish, including a monster trout of 78cm – the fish of a lifetime! Jack wins our Catch of the Week this week for this tremendous performance.

Away from the water, the 12^th annual Irish Fly Fair and International angling show is back in Fermanagh for 2025. This prestigious event will be held at the fabulous four-star Killyhevlin Hotel and grounds overlooking majestic Lough Erne. Dates are set for 16^th and the 17^th of November and doors open at 10am both days.

Finally, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is seeking applications to a new €250k fund enabling those who are disabled or disadvantaged to enjoy fishing and related activities. IFI’s Go Fishing Fund 2024 will provide angling supports to people with a disability or restricted mobility, or people facing social, economic, or educational barriers. Applications for the scheme can be submitted via IFI’s dedicated portal until November 7th, 2024.

And now the weather…

Friday night will be mostly cloudy with outbreaks of rain or drizzle and patches of mist and fog. Lows of 9°C to 14°C with light to moderate southerly winds.

Dry on Saturday morning, with some sun in the east and south. Rain will then move into parts of the north and west, with a few showers elsewhere. Breezy with highs of 15°C to 18°C. Outbreaks of rain on Saturday night. Lows of 10°C to 13°C.

Sunday will have a mix of sunny spells and isolated showers in the north and west. Drier elsewhere, with highs of 15°C to 19°C and westerly breezes. Dry but cloudy in the evening with light to moderate southwesterly breezes. Lows of 9°C to 12°C.

Rain at times on Monday, heavier and more persistent in the north. Fresh and gusty southwesterly breezes bringing warmth with highs of 18°C to 21°C. The outlook for next week is for warm conditions with highs of 18°C to 21°C with light winds.

Don’t forget to check the forecast before heading off and if you’re going to sea, check the tides.

Safe fishing to all and tight lines, especially here in Ireland.

IFI Staff
Catch, Photo, Release

If you have an angling story to share with the Irish Angling Update please send it to [email protected] and don’t forget that all of our fishing reports are available on our dedicated Angling Ireland Facebook page.

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IFI launches new national €250k scheme for accessible angling

Kieran Lynn Annual Perpetual Cup, Lough Conn, 14 September

September 13, 2024

The Kieran Lynn Annual Perpetual Cup Fly-Fishing Competition takes place on Loughs Conn and Cullin this Saturday 14^th September.

Fishing is from 10 am until 6pm with the weigh in at 7 pm at Murphy’s Bar Lahardane (F26 TC58).

The entry fee is €40 which includes dinner.

For more information and to register contact Michael Murphy on 087 418 4128 or Gerry Murphy on 087 239 0409.

Just 109 salmon last week on Moy as water levels steadily drop

Jamie Hosty

September 13, 2024

The River Moy in Foxford — Tough conditions on the Moy

Weather conditions were more settled this week particularly towards the weekend with elevated air temperatures and strong sun on Saturday. Accordingly, water levels in the Moy system reduced incrementally over the week with a recorded water level of 0.51 m at Ballylahan on Sunday evening 8^th September. In total 109 fish were reported caught this week.

Ballina Salmon Anglers

Another good week of fishing is reported by Peter McHugh of Ballina Salmon Anglers. A total of 31 fish were caught for the period. 7 fish were caught on the worm, 4 on the spinner and 4 on the prawn. The remaining 16 fish were caught on the fly.

Mount Falcon Estate

This week a total of 12 fish were reported caught at Mount Falcon. 9 fish were caught on the prawn and were subsequently released. The remaining 3 fish were caught on the worm and were taken. Of the fish caught the heaviest weighed 7.2 lbs.

Knockmore Salmon Anglers

Knockmore Salmon Anglers reported 17 fish caught for the past week of which 7 were released. Most fish were caught on the prawn with the heaviest weighing 8 lbs.

Attymass Angling Club

Attymass Angling Club reported 2 salmon caught for the week. Both fish were caught on the spinner. Both fish were released and weighed 3 lbs and 6 lbs.

Byrnes Fishery

Byrnes Fishery reported 12 salmon caught for the week. All fish were caught using the prawn. 2 of the 12 fish were kept and the remaining were released. The fish ranged in weight from 3 lbs to 11 lbs.

Gannon’s Fishery

Pat Gannon reported that this week 5 fish were caught at Gannon’s Fishery ranging in weight from 5 lbs to 9 lbs. The worm and spinner were the most effective methods used.

The Foxford Fishery

Granville reported this week that 2 fish were caught, of which 1 was released. Both were caught on the spinner, and both weighed 4 lbs.

Foxford Salmon Anglers

Harry Feeney reported 25 salmon caught for the week commenting that it was a good enough week with the river dropping well and plenty of fish moving through. It was also reported that a good number of fish were returned. The Waterkeepers Trophy is being fished on Saturday 28th September.

East Mayo Anglers Association

Kathleen reports this week that 3 fish were caught on East Mayo Anglers waters. All 3 were caught on the fly with 1 of the fish taken weighing 5 lbs. Both of the other fish, which weighed 7 lbs and 9 lbs were released.

Some Nice Bream, Tench and Hybrids For UK Anglers At Melview Fishing Lodge

Myles Kelly

September 13, 2024

UK anglers Andy and Pete were over once again for their annual fishing trip to Melview Fishing Lodge in Longford. The lads are familiar with the waters around the area and what’s required to make the most of their holiday.

Prebaiting and early morning starts and swapping the cooked breakfast for a pack lunch so to make the most of the day, they fished three venues during the eight days and even though the weights were a little different from last year there was some good fishing had with some quality Bream, Hybrids and Tench caught using feeder with various hook baits.

The weather and some Pike coming into the swim for a feed up did affect the catch rate a little but still a good week had. Kevin said that the lads are already talking about next year and they already have a plan in place – “Thanks for another good week lads and looking forward to seeing you next year!”

ALL FISH RETURNED UNHARMED.

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Melview Lodge

Address Drumlish Road Clonrollagh Longford Ireland Phone: +3534345061 Email: [email protected] Website: melviewlodge.com

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Rooskey Coarse Angling Centre

Dutch Pike Anglers Have Good Week At Melview Fishing Lodge

Myles Kelly

September 13, 2024

Dutch anglers Thomas and Pete were at Melview Fishing Lodge once again for another Pike fishing trip. It was Thomas’s second trip this year and Pete, who has missed a couple of the trips to Ireland, was glad to be back and could not wait to get back out on the water.

Fishing a few different venues they managed some good Pike to 98cm using lures. They did a little trolling but always prefer casting all day which proved to be the most productive for them. Kevin said he always has a lot of laughs and fun when these guys come over each year and he looks forward to seeing them next year. “Thanks guys for your company another week of laughs”.

ALL FISH RETURNED UNHARMED.

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Melview Lodge

Address Drumlish Road Clonrollagh Longford Ireland Phone: +3534345061 Email: [email protected] Website: melviewlodge.com

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Pike fishing around Rooskey Angling Centre

The Irish Fly Fair & International Angling Show 2024

Myles Kelly

September 13, 2024

Location: Killyhevlin Lakeland Hotel, Fermanagh
Dates: 16^th and the 17^th November.

Step right up, anglers and fly-fishing enthusiasts alike! The 12^th annual Irish Fly Fair and International angling show is back in Fermanagh.

This prestigious event will be held at the fabulous four-star Killyhevlin Hotel and grounds overlooking majestic Lough Erne. Dates are set for 16^th and the 17^th of November and doors open at 10am both days.

The event as always is the highlight of the year for many international fly fishers. A get together and a weekend to remember. Featuring the biggest group of the world-renowned fly dressers ever to be assembled on these shores. At present an amazing 80 plus representing an impressive 19 different countries demonstrators hailing from across the globe including tyers from the U.S.A, Canada, Aruba, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Italy, France, Scotland, Wales, England and of course some of the best from of the home-grown talent come to exhibit their art, pass on and show techniques. Plus, for you anglers that don’t dress your own flies you can learn from the best, order your flies for the coming season or add to your collection.

We also have World champion fly-casters on hand to demonstrate casting techniques and entertain including, English trout fly fishing guru Charles Jardine, Germanys Dominik Borrmann and Micheal Rebholz. Salmon Spey casters including Irelands own Glenda Powell and the great Scottish casters Ian Gordon, Scott Mackenzie, Tom Brown. Top instructors from APGAI- Ireland AAPGAI and GAIA will be there to give free workshops all day.

We have as always, theVeniard Fly Tying Competition and a fun casting zone. Giving the youth a chance to show the professionals what they can do.

That is not all – expert anglers will be giving talks and seminars on various fascinating topics, and a vast selection of top-quality trade stands will be selling everything you need to pursue your passion for fly fishing and fly dressing.

The Irish Fly Fair has been hailed as one of the finest shows of its kind in Europe, a great weekend to meet up with old friends and make new ones! This show is a must for all Angling enthusiasts. So, mark your calendars and make your way to the undisputed best fly-fishing show in all of Ireland. Trust us; you will not want to miss it. A true Celebration of this wonderful sport and pastime. Which brings the fly-fishing world together.

Thanks to IFF trade sponsors Fishpal, Cadence, Chevron , Partridge, Semperfli , Fulling Mill, Veniard, and Ragal USA.

More info See http://www.Irishflyfair.com enquires email [email protected]

23rd World Boat Championships (U21) Donegal, Ireland, 2024 – Final Report

Paul O'Reilly

September 13, 2024

This report from the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers on the 23rd World Boat Championships (U21) which was held in Donegal, Ireland, from Aug 24th-31st 2024:

It was with Great pleasure and honour for us to host the WBCU21s this year in Donegal. Originally, we planned to fish Lough Swilly leaving from Rathmullan Pier, but with continued restoration work on Rathmullan Pier, we had to change our plan to Downings Pier instead. With the help and assistance of the local Coast Gaurd Unit we had use of their facilities for toilets and storage. We had 7 teams compete over 4 days competition, Monday 26th to Thursday 29th.

Unfortunately, the weather was not the best and we fished our reserve all weather zone for 3 of the 4 days in Mulroy Bay. We did manage to get the competitors out to fish in the deeper water on the Wednesday, which produced a lot more fish, but we just couldn’t fish anywhere other than Mulroy on the other days due to conditions.

One of the not-often-caught red band fish that the anglers landed

We had a reserve boat on standby from Torey Island just in case a boat had issues any morning. Thankfully, there were no issues and, with everything going good, the Team Managers and some reserve athletes used this boat for a days angling. The Irish managers wanted to show the rest of them all of what Ireland and the north west has to offer, and with that we had them catching 3 x Pollock or 3 x Coalfish at a time! The excitement on these older anglers faces was a sight to be seen with most never even having seen a Pollock before!

The teams

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The event was great success, but without the support from the Lough Swilly Junior Anglers Club, lead by Chairman Charles Devlin and club secretary Hugh McLean, along with Paddy Donnaghy and Lisa John, this event would have struggled.

Accommodation in the Station House Hotel in Letterkenny was second to none, providing us with everything we needed, and the Irish team would all highly recommend this hotel.

The support and presence of Minister Charlie McConalogue was very much appreciated and the work of the Donegal and Letterkenny Council coming to support and financial aid should never be forgotten from the whole local community from Letterkenny to Downing and surrounding communities, whose economic return from the 11 days was in the region of €300,000.

The support of the Inland Fisheries Ireland, whose foresight and development program has helped our own young anglers to learn about angling and safety, has our under 21s Boat team now developed and established, with more young anglers seeing a fun competitive Natural Sport to take part in.

Congratulations to Italy for winning the under 21 world championships again this year and a extra special mention to the new under 21 World Champion Christian Del Greco from Italy, who fished the best to become world champion – but as you will see in the photos the Class of this young Man is not just with a fishing rod!

Gold for Team Italy

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After receiving his medals he made his way to a local toy store to buy a small thank you present for the daughter of one of our stewards, now that is what a champion is!

Well done to all, thanks to our two Ireland teams for working so hard everyday, a medal is there for us and, with some more experience, it will happen. Thank you all so much and if we have left anyone out, that had any part of this championship, we want to say thank you not just for your help but for making some of these young anglers dreams a reality and they will never forget there Irish Experience.

The action from Donegal

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Sea Fishing North West Donegal

Girl power gets the tuna season rolling for Killybegs Fishing Trips

Myles Kelly

September 12, 2024

Killybegs Fishing Trips got their bluefin tuna season off to a great start last Friday…

Finally got our 2024 Tuna season up and running, after cancelling our 5 planned trips in August because of weather. We had a very successful first day and managed 4 nice fish.

It was a case of girl power for the first half of the day, when Megan managed to bring along side a lovely 230lb fish, and then a couple of hours later it was the turn of Stella, and she brought a lovely 350lb fish to the boat. I have to say well done to these two ladies who did extremely well in fighting their fish of a lifetime so well.

Then it was the turn of the men. Megan’s dad Michael got to help Dave in 1 off his 2 fish, and done so well too, and thanks Michael for the lovely stories all day. And we finished off the day with a cracker, Dave done a great Job bringing this beast off a Tuna to the boat, and it came in at 630lb.

Now the standard is set. So hopefully the rest of our season goes as well as today

Back at the Tuna on Saturday. It was a much shorter day at them, but still managed a very big 400lb fish for the lads from Louth. Weather was class today and we had dolphins beside the boat all day and whales were a wee bit far away to get a good look at them, so hopefully more of the same for tomorrow.

Another fantastic result on Sunday at the Tuna. Two nice fish to the boat for Jamie, Stephen and David. Te first fish was a massive 540lb, and the 2nd was a respectful 250lb, both tagged and released to fight another day. Thanks to the lads today who had to endure tough conditions, but has they said themselves it was worth it.

Another day and another Tuna, not huge but it was very lively 220lb fish. It was a real struggle today in very testing conditions, so thanks to Stella, Dave and Alan for sticking it out.

woen

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Killybegs Fishing Trips

Address Killybegs Donegal Ireland Mobile Phone: +353 87 2540190 Email: [email protected] Website: killybegsfishingcharters.ie

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Windy weather fails to deter anglers in Clare

IFI Staff

September 12, 2024

Luke Aston reports that the week started well with a decent day on the water. Not perfect fishing conditions with a north easterly breeze but a lot nicer day on the sea. And as the day went on and wind shifted north and got lighter the fishing came on. They had some nice pollack off the reefs along with coalfish, spurdog, gurnard, ling and whiting.

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After that, Luke says, wind has been a problem again this week, with a stiff northerly breeze making for difficult conditions offshore, and restricting angling to sheltered marks for the most part. A weather window saw them get out west for a few hours, and even though conditions were freshening, sticking it out for a few hours produced some good fishing on the reefs.

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Fishing sheltered marks in the estuary has been very productive on some days, with some great ray fishing, some great bull huss too and some nice tope action as well.

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Go fishing…

Clare Dragoon

Clare Dragoon is a LOCHIN 366 powered by 650HP engine, skippered by Luke Aston and operating out of Carrigaholt Co. Clare…

I have some offers up on my web site www.fishandstay.com and if anybody is interested in putting a trip together please do get in touch. Also I Twitter from the boat on @fishandstay and try to update my face book page www.facebook.com/CarrigaholtSeaAngling fairly often!To experience some of the best deep sea fishing available in Ireland contact Luke.
Telephone: +353 65 9058209 or +353 87 6367544
Email: [email protected] Web: www.fishandstay.com

Patience a key ingredient of Courtmac skate anglers

Myles Kelly

September 12, 2024

Last week a group out skate fishing with Courtmacherry angling Centre had a very quiet day with only two thornback rays to show for their efforts. Then, just as they were about to wrap it up, they managed to hook 4 skate and board two of them. Well done lads patience is key!