The past week has seen some unusual weather patterns. Rainfall in parts of the south has reached nearly three times the seasonal norm, while temperatures have been up to 3°C above typical levels for this time of year, peaking at 17°C in parts of the east on Thursday. The coming week is expected to stay relatively mild, with mean air temperatures about 2°C or 3°C above the long-term average.

We also had November’s big full moon this week (known as the Mourning Moon by the Celts), which brought with it very big tides. Some say that this set of big tides is when you are most likely to land a really big bass, before they move from inshore areas during the winter months. With some decent tides on Saturday and Sunday, light winds and low rainfall forecast, there may still be a chance…

Before the really big tides came, the Killybegs Mariners were on the Mullaghmore shore for a Halloween league outing, which turned out to be a great night’s fishing. Going into their second-last match at Cushendun, the Ulster Krakens league leaderboard was tight and bad weather once again forced a venue change for them. In Wexford, South Shore SAC wrapped up their 2025 Master Angler series at Ballinoulart last Sunday in perfect conditions. Across in Kerry, twelve anglers turned out for a friendly match on Fermoyle strand, with good numbers of bass and flounder featuring in the catches. Finally from the shore, the West Cork & District Sea Angling Club will be hosting an open competition on Youghal Beach this Sunday, 9th November.

The coming week will see the recreational bluefin tuna fishery draw to a close, after what has been a relatively difficult season for the skippers participating in the Tuna Chart programme, due to lingering strong winds. With a relatively settled spell ahead, we hope that they can notch up a few more giants in the final days.

It is the time of year when many freshwater anglers pull the piking kit out of the shed and this past week has seen some decent pike fishing for the predator hunters. In the midlands, new Banagher based guiding service Watershed Fly Fishing found the pike fly fishing challenging at times, though things have now settled to more predictable rhythms. On Lough Derg, clients of Irish Fishing Tours have recorded some excellent fish and Senan Stanley has been catching on an unusual variety of lures.

Water levels are well up in Monaghan, but that didn’t stop Steve McDonagh from catching some fine fish – although the monster he was chasing was not one of them. Also in the drumlin county were Steve and Dave from Wigan, as they returned for a few days on the water with Irish Fishing Guides. In Boyle, guests of Angling Services Ireland enjoyed some outstanding pike fishing lately with fly and lure equally successful.

Coarse fishing has been mixed recently. On the Royal Canal, the Leinster CAC had a slow day for round three of their league. The canal was crystal clear, and the bright sunshine made conditions tough for everyone taking part. In Leitrim, the CM Lakelands Club were back on Garadice and down south, the Munster Coarse Anglers fished the second match of their winter series on Clondorney. At Oaklands, their 2-day all Methods Match was held at the weekend. There were a few great bags of fish weighed in on both days, but one angler was streets ahead of the rest.

With trout and salmon heading for the spawning grounds, there is little to report from there. Thankfully, we have season two of Dan O’Neill’s River Whispers series, where Dan gives sound advice on fly fishing and also reports on his recent trips to the Irish Fly Fair in Enniskillen and Southern County Fishing Resort. Congratulations also to Martin McCoy – winner of the TAFI youth fundraising raffle which took place last June. Martin picked up his prize of a Ganly boat this week.

Salmon  angling logbooks

A quick reminder for all salmon and sea trout anglers — don’t forget to return your 2025 salmon angling logbook and any unused gill tags. These returns are vital for managing and monitoring our wild Atlantic salmon and sea trout stocks. Anglers can submit returns via the business reply envelope provided with their licence, or by posting directly to the IFI office listed on their logbook or licence.

Dry and sunny on Saturday across northern and eastern areas. Cloudier elsewhere with patchy rain turning heavy in the afternoon and extending nationwide by evening. Highs of 11°C to 14°C.

Beginning cloudy on Sunday with drizzle clearing northeastwards. Mostly dry weather will follow with sunny spells. Highs of 12°C to 14°C, in light winds. Dry and calm overnight with some mist. Lows of 3°C to 6°C.

While many areas will remain dry with sunny spells on Monday, showery rain may affect south and southeast areas. Highs of 10°C to 13°C, in light to moderate southeasterly winds.

Don’t forget to double-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

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