Angling guide Peter Cunningham from Boyne Valley Fishing Guides reports on some nice trout fishing from the Boyne Valley over the weekend. Peter was guiding for Pierre and Sophie who were visiting Ireland for the first time from the Mediterranean island of Corsica. The day was overcast and mild enough but as there were not many flies hatching Peter decided that best results would be produced by a bit of nymph fishing. Water levels were well down but there was still a tinge of colour in the water.
This was the first time that Pierre and Sophie had fished nymphs and both anglers mastered the technique very quickly under Peters’ watchful eye. Both managed to catch some fish and had a nice relaxing day on the water.
Fishing on the River Boyne
If you fancy a days guided fishing in the Boyne Valley with Peter Cunningham and Boyne Valley Fishing Guides then why not give Peter a call on his mobile at 00 353 86 4682516 or email him at [email protected]
Competitors in action at the Canoeing Ireland Club Championships.
The 2017 Canoeing Ireland Club Championships were held in Clonmel on the 8th & 9th April with clubs from across the country battling it out on the River Suir.
Participants line up at the Canoeing Ireland Club Championships held in Clonmel.
Inland Fisheries Ireland staff were on hand to offer support at the event by managing the disinfecting of canoes entering the river to ensure that no invasive aquatic species could be transferred from another water body into the Suir.
Competitors in action at the Canoeing Ireland Club Championships.
As canoes, kayaks and boats are all potential transmitters of aquatic invasive species, all users are encouraged to undertake disinfecting practice before entering the water to help maintain the health of our rivers and lakes.
Fishing guide Brendan Sharkey from Predator Fishing Ireland reports on a lovely days fishing earlier this week in County Roscommon. Brendan reports 10 nice pike to the boat with the best of the day being a well conditioned 105cm fish. The second best measured 89cm and all fish were taken on lures. According to Brendan the weather conditions were great for fishing with a slight breeze and the cloud cover meant that it was not too bright.
Brendan Sharkey the owner of Predator Fishing Ireland which is based in Boyle, Co. Roscommon. He has fished the rivers and lakes around Boyle since he was a child and has been guiding in the area for a number of years. He is an experienced pike and trout angler using both fly and lure. Brendan uses many different methods fishing for pike including fly-fishing, spinning and jerk baiting. Trout fishing methods also include fly-fishing, trolling and spinning.
Predator Fishing Ireland offers guided fishing trips to suit everyone’s needs. From the novice fisherman to the experienced fisherman, Predator Fishing Ireland can meet all of your requirements. We can provide guided fishing day trips or we can arrange holiday packages which can include packed/cooked lunches on the lake. Accommodation can also be arranged with a nearby B&B if required. Fishing equipment can also be hired if needed.
If you fancy a days pike or trout fishing in the Co. Roscommon and surrounding areas why not contact Brendan at
Sean Long, Director of the South Western River Basin District, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development, Inland Fisheries Ireland and Michael Creed TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Cork North West. The World Youth Angling Championships will take place in Coachford in August 2017. Pic John Sheehan
The National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland (NCFFI) has officially launched the World Youth Angling Championships in Coachford, Co. Cork. The Championships will take place in Coachford from the 8th-13th of August 2017.
The event is the largest in the Fédération Internationale de la Pêche Sportive en Eau Douce World Championship Angling Calendar with over 20 nations expected to present youth teams in the Under 15, Under 20 and Under 25 categories. The Championships will be staged on the Inniscarra Reservoir and the Coachford Greenway, a 2.8km linear park in the form of a walkway.
Sean Long, Director of the South Western River Basin District, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development, Inland Fisheries Ireland and Michael Creed TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Cork North West at the launch of the World Youth Angling Championships in Coachford. Pic John Sheehan
The World Feeder Fishing Championships was held at the same location in 2014 and since then, the number of anglers visiting the region has increased. The National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland estimates that this youth championship will bring a further 5,000+ bed nights to the region.
Pictured were the sponsors and organisers of the World Youth Angling Championships with Michael Creed TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Cork North West. Pic John Sheehan
The championship is sponsored by Inland Fisheries Ireland and other partners including ESB, Cork County Council, Fáílte Ireland, the Cork Convention Bureau and Inniscarra Lake Tourism Development Ltd.
For more information on the World Youth Angling Championships, visit www.ncffi.ie/wyac .
Water levels remained fairly high all week. The Gauge read 0.9m on Monday and had only dropped to 0.86m by Sunday. This did not worry the salmon and the river fished well this week with some 20 salmon caught.
On Monday, Oscar Obles recorded a 10lb salmon caught on prawn from the Blackwater.
The following day Oscar reported a 6½lb salmon also caught on prawn from the Blackwater and M. Donaghey accounted for a 12lb salmon caught on a fly from the Blackwater which was sportingly released.
On Wednesday, Joe Broderick recorded a 7lb salmon caught on a Cascade fly.
On Thursday, Darryl Kennedy reported two salmon caught, a 10lb salmon caught on prawn from Melly’s High Bank and a 12lb salmon caught and released on prawn from the Blackwater. Gary Bennett registered an 8lb salmon caught on prawn from The Grazing’s. Virgilio Alonso logged a 10lb salmon caught on prawn from the Blackwater. Darren Haire recorded an 8lb salmon caught on prawn from the Mill Pool and Chris McDaid accounted for a 10½lb salmon caught on a fly from the Perch Pool.
On Friday, Simon Harris recorded an 11½lb salmon caught on a Rapala lure from the Wash Stones.
On Sunday, Stewart Blair recorded a 7½lb salmon caught on worm from the Meadow. Richard Evans reported a 6½lb salmon caught on a Rapala lure from the Washstones. Darryl Kennedy registered a 10lb salmon caught on prawn from the Wash Stones and Paul McGowan accounted for a 7lb salmon caught and released on a fly from Briney’s. There were around a further 5 fish caught of which we await details.
Prospects for the coming week look very good.
Lough Melvin
Lough Melvin remained fairly quiet and we have yet to hear of a salmon caught
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: 0044 7871443304
For bookings/guides etc on the Rossinver Fishery contact Bill McNeary, Tel: 071 9854930 or Jim Hoye, Tel: 0831197428
For info see http://www.rossinverfishery.com/
A spot of colour on the coast. Killybegs Mariners head to Belmullet
A spot of colour on the coast. Killybegs Mariners head to Belmullet
One week into April and the slight rise in water temperatures has seen an improvement at many fisheries, both at sea and inland. If the winds would ease a little there would probably be more consistent fishing to report, but for some the days that are good enough, have been more than good enough…
Inconsistency was to blame for the poor fishing effort and low catch on the Moy as water levels were up and down as a result of the changeable weather. At Delphi there were only a couple of salmon landed in the last week but hopes were lifted by a fish on Saturday. It’s been a long wait for salmon anglers on the Galway Weir, but local angler Dave Lenihan broke the duck there with a fish of 6.5lb caught on shrimp. On the Feale water levels have suited fly angling and two salmon were taken by anglers. Good water levels have also been reported on the Laune, but most of the system’s salmon are being caught up in the lake or further up the catchment. Windy conditions on Lough Currane impacted on fishing effort and only a couple of fish were taken since our last update. The River Ilen produced its first fish of the season in the last week – a fine springer of 13lb caught on a Flying-C. Staying in West Cork, the Bandon turned out one more fish, this time on fly. The lovely 11lber was Pa O’Connell first ever salmon. We finish out the salmon report in Cork where 1 salmon was reported from the Lee.
Catch of the Week might have slipped through the Sheelin anglers fingers this week, but they definitely win Quote of the Week with the classic
‘There is no WiFi out here but we promise that you will not find a better connection’
Trout to over 6lb were landed on fly and one angler had two fish of 5.5lb each. No prolific hatches yet but buzzers were out in many sheltered bays, coves and tree lined shorelines. It’s a different story from Lough corrib where fishing has really picked up since last week. Duckfly hatches are still going in many bays, with more fish feeding on them, as well as a few early olives. Meanwhile on Mask, anglers have reported seeing some excellent hatches of duckfly and small sedge on the warmer days this week with fishing described as good. A great addition to the facilities of Lough Mask, is the construction of a wheelchair-accessible facility for disabled boat anglers built at Burkes pier at Ferrybridge.
There are a couple of coarse angling reports from Lough Muckno this week. CM Lakelands Feeder team enjoyed their time in the sun and recorded bags to over 4kg. At the Yellow Island pegs Drogheda CAC did a little better with weights almost 8kg, with the pole producing bigger nets of fish. There was good fishing on the Shannon at Portumna where the Town Stretch produced a top weight of 27lb 12oz for Bruce Pennell. Further up the river at Lanesborough on the hotwater stretch some lovely roach to over 1lb are featuring in the catches. A couple of anglers did make efforts to get an early tench but water temperatures need a bit more of a rise still.
Steve Blacklidge poses with his Catch of the Week before releasing it safely
Not too many pike reports this week. But there should be some good fishing available as water temperatures continue to rise following spawning. At Lanesborough pike to 16lb were landed over the weekend, but it was a 9lb trout on a roach dead bait that got the anglers most excited. Steve Blacklidge’s impressive trout wins Catch of the Week. On Ennell pike lures were also snapped by the odd trout but their intended targets also had a swipe at them along with some lovely looking perch.
The Killybegs Mariners paint a picture of the angling in their area that would make you wonder why they ever to travel to cast a line. But they do, and you can be sure that if they’re going somewhere, it’s worth going to. Their annual trip to Belmullet is proof of this and some serious shore angling was enjoyed by the club with big flounders and sea trout being the highlight of the trip. Down in Cork Harbour kayak anglers tried to make the most of the conditions towards the end of the month but the winds proved too much for these small craft. Staying in Cork Harbour, over 1000 fish were caught by 70 anglers fishing the final of the Munster League and though the fish kept the anglers busy they were of a small enough stamp. On the east coast anglers had more great specimen fishing with Kit Dunne out of Wicklow. Spurdogs to 18.1lb and even a couple of early tope were landed by anglers during the week, despite very limited opportunities to get afloat.
Friday will be a dry bright day with highs of 11 to 15C in light southerly breezes. There may be some grass frost over night under clear skies. Warmer again on Saturday with highs of 17C in in light to moderate southerly breezes. A cooler feel to the day on Sunday as southwesterly winds veer northwesterly and freshen. It will be mostly cloudy with a fragmenting band of rain spreading eastwards across the country during the morning and afternoon. South and southeastern counties will likely retain the mostly dry conditions More showers and fresher weather to follow next week. It’s like they made the weekend fishin…
Loughrea angler Robert Reilly with a fine Corrib trout caught recently
Declan Gibbons reports that fishing has really picked up since last week. Duckfly hatches are still going in many bays, with more fish feeding on them, as well as a few early olives.
In the Oughterard area the Oughterard Regatta Development 50 Competition was held on Saturday and Sunday last; 42 rods participated in the annual event. 1st place went to Oughterard men Mike Faherty and Kevin Molloy with 11 trout for 23.74lbs. 2nd place went to Tom Doc Sullivan, Cornamona and Mike Keady, Moycullen with 10 trout for 16.22lbs. 3rd place went to Moycullen duo Toby Bradshaw and Eugene McCarthy with 9 trout for 14.96lbs. The heaviest fish prize went to Darren Maguire from Garrison, Co. Fermanagh with a fish of 4.5lbs.
Mike Faherty and Kevin Molloy, winenrs of the Oughterard Development 50 Competition held on 1/2 April, 2017
Also in the Oughterard area Basil Shields of Ardnasillagh Lodge (091-552550) reports average fishing with Simon Hollifence from England catching a fish of 3lbs on buzzer. David Kidd from Belfast had 2 fish on buzzer, best fish 3lbs, John Malcolm from Bangor had 3 fish for 6lbs, and former World Cup winner Robbie Crichton From Cork had 6 fish for 15lbs. John Fitzgerald from Shannon had 3 fish on Sunday averaging 1.5lbs. Fellow Shannon angler Eddie Shanagher had 2 fish on Sunday. Gary Maguire from Omagh had 2 fish for his visit to Lough Corrib, and Cork anglers Stephen O’Reilly and Henry Jeffers had 2 fish to the boat for their day.
In the Cornamona area Richard Molloy of Ballard Shore Boat Hire & Accommodation (087-2879399) says Tipperary anglers Neville Atkinson and Fergus Hogan had excellent fishing on duck fly and olives, with a good number of fish to the boat. John Finn, also from Tipperary had 2 fish for his days fishing on Corrib.
Staying in the Cornamona area Tom Doc Sullivan (087-6113933) was guiding Roger O’Neill from Dublin and Roger had 2 fish for his day on duckfly, with the best fish being 2lbs.
David Ryan (086-3170081) from Ryans River Lodge Fishing & Shooting in Cong recently guided a visiting USA angler who had 4 trout for his day, and also guided visiting French visiting angler Guy Choisel, who landed a fine pike of 25lbs. Martin McCoy from Derry caught a fish of 3lbs on Monday last in Salthouse Bay which he sportingly released. Luke O’Connell from Sligo stayed at Corrib View Lodge, Glencorrib (087-9135222) and had a cracking trout of 4.14lbs on Saturday last.
Luke O’Connell from Sligo with a fine 4lbs+ trout off Corrib, 1 April 2017
Phillip Comber (086-2786301) was on to us telling us of recent good fishing in the Rabbit Island area and had 2 fish for 5lbs, Phillip can be contacted for rental of Rabbit Island Lodge, or check it out on Facebook for a unique place to stay and enjoy a visit to Corrib.
A group of anglers from Northern Ireland consisting of Greg White, Brian Stanfield, Stevie Ellis, Tony Hogg, Stan McCart and Gary Stewart fished out of Annaghkeen for their week’s stay and fished the Rabbit Island, Lees and Birchall areas, finding fishing difficult at times, however they had a few fish every day and caught some good quality trout on buzzers, like Greg’s fish pictured here.
Greg White, Northern Ireland with a nice Corrib trout taken on buzzer on a recent trip with friends.
On Wednesday and Sunday last in the Greenfields area Loughrea Brothers Robert & Richie Reilly enjoyed excellent fishing landing 16 fish for the two days – best fish 5lbs.
Ennis and District Anglers hosted a competition out of Greenfields on Sunday last, run on a 14 inch limit basis. 9 fish were weighed in for 14 rods. 1st place went to Damien Culliney with 1 fish for 3lbs 9oz, 2nd was Paul Dignam with 2 fish for 3lbs 8oz, and 3rd was Michael Killeen with 1 fish for 3lbs 5oz.
Loughrea angler Robert Reilly with a fine Corrib trout caught recently
Ciaran Burke, left with Timmo Sullivan, preparing for the shotgun start to the Ignatius Burke Memorial, and unveiling the new disabled access facility at Burke's Pier, Lough Mask.
Ronan Cusack reports that the good fishing continues on Mask, as we enter the first week in April. Anglers have reported seeing some excellent hatches of duckfly and small sedge on the warmer days this week.
Visiting anglers Martin McCoy and David Nevin had 22 trout over the size limit last weekend, mostly on wet-flies (best fish 2lbs). Philip Comber from Headford had 2 nice fish on dry duckfly patterns this week at the south end of the lake (best fish 3lbs). Kevin Egan and Declan Gibbons from Ballinrobe fished together on Sunday and they finished with 11 on a combination of buzzer and wets (best fish 1.75lbs, all released). Fermanagh angler Billy Graham fished with Sean Maloney from Ballinrobe on Sunday and they had 7 good fish for their day (best fish 2.25lbs). Joe Fitzharris from Ballyhaunis was guiding for 2 UK anglers for 3 days towards the end of last week. The lads had a total of 19 trout for their trip on a combination of buzzer and wets (best fish 2.5lbs). Conor Dennedy from Claremorris had a lovely 3.5lbs trout off the Ballycoyne rocks while fishing wets for a few hours on Tuesday last, with several more smaller fish landed and released.
The Ignatius Burke Memorial Cup 2 Day Competition was held in Clonbur on Tuesday and Wednesday of last week, with anglers from all over the country enjoying a festive stay in Clonbur and some decent fishing as well, despite inclement conditions. 112 anglers fished the competition, with first place going to Nigel Greene, Enniskillen, with 4 fish for 3.68kgs. Thomas J Carroll from Westport was second with 6 fish for 3.518kgs, third was Mike O’Shea, Killorglin Co. Kerry with 4 fish for 3.47kgs. Mike also won the Heaviest Fish prize with a trout of 1.67kgs. The Junior Angler prize went to Daithi Ryan from Cong, with 2 fish for 0.821kg.
A great addition to the facilities of Lough Mask, is the construction of a wheelchair-accessible facility for disabled boat anglers built at Burkes pier at Ferrybridge. Timmo Sullivan from Co. Kerry was the first angler to use the facility for the competition, and is pictured here with Ciaran Burke, brother of the late Ignatius who the competition was held in memory of. The Burke family welcome any and all anglers who wish to use the facility – access can be obtained by contacting Tomás Burke on 087 9099593.
Ciaran Burke, left with Timmo Sullivan, preparing for the shotgun start to the Ignatius Burke Memorial, and unveiling the new disabled access facility at Burke’s Pier, Lough Mask.
Dave Lenihan, Knocknacarra landed the first salmon of the season a fine fresh Salmon weighing 6.5lbs & was caught on a shrimp in Jimmy’s Pool on Thursday. . Photo: Joe Travers
It’s been a long wait, but the first salmon of the year in Galway was finally landed by local angler Dave Lenihan on Thursday 30 March. Water levels had been very high, but dropped to 5 gates open last week, and Dave knowing the river so well was quick to take advantage. The fish which weighed 6.5lbs, was landed in Jimmy’s Pool and took a shrimp bait. After a tough year last year, it’s great to see Dave back to good health again, and his comrades and rivals for the first fish were genuinely delighted to see him take the honours again. Dave Lenihan, Knocknacarra landed the first salmon of the season a fine fresh Salmon weighing 6.5lbs & was caught on a shrimp in Jimmy’s Pool on Thursday. . Photo: Joe Travers
In time-honoured fashion, the first salmon was donated to charity and served in a local restaurant. This year, the White Gables Restaurant in Moycullen made a generous donation of €500 to COPE Galway for their fantastic Means on Wheels service that provides much-needed sustenance to older people in the Galway area. Many thanks also to local photographer Joe Travers for the use of the photos. Dave Lenihan, Knocknacarra landed the first salmon of the season a fine fresh Salmon weighing 6.5lbs & was caught on a shrimp in Jimmy’s Pool on Thursday. Pictured with Dave are James Quinn, Galway Fishery, Kevin Dunne White Gables, Moycullen, Marie-Anne Michel & Geraldine Ryan (COPE Galway) who received a cheque donation from the White Gables. Photo: Joe Travers
'They are homebirds and stay put' - 90pc of Sea bass return to Cork Harbour for summer
THERE’s no place like home for sea bass, with a new study showing that more than 90pc return to Cork Harbour after wintering in the Celtic Sea, and then confine themselves to an area of just 3kms. Researchers led by NUI Galway have discovered that Cork-based fish, officially named Dicentrarchus labrax L., are “highly resident”, and remain within 3kms from where they were originally caught and tagged, a behaviour previously unknown… Irish Independent, 05/04/17. Read the full article ‘‘They are homebirds and stay put’ – 90pc of Sea bass return to Cork Harbour for summer‘. ‘They are homebirds and stay put’ – 90pc of Sea bass return to Cork Harbour for summer
