With just over 300 salmon reported, anglers experienced more difficult conditions on the River Moy during the past week. The very unsettled weather and fluctuating water levels were the main reasons for the poorer catch return. Angling effort was also down compared to previous weeks. However, prospects for the remainder of the season are looking good as there are still some fresh fish running the system.
Angling on the Moy Fishery was a good bit slower this week. Amongst the few successful anglers was Trevor Hurley who caught and released a grilse on the Ridge Pool. On Mt. Falcon, the Jordan Family, a party of four from the UK, landed a total of 18 fish over 4 days, while Stuart Turner, also UK, had a fine fish at 12 lbs.+ on Coolcronan which he released. With just under 60 salmon reported, angling was also slower on the Foxford Salmon Anglers’ waters and further upriver. On Cloongee, Harry Clark was amongst the successful anglers with a grilse on spinner, while Kevin Crawley, Sligo, caught two fish on fly on East Mayo, best at 9 lbs. Also on East Mayo, Welsh fly angler, Garrett Jones, had two grilse averaging 4 lbs.
Neil allows the fish to recover before releasing it. It's always good to watch them swim off strongly. #CPRsaveslives
Fishery manager Terry Gallagher reports that fishing has been very good on the Costello & Fermoyle system, with good water levels recently topped up by frequent rain allowing salmon and sea trout run straight through to the upper lakes. The main river and Glenicmurrin Lough have provided excellent fishing, with good numbers of sea trout on the lake, and the upper catchment has seen good numbers of fresh fish also.
A small grilse off Fermoyle for Neil Spellacy
I fished Fermoyle Lough on Sunday for the first time in the company of local salmon expert Neil Spellacy, one of the top rods in several Connemara fisheries over the last few years. Neil started the day with a small grilse about 3lbs, followed shortly after by a fantastic summer salmon of 9lbs or so, which was quite fresh and gave an acrobatic hard-fighting display before being netted. Both fish were taken at the Butts where the river enters the lough.
Neil Spellacy with a lovely 9lbs Fermoyle salmon
It was a very windy day, so we took a break from the lake and ventured up the river to fish a few pools, where I was rewarded with one of the best sea trout I’ve caught in a while, a nice fresh fish of about 3lbs. At first I thought it was a grilse but there was no mistaking the spotty flanks of a beautiful Connemara sea trout.
Heading back out to the lake in the afternoon, we fished a few drifts, but the gale force wind made conditions very difficult, and fishing was tough. In the lee of an island we found some fish, however – I covered a rising fish and was instantly into a good fish, either a big sea trout or a small salmon, but it threw the hook after going deep. A minute later I connected again and this time managed to land a lovely sea trout of 2-2.5lbs or so, another lovely fish from a beautiful part of Connemara. Neil also had a couple of sea trout about the 1lbs mark, but we agreed that had conditions been more benign we could have had a very prolific day.
A fine Connemara sea trout of 2-2.5lbs for Kevin Crowley on Fermoyle Lough.
The whole day we didn’t see another soul, and left that evening with a new found appreciation for the wildness of Connemara. Fermoyle truly is a jewel in the crown of this part of Ireland, and well worth a visit. Permits and boats (no engine, bring an electric but beware the walk with a heavy battery) are available from the Costello & Fermoyle Fishery. On a calmer day rowing would have been perfectly adequate on this lough, but an electric engine definitely helps in a big wind.
To book fishing, contact Terry Gallagher at [email protected] or call him on 087 2399988 Neil allows the fish to recover before releasing it. It’s always good to watch them swim off strongly. #CPRsaveslives
Winner of The World Cup Trout Fly Angling Championship, was Geoffrey Hylands from Banbridge , Co Down , reciving The World Cup, 3,000euro and a 15HP Yamaha Engine from Committee Chairman Billy Burke and Tom Staunton of R.S. Marine, Westport, Sponsor.
Pic:Trish Forde.
Ronan Cusack was in touch with a report from the annual World Cup competition: Monday was the final of the ever popular World Cup fly fishing competition on Lough Mask. This year’s event was another huge success with 474 anglers from home and abroad competing for the much sought after trophy.
Fishing over the 5 days could only be described as extremely tough despite perfect conditions. Many anglers fished across deep water in fresh westerly winds in the hopes of running into a shoal of hungry Daphnia feeding trout, unfortunately this was easier said than done. As always the shallows produced the better quality fish each day, but also like the deep these fish were not easily fooled.
This year’s World Cup winner was Geoffrey Hylands from Banbridge, Co Down who weighed in 4 fish for 4.861lbs. In second place was Seamus Kelly from Ballina, Co Mayo with 2 fish for 4.582lbs and in third position was Colin Cahill from Killucan, Co Westmeath with 2 fish for 2.716lbs. This year’s winning boatman was Larry Gibb from Co Antrim. The best lady angler over the competition was Mary Miller from Galway and the best junior angler was Dara Flaherty, also from Galway.
Overall the competition went off well and well done to all involved.
Winner of The World Cup Trout Fly Angling Championship, was Geoffrey Hylands from Banbridge , Co Down , reciving The World Cup, 3,000euro and a 15HP Yamaha Engine from Committee Chairman Billy Burke and Tom Staunton of R.S. Marine, Westport, Sponsor. Pic:Trish Forde.
World Cup Committee President Joe Cusack presents Mary Miller with her prize for the Best Lady Angler in the World Cup
Junior Angler of the COmpetition was Darragh Faherty of Culfin Anglers, Renvyle, pictured recieving his prizes and The Phil Brooks Shield from Kevin Egan(Committee Treasurer) and Michael Twohig , Sponsor, Super Valu, Kanturk. Pic:Trish Forde.
Kyne welcomes new €2 million funding call for angling projects and conservation initiatives
Inland Fisheries Ireland announces new fund open to communities nationwide
Sean Kyne TD, Minister with responsibility for Inland Fisheries, has today welcomed a new €2 million funding call from Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) for angling projects and conservation initiatives. The funding call, which consists of three separate funding streams, will help ensure that Ireland’s fish stocks and angling infrastructure are protected and enhanced into the future.
Minister Kyne, said: “As Minister with responsibility for Inland Fisheries, I have ensured that significant funding under the National Strategy for Angling Development was available from my Department in 2017 to help Inland Fisheries Ireland develop a wide ranging investment initiative. I welcome the fact that the funding programme is rooted in Community led actions and I support Inland Fisheries Ireland in its enhancement plans. I also want to encourage Angling Bodies, Community Groups and local authorities to take up the funding opportunity and meet the development challenge at local, regional and National level”.
Inland Fisheries Ireland is inviting applications for funding for projects across a number of areas from fisheries habitat enhancement and sustainable development works to marketing and promotional projects for angling. Applications are invited from groups, associations, clubs, local authorities or other appropriate bodies looking to improve Ireland’s fisheries resource.
Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “Today’s announcement sees Inland Fisheries Ireland make over €2 million available to communities nationwide, for projects which will help contribute to an accessible and sustainable world class inland fisheries and sea angling resource for all. We want to ensure that we continue to invest in conservation, while also developing our angling offering in Ireland.
While the National Strategy for Angling Development funding stream focuses on improving angling access with a view to attracting more domestic and overseas anglers to the pursuit, the Salmon Conservation Fund and Midland Fisheries Fund re-invest the contributions of anglers into valuable initiatives which a view to promoting the recovery of salmon stocks and habitats and supporting sustainable development works in the Midlands respectively.”
Inland Fisheries Ireland will hold regional information workshops for those interested in applying for funding with a view to giving participants a better understanding of the various funding streams and how they can apply via an online system. For more information on these regional workshops and to apply for funding, visit www.fisheriesireland.ie/funding. The closing date for applications to Inland Fisheries Ireland’s 2017 Funding Call is Friday, 13th October 2017.
Inland Fisheries Ireland is now inviting applications for funding across the following areas:
Fisheries habitat enhancement
Bank side / shoreline access projects
Angling equipment
Marketing and promotional projects for angling
Funding for undertaking feasibility studies / environmental reports / fisheries development plans
Match funding for larger projects to be funded from other sources that contribute to achieving the objectives of the National Strategy for Angling Development.
Mick from Midlands Angling (www.midlandangling.com ) reports on angling in recent weeks:
On Friday night, 28th of July 2017, Lough Ennell Trout Preservation Association fished the Jimmy NEA Cup. Reports from Ennell that week were far from promising, and only a few trout were being boated late into the evening as darkness fell. However for some unknown reason the Ennell trout were on the move that night, and competitors who met feeding fish, had some good fishing.
It was a very blustery night with the wind belting right into Whitebridge Bay coming down the full length of the Lake from Lilliput. The competition was fished from 7pm – 11pm, and many anglers were pleasantly surprised at the number of fish presented at the 11pm finish.
A total of fifteen trout were presented at the weigh-in, with forty-six anglers fishing. Noel Farrar of Dublin rattled the scales wit ha super trout of 3.17lbs to take Top Rod and the Jimmy Nea Cup. Local Ennell expert Paddy Whitelaw finished 2nd with another fine fish of 2.86lbs, Shay Cash of Kildare 3rd with 2.44lbs, and Mick Francis 4th with 2.42lbs.
The presentation took place in Whitebridge Bay and John Tyrrell, Competition Captain of Ennell anglers thanked all anglers who competed while Chairman David O’ Malley presented winners with their prizes.
The Ennell club has recently done a lot of work in Whitebridge Bay, and the new slipway is a credit to Lough Ennell Trout Preservation Association and makes it a lot more easily launching your boat.
Just before I drift away from Ennell, local anglers Derek Murphy and pal Martin Hope were also out on Ennell that night, and the Derek lad had a super fish well over the 3lbs mark. I got a lovely photograph of the lads with their prized catch.
The Irish Trout Fly Fishing Association held their club championship teams fly competition on Lene. There were 20 teams of four anglers from all across Ireland who lashed flies out on Lene Saturday July 29th.
The Lough Lene B team captained by Paul Owens of Tallagh, Noel Shields of Templeogue, Denis Goulding of Summerhill Co. Meath, and Andrew Duncan of Mullinagar recorded 15 fish for 11,070 points to take the team championships.
Coosan Anglers of Athlone finished 2nd with 16 trout for 10,270, with team member Fergal Mc Kiernan of Athlone top overall rod of the championships boating 9 trout.
Lough Ennell Trout Preservation Association would like to thank Dave McBride of Southside Angling Center up in Unit D, South Gate, in Cork Street Dublin. Dave has a huge selection of Coarse, Game, and Sea angling gear in stock. Check it out on www.southsideangling.ie or give him a bell on 01-4530266.
Oisin Cahill of the Dublin Angling Initiative with Darcy Davila (Age 10), Darren Davila (Age 8) and Doreen Davila.
Trout Fishing Event hosted for Wicklow Youths
An introductory trout fishing event for Wicklow Youths was hosted by Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Dublin Angling Initiative recently at Annamoe Fisheries, Co. Wicklow. The Sean McMorrow Memorial Trout Fishing Day, which was aimed at introducing young people in the area to the pursuit of trout fishing and angling, was attended by 28 participants from Rathdrum National School, Roundwood National School l and Rathdrum & Roundwood Scouting Groups.
Participants in the Sean McMorrow Memorial Fishing Day, organised by Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Dublin Angling Initiative.
Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Dublin Angling Initiative aims to promote, develop and improve angling in the Greater Dublin Area through educational fishing courses for young people. This event is one of several being hosted by Inland Fisheries Ireland over the summer months. The Sean McMorrow Memorial Trout Fishing Day was held in memory of Sean McMorrow, a former General Manager of Inland Fisheries Ireland and this event was kindly supported by his family.
The Annamoe event commenced with a workshop on water quality and invertebrate testing, by Sinead Hurson, Community Water Officer with the Local Authority Waters and Communities Office at Dublin County Council. This fascinating workshop gave participants an insight into how water quality affects fish and communities in general.
Fishing lessons from experienced anglers in the Dublin Angling Initiative and the Vartry Angling Club followed with tutoring given in fishing techniques and safe fish handling. Participants practised fly fishing over an action packed morning with most of them landing several fish.
The young anglers also enjoyed lunch at the venue, followed by a final hour of fishing and a chance to show off their new found fishing skills. At the end of the event, the Sean McMorrow Memorial Trophy was presented to Darcy Santos from Rathdrum National School for his focused effort in landing a fine rainbow trout of over 4lb.
Oisin Cahill of the Dublin Angling Initiative with Darcy Davila (Age 10), Darren Davila (Age 8) and Doreen Davila.
Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “The Sean McMorrow Memorial Trout Fishing Day was a great success and a fitting tribute to our former colleague and friend who recognised the importance of engaging the next generation around the pursuit of angling. The novice anglers showed great skill and ability and we hope that they consider taking up fishing into the future.”
Oisin Cahill, Co-Ordinator of Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Dublin Angling Initiative said: “The Dublin Angling Initiative aims to empower young people to enjoy angling and to appreciate the importance of conservation and protection. The combination of theoretical and practical lessons proves to be popular and we are delighted to be hosting a number of educational initiatives and courses over the next few weeks.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the Dublin Angling Initiative should contact Oisin Cahill, Dublin Angling Initiative Coordinator at Inland Fisheries Ireland (E: [email protected] ) Enquiries are welcome from any groups or individuals interested in the programme and availability will be on a first come, first served basis.
The Irish summer continues, bringing rain, wind and more. The weather has been unsettled over the past weeks and some evenings even felt a little cold. However, there was sunshine to be had in places, but overall fishing has been mixed. Nevertheless, we have some success stories to tell….
Salmon angling on the River Moy continued to be excellent throughout the month of July with many fresh fish caught right through the system. Meanewhile, the recent rains improved fishing on the Boyne considerably with good numbers of grilse running the river. The fly pools on the Drumcliff River in Co. Sligo produced a few fine fish and salmon anglers on the Garavogue also benefited from the ‘wet’ summer.
Sisters Dara & Bronagh Murphy, Dublin, being successful on the River Moy
Trout fishing was generally slow during the past week with anglers on Sheelin finding conditions quite challenging. While there was some day time fishing, the bulk of Sheelin’s fishing successes was in that last half hour before dark and into the night. Angling has also been tricky on the Western Lakes. On Corrib, however, some guides reported excellent fishing for the week gone by with anglers enjoying great sport on predominantly mayfly and sedge patterns. On Mask, there is plenty of excitement around the shores this week as anglers squeeze in any spare hours to practice for the up-coming World Cup at the weekend.
Giovanni Marenghi, London, with a mgnificent Sheelin trout
Coarse fishing in the Lower Shannon Region has been quite busy this week with all the usual spots receiving positive reports. Moystown, Mickie’s Pond and Bullock Island were all fishing very well. The canal stretch close to Shannon Harbour is also holding its own recently with tench being in plentiful supply. One group fishing in these areas reported 350 fish being caught in the Bullock Island area over a three day period. We don’t have much in the way of pike angling to report this week, but the fishing can still be very good during the summer months. In the Banagher area a group of French anglers had good numbers of pike last week. The best of these was 28 lbs.
It was a busy week for sea anglers be it from shore or boat. The Irish Bass Festival was fished recently and nearly 80 anglers took part. Catches this year were excellent and fishing was good from both the rocks and estuaries. The majority of the fish caught were in the 50-65cm bracket but the top 3 fish were all well over 70cm! The fourth leg of the Irish Kayak Angling All Ireland Championship was fished in Wexford. There were 28 kayakers taking part in the event, aiming to fill a species card of one smooth hound, one bass, one flatfish and a dogfish with the joker of the day, a thornback ray. Wexford based bass guide, Sid Jones, seems to be on a winning streak these days. Staying up all night catching 10 bass up to 74 cm wins Sid this week’s Catch of the Week!
One of Sid Jones’ ten night bass winning him Catch of the Week
In other news, four fishing clubs have been announced finalists in Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Fish & Film Competition. The competition, which was launched in June to encourage young people to spread the word about fishing, asked entrants to take film footage of their fishing adventures which could later be promoted online. The clubs are now appealing to the public to watch and share their film entries which can be found at www.fisheriesireland.ie/fishandfilm
The August Bank Holiday is here and lots of you will be out fishing. Don’t take your safety for granted. If you are afloat, wading or fishing from the rocks please wear a life jacket. Many anglers think that if they are not at sea, they are not at risk. It is worth remembering that 62% of all drownings are inland, and on average 11 people drown in Irish waters every month. Don’t take risks, check the tides, weather and wear a life jacket.
Met Eireann tells us that over the coming Bank Holiday weekend, Saturday will bring bright or sunny spells and further scattered showers with some of the showers turning heavy locally during the afternoon and early evening especially over the northern part of the country. Outbreaks of rain in western counties will extend eastwards on Sunday morning but the rain will turn rather light and patchy as it spreads east. However, a spell of heavier and more persistent rain will move in from the Atlantic during the afternoon. On both days highest temperatures will range from 15C on northwest coasts to 18C in the southeast. The outlook for the Bank Holiday Monday is rather good with any lingering rain in Leinster and east Ulster clearing quickly during the morning leaving a bright day with sunny intervals and just passing showers.
Not a bad fishing forecast for anglers on holiday or looking forward to getting out in the next few days.
All that’s left to say is Safe fishing to all and tight lines, especially here in Ireland.
Markus Müller
Catch, Photo, Release
#CPRsavesfish
If you have an angling story to share with Irish Angling Update, please send it to [email protected].
Staying up all night catching ten bass up to 74cm wins Wexford based bass angling guide, Sid Jones, Catch of the Week.
Sid reports more good bass fishing from the south east; Sid was up all night again during the week and recorded ten bass for his efforts – well worth staying awake for! After landing a 69cm fish on his first cast Sid fished on and landed eight more in the 50-65cm range and then one cracking fish of 74cm long by 38cm girth – a well fed bass!
One of Sid’s ten night bass
Sid reckons he could have had another five fish but didn’t connect properly with any of the takes – it must be a nice feeling to miss five bass in a night’s fishing and not be too upset! Sid was fishing solo for a change so didn’t have a fishing buddy to take the photos for him but he did take a couple to send to us.
Needless to say all of the fish were returned to fight again another day (#CPRSavesFish). If you’d like to fish with Sid you’ll get him using the contact details below – just be ready for a long (and hopefully rewarding) night’s fishing!
The Irish Bass Festival was held from 21st to 23rd July. The event was very well attended with over 150 fish reported over the weekend! Read James Barry’s report below:
Hopes were high on the lead up to the festival weekend. The weather was steady (ish) and with a bit of surf running along the coast competitors were confident. The buzz among the anglers was great to see on Friday morning. The 5am start didn’t slow the intense bass chat which took place in the butterfly loft …. tides , wind direction, water clarity, lures. By 7am Friday morning nearly 80 bass anglers were out fishing!
Friday saw a great start to the festival within the first couple of hours it was clear there were some nice fish around and good numbers too. Tactics were simple, find the fish and in the favourable conditions you were on for some action.
An early start paid off
The locals were learning some new tricks from the visiting U.K. “experts” and were getting into some great action while having what sounded like great craic ! …. what the festival is all about !? Reports began to come in of some nice catches coming at last light and through the night. The weather changed Saturday and saw the wind swing east, and it was like a switch! The fishing went quiet. There were some good fish picked up during darkness on Saturday however it was clear the fishing had tapered off from Fridays high and there was a notable drop in air temperature! However the anglers were more than up for the challenge and it didn’t stop Chris Williams and Jody Langley from registering two very nice 70cm fish. Richard Cake, Steve Payne and Mark Padfield long time veterans of the festival were getting among the fish and of course pulling some nicer fish, as they usually do!
One of the over 150 bass reported
The registering of bass caught over the weekend began on Sunday. Most anglers fishing to the deadline or catching up on sleep after fishing all through the night . One particular group in true Irish Bass Festival style fished from 9pm Saturday evening through to 11am Sunday morning! Slowly but surely the anglers began to trickle into us at the butterfly loft to register their fish.
Fine Irish bass
The best three combined category is the section a lot of the seasoned bass anglers aim for and there were some great best 3 registered in with us this year! Paul Medd had a particularly impressive best three for a newbie to the area. Long time festival fishers Tom Lodge and Kenny Bodles also had notable catches along with Alan Houlihan from cork which kept it extremely tight in the category all of the above registering up and over 180cm combined which was looking good until a certain cork angler strolled in on Sunday to register his fish.
It was clear by the end of registration on Sunday (1400) that it was extremely tight at the top with cms separating the best fish. A digital measuring software was used, referenced off the ID tags confirmed the lengths of the registered fish. The measuring and validating of registered fish was done quickly and some very weary heads sipped on coffee and admired the amazing prizes on display form Art of Fishing.
Another specimen bass
Well over 150 fish were reported in to us over the weekend. The majority in the 55-65 size class and some good 70’s which is what the anglers were after….
The results were as follows:
1st & Best Visitor: 77cm Kristian Davies (Prize list: Apia Flow Hunt, Apia lure vest, lure bundle and the Irish Bass Festival Trophy.)
2nd: 75.5cm Richard Cake (Prize list: Apia Foojin R best bower, Apia lure vest and lure bundle)
3rd & Best Three Combined: 74.5cm, 71cm, 69cm : 214.5cm combined Ray Horgan (Prize list: Mikes Custom Rod, Selection of Apia Lures, Apia high end reel & Prowade XT waders )
Juvenile winner: (60cm) Ted Roche (prize list: Apia Rod and lure bundle)
The winner’s trophy
Special thanks to Art of Fishing for putting together what really was some very special prices for this year’s event! Also special thanks to Wexford’s very own Prowade XT bass waders for offering up a pair of custom fit waders for the best three combined category and Mikes custom rods for a custom built needle rod.
We would like to thank everyone for the excellent turn out and the great atmosphere which was around the butterfly loft for the entire weekend. Thanks to everyone who made it a great weekend. Roll on 2018!
Salmon fishing on the River Boyne improved last week with good numbers of fresh fish running the system. Read Christopher Defillon’s report below:
The unusually good weather for Ireland was very enjoyable in the last few weeks, but at the same time it made the salmon fishing even more difficult then normally is. Last week, the rain what we were all waiting for finally arrived to rise the level of the River Boyne, making it possible for some fresh fish run up to the river. The life immediately came back to the river with the first big fall of rain earlier the week. And I headed out with my clients from France to make a first attempt to catch them. After long hours of casting and a few showers we had the first hit but the fish missed the spoon, it was a fresh fish seen the bright silver flash.
My client was determined to catch one on the fly so we changed tactic and switched to the fly rod and it payed off very well as on the second cast he was hooked up, with a lovely fresh run salmon on the end of his line. After a super fight and a quick picture he released a fish in top condition, nice to see a strong healthy fish swim away. We changed pools after a few more casts and soon he was in again this time on the spinning rod with a spoon. We had bites before but the salmon mostly just pushed the lure and didn’t take them properly until this one decided to take the spoon very aggressively.
At the end of the week we had 7 salmon all together. The weather and water conditions all improved compared to the last few weeks, plenty of salmon running at the moment and all the legal methods are working very well.
Fly caught Boyne salmon
Into a salmon on the Boyne
Cracking fish – fresh from the sea!
Another fine Boyne salmon to be release
To book a day with Christopher you can contact him at:
