Angling Notes: plan to introduce students to fly-fishing, local environment and biodiversity
Eir’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team, in partnership with Inland Fisheries Ireland, are leading a new programme with James’s Street CBS Transition Year (TY) students in Dublin. The 13-week programme, led by Ciarán Ward, will introduce students to fly-fishing while teaching them about their local environment and biodiversity… The Irish Times, 20/03/17. Read the full article ‘Angling Notes: plan to introduce students to fly-fishing, local environment and biodiversity‘.
Angling Notes: plan to introduce students to fly-fishing, local environment and biodiversity
Managing flooding, and managing water generally, are major challenges that need widespread citizen engagement. Fethard in Tipperary offers a way forward. “A river,” says Terry Cunningham of Fethard Historical Society, “is not just a big drain.” How we manage our rivers depends to a considerable degree on how we see them… The Irish Times, 18/03/17. Read the full article ‘A small town, a small river, big ideas‘.
Following collaboration by fish experts in Ireland and Wales, Inland Fisheries Ireland has published a report called The Celtic Sea Trout Project. The report addresses significant knowledge gaps around Sea Trout in the Irish Sea. Importantly, the research carried out reveals new information about the species that will inform its conservation management… The Argus, 18/03/17. Read the full article ‘Sea Trout can migrate up to 300km for feeding‘.
James Byrne wins Catch of the Week for his River Suir Springer - the first of the season
Congratulations to James Byrne who for the second year running has caught the first springer of the season on the River Suir. James, a member of the Carrick on Suir and District Anglerscaught the sea liced fish estimated at around 14lb took a black flying C lure and was swiftly returned and saw off like a shot!
A second fish was also reported on spinner later in the day. The levels are quite high at the moment and better suited to spinner but fly anglers with heavy lines and brass tubes might be able to eke one out before the end of April.
Go fishing…
Anglers are reminded that the River Suir is all catch and release this year.
Day tickets are available on the Carrick on Suir and District Anglerswater.
Contact James 0863493660 for details
€30 a day limited to 4 rods a day. Fishing times from 8am till dark with access to all club water. Spinning and fly only.
€70 a day for September limited to two rods a day.
A delighted James with the first salmon of the year from the Suir
David McEvoy reports from Delphi where their recent run of luck continued last week…
15 March: Our encouraging run of fish that started last Thursday the 9th has continued since my last update. Indeed at the time of writing the 5th fish had been landed but I was unaware of the fact. Yvonne had just landed a nice sea liced fish of 7lb 7oz from Cooleens on a Nightstar. Water was running at 68 at the time.
Michael Wymes then made the long trip from Dublin to fish on Sunday was justly rewarded with a beautiful fish of approximately 10lbs from the Rock Pool on a Willie Gunn. Needless to say Michael was like a child at Christmas time especially as it gives him a head start on his son Paul, who generally lands a few from time to time. There were also two fish lost in the Meadow Pool, one by a very experienced angler who shall remain nameless as the line got wrapped around the handle of the reel. No prizes for guessing what happened next!! You can also take it for granted that the angler did not get much sympathy from anyone, but I did tell him it would be one to remember.
Robert had an 8.5lb salmon from the Rock Pool
There was a fish lost, again in the Meadow Pool on Monday and then yesterday Martin Davison, with the help of Robert Gillespie had a lovely fish of approx. 8.5lbs from the Rock Pool on a Willie Gunn. I also have seen fish entering the system in the last couple of days. We are basically full now for the next 2 to 3 weeks barring a cancellation, so feel free to call anyway.
Here’s hoping for a continuation of the good fishing.
At Delphi Lodge, with many years of experience with the timing of the best runs of fish, we have in place a price system that offers both great value fishing and lets our anglers know when they have the best chance to catch a fresh run spring salmon or a summer grilse or Delphi sea trout.
Details of one of the top fishing events in the North West were announced today by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock.
North West Angling Fair
The Mayor was in Strabane to announce the dates for the North West Angling Fair that is set to make a welcome return on 8th and 9th of April at the Melvin Sports Complex, in Strabane.
Following on from the success of last year, the North West Angling Fair is once again set to attract some of the UK and Ireland’s top fly-dressers, casters and anglers. Operating from 10 am to 5pm each day, both inside the Melvin Sports Centre and along the banks of the River Mourne, the Fair promises to be another huge success and a great occasion for all the family to enjoy.
Welcoming the announcement, the Mayor Alderman Hilary McClintock said the event is an excellent way of promoting the river and fishing tourism in the Strabane area.
“Last year’s event was a huge success and we are delighted that it is happening again this year. The Council is very keen to support events that showcase our local area and promote sport and we believe this event has huge potential in terms of actively promoting the Strabane area for fishing tourism. The event is also a great way of getting people out and about and encouraging more people to enjoy fishing and the River Mourne,” she said.
A range of high calibre celebrity fishing experts will be making appearances at the event to share their expertise and offer advice. They include well-known and much loved Scottish television actor Paul Young of Hooked on Scotland fame; fly dresser specialist, Peter O’Reilly, best known for his books Flies of Ireland and books on Irish rivers and lakes; Henrik Mortensen, who has worked professionally with fly tackle design and development for more than 27 years, and Belgium born specialist Yang Quintus.
There will be a series of outdoor casting demonstrations at the River Mourne under the Pedestrian Bridge and daily talks on a number of subjects including Trout in Strange Places and Salmon Fly Fishing throughout the Year by Dr Ken Whelan and Jason O’Riordan. Ken Whelan runs his own fisheries consultancy, has written extensively on angling topics and has also produced, scripted and presented many films and videos on various aspects of Irish fisheries and angling and is a regular radio contributor to Mooney Goes Wild on RTE, while Jason O’Riordan gives talks on fishing techniques at the leading angling shows through Ireland and the UK and is an IFFF Qualified Fly Casting Instructor.
The event will also welcome a host of world class Fly Dressing on to the Fly Tying Row practicing their art, demonstrations and advise from a series of champion fly casters on the River Mourne, with talks from experts and cookery demonstrations. Local angling clubs will also be taking part as well as youth angling competitions and activities to encourage a new generation of anglers into the sport.
Other experts in attendance will be three times World Speycasting champion Scot MacKenzie ; the head ghillie at Ness Castle Lodges, Robert Gillespie who is probably the finest casting instructor in Ireland and widely regarded as one of the best teachers of modern fly casting techniques.
Gordon Armstrong’s fly casting demonstration gained huge interest at last year fair. Gordon has fished all over the World and will be on hand to share his knowledge and experiences. The Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association (ILFA) will also be there including locally based Ladies International Pauline McClenaghan to offer advice and guidance.
Festival and Events Co-ordinator with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Liz Cunningham says the event promises to be another great event following on from last year’s success. She commented: “The North West Angling Fair was a fantastic event last year and we have really built on the positive feedback from those who took part to make it another great success and a real family occasion not just for fishing enthusiasts. In addition to having some of the top fishing experts in attendance we have lots of demonstrations and talks, and on top of all that – it is free! All we need are some big catches on the day!”
There will also be a wide range of Trade stands where fishing enthusiasts can purchase angling and fly dressing equipment supplies and trade stands will be provided by The Bridge Gun and Tackle, N&M Tackle, Cookshill Fly Tying, Salmologic, River Mourne Guns and Tackle, Rod and Line to name but a few.
For further information www.derrystrabane.com/anglingfair
Anyone looking for any further information is encouraged to contact [email protected] at the Festival and Events team at Derry City and Strabane District Council 028 71 253253.
Today saw the first competition of the Dublin Pike Anglers 2017 season. With water levels fluctuating over the last two weeks it was decided to risk a favored river venue which normally produces the goods at this time of year.
Overall the day was a good as to be expected. The remnants of the floods were still in the fields, the rain was consistently spitting and the wind was blowing hard from the west. A few of the regular lads were M.I.A but a few welcome new faces bolstered the numbers to 14.
It was certainly a day for the wobbling angler as most of the “dead-baiters” had very few fish between them. In total we had 71 fish to the bank with the usual reports of multiple dropped fish.
The fish were not all too big, the largest of the day fell to angler Anthony McCreery with a 10lb 7oz fish caught on a wobbled smelt. There were numerous fish in the 5-6lb bracket and reports that the fish were hard fighting.
The top 3 positions at the end of the day were as follows:
1stDave Murphy with 18 fish and a total bag weight of 48lb 8oz
2ndJoey Bonnie with 16 fish and a total bag weight of 40lb 10oz
3rdAnthony McCreery with 6 fish and a total bag weight of 24lb 11oz
It was a hardy day but all agreed the fishing was aptly good considering the condition of the river.
Go fishing…
The Dublin Pike anglers was set up in 1986 and since has become one of the leading clubs in Irish pike fishing. The club caters for anglers of all abilities and backgrounds. In recent years we have had club member reach national finals, win national finals and go on to represent Ireland in international competitions.
Our next competition is scheduled for the 16th of April, new members are still welcome as we have small number of places available. Get membership in early to save disappointment! New members fill in membership request form here.
Tell your story and show your vision for a healthy, happy future.
Events are free and fun for Families and Everyone – Sat 1st April, 2pm and Sunday 2nd April, 10am.
Inland Fisheries Ireland will be there to give a short presentation on the Dodder River and will be around to talk about the river, the fishing and more.
Dodder Gathering – Family Fun Events
THE GATHERING:
Dublin City Council Parks, DCC Water Framework Office and the Local Authority Waters and Communities Office are hosting a 3 day Gathering event in the Hive, Herbert Park from the 31st March to 2nd April 2017 in conjunction with Dodder Action.
The Dodder Gathering 2017 will bring local communities, local authorities and state agencies together to exchange information and advice through illustrated talks, interactive displays, guided walks and workshops. The purpose is to improve how we can manage the river together for the future through collaboration and goodwill.
THE MAIN SCHEDULE:
Saturday 1st April, 2pm – 4pm: Interactive Displays on Wildlife, the Wonders of Water and River Stories. All Welcome
A range of wildlife experts, scientists and environmental experts from DCC Parks Department, LAWCO, BirdWatch Ireland, INVAS Bio security, Herpetological Society of Ireland, Irish Wildlife Trust, An Taisce Clean Coasts and Coastwatch Ireland will host interactive displays. You will be able to learn about River birds, freshwater insects, Invasive Alien Species, responsible ownership of exotic pets, wildlife of the Dodder and marine life where the river meets the sea. The Dodder Action will show children of all ages how to make “Dodder Monsters” out of materials that would otherwise end up as litter in the River.
Sunday 2nd April: Family Fun Morning By The River
On Sunday the 2nd of April, from 10am to 1pm there will be a morning of family friendly activities, including a walk along the River and pond with OWLS (suitable for families with young children), historic and wildlife walks in the Park, Fly Casting demonstrations by the Dodder Anglers, creating Dodder Monsters with Dodder Action, face painting and live music by “Harmony Harmonics”.
Stan Ryan from ARDMORE SEA ANGLING CLUB reports on a shore competition in Ardmore on 18th March…
The turnout of 6 adults and 4 juniors was lower than normal probably due to the fact that it was a bank holiday weekend.
Abbey with a double shot of coalies
Fishing was excellent and nobody blanked. Coalfish were the most common species but there were also some flounders and 3 bass.
Mochara Fraher won the junior section. There is no stopping this young lad who won Master Junior Angler for 2016. Fellow junior Ben Troy land a fine 54cm bass.
Stan Ryan won the senior section. His best fish was a 62cm bass.
In total 47 fish were landed.
Stan Ryan Ardmore Sea Anglers
Join the Club…
New anglers welcome to the club. If interested please contact Stan Ryan 0872374545 or email [email protected]
Dan Moloney with the Feale's first salmon of the season
Paddy Halpin, from IFI Limerick reports from the banks of the River Feale in Listowl where anglers had to wait until Monday the 13th of March for the first fresh Salmon of 2017. It was caught by Dan Moloney of Woodford, Listowel while spinning. The fish weighed 8lbs and was a fresh run Salmon.
Dan Moloney with the Feale’s first salmon of the season
There have been a lot of anglers out since the opening day on the 1st of March but conditions were not good for most of the time, and when conditions were good and fishable all that was caught were a lot of spent fish – all very clean and in great condition and all were released back to hopefully make it back out to sea.
Fishing conditions at the moment are good for all legal methods. This year again we have a Brown tag on the Feale. Full details below:
Go fishing…
The River Feale is among the outstanding salmon and sea trout rivers of Ireland. The River rises in the mountain district of North Co Cork and flows westerly for 75 km (46 miles) through the county towns of Abbeyfeale and Listowel and enters the sea south of Ballybunion. For the final 10 kms (6 miles) of its course, it is known as the Cashen River. Throughout its meandering journey to the sea it flows through a picturesque landscape of heather bog land, fertile valleys and rolling hills. Its main tributaries, flowing from both North and South, combine to add in excess of 160 kms (100 miles) of fishable waters.
About 50% of the main River Feale and the Smearlagh River is controlled by 5 angling clubs. These clubs are some of the best angling waters and each club offers day tickets for visiting anglers.
Brown tag fishery: Under the salmon tagging regulations, this year the River Feale is designated as a brown tag fishery.The brown tags for the River Feale bear the code F3. Anglers must affix a brown tag along with a blue tag to any salmon which is retained. This means that salmon retained on the River Feale will have two tags attached. All brown tags (including 1st tag) will be issued from IFI officers ONLY . Please ring 087-7639236 to arrange to receive your first brown tag prior to commencing fishing
Additional brown tags will only be issued by IFI staff, they may be contacted at 087-7639236 and they will arrange to meet and issue an additional tag upon verification that the previous brown tag has been used, i.e. a fish has been caught and recorded in the logbook.
1 brown tag will be issued at a time to each angler.
If you acquired a 1 day or 21 day licence which has expired, or you have finished fishing for the season, and you have not used the brown tag then this must be surrendered to an IFI officer prior to departure by phoning 087-7639236. IFI would like to thank you for your co-operation with this.
If an angler has used his brown tag or doesn’t have a brown tag in his possession to use then he must fish catch and release methods, i.e.single barbless hook and no worms.
Brown tags will continue to be issued until the angling quota is reached.
North Kerry Anglers Association issues daily & weekly permits for fishing on 9 miles of the Feale & Smearlagh rivers. Web: www.northkerryanglers.com
Killocrim/Finuge Angling Club
Killocrim/Finuge Angling Club control approximately 6.5 kms (4 miles) of water downstream of Listowel. Web:killocrimfinugefishingclub.com
Brosna / Mountcollins Angling Club
Brosna / Mountcollins Angling Club control about 13 kms (8 miles) of double bank fishing from below the Owveg River confluence, up past Mountcollins, to within a short distance of Ahuan Bridge. Tel: +353 68 44251
For any angling query please contact the Limerick office at [email protected] or by phone 061-300238.
To report a suspected pollution or poaching activity please contact the 24 hour hotline on 0818 34 74 24
