On Wednesday morning, 22 March 2023, a virtual draw took place to allocate 45River Lee Brown Tags to prequalified salmon licence holders.
A total of 202 valid entries were received by the deadline, 5pm Monday 20 March. Duplicate entries and previous tag winners were removed.
Entrants were issued numbers ranging from 301 – 502 inclusive by email.
IFI recorded the draw and used a random generator to draw the numbers. A total of 55numbers were drawn in the first instance. The first 45will be allocated brown tags. The 10 reserve numbers may be allocated a tag in the event one of the first 45is not in apposition to take, or returns their allocation.
The draw was witnessed by Sean Long, RBD Director, John Twomey, Inspector and Chris Scanlan, Myles Kelly.
Numbers selected are laid out below.
422
416
347
360
367
333
302
364
376
463
324
391
502
334
476
412
305
424
349
484
497
341
389
442
402
489
420
462
362
393
361
490
425
413
491
455
374
344
468
404
488
451
380
496
343
These are the 10 reserve numbers:
446
318
325
485
310
487
430
348
403
322
It is envisaged that the Brown Tags will be issued by post tomorrow afternoon.
Anthony Weir from Tulla and District Angling Club reports that the club fished its first match of the year on a wet day where it rained for the full duration. The venue was switched from Clondorney to Scariff Harbour due to rising water levels and the change of venue ran to form with everyone catching, though the fish were very small (read minute).
1 of 7
There was a great turn out of 13 anglers with Kevin Leahy 3rd with 3lb 6oz; Barry Cashburn 2nd with 4lb 4oz; pipped by one ounce by Clive Slater on 4lb 5oz (90 fish, which tells you how small they were).
Inniscarra’s St. Patrick’s Day Open was fished at Garden Centre and Fountains House. The anglers on Fountains House did a lot better with some huge bags weighed in. Even though there were only 15 anglers on both sections there was a total over 280kg caught, averaging at nearly 19kg per man!
Fishing at Fountains House winner Adrain Bus had an incredible 41.290kg. The massive weights on this section denied Trevor Platt a top 3 finish despite a huge catch of 25.770kg.
Results
Adrian Bus 41.290kg
Pavel Swinston 30.910 kg
Pat Barry 26.480 kg
Trevor Platt 25.770kg
Rusalin Micagaudi 19.850kg
Inniscarra 3 Day Festival.
The 3 Day Festival started on Saturday and finishes today. We’ll have a report on how it went tomorrow.
Go Fishing…
Inniscarra Lake TDL
Inniscarra Lake TDL are affiliated to the National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland, NCFFI the National Governing body for coarse and predator fishing and casting. www.ncffi.ie
Inniscarra Festivals 2023
For details of the all the events, venues and more, a downloadable copy of the events calendar, festival results and a directory of angler friendly accommodation in the local area please visit www.ncffi.ie/inniscarra-angling.
Michael O’Shea has some good news from the Upper Caragh Fishery in Co. Kerry. Fishery boss Ralph Doppler had a salmon from Pool 10 yesterday. Mike says the fish maybe a few weeks old but was in great condition, and Ralph was more than happy with the result.
The Upper Caragh Fishery is a very well-developed fishery. It has fantastic access with stiles and footbridges along the full length of the fishery. It has well maintained banks and anglers’ huts are provided on many of the beats. The Upper River Caragh can be fished from both boat and bank. Fishing is also available on Cloon Lough and the fishery provides access for anglers with reduced mobility. Boats for hire and guide services are available at the fishery.
Dan O’Neill, fishery manager at Mount Juliet, reports from the hotel’s coarse lakes…
I had two anglers from Dallas, Texas out for the first day of the season,10-year-old Christopher Flanagan and his dad Chris. With a very wet couple of days the River Nore for the 17th was unfortunately too high for us to fish so the lakes were the only option. As we walked towards the lake young Christopher told me of his fishing trips back home for crappie, bass and bluegill. I was absolutely fascinated to hear of these stories and the different baits they used. As we got to the lake I explained what species we were fishing and I could see the excitement building in Christopher’s face.
Conditions were less than ideal but it didn’t deter either angler. Float fished worm was our chosen method, bite detection was very tough but we persevered , after a little while Christopher reached for the rod seeing something that I didn’t, striking the rod Christopher lifted into his first Irish coarse fish, a beautiful roach. Some roach did follow as Christopher never gave up despite the heavy rain, it certainly must have been the lucky Irish hat of which I forgot today.
10-year-old Christopher Flanagan catches his first Irish fish
It was great to talk to Christopher today and his dad, hearing of the fishing stories from back in Texas and also meeting such an accomplished young angler. I look forward to greeting Christopher and Chris again in the future (bringing my lucky hat this time).
Dan O’Neill Mount Juliet
Go Fishing
Mount Juliet has trout and salmon fishing available on site over 2.5 miles of the river Nore. Classes also available for every skill level – learn or improve on your chosen technique. coarse fish ponds also available on the hotel grounds.
Mount Juliet House is set on a large estate, which offers private fishing on 2.5 miles of the middle to lower reaches of the River Nore. Mount Juliet Estate offers fishing of the highest quality, just a short stroll away from the Manor House. There is a fishing room on site in the Manor House for your convenience i.e. for storage and drying of fishing equipment. Mount Juliet Estate can also provide the necessary equipment on site if needed.
Dan O’Neill is the Fishery Manager and is an avid fly angler with great enthusiasm and passion for his sport. He has a wealth of experience of fishing on the fabulous River Nore. Dan can arrange salmon and trout fishing trips and can offer great advice and local knowledge to anglers wishing to visit the Nore and other rivers in the south east.
Fly Casting Instruction
Dan is an AGPAI Ireland qualified single handed casting instructor. He will be happy to arrange casting lessons on the fishery.
Tackle Hire
Fishing equipment and flies/bait can all be supplied.
Dan is also an accomplished fly tyer and has a number of patterns of his own which regularly bring him success which he would be happy to share with you.
Dan O’Neill, fishery manager at Mount Juliet, reports from the Kings River…
On the afternoon of the 17th, with conditions being less than ideal on the Nore, I had to wet the line somewhere. The water height on the Nore at this point was 2.2m. Judging by the river and with time against me I decided to quickly go to the Kings River for a look. Getting to the Kings I convinced myself it was fishable from the bank, which in a way it was. I found a nice little spot without too many branches overhead. After casting for a while I was having no luck but enjoying being out again after some time away from the river.
While in thought and just admiring the surrounding I felt a very familiar knock this was it number one. Leaping and splashing I guided a very welcome brown trout into the net. Wetting my hands and quickly taking the hook out I got a quick picture and away the trout went.
I had one more trout before calling it a day just very happy to have met a trout in such conditions and of course for day one of the season.
Guided fishing
Taking bookings now for guided trips on the River Nore. Anyone wishing to practice a particular technique for trout or learn more about leader setups etc. Full and Half days available, contact me for more information.
Dan O’Neill Mount Juliet
Go Fishing
Mount Juliet has trout and salmon fishing available on site over 2.5 miles of the river Nore. Classes also available for every skill level – learn or improve on your chosen technique. coarse fish ponds also available on the hotel grounds.
Mount Juliet House is set on a large estate, which offers private fishing on 2.5 miles of the middle to lower reaches of the River Nore. Mount Juliet Estate offers fishing of the highest quality, just a short stroll away from the Manor House. There is a fishing room on site in the Manor House for your convenience i.e. for storage and drying of fishing equipment. Mount Juliet Estate can also provide the necessary equipment on site if needed.
Dan O’Neill is the Fishery Manager and is an avid fly angler with great enthusiasm and passion for his sport. He has a wealth of experience of fishing on the fabulous River Nore. Dan can arrange salmon and trout fishing trips and can offer great advice and local knowledge to anglers wishing to visit the Nore and other rivers in the south east.
Fly Casting Instruction
Dan is an AGPAI Ireland qualified single handed casting instructor. He will be happy to arrange casting lessons on the fishery.
Tackle Hire
Fishing equipment and flies/bait can all be supplied.
Dan is also an accomplished fly tyer and has a number of patterns of his own which regularly bring him success which he would be happy to share with you.
Predator & Salt is a new interactive online fishing magazine focusing on predator fishing in fresh and salt water, high-quality photography and articles covering various aspects of modern angling – fly and lure fishing, trolling and big game angling.
Kuba Standera, editor of the magazine, describes the main focus of the new publication as follows: “The magazine focuses on showing the adventure and friendship aspects of fishing, its inclusivity and the conservation of aquatic ecosystems”.
Each issue of this new publication will be dedicated to a specific European fishing destination with Ireland having the honour of being featured in the first issue of the new magazine.
The first issue is 100% dedicated to fishing in Ireland. It covers some of the best fishing destinations worldwide, showing some less-known species and methods to catch them including trolling for albacore and tuna, fly fishing for brown trout, sea bass and pollock up to fly fishing for blue shark. Fishing-related art is also presented. Two Irish-based artists show their wooden & metal sculptures and pencil drawings.
Artur Pike Seeker reports on a recent pike fishing trip…
March is the time when pike start spawning. Fish are picky and lazy. Sometimes it’s really hard to get them to attack. The weather doesn’t help. Sometimes there’s sun, rain, heat cold, wind, calm, in the same day. But if you are a patient and clever angler you can catch a really big fish. Maybe even a beautiful strong, healthy, Irish river pike of 111cm.
Portumna Coarse Angling Club fished a club match on Sunday on pegs 1 to 17 (Town and Stic Ups).
The Shannon was well up following all the recent rains, having risen a further 6 inches and was tanking past the pegs. Nevertheless, it did not let the anglers down and fished as expected. Four of the anglers did not weigh but some decent bags were put together. Pavel did best on the Town section weighing in 12lb 15oz. Best weight in Stic Ups was caught by Sean – 11lbs.
Results
Pavel 12lb 15oz (Town)
Sean 11lb (Stic Ups), Bill 9lb 08oz (Town)
Joe Nolan 8lb 4oz (Town), Bruce Pennell 7lb 12oz (Stic Ups)
Their previous competition was fished on a very cold March 5th, but with lower water. Catches were much better all round with 15 of 17 anglers getting into double figures and first place going to Bruce Pennell with a truly impressive 31lbs 12oz.
Bruce weighed in 31lb 12oz on March 5th at Portumna
Portumna Coarse Angling Clubare affiliated to the National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland and are members of the Angling Council the National Governing Body for coarse and predator angling. www.ncffi.ie
Vincent Appleby reports on a busy weekend for anglers fishing Lough Currane…
15/3/2023 Lough Currane was on the wild side, all Salmon and Sea Trout stations were closed as the SSW wind took control as the rain lashed down.
16/3/2023 Just two boats out and all quiet on the SW front but to be fair to the Currane anglers, Lough Currane was filthy after a big flood and the amount of rainfall recorded at Valentia weather station was 34.3 mm. Wind SSW fresh to strong with gusts at times with the odd bit of sun breaking through later in the afternoon.
Dave Mehigan, Lough Currane
17/3/2023 Lough Currane celebrates in Style this St. Patrick’s Day and for good reason, Mr. Dave Mehigan caught a fine St. Patrick’s Day 7.5 lbs. Salmon while trolling with his Guide. Wind SSE light fresh followed by heavy showers.
Dominic and Declan, Lough Currane. Photo taken by watervilleboats@gmail.com
18/3/2023 All the action comes from the fly department. Currane renowned fly angler Mr. Declan McEneaney while flyfishing with his guide Mr. Dominic McGillicuddy of www.fishingwithdom.com caught the first 10 lbs salmon on the fly this Season. So congratulations to Declan and his Guide Dominic. I asked Mr. Dominic McGillicuddy what fly did Declan catch it on and he told me that it was on a Brod O’Sullivan special, or you can say this first Salmon caught in 2023 is in memory of my good friend Mr. Brod O’Sullivan R.I.P
For the rest of the Currane anglers it was all quiet. Wind NE light fresh, followed by reasonable cloud cover. Just for the record there were 8 boats out and by all accounts there a few Kelts caught on the troll.
Gary Humphrey, Currane
19/3/2023 Renowned UK Currane fly angler Mr. Gary Humphrey had his prayers answered. He went out on this wild day with his Gillie Mr. Dominic McGillicuddy of www.fishingwithdom.com and just for the record Mr. Gary Humphrey was Mr. Brod O’Sullivan’s client and you can say Brod guided Gary and Dominic to a fantastic day on Lough Currane and here is their facts of the day. While trolling down the Southside of Grassy Island they caught a fine 12lb salmon and had a great battle by all accounts.
The action didn’t stop there because they headed for the fly department and yes you have it, within a few minutes the fly rod was bent double. Again their C&R 10 lbs. Salmon gave Gary a great battle. As Dominic netted his fine Salmon, Gary said, “Thank you Dominic for a great day’s fishing”. Dominic replied, “Don’t thank me, thank Brod R.I.P.”
The second fish was carefully released
Wind SW fresh to strong. Just for the record Gary and Dominic were the only boat out today.
20/3/2023 Lough Currane was on the wild side this day, there were 4 boats out but their reels were all quiet. Wind SSW fresh to strong followed by heavy rain for most of the day.
21/3/2023 All Currane anglers were at a standstill today as a strong SSW wind took control of today’s proceedings, as the rain lashed down all day. Yesterday’s weather, amount of rainfall 12.3 mm and just for the record that doesn’t include the rainfall in mountainous areas.
Big flood on the Butlers pool, Lough Currane
22/3/2023 Mr. Dominic McGillicuddy of www.fishingwithdom.com reports on today’s action, no boats out, another wild day with a strong wind from the SW plus a big flood yesterday and Lough Currane rising fast, amount of rainfall yesterday 33.6 mm and again this doesn’t include the rainfall in mountainous areas.
Inland Fisheries Ireland wishes to remind anglers that the Conservation of Sea Trout (No.7 or Kerry District) Waterville Area Bye-Law No. 971 of 2019 remains in effect. This Bye-law prohibits the retention and possession of any sea trout (Salmo trutta L.) taken by any fishing engine or by rod and line in the Waterville area i.e. that part of the sea eastward of a line drawn from the most westerly point of Bolus Head to the most westerly point of Lamb’s Head and to all the waters discharging in to it.
The Bye-Law mainly affects seatrout fishing on :-
the river Inny (Knockmoyle) and its tributaries
the waters of the Waterville system, including the Waterville River, Lough Currane, the Cummeragh River and all their tributary rivers and lakes
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:
Notes: Located at Lakelands House Bed and Breakfast and Self Catering Accommodation, on Ireland’s best sea trout lake, Lough Currane. Frank is a professional angling guide and boatman.
Sea angling can be arranged with local operators.
Boat Hire
Boats for hire. All boats and engines are moored on the farm, 300 metres from the house, with easy access from the road with car park and boat shed.
Notes: Having ghillied on Lough Currane for over 30 years Vincent is a great choice for those looking for a guided service or flyfishing instruction on the Lake. All ages are catered for and even experienced anglers will benefit from the watercraft and fly-lore unique to Lough Currane. All tackle is provided and accommodation can be organised if required.
Boat Hire
Salmon and Sea-Trout fishing Guide
