The third and penultimate round of the Munster Teams of Four League took place on Inniscarra Lake yesterday. Despite high water levels there were reasonable catches to be had from the Greenway sections in play. Eight teams representing six member clubs are competing for the coveted shield and a place at the All-Ireland Inter-Provincial Championships this September.
The Polish Angling Team, South Munster CAC had a great result with three sections wins for a 7pt finish. Leaving them just 2 points behind the Oaklands Blue team who lead the league with 36 points. The next round takes place on the lakes of County Clare on 7th of May. For the full match table and individual results head over to the Munster Council Coarse Angling Facebook page.
Pawel Swistun with the top weight 11.200kg
Inniscarra Lake host a number of open matches and festivals throughout the year including the Sensas Float Pairs and Feederfest Ireland. To find one that suits you visit the NCFFI website for their calendar of events.
Kevin Leahy with 7.390kg
Munster Coarse Angling Council
The Munster Coarse Angling Council is a provincial council of the National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland, NCFFI – the NGB for coarse and predator angling in Ireland. www.ncffi.ie
Anglers are reporting that they are meeting a few smolts in the river, already silvering up ahead of their run to sea, good news for the future. But do take care if you catch these delicate fish. Every salmon is valuable, especially these juvenile ones heading out to sea. Smolts are undergoing rapid and significant change as they prepare to leave freshwater for a the salty sea.
If you hook a smolt, try to release it without removing it from the water. They will swim off none the worse for wear and hopefully we’ll see them back in the river in a year or two as an adult fish.
Try not to remove smolts from the water as you unhook them
After you’ve released the smolt, crush the barbs on your fly or lure if the hooks are not already barbless. If you catch a another of smolt, again release them in the water by turning the hook out of them without touching the fish at all. At this stage, consider the likelihood that the smolts are running and rest on the bank for a while to let shoal pass through unharmed or fish a different bit of water.
Lough Sheelin angling report March 27th – April 2nd 2023
“Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet”
L.M. Montgomery
Happiness is a Sheelin trout
There has been substantial rainfall over this past week and water levels on Sheelin have risen considerably. Heavy showers of rain and hail persisted on most days right up to the weekend and it felt that March’s lion had returned with a vengeance for the beginning of this new month. True to our unpredictable Irish weather pattern, Sunday was what we in Ireland term as ‘a pet day’ where temperatures increased, the sun shone, and you could almost pretend it was summer. Heat brought on a flurry of buzzer hatches and the duck fly which previously had only been spotted inshore, swarmed over the water in the sheltered bays and coves along the lake. Winds were mainly southerly veering westerly changing to east on some days. Water temperatures are steadily climbing with double figures in sight, with 9.7°C at 5m and 9.5°C at 12.5m.
Reflecting the weather – Klinkhammer under cover
Some nice trout were recorded with the heaviest tipping the scales at 6.5 lbs caught by Meath angler, Pat Gallagher on a Golden Olive Dabbler along the Crover shore.
A number of anglers frequented the lake on most days with the usual increase in boating numbers at the weekend. With heavy rainfall and sometimes gusty strong winds, water clarity was poor, particularly mid lake. Best areas to fish were Kilnahard, Chambers Bay, Merry point, along Crover shore, at the back of Church Island and in and around Stony island.
Dappled perfection – Niall’s trout
The lures are still in top position with the brightly coloured Snakes, Tobys, Rapalas, Humungus and Minkies bring in the highest catches. The Dabbler on a team of flies is still pulling in the trout with the Golden, Claret, Peter Ross, Green, Golden Olive and Pearly all up there at the top table. With the heat on Sunday, buzzer fishing picked up and it was lovely to see the Epoxy’s, Connemara Blacks, Gnats, Sooty Olives and Black Pennells being dusted off and making their debut on this lake.
We need the warmer weather to bring on the transition from lures to fly fishing and the duck fly will be the first insect to ring in that change here on Sheelin. Chironomids, of which the duck fly is a family member (Chironomus plumosus) are predominantly unobtrusive insects except to anglers. The adults are commonly referred to as midges, duck flies and buzzers or gnats. In Ireland, some 520 species have been identified so we have a lot of them out there which is good news because they account for 40% of the trout’s diet and are without question the most important stillwater trout food source. There are four stages in their lifecycle, most of which can be imitated by the angler – bloodworm (larvae), pupae (this is the one imitated with the epoxy buzzer patterns) and adult (dry buzzer patterns).
Sheelin’s Buzzer
The chironomid or midge pupae is reputed to be the most important stillwater trout food source. Taking up to two years to transform from a larva to a pupa, its sole purpose now is to get to the surface and this is no easy task. The buzzer pupae have slender, segmented, tapered bodies with distinctive ‘cottony’ white gills. They range in size from 5 to 25 millimetres in a range of colours with black, brown, olive and green being the most common. They trap air bubbles under their skin which provides them with buoyancy and allows them to make the painstakingly slow ascent to the surface. The trapped gases also results in the pupa taking on a silvery shine, one of the reason why epoxy buzzer patterns are treated to imitate this. Silty areas are popular places for buzzer hatches so Bog Bay, Goreport and Sailors are good places to head for.
If trout are moving around the margins a good set up would be a floating line with a team of epoxy buzzer nymphs imitating the pupae, with maybe a suspended or Shipman’s buzzer on the top dropper. A heavier larger epoxy buzzer pattern should be used on the point.
There are plenty of interesting looking flies being displayed out there but for Sheelin the basic traditionals (with perhaps the odd variant) are all you need – Bibios, Sooty Olives, Wickhams Fancy, Klinkhammers, Red Arrows, Blae Sooty Olives, Blae & Black, Shipman’s, Hare’s Ear, dry Buzzers, a small Claret & Mallard and the Dunkeld.
Anglers who have been fishing this lake for decades repeatedly tell me that catching fish rely on two things, firstly luck and secondly having the ability to work your team of flies. Chatting to an angler about the lovely winning fish of over 8lbs caught in the recently held Kilroy cup, I mentioned the Lough Mask fly which the angler had caught the prize winner on – the Colga Bumble, my friend immediately dismissed my dissection of what this fly looked like by reminding me that every fisherman has ‘his own way of walking’ and that what worked for Trevor Goulden more than likely would not work for me.
We are progressing in the right direction with shoreline trees and bushes ‘greening up’, a dust of white flowers on the blackthorn bushes, snatches of heat and the odd pitching of a spotted fish. We are at the very beginning here and it feels good.
Ryan Smyth
Camera shyThe gleam of piscatorial gold
Darren Duffy, one for the duck flyAthlone angler, Evan McMickan with his 3.7lb trout at the Kilroy Cup competition
Please remember anglers to abide by BYE-LAW 949 which strictly prohibits from June 14th, 2017 onwards:
The taking of any brown trout of less than 36 centimeters.
For a person to fish with more than 2 rods at any one time.
To fish with more than 4 rods at any one time when there is more than one person on board the boat concerned.
For a person to take more than 2 trout per day.
All trolling on the lake from March 1st to June 16th (inclusive).
To fish or to attempt to take or to fish for, fish of any kind other than during the period from March 1st to October 12th in any year.
Luring the trout
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chunky Shipman's Buzzer Steve Cullen
Evo Smyth
Golden olive quill buzzers
A before and after from a recent trip to Lough Sheelin Darren Duffy
Dessie Paul Fly Tying
Detached bodied duckfly size 14 Derek Burns
Great fly just under the surface
Orange Muddler
Pheasant tail body
S10 Black N Blue Nymph, same as the booby version but with chain eyes ~CS Flies
Paul Colreavy receiving the trophy for winning the opening competition on Lough Arrow
Last Saturday, the trout fishing season kicked off on Lough Arrow. A day after, Lough Arrow Fish Preservation Association & District Angling Club held their opening competition.
The season kicked off on Saturday 1st April, with a good number of boats out throughout the lake. Strong blustery winds made boat-handling and fishing tricky. Conditions were so bad that one of our most experienced club members got his brand new Cortland 444 wrapped around the prop in the first 10 minutes – it has happened to us all! For some, it was their first venture out on the water this year and it can take a few trips to get back into the swing of things. Local angler Colin Dodd had a great few hours fishing landing 3 beauties, with the best over 3lbs.
Sunday brought the first competition of the year. There were 48 competitors. We had really calm conditions until after midday but the wind did pick up a little heading into the afternoon. Most anglers prefer stronger winds but we made the best of the day’s conditions.
Back at The Mayfly Inn for the weigh-in, we had the usual stories of trout risen, missed and lost. It was great to meet up with everyone again. There were 10 fish weighed in and the overall winner was Paul Colreavy with a trout of 3.4lbs. which fell for a Hare’s Ear Dabbler.
Many thanks to Philip and Ellie for hosting the weigh-in. The next competition will take place on Sunday 16th April for The Martin Carr Perpetual Cup.
Artur Pike Seeker reports on a recent pike fishing trip where he finally realised his dream of catching a 120cm pike…
“Every fisherman has a dream they want to achieve, and mine was no different. For years, I have been dreaming of catching a pike from the river with a magical length of 120 cm.
Today, I am thrilled to announce that my dream has finally come true! After an epic fight, I managed to catch the pike I’ve always dreamed of catching. It was caught in the beautiful river Inny and upon weighing the fish, it met my length criteria.
The long awaited 120cm pikeArtur finds the 120cm pike he was seeking
As a responsible fisherman, I ensured that the fish was returned to the water in great condition. I have hope that it will bring the same joy to another fisherman like it did me.
To all fellow fishermen, I wish you the best of luck in achieving your fishing dreams. Tight lines and happy fishing!”. Artur Pike Seeker
A super trout from the Barrow about to be carefully released
Levi Caffrey had a great morning on the Barrow last weekend despite the floods. He sent in this report…
“On Saturday morning, I had planned on doing some river fishing for trout. However, after all the recent rain that week, the river was running high and coloured and pretty much unfishable.
Rather than go home, I decided to head to one of the smaller feeder streams further up the river Barrow system. On arrival, the water looked a little clearer and not as high so I decided to gear up and try fish it for a few hours.
I was set up with a light spinning rod and a selection of various crank baits and spinners. After fishing a few of the faster runs, I decided to try one of the deeper pools above.
On my second cast, as I was retrieving the bait through the middle of the pool, I saw an unexpected explosion and was soon into a good fish. I thought it might be a pike as it was holding deep and had made a number of blistering runs up and down.
After a few more minutes, I managed to get the fish up in the water, then he made a huge jump, shaking the head and trying his very best to throw my single barbless hook. I couldn’t believe what I was hooked into, a very large Brown trout.
A super trout from the Barrow about to be carefully released
After landing the fish, I gave him a few minutes to recover in the net before getting a quick photo and releasing him back into the water. The fish measured 64cm in length and was estimated to weigh between 6-7lb.”
Jim Murray was in touch to let us know that the UK’s National Mullet Club has the NMC “Irish Shield” for the biggest mullet taken by a club member here up and running. The trophy took a while to be ready but here it is at last. David Rigden is the current holder with a 7lb 8oz thick lip.
The Irish Shield with the first 2 winners Jim Murphy and Ian Mulligan
there was also an NMC meetup last September in West Cork with 8 members including Irish NMC members and a few visitors from the UK as well. Some fantastic fish were caught over the weekend topped off by a 6lb 12oz specimen for NMC member Cliff from Wales.
6lb 12oz specimen mullet for NMC member Cliff from Wales
Go fishing…
the National Mullet Club have another event planned for this September in West Cork so if anyone fancies joining them or indeed just wants to learn and chat to like-minded anglers about the species just head over to thenationalmulletclub.org
Thomas Coyle poses with his lovely trout before releasing it
Thomas Coyle was in touch to report a lovely trout he caught off the Blackwater at the weekend.
Despite the high water the Blackwater in Mallow offered some decent fishing. Thomas was fishing the shallower water where the current was slower and the visibility a little better.
Opting for a silver spinner he eventually struck buttery gold. The trout put up an epic fight which fought so hard he though he was playing a salmon. After an epic battle the fish was safely landed, the moment captured on camera and then carefully released back into the river.
Thomas Coyle poses with his lovely trout before releasing it
Cutting the ribbon IWA Clonakilty and Inland Fisheries Ireland
Amenity at Shepperton Lake, near Skibbereen Co Cork, opens tomorrow, April 1st
Inland Fisheries Ireland has today launched an ‘all abilities’ accessible angling facility in Co Cork to enable wheelchair users to fish safely and conveniently.
The bespoke fishing platform at Shepperton Lake in Co Cork cost €106,000 to construct, and provides access to wheelchair users, and those with reduced mobility, to a section of the popular angling destination – some 3km from Skibbereen.
Brian O’Donoghue
The initiative was co-funded by Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) and the Department of Rural and Community Development.
Speaking at the opening of the new platform John Twomey Fisheries Inspector with IFI said: “The demand for accessible and safe infrastructure for wheelchair users – and those with reduced mobility- at Shepperton Lake was obvious, and we are looking forward to seeing many anglers enjoy our brand new facility.
“We’re delighted to have had the opportunity to work with the Irish Wheelchair Association on this project, and are very pleased the amenity has been constructed. We can’t wait for the new stand to open tomorrow, and for it to be used by people of all abilities.”
The outdoor facility consists of a long boardwalk and a large accessible steel stand that can cater for up to four wheelchair anglers at a time, a new picnic area, and parking for six vehicles.
IFI today hosted members of the Irish Wheelchair Association in Clonakilty, Co Cork for the official opening of the new amenity, following an extensive programme of works to transform the site to support inclusive angling.
Cutting the ribbon IWA Clonakilty and Inland Fisheries IrelandBarry Collins and Harry Bennett
Sinéad Burke, Service Support Officer for the Irish Wheelchair Association said: “Our service users are thrilled with the new fishing podium at Shepperton Lake and will be able to enjoy a long season of fishing from now on.
“Getting out in nature, and having access to a tailor-made resource like this, will be extremely beneficial to the wellbeing of our service users. We would like to thank the incredible team of IFI who went above and beyond to enhance the fishing experience of our service users. We feel very grateful to work in partnership with the team from IFI.”
IFI has collaborated with the Irish Wheelchair Association in Clonakilty for the past seven years, and in that period angling day trips to Shepperton Lake have increased in popularity among the latter’s members.
Daffodils and tulips are in bloom, birds are nesting and fish are biting. Spring has most certainly sprung, with temperatures up to 16C yesterday. It’s been a fairly wet spring so far, after a relatively dry winter. Water levels have risen significantly in recent weeks, with many rivers in flood and more rain crossing the country today.
Salmon
The high water levels have put many salmon rivers out of order, and we have only two reports this week. The Upper Caragh fishery is certainly having a good early season, with several fish reported this week.
Mike O’Shea returning a springer on the Upper Caragh
Elsewhere, a few windy days kept anglers off Lough Currane, but when the wind abated there were salmon to be caught, according to Vincent Appleby.
Trout
The current mild weather favours fly hatches on the lakes, with duckfly the most important at this time of year. Loughs Conn and Cullin were quiet, but Brenda Montgomery reports that over on Sheelin spring has sprung, with duckfly hatching and providing sport, although lures are also doing well.
The shimmer of Sheelin gold
Visiting anglers from distant shores also got to grips with some early-season trout fishing on the lakes of the Boyne Valley region. Recent arrivals from Singapore, Jaden and Regina enjoyed good fishing with Chris Barry of GoFishing Ireland. It might be only 48cm, but for their first Irish trout, and for the happy smiles, this is our Catch of the Week!
Coarse
It’s been a busy week on the coarse angling scene, with competitions and festivals up and down the country. There was excellent fishing at the 3-day match at Inniscarra, where Neall McKitterick was the top rod with a fantastic catch of 44.4kg.
There was good fishing at Annaghieran Lake, Carrickmacross where the VDE Baggers club held a competitive outing, with a top weight of 7.58kg winning it for Charlie Richards. The Munster Coarse Anglers winter league wrapped up at O’Briensbridge; the backup venue chosen because the east Clare lakes were all flooded produced great fishing, with nearly all pegs producing double figure weights. Steve Grogan continued his good form with top weight of 17lbs 13oz, taking the competition and the overall league title.
The Erne Anglers also wrapped up their winter league, with 32 anglers taking part in the final leg. Mick Mahoney took the overall honours for the league, while Paul Smith managed to find some nice bream to take the victory on the day.
Ballinakill Anglers were another club finishing their winter league, with the overall standings finishing in a dead heat, Gary Leech winning on a countback with a total weight of 54lbs 2oz.
Finally, NCFFI are hosting the World Feeder Club Championships on Lough Muckno on April 22-23rd, and are looking for stewards to help out.
Pike
Pike clubs have mostly concluded their winter leagues, with spring/summer competitions now kicking off the new season. Luke O’Ciaran won the Leinster Pike anglers first outing with a bag of 35lbs 5oz . Tucker McCabe had an impressive catch of 16 fish for over 40lbs at the Whitewood Anglers outing in Monaghan. O’Caseys Pike Angling Club have already left the traps and hosted the second of their 2023 competition up in Cavan last weekend. Dylan Farell was the top angler on the day with a bag of 6 fish for 23lb 13oz and he also managed to scoop the heaviest fish prize with a pike of 11lb 12oz.
Sea
Sea temperatures are just starting to warm up slightly, some fish are returning to our shores after winter migrations, and angers are starting to enjoy more sport. Anglers in Killybegs, an active lot, have been enjoying plenty of multi-species action from the pier, including flounder, coalfish, rockling and even lobster!
A calm spell and a shoal of sandeel got pollack feeding in Connemara for guide Vinny Corrigan and his client Bernard from Chicago, who landed some nice fish.
Elsewhere in Connemara, Galway Bay SAC enjoyed some pleasant sunshine on Lettergesh beach; although the flounder have not moved back inshore in big numbers yet there were still enough fish to provide a competitive outing.
Colin with one of his winning catch, a nice flounder
Charter boats are getting up and running for the season, and we feature two Galway Bay boats that have had a refit over the winter. Anglers booking trips on John Fleming’s boat the Brazen Hussy II can look forward to a very clean looking boat, she looks a million dollars now! And new owner/skipper Julian Dusso has made some good renovations to his new boat, the Leaca Rua to have her looking in great shape for the season.
Other News
Many anglers are familiar with Inland Fisheries Ireland’s role in angling tourism, and a new article on our website outlines some of the work our angling team do in marketing Ireland as a sustainable angling destination. The article also features Dominic O’Morain from Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel, who says when angling groups are staying, there is a real buzz in the whole community. And did you know there are more anglers in Ireland than golfers? Read more here.
Over the last number of years, bluefin tuna have been the basis of a remarkable new fishery in our inshore waters; with zero quota this remains an angling-only fishery with fishing strictly licensed to charter boats participating in a research and tagging programme called Tuna CHART, which gathers invaluable data for fisheries scientists and managers. Fishing for these giants outside of this programme is illegal, and this week three men were convicted in court of illegally targetting tuna off Baltimore in October, 2022.
And now the weather
Rain currently soaking the eastern half of the country clearing slowly, with brighter but showery weather spreading from the southwest. Tomorrow (Saturday) will see rain again in the east, but drier and brighter spellsin the south and west with scattered showers. Highest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees in a moderate northerly breeze.
Sunday looks a nice day, with bright spells, just the odd light shower and temps of 11-14C in a light southerly breeze. Positively spring-like weather! Enjoy it while it lasts – Monday sees freshening winds and cloud spreading from the west, bringing rain by evening. The weather continues mild and breezy with scattered outbreaks of rain on Tuesday.
