The week brought lovely sunny, dry though coolish weather and as a consequence, water levels steadily fell over the week. The gauge read 0.46m on Monday and had fallen to 0.40m by the end of play on Sunday. The river fished well once again despite water levels being a little on the low side and there were some 20 salmon caught. Given here are some of the catches.
On Monday, Michael McGiver recorded a 9½lb salmon caught on prawn from the Mill Pool. Declan Rafferty reported a 7lb salmon caught on a fly from the Sea pools and Davy Grey accounted for a 5½lb grilse caught on prawn from the Mill Pool.
On Wednesday, Fergal Hanley recorded 7lb salmon caught on a silver spoon from the Upper Mill. Johnny Ciconte reported a 7lb salmon caught on fly from Mowat’s and John O’Neill accounted for a 4½lb grilse caught on fly from the Mill Pool.
On Thursday, Julian Ciconte recorded an 8lb salmon caught on a Flying ‘C’ Lure from Red Roof and Michael McGiver logged an 8½lb salmon caught on prawn from the Sea Pools.
On Friday, Sean McCloskey reported a 5½lb grilse caught on fly from the Mill Pool.
On Saturday, William Rainey recorded an 8lb salmon caught on prawn from the Sea Pools. Michael McEvoy registered a 10½lb salmon caught on prawn from the Eel Weir and Sean Brophy accounted for an 8lb salmon caught on worm from the Mill Pool.
On Sunday, Michael McEvoy reported 2 salmon weighing 6 & 6½lb caught on prawn from the Blackwater with the larger of these being released.
At present the river has risen to 0.45m after good rain on Monday. This rise should help the fishing and prospects look good for the coming week.
Make a booking
River Drowes
The Drowes Fishery is one of Ireland’s premier spring salmon and grilse fisheries. The river is some 5 miles in length, with over 70 named pools, flowing from Lough Melvin at Lareen Bay and entering the sea at Tullaghan, just outside Bundoran. The Drowes has a wide variety of water suitable for all fishing methods, including several miles of good fly water and deeper slower moving pools suitable for spinning and bait fishing.
For information and bookings on the Drowes Fishery & Lough Melvin see http://www.drowessalmonfishery.com Tel: 071 9841055 (8am to 12 noon). Mob: +353 (0) 87 8050806
For info/Guides/boat hire on Lough Melvin contact Sean Maguire’s Tackle Shop, Main Street, Garrison.Tel. (048) 686 58194
Lough Melvin, Rossinver Fishery: For info/Guides/boat hire/bookings etc. contact Sean Carty. Tel: 083 1197428.
Despite the warm weather and very bright conditions Carrowmore Lake fished exceptionally well for most of last week. Good numbers of spring salmon and some grilse were caught by local and visiting anglers alike.
Amongst the lucky anglers were Toby Gibbons, Brian Hope, Pat Foley, John Cosgrove, Ricky Fabozzi, J.J.Sullivan and Ivor Pritchard. Most successful flies included Green Peter, Claret Dabber and Clan Chief.
Ricky Fabozzi & J.J. Sullivan, Sligo, enjoyed their day on Carrowmore
Please note that Carrowmore Lake is a Brown Tag Fishery and that the Owenmore River is “Catch & Release”! For fishing contact Seamus Henry on +353 (0)97 83487 or visit www.bangorerrisangling.com
Angling on Lough Arrow improved considerably over the past peek with plenty mayfly hatching throughout the day. Dapping & wet flies worked best with some nice fish beeing caught late in the evening.
Finian Dodd reported that many anglers enjoyed good sport and that fishing has much improved over recent days. Dr. Tissi & friend had four trout each, while Danny Quinn and Paul Hamilton had trout of over 3 lbs. on spent mayfly patterns. Andreas Brandt, Germany, had four fish over the weekend, while Declan Kelly was also successful over the weekend catching a number of fish, best over 2 lbs. Colin Dodd caught & released a nice fish of about 1.5 lbs.
Elsewhere, Simon Steel had 4 fish (3 released) over 2 outings up to 1.75lbs. on Grey Wulff patterns, while Sean Corry caught a cracking trout of 5lbs. plus on buzzer. Duncan Ryan had a nice three pounder on the dap.
For boat hire on Lough Arrow contact Finian Dodd at +353 (0)863 856790.
Gerry Kelly with a fine 4 lbs. Arrow brownie on wets
Results of last week’s Mayfly Competition were as follows:
1st and winner of the Des McDonagh Cup – Luke O Connell with a fish of fish of 2.796 lbs.
2nd – Thomas Walsh with a fish of 2.778 lbs.
3rd – Francis McSharry with a fish of 2.282 lbs.
4th – Hillary Mitchell with a fish of 2.244 lbs.
5th – Jim Mulcahy with a fish of 2.228 lbs.
Best juvenile angler and winner of the Rodgers Cup was Killian Walsh with a fish of 1.688 lbs.
David Edwards, skipper of charter boat Tigger, reports that the fishing has improved dramatically in Clonakilty
May has seen the quality of fishing improve dramatically as water temperatures are finally rising towards the norm for this time of year and with a few spells of settled weather we have been able to make several runs out to wrecks.
One of dozens of Ling in the 10-20lb class
Ling have been the mainstay with a few decent Pollack and the odd Cod also coming aboard, some excellent Whiting have also been showing in the deeper water with the best fish going to Bob Stickler at 3lb 6oz.
Bob Stickler – Whiting
Inshore the Mackerel are still hit and miss but there has been a steady increase in the number of small cod falling to baited feathers. Herring are also around in reasonable numbers as well as the usual suspects when inshore reef fishing.
Good Inshore Pollack
I would expect to see the first Blue Sharks of the season arriving in the next day or two and anyone trying in the last week will have been able to watch the most spectacular sea life exhibition happening offshore on a almost daily basis.
56cm whiting
Several hundred Dolphins along with Minke and Humpback Whales have been a welcome diversion along with some spectacular ariel activity which included the earliest Long Tail Skua ever recorded off Ireland
David Edwards Tigger Clonakilty Coastal and Deep Sea Charters
Go fishing…
Tigger is a purpose built Procharter 31 angling boat, powered by a 330HP diesel engine and equipped with all necessary safety equipment. Reef and ground drift fishing is generally the most productive method with the potential to catch in excess of 20 species if you adapt your lures and baits accordingly. From mid June through to October it’s usually possible to target the blue shark fishing that is predominatly between 10-15 miles off the estuary. All sharks are released and recent seasons have seen larger species such as mako and threshers being sighted more frequently. Web:www.irelandseaangling.com
Donal Kennedy reports
A party of German anglers set out from Killala at 9.45am. The weather was dull and overcast with showers promised. The winds were southerly moderate to fresh. The first drift over rocky ground produced coalfish and the skipper was well prepared bringing fresh frozen mackerel as bait because for most of the day no mackerel were caught. As the skipper moved to sandy ground, drifts produced some fine turbot, brill, plaice dab, tub gurnard , lesser spotted dogfish and some small rays. On the way back to harbour the skipper stopped to see if there were any mackerel around and the anglers were pleased to catch a couple of dozens each. All returned safely to harbour well pleased.
A happy German angler aboard Leah
To book a day’s fishing in Killala Bay contact Donal Kennedy on +353 (0)86 8174509 or visit www.dkennedyangling.ie.
Damien Culliney of Anglers Paradise Ireland reports that some East Clare venues are fishing very well at moment. Damien and his clients are getting lots of Jacks and a few nice 20lb plus pike too. The fish are coming to a variety of methods including dead baiting.
Dave was thrilled with his 114cm pike
David Chappel from England really enjoyed his time with Damien at the weekend. He had great fun and was well entertained by the jacks and better pike but was over the moon when he finished his session with a beauty of 114 cm which weighed in at 22Ib 11oz.
Go fishing…
Anglers Paradise Ireland
Trout and Pike Guide
Anglers Paradise Ireland is owned and managed by Damien Culliney, a well known angler and chef in the Clare region and a man passionate about the inland waterways and natural history of County Clare. At Angler’s Paradise, we love the thrill of Game fishing and Pike fishing in equal measure and can take our clients to some of Europe’s most unspoilt rivers and lakes in search of trophy predators and the realisation of their angling dreams.
Lough Derg is still fishing well and more good pike have been reported…
Karoly Gyorfi was in touch to say he and his angling partner, Ollie had a good day on Lough Derg last Saturday 19/05/2018. Flies were hatching and fish were rising in high numbers to get them, probably less aware of the pike. By the end of their day they had managed to tempt a few nice pike on lures: the largest two of the day were 101 and 105 cm long. The pair were out with PescuitInIrlanda.
Karl’s 2 best fish were 105 an 101cmOllie also had some great pike to the 1 meter mark
The professionals are also getting amongst good fish. Paul Bourke, Cedric Charpentier, Pierre Montjarret and the guys and Blaybay Lodge have all seen some really fine fishing in the last week with big fish and happy clients to show for their efforts.
A good pike caught with Paul Bourke in the last couple of days
Go fishing…
Pescuit in Irlanda / Fishing in Ireland
Pike and predator fishing on Lough Derg from Ballina-Killaloe.
Phone: +353 (0)87 792 6935 Peter or +353 (0)87 447 6744 Oli
TJ’s Angling centre
TJ’s Angling centre arranges trips and offers support to anglers visiting the Lough Derg area. All our guides are local anglers with a detailed knowledge of Lough Derg and its surrounds. All equipment needed can be supplied or if you prefer to use your own, our guides will be happy to offer advice on methods and baits to use, full or half day trips are available, contact us for prices and available dates.
Our comprehensive packages include a guiding service, boat and tackle hire, food and accommodation. Using our local knowledge, we have carefully selected a range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.
Paul Bourke
Tel: +353 (0)87 1953554
Cedric Charpentier offers some of the best fishing pike fishing holidays available in the Shannon area. Concentrating on Lough Derg he has boats and accommodation available. With over 10 years experience he is sure to organise an unforgettable angling holiday.
Pierre Monjarret moved to Ireland in 2007 to pursue his dream as a guide. It is now many years since he cast his first line on Lough Derg. Throughout that time his passion for this lake has never faded, always something new to learn, new techniques to develop and challenges that remind you why you love catching big fish!
BlackBay Lodge overlooks Lough Derg, is located in a strategic position close to several fishing spots having different types of water and environmental conditions. We look after our guests during his daily activities: from the selection of the most appropriate lure to the accurate teaching of precise techniques.
Billy Thornton, IFI, tells us that Judd Ruane has reported that North winds disrupted sea trout angling on the Moy estuary through the week but despite this his anglers had reasonable fishing.
Mark Follis NI. & friend 5 trout. Alan Mansfield UK. & two friends 13 trout over two days. John Nolan Cork & two friends 6 trout.
Gavan Humby UK. Displayes 1 of his trout on Pegasus.
Go fishing…
To book a day’s sea trout fishing with Judd Ruane visit www.fishingireland.ie or contact Judd on +353 (0)87 6736969.
Billy Thornton in our Ballina Office reports that as angling effort on the Moy increases week by week and 134 salmon were reported caught last week. Catches were spread out across the system.
On the Moy Fishery Ridge Pool Sean Maye, Sligo had a fine fish of 10.5 lbs on fly, while on the Cathedral beat Bernard McGinley Donegal had a fish of 8.25 lbs also on fly.
Bernard McGinley
Pat Gorman Offaly was successful on the Armstrongs Fishery with a fish of 10+lbs on prawn. On the Foxford Fishery Michael McIvor NI. Had a fish of 13 lbs also on prawn.
Michael McIvor Foxford Fishery
Upstream of Foxford Jean-Jacques Daurat France had a nice fish of 8.5 lbs caught spinning Bubble & fly on the Cloongee Fishery.
Jean-Jacques Daurat
On East Mayo Anglerswater Bernard Spangler Germany landed a fish of 11 lbs on fly. On The Lake River Damian Rooney NI. Had a fish of 6.5 lbs taken on Bubble & Fly.
M. Parker
Heavy rain on Sunday night resulted in a rise in water levels which peaked on Tuesday morning and with good weather forecast for the rest of the week levels should drop back.
16/5/18 The Lough Currane anglers had a long day today and as they say a picture always tell the story and today is no exception as you can see by the picture that the Lough Currane Anglers are exonerated in all departments for the lack of action. Wind a cold NE light. Yesterdays weather, amount of rainfall, 2.8mm. Maximum air temperature 13.7c.
17/5/18 A nice bit of action in both fly and trolling department so straight to the North Shore and the Bungalow. A French Angler, while fishing with his gillie Mr. Neil O’Shea of www.oshealoughcurrane.com caught a fine 12 lbs. Salmon on the troll. Now we head for the fly department and fish of the day and that honour goes to a German Angler. Mr. Markus Kruse, while fly fishing with his Gillie, caught a cracker of a 13 lbs. Salmon on the fly. Wind SSE light with good cloud cover. Yesterday’s weather, maximum air temperature 14.3.
18/5/18 The Lough Currane anglers fly and trolling reels were as silent as the Lambs this day even though there was a fresh gentle SW breeze to help the Currane fly Anglers cast their flies in anticipation of a rise of a Wild Atlantic Salmon or a wild Lough Currane Sea Trout and I can say without any fear of contradiction my mobile phone was as silent as their reels and that sums up today’s manipulations. Wind as already stated with reasonable cloud cover. Yesterday’s weather, maximum air temperature 16.2c.
19/5/18 In the words of a renowned Lough Currane Gillie and who will remain nameless and fishless and that sums up today’s action in all departments. Wind SW light to fresh and overcast. Yesterday’s weather, maximum air temperature 15.8c.
20/5/18 There was a massive big flood last night and I can tell you the rain hasn’t stopped all day and still falling as I write today’s news and sadly its the weather that’s making all the headlines, not the fly or the lure. That sums up today’s action and to be fair to the Currane anglers, they are exonerated for their failures this day because the conditions out there were Kat. Wind S moderate and overcast. Yesterdays weather, amount of rainfall, 0.2mm. Maximum air temperature 14.6c.
Michel and his salmon
21/5/18 There may have been 27.5mm of rainfall yesterday and a ENE wind today but I can say without any fear of contradiction this didn’t deter French angler and no stranger to the Waterville Fishery, Mr. Michel Allonsius, while fly fishing with his gillie Mr. Dominic McGillicuddy of www.fishingwithdom.com caught a fine 9 lbs. Salmon on the fly and finished their day off with a fine 2 ½ lbs. Sea Trout. Wind as already stated and just for the record good there was cloud cover with heavy showers this morning. Yesterday’s weather, amount of rainfall as already stated, maximum air temperature 13.8c.
Lough Currane on 21 May
22/5/18 What are the headlines, well it ain’t fish and that’s not surprising with bright Sunshine all day and light winds from the East then veered West, light in the afternoon, but strong enough to cast a good fly! Yesterdays weather, amount of rainfall 14.6mm. Maximum air temperature 12.4c. I will finish today’s notes on the sad news of the passing of Mrs. Maura Dwyer RIP of Beenbane, Waterville, whose Children who I might add are great sportsmen, be it Salmon angling or All Ireland Football Medals, so on behalf of all the Currane Anglers and all the good people of Waterville and Kerry we send our Sincere Sympathies to all the Family.
That is your ration from the last week on Lough Currane, from your Gillie and the Waterville Fishery, no spin no fly’s just facts.
This week we have received the report on our 2017 scale sampling programme. This programme has now been running for three years, thanks to the efforts made by the regular ghillies on Lough Currane who collect scale samples for us from salmon they catch on the lake. We are beginning to get a much better idea of the dynamics of the Lough Currane salmon stocks and if we can keep this going for another few years we hope be able to draw some tentative conclusions to better inform our conservation efforts.
2017 was a relatively quiet year for salmon catches on the lake, compared with previous years, but the scale samples show a considerable diversity in the salmon population. Out of the total recorded 2017 catch we saw scales from several salmon from our conservation rearing programme, which had the characteristic ‘clipped’ adipose fin indicating that they had spent their first ten months in our hatchery at Derriana. Over the last three years or so, about a third of the parr released from the hatchery have been ‘fin clipped’ in this way and analyzing the scales of these fish has thrown up a number of things we didn’t know or only suspected in the past.
Typical scale from a 2SW fish from the conservation hatchery – note the distinctive early growth pattern and the evidence of smolting after just one year.
Two of these clipped salmon were shown to have spawned previously as grilse and had ‘mended’ well as kelts and then spent a further two sea winters out in the North Atlantic. One fish sampled, which was found to be from the hatchery but not in the ‘clipped’ cohort, had followed exactly the same pattern. It is, incidentally, now becoming possible, as just one observation from of these scale studies, to track a fish of hatchery origin, regardless of whether or not it had been tagged.
Scales taken from of the large MSW hen fish caught up December 2017 as brood stock for the hatchery had also spawned previously as a grilse.
This is where the kelts head back out!
We have always known that kelts survive quite well in the catchment, as is evidenced each year by the numbers of them caught early in the year by anglers trolling for spring fish, but we hadn’t fully appreciated that its not at all unusual for a grilse kelt to go on to become a multi sea winter springer! Good kelt ‘survival’ may well be a feature of catchments like Currane where there is a large lake at the very bottom of the system, allowing spent fish to recover before continuing their journey to sea. A good subject for further study!
The Waterville Lakes & Rivers Trust, formed by concerned volunteers in 2016, is one of the new Rivers Trusts to be set up in Ireland and is currently aspiring to Charitable Status. Its remit is to protect the fresh and coastal waters of the Iveragh Peninsula.
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
