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Big wrasse and regrets for Simon off Swilly

By
Myles Kelly
-

Simon McLarnon was out fishing for tope from Portsalon, Co. Donegal on Saturday. They were hoping to fish the grounds off Dunaff Head, Lough Swilly, but unfortunately the southerly breeze was stronger than expected resulting in a choppy sea and a very strong drift. This made angling difficult and uncomfortable in a confused sea. Given the conditions they decided to try some of the reefs inside Lough Swilly instead to get a bit of shelter.

It was on one of these reefs that Simon hit what he thought was full trace of coalfish, which the boat was catching plenty of, but after a hard scrap it was a big “Kelp Donkey” of a Ballan Wrasse that came to the surface.

The fish was photographed but released it without getting proper measurements. At the time they didn’t realise that it could have been a specimen wrasse. Simon tells us that is was certainly the biggest wrasse he has ever caught. He estimated the wrasse to measure between 45 and 50cm which could put it up at 4.5 and 5lb.

At least he knows it’s there to be caught again…

Go fishing…

Sea Fishing North East Donegal

Some good fishing off Clare coast and a surprise catch

By
Myles Kelly
-
Angel shark
Shannon Estuary angel shark

Charter boat skippers out of Shannon Estuary are getting out more, now that winds and sea conditions have improved…

Anglers fishing with Sean Maguire aboard charter boat Isle of Aran Good enjoyed catches of pollack and coalfish over the last few trips with a few other species in the mix. Sean tells us that mackerel are still hit and miss although they are getting good sized fish when they meet a shoal.

Luke Aston of the Clare Dragoon tells us that he is back out doing a few day charters after the poor weather from the previous week. Luke is also seeing some nice sized mackerel around, which is good to hear, and he is getting plenty of coalfish and pollack.

Luke took a crew up the estuary at the weekend to try for a Tope. They had a run or 2 but no hook up. The big news though, and a real bonus fish, was a lovely Angel Shark. Nice to think they are making their way back up the estuary.

Go fishing…

Carrigaholt Sea Angling Centre

Address Carrigaholt Clare Ireland Mobile Phone: +353 87 6367544 Phone: +353 65 9058209 Website: fishandstay.com
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Fishing Adventures Ireland

Address Kilbaha Clare Ireland Mobile Phone: +353 87 7508758 Mobile Phone: +353 89 4431182 Website: fishingadventures.ie
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Sea angling in the Shannon Estuary and the Clare coast

 

Skate fishing season underway in Courtmacsherry

By
Myles Kelly
-

Mark Gannon reports on the charterboat fishing with Courtmacsherry Angling Centre…

The Skate fishing season got underway in Courtmacsherry on Wednesday last week. Our first female Flapper skate of 1.22m was caught by Dutch angler Marnix (tagged and released) aboard the Lady Patricia skippered by Chris O’Connell. The group are regular visitors to Courtmacsherry and the tour is led by Dirk-Jan whose been fishing in Courtmacsherry for over 20 years.

Other fish caught included pollack, coalfish, cod, pouting, cuckoo wrasse, Ballan wrasse and Dogfish. The conditions were improving and it was great to be able to get to sea after the poor conditions of late.

We have full charters available and individual seats will be available later in the summer. Our self drive boats are also available for inshore and estuary fishing.

Go fishing…

Courtmacsherry Sea Angling Centre

Address Woodpoint Guest House Courtmacsherry Cork Ireland Mobile Phone: +353 86 8250905 Website: courtmacsherryangling.ie
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William Coughlan wins 2nd round of Athy Anglers summer league

By
Myles Kelly
-

Des Bridgette reports on the second round of the Athy & District Anglers Summer League which was fished on Sunday…

Athy Anglers held the second leg of their Summer League on the canal. Fishing was hard to say the least. Willian Coughlan was the eventual winner, in his first canal match in over 40 years.

Results are as follows

  • 1st William Coughlan 3lb 15ozs
  • 2nd Bao 3lb.3ozs
  • 3rd Chris Lawlor
  • 4th Dave Locke 1lb 4ozs

Well done to everyone that competed.

Anglers are Reminded that the Marina will be closed for fishing this Saturday 30th of May for a Tri Athy event. Please respect this, thank you.

Go fishing…

Our next match will be Sunday the 7th of June 3pm to 8pm meeting at 1pm Stradbally lock.

Athy and District Anglers

If you’d like to fish the Marina Club Grounds or get involved with the club and fish matches like these, then click the links below!

Athy & District Anglers Club was formed in 1959 and to this day they continue to pursue their goals of protecting, maintaining and encouraging the sport of angling in the greater Athy area. The club works with local authorities to improve and maintain local fishing areas as well as organizing events and matches for local and national anglers. Athy & District Anglers Club welcomes all new members and all age groups to the sport! If you’d like to get involved, please check out the Getting Involved section of their website.

Reminder: New Dodder regulations in force from 01 June

By
Myles Kelly
-

A new byelaw, signed earlier this year, updates the regulations on the River Dodder. The new regulations apply to the part of the river from Clonskeagh Road bridge to the River Liffey at Ringsend. 

Fly only fishing

River Dodder Bye-law No. 1021 of 2025 provides for fly fishing only, single barbless hook from Clonskeagh Road bridge to the River Liffey at Ringsend during the period 01 June to 30 September in any year. All legitimate methods are allowed at other times (subject to salmon regulations).

Catch and release

River Dodder Bye-law No. 1021 of 2025 provides for catch and release for all fish species downstream of the Clonskeagh Road bridge to the River Liffey at Ringsend during the period 01 June to 30 September in any year.

No salmon, or seatrout over 40cm

A person shall not have in his or her possession any wild salmon or sea trout (over 40cm).

Angling Limitation River Dodder Bye-law No. 1021 of 2025

View the bye law here: River Dodder bye law

John Browne wins 2nd leg of Oaklands Summer League

By
Myles Kelly
-
oaklands in May

Adrian Browne reports on the second leg of the Oaklands Summer League…

The Summer has arrived and thankfully it was a lovely day at Oakland’s for the 2nd round of the Summer league.

John Browne came out top bagging 86.730kg from peg 35.

Coming in 2nd was Kirean Reeves netting 72.020kg and close behind in 3rd was Sion Pritchard with 69.530kg.

John Browne, Oaklands
John Browne, Oaklands

Winning Junior on the day was Michael Nemeth with a impressive 37.330kg.

Today’s Results

  • 1st John Browne 86.730 kg
  • 2nd Kirean Reeves 72.020 kg
  • 3rg Sion Pichard 69.530 kg
Section A
  • Matija Ivkov 49.480 kg
Section B
  • Peter Nedza 38.650 kg

Junior’s

  • 1st Michael Memeth 37.330kg
  • 2nd Finn Campion 21.480 kg
  • 3rd Harry Boyce 19.640 kg

Thanks to everyone who fished. Next match June 7th.

Go fishing…

Oaklands Fishery

Address Marsh Meadow New Ross Wexford Ireland Phone: +353 51 445348 Mobile Phone: +353 87 6988979 Mobile Phone: +353 87 781 1042 Website: oaklandslake.com
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Oaklands Open Day 06 June
Oaklands Open Day 06 June

Dale Malpas wins 𝗢𝘁𝘁𝗲𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗵𝘆 on Inniscarra

By
Myles Kelly
-

The 𝗢𝘁𝘁𝗲𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗵𝘆 was fished over 3 days on Inniscarra last week, from Wednesday 20 May to Friday 22 May. Inniscarra TDL reports…

With rising water levels overnight, we made a last-minute change to the sections for the first day of the Ottewill Trophy. Once again included the Fountain House section, this time with revised pegging.
A big thank you to the lads who helped out with the adjustments — it certainly made a difference today.

𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 : 𝗔 – 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲, 𝗕 – 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘆𝗮𝗿𝗱, 𝗖 – 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲

𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟭 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀
  • 1st Dale Malpas – 14.810kg – Garden Centre
  • 2nd Trevor Platt – 14.770kg – Garden Centre
  • 3rd John Fletcher – 13.360kg – Graveyard

We are also delighted to announce an anonymous sponsorship of €100 towards the prize fund — thank you very much for the support. With 16 anglers fishing, this now brings the total prize fund for the festival to €1,700.

Day 2 report

We are still experiencing unusually high water levels for this time of year, conditions rarely seen on Inniscarra in May.

The Graveyard section stole the show today, producing the top three weights — all caught on the pole. In contrast, the feeder came into play at the Garden Centre, while at Fountain House it was more of a mixed approach.

𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀
  • John Fletcher – 16.490kg
  • Jim Brockie – 12.820kg
  • Henk Roskam – 12.710kg

John Fletcher takes a commanding 7kg lead at the halfway stage of the Ottewill Trophy. Behind him, however, it remains much closer, with plenty still to fish for going into the final day.

Day 3 report

Dale Malpas wins today’s match and takes the overall Ottewill Trophy title with his 12.300kg haul from the Graveyard.

Result

  • 1st Dale Malpas – 12.300kg
  • 2nd John Van Gastel – 12.120kg
  • 3rd Kev Ince – 11.950kg

𝗢𝘁𝘁𝗲𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗵𝘆 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀

  • Dale Malpas
  • John Fletcher
  • Ken Ince
  • Mike Stone

Congratulations to all the festival winners and thank you to everyone who took part over the three days.

We were presented with unusually high water levels throughout the week, but with some careful section manipulation still managed to produce some good fishing, with some lovely skimmer catches.

Congratulations also to the winners of the earlier events, 𝗝𝗶𝗺 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗲 – 𝗛𝗼𝗴𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 and 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗶𝘁𝗮 𝗞𝘂𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸– 𝗢’𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗵𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗖𝘂𝗽, well done to everyone who framed throughout.

A special thank you to the generosity of our sponsors Hogans Oaklands and O’Callaghans Bar & Guest House

Finally, thank you to everyone who took part, to Kevin for organising the week’s fishing, and to Eileen & Co. for their warm hospitality at O’Callaghan’s Bar & Guest House.

Irish Angling Update 🎣 22 May 2026

By
IFI staff
-
Last week’s weather across Ireland was generally unsettled, with frequent showers, spells of rain and mainly moderate southwesterly winds. While the rainfall helped maintain water levels on many salmon rivers and encouraged some fish movement, conditions remained variable and catches were generally modest to poor.

So, it came as little surprise that salmon reports remained scarce over the past week, with only a small number of fish reported from rivers in Cork and Kerry, while anglers on Lough Currane once again drew a blank. Angling conditions on the Moy were also affected by the unsettled weather and, coupled with low fishing effort, resulted in catches remaining below average for this time of year. Cooler temperatures and breezy conditions made trout fishing somewhat challenging at times, although mayfly activity on the Western Lakes was reported to be fair to good. While anglers observed plenty of fly life on the water, surface feeding activity remained somewhat limited. This was also the case on Lough Arrow, where the local club held its annual mayfly competition and, despite difficult conditions, a number of quality trout were still recorded. Lough Conn experienced a similar pattern, with abundant fly life but catches remaining patchy overall. With regard to river trout fishing, we received another informative report from Dan O’Neill covering tactics and fly selection on the River Nore. Dan, an APGAI-qualified instructor, will also be involved in a Women’s Beginner Fly Fishing Day taking place at Southern County Fishing Resort, Co. Carlow on Saturday, 13 June. The course is aimed at beginners and novice anglers aged 18 and over, and all equipment will be provided. This promises to be an excellent opportunity for female anglers looking to take up or develop their fly fishing skills. Further information is available from Maddy Kelly, who has earned 25 caps for the Irish Ladies Fly Fishing Team and has also served as team captain on three occasions.

Over to pike fishing, where some anglers benefited from favourable predator conditions under overcast skies. Newbridge District Pike Anglers were back on the banks for a back-to-back weekend competition, with Ian Murphy the standout performer, taking first place in both events and continuing his excellent recent form on the river. Staying in the east, Chris Barry from Go Fishing Ireland reported excellent pike fishing for his clients, including fish of 112cm and 113cm.

113cm pike for Gaspard Perez fishing with Go Fishing Ireland

We also received a report from Artem Novikov on nearby Lough Derravaragh; Artem, who enjoys making his own lures and now pike flies, had some great sport using one of his own creations.

Meanwhile, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands continue to deliver quality predator fishing. Bodo Funke of Angling Services Ireland, who specialises in predator fly fishing alongside lure angling, reported a number of outstanding catches for his clients in recent weeks. These included several pike over the magic 1-metre mark, as well as a superb 44cm perch landed on the fly by returning Austrian client Mario. This fine fly-caught specimen undoubtedly earns our “Catch of the Week” award. Well done, Mario!

Our first “Catch of the Week”…a chunky 44cm fly-caught specimen perch for Mario

Last week’s unsettled weather also brought mixed conditions for coarse anglers, with regular rainfall and lower-than-average temperatures affecting many venues across the country. Despite this, we received a number of reports, mainly from visiting anglers, who still enjoyed targeting bream, roach, hybrids and tench.

UK angler Mike Edwards was in touch to share details of his recent trip to Ireland, one of many he has made over the past 30 years. Mike and his group enjoyed a successful fortnight on the Shannon, Boyle and Lung rivers, landing good catches of roach, hybrids and tench.

Dave Warburton and Tim Bradshaw, who stayed in the Killeshandra area, Co. Cavan, also reported on their annual visit. Despite tricky conditions at times, the pair still managed to land quality bream and tench and are already planning their next trip to the Emerald Isle.

Quality bream and tench from Killeshandra

Last but not least, Paul Waghorne, who has spent as many as 40 days fishing in Ireland this year, reports for the final time on his long-running “pilgrimage” to Ireland. Meanwhile, Padraig English of Louth Pike and Trout followed up last week’s carp PB with an excellent PB tench of 6lb 11oz, securing our second “Catch of the Week”. Well done, Padraig!

Our second “Catch of the Week”…Padraig’s 6lb 11oz specimen tench and new PB

The competition scene was also busy recently, with Ronan Minogue and Andrei Pirchio winning the NCFFI Commercial Pairs at Oaklands, while Wayne Swinscoe from Nottingham claimed first prize at the Fermoy Spring Festival. Concluding the competition news, Nikita Kubrack finished top in the O’Callaghan’s Cup, which was fished over three days at Inniscarra.

Sea angling was also affected by fresh winds and unsettled seas along exposed coasts, limiting opportunities for offshore and shore anglers alike. As a result, there were very few reports from charter skippers, although improving weather towards the end of the week brought hopes of better fishing conditions ahead.

Kit Dunne of Wicklow Boat Charters enjoyed a strong start to the season, however. Over the last two weekends, his clients recorded tope along with mackerel, herring, dab, dogfish, pollack and wrasse, providing many first-time catches for both younger and older anglers alike; an excellent start to the season all things considered.

Nice Wicklow tope

Along the west coast, poor weather has recently hampered skipper Luke Aston, with many trips restricted to the Shannon Estuary. While the estuary produced smaller shark species, including a number of fine bullhuss, it is the larger specimens for which the “Clare Dragoon” is best known. When conditions briefly allowed offshore fishing, Luke once again delivered, putting a client over another impressive six-gill shark giant.

Another six-gill giant beside the “Clare Dragoon” ready for release

On the shore front, South Shore SAC faced difficult conditions along the North Dublin beaches. However, with the assistance of six visiting anglers from the Ulster Krakens, they still managed to land a range of fish, including decent bass and flounder, making for a successful joint outing despite the challenging conditions.

Other news

Chantel Carr from the National Biodiversity Data Centre has written another guest post for us about young Irish anglers doing their bit to protect our biodiversity: The International Sport Fly Fishing Federation has selected the island of Ireland to host the Youth World Fly Fishing Championship 2026, which will take place across Counties Tyrone and Donegal. The event will bring together some of the most talented young fly anglers to compete on rivers and lakes. As part of their role, the Irish team will act as Biosecurity Champions, promoting awareness of invasive species and encouraging best practice by ensuring all competitors Check, Clean and Dry their gear between fishing locations, helping to protect and preserve Ireland’s waters.

Young Irish anglers promoting biosecurity
  Sport Ireland is delighted to invite children and teenagers with disabilities or additional needs to take part in a fun fishing experience this May. The event will take place at Tibbotstown Reservoir, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork on Saturday, May 30th, with sessions running from 10am–12pm and 2pm–4pm and open to ages 10–17 years. Further information and booking options are available here.

   

And now the weather

Any lingering showers will clear early tonight, leaving mostly dry and cloudy conditions. Mist and fog may develop in places, particularly across southern and southeastern areas, with overnight temperatures of 9 to 12°C in light southwest or variable breezes. The weekend is expected to bring warm sunny spells and generally dry weather, with top temperatures of 17 to 21°C, although cooler conditions will persist along some coasts. The settled spell looks set to continue into next week, with temperatures possibly reaching 24°C in some areas.

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

If you have an angling story to share with the Irish Angling Update, please send it to [email protected]. 

All the angling news

Sea Angling Reports

    Trout Fishing Reports

    Coarse Angling Reports

    Salmon Fishing Reports

    Pike Fishing Reports

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    Nikita Kubrack wins O’Callaghan’s Cup at Inniscarra

    By
    Myles Kelly
    -

    Inniscarra TDL report on the 3 Day O’Callaghan’s Cup…

    Day 1

    Ray O’Sullivan is off to a flying start, taking the first day’s match with a superb 20.730kg haul from Fountain House. Ray caught a steady mix of roach and hybrids on the pole, putting together the standout weight of the day.

    At Fountain House, a number of better hybrids were showing on both pole and feeder, while mixed bags were caught across all sections.

    The water levels remain high and are currently unchanged.

    1st: Ray O’Sullivan – 20.730kg
    2nd:Marco Gabriels – 14.940kg
    3rd: Nikita Kubrack – 12.170kg

    A strong opening day with plenty still to play for going into Day 2.

    Day 2

    With Ray O’Sullivan winning Day 1 and Mike Stones’ win today from the Graveyard section, the overall standings are starting to take shape heading into the final day.

    𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀

    1st Mike Stone – 17.980kg
    2nd Gavin Walsh – 15.880kg
    3rd Nikita Kubrack – 13.400kg

    Overall leaderboard after Day 2:

    1. Mike Stone
    2. Nikita Kubrack
    3. Ray O’Sullivan
    4. Marco Gabriels

    Everything is still to play for heading into tomorrow’s final day of the 𝗢’𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗵𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗖𝘂𝗽.

    Day 3

    The festival concluded today with some close weights in a competitive finish. Congratulations to our top four festival winners.

    𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀

    Nikita Kubrack – 36.150kg

    Marco Gabriels – 33.290kg

    John Van Gastel – 31.970kg

    Ray O’Sullivan – 30.460kg

    Nikita Kubrack – proud winner of the O’Callaghan’s Cup

     

    𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀

    1st John Van Gastel – 13.950kg

    2nd Marco Gabriels – 11.640kg

    3rd Nikita Kubrack – 10.580kg

    Interestingly, today’s match results finished in the reverse order of the overall festival standings!

    Well done to everyone who took part over the three days!

    Pike to 113cms in Boyne Valley Region

    By
    IFI staff
    -
    112cm pike for Jamie Hawsworth

    Chris Barry from Go Fishing Ireland reports on the pike fishing in the Boyne Valley…

    The pike fishing has been in full swing lately with nice fish coming to cast and trolled lures. Despite some challenging weather conditions, visiting anglers have enjoyed good sport.

    Jamie Hawsworth and his pals travelled over from Jersey for a long weekend with a bit of pike fishing. They weren’t disappointed as they managed to land some great fish during their day on the water. Topped of with Jamie’s fish of 112cms. They hit Temple Bar that night to celebrate in style. Well done lads!

    Gaspard Perez and his dad Franck arrived in Ireland to celebrate his birthday and to topple his previous PB pike of 96cms. He managed to beat this twice in one day with fish of 102cms and, to top it off,  a fin-perfect specimen of 113cms. Congratulations Gaspard, and Happy Birthday (Again!)

    113cm pike for Gaspard Perez

    Since spawning, the pike are active and spreading out over the waterways. We met with big fish in both shallow and deep water across a number of venues in Meath and Cavan. Jerkbaits performed well, as did various shad patterns.

    Although targeting pike , it’s impossible to ignore the hatches of Mayfly on some the lakes and soon our attention will turn to trout and hopefully a good season ahead for all.  Tight Lines!

    Go fishing…

    Join us for guided fishing trips on the lakes and rivers of the Boyne Valley region in Meath, Cavan, and Westmeath. Chris is an APGAI qualified fly-casting instructor and fly fishing for pike is a speciality, but we also enjoy lure fishing, trolling and other methods. All equipment can be supplied. Newcomers to fishing are welcome and we can provide instruction and tuition in all methods.  Contact:  [email protected] Web:  www.gofishingireland.ie

    Go Fishing Ireland

    Address Macetown Navan Meath Ireland Mobile Phone: +353 86 8055337 Website: Go Fishing Ireland
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