James Quinn reports that fishing in Galway had been slow but is picking up now with the arrival of the grilse, and increasing numbers of fish running the river every day. All anglers are getting their chances of fish but not all are holding on. There are a few good sized fish in the system still mixed in with the grilse.
On the 4th June there were 7 fish landed, including John Hetherington Laois who had a 10.25lbs fish on shrimp. The Waterford crew were in town and Paul Whelan, Mossy Browne and Brian Hennessey all had a fish each – 4.5, 5.5, and 4.5lbs on fly.
The 5th saw 6 fish 4 to 6.5lbs. Tosh Kellett from the midlands had 2 fish for 4 & 6 lbs on shrimp, and Kevin Mitchell landed a 5.75lbs grilse on fly.
On the 6th we had 4 fish. Father and son team Fintan and Adrian Murphy had a fish each at 5 and 6lbs, and Jim Ryan (Tipperary) landed a grilse of 6.5lbs, all on fly.
The 7th saw 10 fish from 3 to 6lbs. Billy Moylan (Tipperary) had 2 fish of 5.5 & 3.5lbs on fly. Coleman Counihan (Ennis) had 2 fish of 4 lbs apiece. International superstar banjo player Enda Scahill landed a 6lbs fish on fly.
On the 8th there were 4 fish landed, all around 5lbs. Eamon Cusack Jnr matching his fathers tally of last week with a fish of 5lbs on shrimp. Brian Howard from Dublin also had a 5lbs fish on fly.
The 9th saw 6 fish between 4.5-5.5lbs. John McCarthy had two 4lbs grilse on shrimp. Father and son team Michael and Gary Rogers from Dublin had 3 fish, all 4.5lbs. Henry Cosgrove had a nice 5.5 lbs fish on fly.
RIP Marie
We would like to pay tribute to Henry Cosgrove’s wife Marie, who passed away recently. Marie was a familiar face at the fishery, often accompanying Henry on his visits, and joining in the chat with the other anglers. She will be sadly missed here, and we offer our sincere condolences to Henry and the Cosgrove Family.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis
Go Fishing
With numbers of grilse increasing each day and one gate open on the weir, conditions look good for fishing for the next few weeks. Although day fishing is very busy, there will be slots available for evening fishing (fly only). To enquire about availability, contact the fishery at 091 562388 or email seamus.hartigan@fisheriesireland.ie
Some fantastic bass lure fishing the last few days for Cormac Walsh in Wexford with every morning and evening session producing bass. All the fish caught on the excellent evobass lure Sabre 130. Conditions are on the limits the last few days for lure fishing with fresh SW winds and big swells to contend with, but luckily the clarity is still holding up good.
From high tide to the first hour of the drop for some reason the bass come on the feed. Lots of terns and gannets working indicating plenty of sandeel about. It’s like September fishing in June here with some decent size fish about. Hopefully it’s a sign of a good season.
Inland Fisheries Ireland will be carrying out a fish stock survey on Lough Corrib to assess the current status of the fish populations in the lake between the 14th June and 2nd July 2021. It will involve netting at over 120 sites throughout Lough Corrib. The survey will be conducted by Inland Fisheries Ireland staff from IFI Galway and research staff from Citywest and will use a maximum of three boat crews.
The survey will provide a range of information on the fish stocks in the lake. Information will include fish distribution, relative abundance (catch and biomass per unit effort (CPUE and BPUE), size distribution and age and growth information for most species captures. The diet of selected species will also be assessed.
The survey crews will be very visible on Lough Corrib during the survey. All sets of nets will be marked with distinctive buoys labelled ‘IFI Survey’, see below. Any anglers or other lake users are asked to be vigilant if out and about on the lake over the next few weeks and to avoid snagging in the nets. If you see these buoys please leave them undistrubed. Thank you for your cooperation.
Information on the Lough Corrib Survey (FAQ)
1. Why Survey Lough Corrib
Regular monitoring of fish stocks plays an important role in managing ecologically sensitive waterbodies including those, like Lough Corrib which support important angling fisheries. As the statutory body charged with the conservation of our waterways IFI need to stay informed on the status of fish stocks in all Irelands’ fisheries of interest, including Lough Corrib. Lough Corrib is surveyed as part of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) surveillance monitoring programme and IFIs brown trout monitoring programme. The survey is normally carried out every three years.
A fish stock survey, using survey gill nets and other methods (e.g. fyke nets) is standard international practice for carrying out such a census and comparable techniques are used across Europe. Lough Corrib was surveyed previously as part of IFIs WFD monitoring programme in 2014 and 2018.
2. Survey Timing
Most lake fish monitoring surveys are undertaken from June to early October. The timing of sampling is linked to an understanding of the life history strategies of the target species. In most circumstances sampling should be carried out when juveniles are of a sufficiently large size to be susceptible to capture and distinguishable from similar species (European standard). Temperature also affects the efficacy of passive gear such as gill and fyke nets, and netting should coincide with peak activity periods. On major angling waters, surveys are also timed to avoid overlap with busy angling seasons.
3. Survey Catches relative to Stocks
It must be stressed that this netting exercise is a whole lake fish stock survey.
Survey gill nets in tandem with fyke nets provide an effective method for catching fish in lakes. The nets are generally fished overnight (for a period not exceeding 24 hours) to capture peak periods of fish movement, i.e. dawn and dusk. While there will be some mortalities, this is likely to be insignificant for all species relative to their stock size. Data indicates that the proportion of any species captured in such a survey is usually ≤ 0.1% of the stock of any species present. Not all fish that enter survey gill nets are killed and many can be removed and returned alive to the water. Research conducted within IFI over the years, commonly using tagging methods, has demonstrated that many fish that are released from survey gill nets survive for long periods and are available to the angler.
4. What happens to the fish that are killed?
All fish that fail to survive the survey gill netting operation will be used for scientific purposes. Each fish will be measured and weighed. Scales will be taken from a proportion of all species to determine age and stomach contents will also be examined. This information will be analysed to provide information on the age cohorts of each fish species present, their relative growth rates, feeding patterns and other relevant information. Additional samples may also be retained for subsequent genetic analyses or other use.
ANGLING REPORT FOR WEEK-ENDED SUNDAY 6TH JUNE 2021
Reports of two big spring Salmon (18lbs and 15lbs) and five Grilse caught on Killarney Lakes. A 6lbs Grisle was caught on Beat 2 of the Laune.
Water levels have dropped but remain at a moderate level. The fishing conditions were good and fishing efforts increased over the bank holiday weekend. Trollers on the Killarney lakes were constant throughout the week.
Levels on the Flesk were also good, but the river was quiet as anglers wait for the grilse run.
Go Fishing
Lough Leane, Muckross Lake and the Upper Lake, Killarney, Co. Kerry are part of the River Laune catchment. Fishing is free on these lakes. A reasonable number of salmon are taken mainly on the troll with some big spring salmon annually accounted for.
Permits Available From: Lander’s, Tralee – O’Neill’s, Killarney – O’Sullivan’s Shop, Beaufort Bridge – Billy Cotter, see below. – Michael O’Shea, see below.
The fishing to Sunday 6th June continued as much as the previous week; catches were quiet enough but plenty of fish reported as being in the system.
Things picked up though in the early part of this week. On Monday Fortwilliam had some great fishing. Noel Power had a cracking fish in the morning, after getting two the day before. John O’Brien also landed and released a cracking fish of estimated at14lbs+ off the Abbey pool.
At the Blackwater Salmon and Trout Fishery things plenty of sport was had on Tuesday with 5 fish making it to the bank and a number of fish cutting ties prematurely. Gary Robb after a 20 year break from angling on the Blackwater didn’t take long to reopen his account. Derry Ryan also landed a beautiful sea-liced fish and Liam Murray landed his first ever Salmon.
Salmon about to be released on the Blackwater
Go fishing…
Blackwater Salmon Fishery
Blackwater Salmon Fishery has 3 beats downstream of the weir and 2 upstream of the weir. Blackwater Salmon Fishery offers fishing on approximately 5 miles of the river Blackwater. The fishing is spread throughout the middle section of the river to offer good sport throughout the fishing season. Due to the location of the beats, fishing can still usually be offered in low or high water. Contact Glenda Powell: Lismore, Co Waterford, Email:info@blackwatersalmonfishery.com Mobile: +353 (0) 872351260 Telephone: +353 (0) 5853929 Web: www.blackwatersalmonfishery.com
Fortwilliam Fishery & Self-Catering Cottages
Fortwilliam Fishery offers two miles of double bank salmon and trout fishing over five beats on the river Blackwater.
Our salmon include – Springers, May Salmon, Grilse, Back End Salmon, and in Summer sea trout.
Our beats provide a wide variety of water, suitable for both beginners and the more experienced fishermen.
Fortwilliam Fishery, Glencairn, Lismore, Co. Waterford, Ireland Web: www.fortwilliamfishing.ieEmail: fishing@fortwilliamireland.com Tel: (00353) 87 8292077 or 058 75299
Blackwater Salmon and Trout Fishery
Blackwater Salmon and Trout Fishery control a number of beats of the Munster Blackwater. The Ballyduff Bridge beat is almost a mile long offering a huge variety of water and is particularly suited to fly fishing. Upstream near the village of Ballyhooley (a few miles outside the town of Fermoy, Cork) we have two beats. The Ballincurrig Beat is one of the most beautiful locations along the river and has an excellent piece of fly water flowing into a deep pool. Just downstream on the opposite bank we have a short but productive beat, called Magners. This beat fishes also well in high water.
Careysville Fishery offers some of the best salmon fly fishing in Ireland and includes 26 named pools. It is considered by many to be one of premier beats for salmon fishing in Ireland. Wading is excellent and among the numerous streams, pools and glides there is a great variety of fly fishing to suit both complete novice and challenge the most competent of fly casters.
At Lismore Castle & Golf Course Fishery, we offer nearly two miles of two inter-linked beats, the Castle Beat & the Golf Course Beat.
The legendary Castle Beat consistently ranks as one of the top Salmon beats on the River Blackwater, for the number of Atlantic Salmon caught per rod. The Golf Course Beat offers about 1.5 miles of fishable water through meandering majestic countryside. The Golf Course beat offers a number of bewildering pools suitable for unmatched spinning and bait fishing.
We provide Day Tickets for some prime Salmon fishing in Mallow Co. Cork. We have excellent fly water, shrimping worming and spinning also. We also have very competitive Day rates and we have very recently upgraded our fishing.
Tickets available from “The Bridge House” and “Vincent Downes Menswear” Mallow.
Located on the Munster Blackwater in the south of Ireland. Situated mid river between the towns of Fermoy and Mallow. A productive left bank beat in stunning surroundings.
For bookings contact Conor Arnold: +353 87 755 4682
For details on availability and conditions of fishing for salmon and trout on the Longueville House waters please contact them at Contact : Longueville House Hotel, William O’Callaghan Address : Mallow, Co. Cork. Telephone : 00 353 22 47156 Email:info@longuevillehouse.ie Website: www.longuevillehouse.ie
County Sligo & Donegal based charter skippers reported great fishing during the week.
Ewings Sea Angling and Boat Charters reported that the 2021 tope account is officially opened and light gear angling has finally started to come into its own as the bigger members of the cod family return from spawning.
Anglers out with Killybegs Fishing Trips enjoyed great pollack fishing with some cod & ling going also.
Adrian Molloy of tuna.ie also reported great mixed fishing for his clients during the week.
ANGLING DATA FOR WEEK ENDING; SUNDAY 6TH JUNE 2021
The Ilen River had 20 Salmon, best 13lbs by a syndicate angler on a Flying C.
Go fishing…
The River Ilen is a medium size spate river that fishes best on a dropping flood for both salmon and sea trout. Spinning, worm and fly fishing are the methods used and allowed on club water.
The river is beautiful and a joy to fish, pools along club waters are easily accessible with seats, steps and stiles put in place for the anglers comfort. With selective tree pruning done along the river in recent years fly fishing has become a more available option especially on the lower river with numerous pools opened up to suit fly fishermen, night time fly fishing for sea trout is a pleasure with great stocks of trout entering the river from April.
ANGLING DATA FOR WEEK ENDING; SUNDAY 6TH JUNE 2021
The good fishing on the Bandon continued last week. There were about 15 salmon reported. The river levels remained good and most of the fish were caught on shrimp and fly. Many of the fish caught were late spring fish with one salmon of 15lbs reported but the grilse are also starting to appear.
The weather at the time of writing is broken and water levels will be topped up again making for good fishing conditions again this week.
Go Fishing…
Bandon Angling Association have set up a guiding service in conjunction with Jason Nash, Peter Aspinwall and Phil Dewey. Details of the guiding service are provided on the website and they are looking forward to making memories and enhancing people’s fishing experiences on the river Bandon. Day tickets and club membership are also available. Web: https://bandonangling.com/
Kilcoleman Fishery, Enniskeane, is renowned for its hospitality. The owners David and Patricia Lamb make a particular effort to make their guests feel at home. Past visitors have described the atmosphere as ‘laid back’ and the accommodations as ‘cosy’. Kilcoleman is “fly only” throughout the entire season. However, in certain water conditions, spinning is permitted for salmon. Trout angling is “fly only” at all times. web:http://flyfishing-ireland.com
Skipper John Fleming and his guests have been enjoying great fishing on the bay recently, with the reefs and islands area providing great mixed species sport. Mackeral have been plentiful, providing good fresh bait as well as some good fish for eating. According to John there are some fine pollock around with some whiting and coalies In the mix as well.
A fine pollack aboard the Brazen Hussy
It was a ballan wrasse, however, that stole the show on Sunday. One of John’s anglers – Mariusz Lyszczynski, originally from Lithuania – landed a monster ballan that went 50cm on the measure, an Irish specimen for the species. It’s great to see a ballan this size, especially with the increasing removal of these for lice removal on salmon farms in recent years. A scandalous waste of these long-lived and slow-growing fish, that provide great sport for tourist and recreational angling. Well done to John and Mariusz for a fine catch!
Members of Killybegs Mariners Sac caught more nice bass during the week. There was also good mackerel, pollack and wrasse fishing reported. Read their update below…
Another superb fishing for our “Bass King” Christopher who was out walking the local Killybegs rocks again with the lure rod over the shallows and managed 3 fine bass on lures. Lovely fishing and great to see a stock of bass locally.
Lure caught Killybegs bass
There was fresh summer bay mackerel for the evening tea along with some hard fighting wrasse on the lures for catch and release plus a few pollack. High summer on the bay with the lure gear!
Mackerel & WrassePollack on lure
The first of the summer league outings (1/9) took also place during the week on a lovely warm summers evening which even had a few midges out and about.
10 anglers lined the beach and scores were tight to the finish with mostly flounders being the catch in the mid 20s cm range.
With the guaranteed 3 prize winners meaning that the top two places don’t get longest flattie prize the winning length was 25cm and was won by Brian Smith.
2nd place overall prize with 3 counting flounders was won by Shane Cunningham
And 1st place overall with 4 counting fish was won by John Cunningham.
Well done to all who came out to enjoy the fishing on a fine evening.
Mariners sea angling club Killybegs Co Donegal. The club runs a shore league and boat competitions and angling trips around Ireland doing the sport we love. Get in touch at www.facebook.com/mariner.sac
