Chub an Invasive Species confirmed on the River Inny
Inland Fisheries Ireland are investigating the extent of the invasion
Inland Fisheries Ireland have confirmed the re-appearance of the invasive fish species chub (Squalius cephalus) on the River Inny in Longford. Chub when introduced have the potential to compete with our native fishes for food and space and are potentially a carrier of fish diseases and parasites. IFI is investigating the extent of the invasion and assessing strategies for eradication and control. The threat of Chub spreading through the Shannon system (the River Inny is a tributary of the Shannon) is of real and pending concern to the biodiversity of Ireland’s biggest catchment.
Chub River Inny June 2020
The fish was captured on rod and line at a targeted location identified by IFI staff who recorded potential sightings at several locations. The initial inspection followed reports submitted to IFI and the National Biodiversity Data Center by members of the public.
Chub are non-native in Ireland, and the River Inny is the only Irish river in which they have been recorded. The species was subject to removal operations between 2006 and 2010 and it was hoped that chub had been eradicated. It is unclear at this stage whether these fish represent growth in the original population or are as a result of a second introduction. Inland Fisheries Ireland are endeavoring to establish the status and distribution of the species within the catchment which will help inform potential management programmes.
Dr. Cathal Gallagher (Head of Research) stated, “Ireland’s rivers are ecologically important ecosystems, which support significant recreational fisheries for native and established fish species. Non-native fish species threaten these ecosystems and the game and coarse fisheries that they support – potentially in unforeseen ways – and are thus a cause for concern. We would appeal to anglers to protect our fisheries by not moving fish between watercourses for any reason and submit any sightings directly to IFI or through the IFI hotline (1850 34 74 24).”
Background information
Invasive alien species are defined as having been introduced to habitats outside their native range and where their introduction damages environments, economies or is detrimental to human health. They are considered a major threat to global biodiversity. Chub are one of the non-native species listed in Part 6 – Protection of Flora and Fauna (Section 49 – Third schedule – Part 2) of the European Communities (Bird and Natural Habitats) regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477 of 2011). This section prohibits, except under licence, the introduction or dispersal of a number of specified (listed) invasive plant and animal species.
The Government has introduced measures to control the spread of COVID-19. Restrictions have been in place across Ireland since March 2020. The current measures that were announced on 18 August 2020 are in place until 13 September 2020.
A new ‘Roadmap for Resilience and Recovery’ will be published before 13 September 2020. This will set out how the Government plans to bring greater certainty to help people and businesses plan for the future.
Inland Fisheries Ireland offers the following information to anglers as a guideline only. Government advice to stop the spread of coronavirus is BE RESPONSIBLE, BE SAFE.
Anglers can now travel throughout the country without restrictions, apart from local lockdowns that may be in place. However, visiting international anglers should refer to government guidelines on ‘Arriving to Ireland from another country’ for up to date advice.
General Guidance for everyone
Follow Government protocols and public health guidelines.
Outdoor gatherings and events are limited to 15 people.
Indoor gatherings and events are now limited to 6 people from no more than 3 households.
Sporting events and matches can take place behind closed doors.
Observe physical distancing by keeping at least 2 metres apart.
In situations where distancing is difficult, you are recommended to wear a face covering.
Park legally and responsibly if driving to outdoor amenities.
Respect our emergency services and avoid activities that could potentially lead to emergency call outs.
Respect the environment, animals & wildlife and dispose of waste properly.
Travel separately, unless from the same household and visit outdoor areas at off peak times if possible.
It should be noted, any change to the over-arching ‘Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business’ may result in an amendment(s) to this page. Currently, we strongly advise the suspension of all angling competitions involving international competitors.
To stay safe, anglers should follow public health guidelines: Hand HygieneCough Etiquette Physical Distancing 2m Equipment Disinfecting (not sharing) STAY home if you have symptoms
Dates:
18 August – 13 September
Travel:
Outside your region
Bank Anglers Trout Salmon Pike Coarse
Can travel with no restrictions, apart from local lockdowns that may be in place.
In groups with physical distancing.
Boat Anglers Game Coarse Pike Sea
Can travel with no restrictions, apart from local lockdowns that may be in place.
In groups with physical distancing.
Maintain physical distancing at slipways and access points.
Sea Anglers Shore
Can travel with no restrictions, apart from local lockdowns that may be in place.
In groups with physical distancing.
Business Owners can determine when your business may reopen in accordance with the Government’s ‘Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business’. The Roadmap gives a list of essential businesses which were able to reopen in phase 1 and an outline of other businesses which could reopen in subsequent phases. Once you have determined the phase under which you can reopen your business, please ensure you adhere to the ‘Return to Work Safely Protocol’
The uncontestable beauty of Lough Sheelin (photo John Byrne)
Lough Sheelin Angling Report, August 17th– August 23rd 2020
‘But when I am alone in the half-light, all existence seems to fade to a being of my soul and memories, and the hope that a fish will rise’
Norman Maclean
This week reminded me of a remark made by TV weatherman Patrick M. Barrett who once commented, ‘to have studied as a meteorologist for years only to use the term “mixed bag” to describe the weather’; it was this mixed bag that could be aptly applied to what was dropped from the skies on to Lough Sheelin over the past seven days. The temperature was the only constant, peaking at 19°C each day but after that it was Mr. Barrett’s mixed bag – winds varying from light to gale force (courtesy of storm Ellen), rain swinging from drizzling to thundery downpours, dense cloud cover to bright skies, short bursts of burning heat to overcast chills. Missing – big yellow circle, usually in the sky, comes by the name of SUN, if you see him tell him it’s August.
The Irish Summer, August 17th
Although the strong and gusty winds which tore over Sheelin on Wednesday and Thursday dissipated the previous week’s top layer stratification, water temperatures in the upper regions are still too warm and trout showed a distinct reluctance to surface particularly during the office hours. Day time anglers appeared to be doing a great deal of moving around on the lake, in search, presumably for fish and even those reassuring piscatorial aerial acrobatics were in short supply. The best times for fishing was in the early morning but more so in the evening and as the light faded into darkness, those Dracula hours which are apparently still responsible for bring in the heavier catches of up to 6lbs.
Life is tough for cold blooded critters like trout. With a body temperature largely regulated by the weather, its ability to catch and process food changes with the seasons. Time of day and even the shade from a passing cloud can alter this animal’s behaviour. For brown trout, temperature tolerance is about more than comfort. Colder water holds more oxygen and as the water warms this oxygen starts to dissipate causing trout to feel stressed well before temperatures get really high. It is believed that brown trout begin to experience stress when the temperature rises to about 67°F and with the top layer at Sheelin registering at 66°F it is easy to understand why our trout seek thermal refuge in the lower and colder water columns of this lake.
Casting out! Warm surface layers despite the mixed bag
August can be a tricky fishing month and now at the peak holiday time sometimes it can feel as if the fish are taking a break too. It can be the most soul destroying month of them all but the important thing is to be flexible, persevere and be prepared to try anything (legal of course!).
The three musketeers – Eadaoin Ross, Colm McCormack and Ned Clinton, cleaning up Church Island. If the fish ain’t bitin…
Towards the end of August, which is where we are heading now, wet fly fishing improves and continues to the end of the season and is generally not to any specific hatch of fly. Terrestrials of all descriptions are important as also are fry, sedge and the bottom larder of shrimp and hog louse. The deemed, old fashioned, method of dapping with grasshoppers and daddy longlegs can tempt some of the larger fish to the surface. I notice, now as the angling season is starting to put down its landing legs that the lures are starting to appear once again and it was a Black & Silver Minkie that brought in the heaviest fish of the week at 6lbs.
Bring her in
Storm Ellen threw a curve ball at the Lough Sheelin anglers so numbers fishing the lake dropped dramatically from the start of this storm and its tailoring off which seemed to include the weekend.
19 trout were recorded for the week. The majority of the catches were as dusk fell and the best of the day time catches were before noon.
The weight of the week was a beautiful 6lb trout caught on a Black & Silver Minkie using an intermediate line by Dublin angler Declan Montrose, at the back of Church Island.
Sheelin scenes and fishy photos
1 of 14
Declan McBreen with his Sheelin trout
Piscatorial perfection
Over 5lbs of Sheelin trout
In the net
Brendan Daly, Loughrea with one of his 5 trout (3.5 - 4.5lbs, all released)
A 2lb trout caught on a small Klinkhammer
2lb 8ozs caught on a small dry sedge pattern
Admiring the spots
The real deal - not just trout about
The waiting game
Evening fishing
Rocky outlays
Trout territory
The flies that brought a rise before the arrival of Ellen were small dry brown sedges (12 -14), Red Tailed Green Peters, Peter Emergers, Shipman’s, Bobs Bits, Hoppers, Claret Bumble, Silver Daddy, Pheasant Tail Nymph (fish on a floating line with a long leader using a figure of 8 retrieve), Detached Daddy (floating line, either left static or twitched over the surface, can be even deadlier when ripped through waves), International, Silver and Claret Dabblers, Sedge hogs, small Klinkhammers, Stimulators, Zulu, the Grey Duster, Golden Olive Bumble, Connemara Black, Raymond, Silver Invicta and Kate McLaren. Sizes 8-12.
Fluff, fur, feather and fly
1 of 11
William Muir's Hare's Ear
Tom Thumb sedge patterns for Sheelin (Kevin Sheridan)
The weirdly wonderful, In disguise - Lough Sheelin's Buff-tip
The real and the unreal
The Peter sedge - Agrypnia obsoleta
Stevie O'Neill's impressive crack at the hogs
Sheelin's Drinker moth (Euthrix potatoria)
Mini perch fry
Lough Sheelin's Clouded Silver
Alan Kenny's Green Peter Muddler
Agrypnia obsoleta
When fishing small dry sedges along sheltered areas it is best to use a floating line with a 4 – 6 lb. leader. Gaudy patterns were good for those targeting the Daphnia feeders out in the open water. Lures that rose their heads were Black & Silver Minkies and a black Humungus.
A catch & release policy is actively encouraged on the lake at all times
Catch & release
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.
14 year old Sean Mannion having a great day's fly fishing on Lough Conn
Declan Cooke reports from Lough Conn…
On Lough Conn, the great trout fishing recorded around the time of the Mayfly appears to have got even better, particularly in the mid-July period. A second, prolific hatch of mayfly occurred which brought some excellent fish to the surface and the spent gnat fishing came into its own once again.
Some local anglers reported the best trout fishing they had seen in 25 years. Local angler Thomas Waldron had 2 trout over 3lbs. in the “Middle of Mayo” and several more in the 1½ – 2lbs. range, all in one day in mid July. Most of his fish were caught on a size 12 Grey Wulff. The Mannion family, from Burriscara, Co. Mayo had a fantastic day fishing in the Kent’s Pool area in late July. 14-year-old Sean had his first fly caught trout, the first of many more that day. All fish were sportingly released.
Catch…Photo…Release…
Although a few mayfly remain on Lough Conn, the summer hatch had almost petered out by mid August, but anglers are still reporting good catches on dry sedges and daddies. Wet-flies such as the Green Peter and Claret Hopper are also taking fish these days and there is every reason to expect a good close to an excellent trout angling season on Lough Conn this coming September.
Michael Kane from Foxford releasing a lovely July grilse on the River Moy
Declan Cooke reports from the River Moy…
It has been another excellent period for angling on the Moy, although angler numbers in the area are somewhat down on previous years.
The various fisheries throughout the Moy have all reported good catches except for the Moy Fishery in Ballina where persistently high water has caused the majority of salmon to run further upstream. Despite the paucity of salmon below the weir in Ballina, the local club and Mount Falcon, both located just a few km upstream are both having a bumper year and there is little doubt, at this stage, that 2020 will be recorded as one of the best years in recent times for salmon runs.
The total recorded catch for the Moy so far this season is 4664 salmon, which compares favourably with recent years. However, when it is considered that almost no salmon were reported until 14 June, this figure puts 2020 ahead of the average catches for the last few seasons. At the peak of the run in late July, some fisheries (e.g. East Mayo) were reporting over 100 fish a week and salmon were spreading to all reaches of the river.
Joe Mullowney from Newport releasing another nice grilse on the Ridge Pool in July
By mid-August, the grilse run had tapered off somewhat and, although there appears to be a great head of fish in the river, they are reluctant to take, (as usually happens at this time of the year). There are still reports of small numbers of salmon being caught in the middle stretches of the Moy, particularly at the Mount Falcon beats and the prospects for late season fishing, mainly favoured by catch & release anglers, look extremely good.
Many of us were caught out this week with a backwards step on the Covid 19 roadmap to recovery; we are back to limited numbers on outdoor events and gatherings with a maximum of 15 allowed under the new/old measures and this will have a knock on effect for organisers of fishing competitions and novice coaching events.
Storm Ellen dropped by
As the much talked about ‘second wave’ of Covid 19 becomes more apparent, storm Ellen made groundfall overnight on Wednesday with more than just a couple of waves crashing onto our southern shores! County Cork once again took a hit for the team and bore the brunt of the storm; damage to property is widespread with some unfortunate angling boats also falling victim to the strong winds. Many of our rivers are swollen from the heavy rainfall with reports of heavy flooding in some areas too – it might be a while before some of our rivers and inshore areas are fishable once more.
Fishing the Munster Blackwater
Before the storm hit, our salmon anglers were still making the most of the good runs of fish in our rivers and loughs. On the Munster Blackwater the fish are spread throughout the system with most of the fish well upstream at this stage, reports are coming in of good fishing from Mallow all the way up to the Kerry county boundary. All of the Cork rivers saw runs of fish with the Ilen, the Bandon, the Coomhola, the Owvane, the Mealagh and the Glengarriff all reporting good numbers of salmon.
In neighbouring County Kerry, a handful of fish were landed in the Killarney system while over in Ballinkelligs bay, the Inny river has had its best season for salmon in a long number of years. Unfortunately the same can’t be said for Currane a few miles out the road where fish have been scarce.
In the west, the Erriff produced a decent number of fish despite the low water and the Moy produced a decent number of fish around Foxford despite the low levels of anglers!
Trout fishing on the loughs continues to be pretty slow, although Lough Corrib fished well when the conditions came right, with dry mayflies doing much of the damage. On Lough Sheelin, the back-end daytime wet fly fishing is yet to kick off, with evening and after-dark still the most productive periods.
On the rivers, the warm and humid start to the week meant that sedges were hatching in abundance in the evenings and anglers did well with both dry flies and nymph imitations. A cooler, wetter week ahead might mean a change of tactics once the rivers settle again.
A healthy gudgeon carefully cradled in wet weed by a young hand, this is what memories are made of
Coarse and pike angling reports were thin on the ground this week, although we did have one report from the East Clare Two Day Coarse Fishing Festival where fishing was difficult in warm, bright conditions.
One intrepid angler did target a species of freshwater fish not often seen in the Irish Angling Update – the mighty Gudgeon! Angling apprentice Anthony O’Neill spent an enjoyable evening on the River Nore with his dad targeting these miniature wonders and they caught plenty.
The Menapia Sea Angling Club wins our Catch of the Week for their 10 shore caught specimen tope so far this year
Once again the best of this week’s fishing was in saltwater, both close in and offshore. Bass have been plentiful so far this year with good numbers reported around the southern and south eastern coasts. In the south east, we’ve also seen some super tope fishing from the beaches, the Menapia club reporting no less than 10 shore caught specimen so far this year. Menapia SAC win our Catch of the Week this week for these impressive returns.
Bluemouth
In Donegal, we’ve seen a variety of species from some of the shore marks, most notably good turbot, spotted ray, thornback and specimen wrasse. Anglers also had the blues further offshore in Counties Cork and Kerry, blue shark and bluemouths both featuring along with various other deepwater, wreck and reef species.
Windy tonight (Thursday) with fresh to strong southerly winds, up to gale force in coastal areas with widespread showers, thunderstorms and a continued risk of flooding.
Another blustery day Friday, with strong & gusty south westerly winds and heavy showers. Max daytime temperatures 16°C to 20°C, mins of 11°C to 14°C overnight.
Cool and windy on Saturday and overnight into Sunday with a mix of clear spells and scattered showers both days. Max daytime temperatures 15°C to 20°C, mins of 11°C to 14°C with lighter winds.
On Sunday night and into Monday, a spell of persistent rain will extend from the Atlantic. Some sunny spells developing Monday, but scattered showers also, max. 15°C to 19°C.
Safe fishing to all this weekend and tight lines, especially here in Ireland.
A fine pair of pollack from a Clare coast reef on the Clare Dragoon
Sean Maguire and Luke Aston had some fine days out on their charter boats in the last week.
A good cod on the Lady Gwen II
In the last few days Anglers on Lady Gwen II have had very good cod and pollack, with a mix of scad, mackerel and gurnard thrown in for good measure. To add to the excitement sharks have been about the boat pinching fishing been reeled in by anglers. Every now and then someone will have a go with the shark gear and the result is always a blue or porbeagle released to fight another day.
A fine pair of pollack from a Clare coast reef on the Clare Dragoon
It’s a similar story from Luke. His anglers on the Clare Dragoon have been getting good fishing too. Getting bait is no problem and then its a matter of deciding what to target. Wrasse fishing is producing good sized Ballans on the mackerel baits. And the deeper reefs are seeing pollack, ling, gurnard and haddock take the bait. Thornbacks are there for the catching too over the right ground and sharks can be a pest until a bait is in the water for them and adrenaline levels rise.
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
Lady Gwen II
Fishing Adventures on Séan Maguire’s Lady Gwen II, a Lochin 33 M265Ti Perkins charterboat which operates 15 miles from Kilbaha, Carrigaholt, and Kilrush.
Whether you want to go to the Atlantic Ocean for a large selection of species, including different types of shark, or fish the estuary for ray conger tope etc, Fishing Adventures will cater for whatever fishing you desire. Telephone: +353 (0) 877508758 or +353 (0) 894431182 Email:[email protected]Web:www.fishingadventures.ie
David Norman reports on the West Cork Bass fishing…
Andy P with his bass
19 August: More first time Silver, this time for Andy P who absorbed all the coaching really well despite having no lure fishing experience. He also got just about the first decent set of conditions we’ve had all Summer and the full bioluminesence show at the fishing spots as a nice bonus but that’s all about to change.
Brandon Hamber had his first lure caught Irish Bass
18 August: Had a great couple of days coaching & guiding Brandon Hamber to his first lure caught Irish Bass. Flat calm conditions and masses of bait made for tough fishing but we worked hard as a team and the rewards followed.
1 of 2
Playing a pollack - fighting the dive
unhooking the Pollack before release
15 August: Having some great battles with Pollock from the Kayaks while the Bass are resting! in Clonakilty, Ireland
West Cork Bass
David Norman is a Clonakilty based Bass Fishing Guide and Coach specialising in Shore Based Lure Fishing & Workshops.
Notes: Having intensively fished for Bass (Catch & Release) on the West Cork Coast plus all of the recognised Bass fishing counties of Ireland I want to share with other like-minded anglers the thrills of responsible lure fishing for Bass on a One-to-One basis over a limited number of trips throughout the key times of the Bass fishing Year, which for me is June – Sept, sometimes earlier or later depending on how the weather is behaving…
I can offer a range of options around key tides, to include night fishing, in a safe and environmentally conscious manner including bespoke workshops to help build knowledge and confidence
Mobile: 0858492691 Email:[email protected] FB: West Cork Bass Web: West Cork Bass INSTAGRAM: westcorkbass
Dan O’Neill reports on the salmon fishing at Longueville House on the River Blackwater…
With plenty of reports of salmon along the Blackwater Longueville Fishery was bound to produce fish. The water was rising and beginning to colour slightly but that didn’t put Mark off. The half inch cascade tube fly fished on an intermediate line lured two salmon into taking; a fish of 6 pound and one of 9 pound. The 6 pound hen was released.
Both fish were met near the Castle Beat. That’s just one of the wonderful beats along Longueville that I am very much looking forward to fishing in the coming weeks.
Dan
Go Fishing…
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:[email protected] Website: www.longuevillehouse.ie
Cork boat angler Mike Plumber reports from a recent trip targeting bluemouth aboard the Saint Collette II out of Cahersiveen where everything fell into place:
Conditions were perfect for targeting bluemouth, no wind, slack tide and it had been settled for a few days before the trip. Rigs were shop bought Kilmore Killers, Sabikis, clown rigs, Eddystone eels and various lumi muppet patterns.
The fish were strong on the ground from the get go. I’d been chatting to a few lads who were fishing the same mark on Saturday and the weekend previous – they had had reasonable fishing but not many specimens landed. Bait was mackerel and ragworm but, being honest, if we’d used bare hooks on Sunday we would still have got a string of bluemouths!
There were plenty of big mackerel and we filled our boots and set off some 20+ miles offshore to the reef which is in 300 ft of water. As soon as the skipper put us over our mark, we dropped our baits and, when they hit bottom and we gave them a little jiggle, we all had a string on every drop.
I’d never fished for them before but after years of bookings and cancellations our crew of lads from Dublin, Cork and Kerry finally got to experience them.
We might have a two boat, one day, biggest bluemouth competition in 2021. Skipper and his deck hands netted fish like real pros. Most of the day was lads calling for the net or ‘measure that one quick!’ as they dropped back down for another chance for maybe the bigger one for the day or possible record 😍.
With the morale on the boat on a high after 2 drifts and 6 specimens recorded we keep at them in short drifts and found only certain parts of the drift produced the bigger ones. We got them from 15cm and biggest was 39cm.
1 of 4
The other reef species showed up when we drifted off the hot zone but we did a couple of drifts off the reef, for a change is as good as a rest! Pollack, coalie, octopus, wrasse, cuckoo, poor cod and ling all came to the boat.
With the main target the bluemouth mission accomplished for me after years of planning, and let’s just say the plan for a 2021 trip to Cahersiveen is soon to be hatched…
Notes: Sails from Cahersiveen & Knightstown. Your Skipper Brendan has twenty years’ experience navigating the bay and our aim is to make your voyage fascinating, pleasant and safe. On board there is a toilet, seating, binoculars and all safety equipment. Also, Tea and Coffee provided onboard. Boat cruises at about 12 to15 knots. We can accommodate fishing parties up to 10 persons & Non fishing tours up to 12 persons.
