Ground not great but wrecks deliver for Jim out of Cork Harbour

By

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June 26, 2025

Smallish pollack had no hassle taking on the big lure

Jim Clohessy of TopFisher.eu found the fish on Saturday but getting them to bite was another story…

Wednesday 18 June was one of the nicest forecasts so far this year. My usual victims were all unavailable so I went on a solo run. I do love a solo run from time to time however there’s no doubt that having crew makes the day easier all round. It’s more craic too!

A cracking day on the water. New season new flag

I do like a bit of experimentation and that was part of the plan: to fish some likely ground that probably has never seen a rod and line and then to fall back on some wrecks should the need arise.

What a cracking morning! I had a need for fresh bait (me mammy was also looking for some mackerel). That was a bit of a pain as I found the mackerel to be patchy and scarce. Loads of little herring about. It took too long to get a half dozen macks so I was a bit stressed heading offshore. It was beautiful conditions. I would be relying on the tide for drift until the breeze that was forecast developed.

I worked hard for these few. You can see some of the little herring in there too. If I was stuck I'd have used these. — I worked hard for these few. You can see some of the little herring in there too. If I was stuck I’d have used these.

First stop was a patch of ground with a lovely looking trough in about 100m. The tide meant I could drift along the length. To say I was left scratching my head when all that I produced here was doggies would be an understatement. This is whiting and haddock ground. I moved about trying different ground half expecting spurs as well as whiting but only managed a few small ling. It was a bit of a shock. Similar areas fished like this last year and didn’t produce all year. I would have to say that this ground gets some commercial attention, maybe too much.

Ling on a lure... I often puncture the stomach and the fish do swim back strong. Do they survive? — Ling on a lure… I often puncture the stomach and the fish do swim back strong. Do they survive?

I pushed on and fished the first wreck of the day. I had a decent ling on my staging drift so things looked well. I had decent ling and a few smallies on most every drift. Many went back (whether they survive is another matter) but I was having to keep too many. I decided switch to a lure for a few drifts. I decided to try a spare 200mm Black Minnow body mounted on a 150g jig head. I was trying out a Gunki Ocean Tribe jigging rod rated to something like 200g. It’s a dinkey rod that’s great craic (For less than €100). Deffo one to consider if wanting to dip a toe in the multiplier jig rod side of things.

The ubiquitous Black Minnow body in 200mm with my own V2 150g head. Just was able to keep contact with the slow drift

The wreck must be fairly carpeted with ling because I was getting a handy ling every other drift and some small pollack hitting the big lure if I went more than 20 turns off the bottom. I went back of bait for a last couple of drifts. Had my best ling of the day @14lbs and dropped a decent fish on the second to last cast.

You’ll notice my fish pictures are fairly crap this trip! I left a bracket at home so couldn’t mount my solo selfie setup.

I visited another couple of wrecks and drifted with lure only. One was bare and the other had a head of small pollack. Not big enough to hold my interest. The forecast breeze didn’t materialise until I got further inshore. The harbour was actually snotty with wind against tide.

I was wrecked when I got home after a long day and too much filleting. The boat washdown will have to wait…

Good luck to Ireland Home Nations Boat Team

By

Paul O'Reilly

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June 25, 2025

IFSA Ireland Home Nations Boat Team are in Wales for this weekend’s 2025 Home Nations Championships in Milford Haven.

The team is:

Captain John Dennehy
Dan Lynch
Padraic Clear
Mark Devir
Pat Condon
Paul O’Callaghan

As always, the team would like to thank all of their sponsors who helped make this trip easier with their support – with a special thanks to Irish Ferries for their continued support.

The competition will be fished on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th so the very best of luck to the team – who are gunning for a three-in-a-row.

Lower Bann Summer League – Round 3

By

Paul O'Reilly

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June 25, 2025

Round 3 of the Lower Bann Summer League was held on Sunday, June 22. The venue was the Argory Section of the River Blackwater. Conditions were good and there were good numbers of nice sized skimmers on the feed throughout – greatly welcomed by the competitors!

Keith Russell won section 1 and the overall match with 16.325kg, made up mostly with skimmers. Bob Glasgow won section 2 and was 2nd overall with 16.025kg. Derek Buckley 3rd overall with 15.850kg.

After 3 rounds Derek Buckley leads the league, closely followed by Keith Russell.

Nice nets of skimmers

1 of 4

Afternoon top-water action for Cormac

By

Paul O'Reilly

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June 25, 2025

509422104_1465524311553992_5033204071724339479_n — Cormac Walsh with a nice Wexford bass

Bass man and Lure Fishing Podcast host Cormac Walsh found the time to tackle some bass this week- here’s his report on the action:

I managed to find a bit of shelter over the weekend from the westerlies unfortunately there was a good bit of weed in it which made things a bit tricky.

Shallow divers, metals and sandeels were all getting clogged up with weed. I found the top water was working the best with maybe 1 in 5 casts come in all the way without getting weed on it. I might only get 10 seconds of a retrieve until the lure was weeded up, however, I stuck at it as an early swirl behind the lure had given me a glimmer of hope.

As soon as the tide turned and began to drop back the fish came on the feed. Four bass were landed, the best a fat 60cm with many more missed hits off the top.

On other occasions I wouldn’t have persisted due to the weed but staying at it proved successful on this occasion.

Bass fishing in Ireland

Lee very low just a few salmon reported

By

Eileen Carroll

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June 25, 2025

Water levels on the River Lee are extremely low. There were just 6 salmon reported last week. The best of these was an 8lb fish from the Kingsley Weir.

Go fishing…

River Lee

Salmon fishing on the Munster Blackwater not going as expected

By

Eileen Caroll

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June 25, 2025

Catch and conditions on the Blackwater have improved although water temperatures remain at high levels.

There are reports of some nice fish caught along with some grilse in the system but not in the numbers that would be expected for this time of year. Most catch reports are coming from below Fermoy.

Go fishing…

Guided fishing, clubs, private fisheries etc

Blackwater Salmon Fishery

Blackwater Salmon Fishery has 3 beats downstream of the weir and 2 upstream of the weir. Blackwater Salmon Fishery offers fishing on approximately 5 miles of the river Blackwater. The fishing is spread throughout the middle section of the river to offer good sport throughout the fishing season. Due to the location of the beats, fishing can still usually be offered in low or high water.
Contact Glenda Powell: Lismore, Co Waterford,
Email: info@blackwatersalmonfishery.com
Mobile: +353 (0) 872351260 Telephone: +353 (0) 5853929
Web: www.blackwatersalmonfishery.com

Blackwater Valley Fishery

Salmon, Sea trout and Brown trout fishing on prime fishing beats River Blackwater Co. Cork and Co. Waterford Ireland.

Email: blackwatervalleyfishery@gmail.com
Mobile: +353 (0) 87 690 5467
Web: facebook.com/Corkwaterfordfishery

Fortwilliam Fishery & Self-Catering Cottages

Fortwilliam Fishery offers two miles of double bank salmon and trout fishing over five beats on the river Blackwater.
Our salmon include – Springers, May Salmon, Grilse, Back End Salmon, and in Summer sea trout.
Our beats provide a wide variety of water, suitable for both beginners and the more experienced fishermen.
Fortwilliam Fishery, Glencairn, Lismore, Co. Waterford, Ireland
Web: www.fortwilliamfishing.ie Email: fishing@fortwilliamireland.com
Tel: (00353) 87 8292077 or 058 75299

Blackwater Salmon and Trout Fishery

Blackwater Salmon and Trout Fishery control a number of beats of the Munster Blackwater.

Contact Jason Corcoran:
Ballyduff, Co. Waterford.

Tel: +353 (0)586 0146
Mobile: +353 (0)87 720 5690
Web: www.blackwatertroutandsalmon.ie

Careysville Fishery

Careysville Fishery offers some of the best salmon fly fishing in Ireland and includes 26 named pools. It is considered by many to be one of premier beats for salmon fishing in Ireland. Wading is excellent and among the numerous streams, pools and glides there is a great variety of fly fishing to suit both complete novice and challenge the most competent of fly casters.

Careysville, Clondulane, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
Email: fishing@careysville.com Mobile: +353 (0)86 2378788
Web: http://careysville.com/careysville-fishery/

Lismore Castle Fishery

At Lismore Castle & Golf Course Fishery, we offer nearly two miles of two inter-linked beats, the Castle Beat & the Golf Course Beat.

The legendary Castle Beat consistently ranks as one of the top Salmon beats on the River Blackwater, for the number of Atlantic Salmon caught per rod. The Golf Course Beat offers about 1.5 miles of fishable water through meandering majestic countryside. The Golf Course beat offers a number of bewildering pools suitable for unmatched spinning and bait fishing.

For bookings contact Joe Willoughby on Mobile no. 00353 87 8295449 or Email: info@lismorecastlefishery.com

Website: www.lismorecastlefishery.com

Blackwater Salmon Anglers, Mallow

We provide Day Tickets for some prime Salmon fishing in Mallow Co. Cork. We have excellent fly water, shrimping worming and spinning also. We also have very competitive Day rates and we have very recently upgraded our fishing.

Tickets available from “The Bridge House” and “Vincent Downes Menswear” Mallow.

Facebook: Blackwater Salmon Anglers

Upper Bridgetown Salmon Fishery

Located on the Munster Blackwater in the south of Ireland. Situated mid river between the towns of Fermoy and Mallow. A productive left bank beat in stunning surroundings.

For bookings contact Conor Arnold: +353 87 755 4682

Facebook: Upper Bridgetown Salmon Fishery

Loungueville House Salmon Fishery

For details on availability and conditions of fishing for salmon and trout on the Longueville House waters please contact them at
Contact : Longueville House Hotel, William O’Callaghan
Address : Mallow, Co. Cork.
Telephone : 00 353 22 47156
Email: info@longuevillehouse.ie
Website: www.longuevillehouse.ie

Sea trout and an odd salmon in the Ilen but West Cork rivers are low

By

Eileen Carroll

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June 25, 2025

Salmon fishing across West Cork’s rivers was slow last week with the rain dropping off and water levels getting low again.

The Ilen River is producing some seatrout fishing and 2 salmon were reported.

The rivers in the Bantry area are all suffering from very low water levels which restricted fishing. No salmon or sea trout were reported last week.

Go fishing…

River Ilen

River Glengarriff

River Coomhola

River Argideen

Michael Tiernan wins Foxford Salmon Anglers competition on L. Conn

By

Shane O'Reilly

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June 25, 2025

Michael Tiernan with a beautiful Lough Conn trout

Over the weekend, Foxford Salmon Anglers held their previously postponed Presidents Cup Competition in difficult conditions. Twenty-five anglers had a return of five trout over the 13-inch competition limit.

The results were:

1^st place Michael Tiernan
2^nd place Pat McNulty
3^rd place John Sheridan
4^th place Martin Kenny

Presidents Cup presentation with Billy Murphy, Eamon Kelly and Michael Tiernan.

Go Fishing:

Trout fishing in Mayo and Sligo

Hot weather impacts fishing on the River Moy

By

Shane O'Reilly

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June 25, 2025

Moy Catchment Angling Report – Week ending 22-06-2025

Water levels at Ballylahan dropped slowly this week from 0.66 m on Sunday, 15th June, down to 0.23 m by noon on Sunday, 22nd June. Rainfall amounts were well below normal across the west for the week, with record air temperatures in some parts towards the weekend.

Strong sunshine over several days, coupled with rising water temperatures, made angling difficult. This culminated with the closure of the Moy Fishery and Cloongee Fishery from midnight on Saturday, 21st June, due to elevated water temperatures.

Ballina Salmon Anglers and East Mayo Anglers also suspended angling. Over the coming week, the weather is forecast to be unsettled with spells of rain and showers, though there will still be good dry periods too.

Moy Fishery

A total of four grilse were caught in the Moy Fishery for the week, one of which was released. All fish were caught on the fly in the Ridge Pool with weights ranging from 3 lbs to 5.25 lbs. Due to elevated water temperatures, the Moy Fishery closed at midnight on 21st June. The angling boat is now available on the Lower Beat, which comprises Polnamonagh, Spring Wells and the Ash Tree Pool. Once the fishery reopens, permits can be secured by contacting the Moy Fishery office at 096 21332 or by email at moyfishery@fisheriesireland.ie

Eamon Donnellan, visiting from Australia, with his catch at the Ridge Pool

Troy Mooney with his first salmon weighing 5.5 lbs

Ballina Salmon Anglers

Peter reports four grilse all caught on the worm, weighing from 3 lbs to 5 lbs. Ballina Salmon Anglers suspended angling from midnight on Saturday, 21st June, due to elevated water temperatures.

Knockmore Salmon Anglers

Kenneth reports two salmon caught, weighing 5 lbs and 12 lbs, both caught on the prawn.

Attymass Angling Club

Kevin reports of one salmon caught for the week.

Coolcronan Fishery

Nick reports of one salmon caught on the prawn for the week.

Byrnes Fishery

Roy reports of eight salmon all caught on the prawn weighing from 3 lbs to 9 lbs.

Armstrong Fishery

George reports of three salmon caught with the best weighing 9 lbs.

Gannon’s Fishery

Pat reports in with six salmon being caught using all permitted methods.

The Foxford Fishery

Fifteen salmon were reported caught for the week of which 3 were released. Bubble and fly along with the prawn proved most successful methods with the best salmon weighing 14 lbs.

Foxford Salmon Anglers

Harry reports of twenty-two salmon caught of which five were released. Foxford Salmon Anglers held a memorial fishing competition and BBQ recently in Rinnaney in memory of Jim Adamson which was well attended by family and friends. The winner was Claude Darani with a salmon of 7.2 lbs with Henry Brown coming second and in third place was Craig Ireland.

Cloongee Fishery

One salmon was reported caught on a spinner weighing approximately 4 lbs. Anglers are reminded that they must make a “Catch/No Catch” return on the blue duplicate of their permit and place in the catch return boxes located in the two car parks. Catch/No Catch returns can also be made by email to moyfishery@fisheriesireland.ie

East Mayo Anglers Association

Kathleen reports of eight salmon being caught using all permitted methods of which three were released. The best weighed in at 9.5 lbs with several over 6 lbs. East Mayo Anglers Association suspended angling from midnight 21^st June due to elevated water temperatures.

Moy Estuary

Judd Ruane reports from on board Pegasus of the week beginning with strong winds, but conditions improved as the week progressed with some fine sea trout landed by locals and visitors alike. The week ended poorly as water temperatures rose.

Simon reports from on board “Netties Star” on the Moy Estuary, Tuesday and Thursday of last week. Six sea trout were landed on Tuesday, four of which were released with weights ranging from 1.5 lbs to 2.5lbs. On Thursday, 19th, nine sea trout were landed, with eight released and weights ranging from 1.5 lbs to 2.75 lbs.

Kevin on board “Netties Star” on the Moy Estuary with a nice 51 cm sea trout weighing 2.75 lbs

Go Fishing:

River Moy

NCFFI Method Feedwer Qualifier at Oaklands Lake this weekend

By

Shane O'Reilly

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June 25, 2025

The second of the NCFFI qualifiers for the All-Ireland Method Feeder Championship takes place next weekend at Oaklands Lake, the home venue for the championship on 14th September 2025.

With 20 qualifying places up for grabs, it’s time to get booked in and secure your place in the final.

Book now: https://www.ncffi.ie/mfq2

Final & Prizes:

€1,000 prize fund (based on full entry of 50 anglers).

Top three in the final will be awarded cash prizes and medals.

Online booking only. €5 admin fee for members / €10 for non-members (paid in advance). €20 towards the prize fund – collected on the day. Optional pools: €20 (on the day). €10 fishery permit, paid directly to the fishery owner on the day.