Wednesday April 30th, 2003

FISHERIES & ANGLING HIGHLIGHTS
Weather was a mixed bag last week in a manner of speaking, heavy showers, wind accompanied by calmer sunny milder periods. Small floods over the latter half of the week stirred a few salmon on the River Feale but generally fishing has been quiet, awaiting the Mayfly season to commence in earnest over the coming week or so.

Shannon Region contd.:
MAYFLY SEASON COMMENCES EARLY THIS YEAR ON LOUGH DERG
· MICK FLANAGAN REPORTS FOR THE MIDLAND LAKES AND RIVERS AND UPCOMING COMPETITIONS.
· LOUGH DERG FEATURES IN OUR ANGLING NEWS WITH A 9LB 10OZ TROUT CAUGHT ON WETFLY AT KILLALOE
· MAYFLY SEASON HAS COMMENCED ON LOUGH DERG AT KILLALOE WITH OCCASIONAL TROUT STARTING TO MOVE
· A FEW SALMON REPORTED FROM THE RIVER FEALE CO KERRY AFTER RECENT SMALL 'FRESH'
· 4 SALMON CAUGHT OVER THE WEEKEND AT CASTLECONNELL SALMON FISHERY LIMERICK
Lough Sheelin
Week Ending Sunday April 28th, 2003
The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board Lough Sheelin Office reports
There is a good hatch of olives and buzzer evident at the time of writing, particularly so at Goreport, John Murphy LSTPA had a few fish over recent days and prospects look better for the coming week.
MID SHANNON AREA
Mick Flanagan Angling Guide Mullingar Tel: 087 2797270: mick@midlandangling.com reports for the Midland Lakes and Rivers.
Western Brigade... The fourth cavalry squadron from Connolly Barracks in Longford ran a very successful day on Lough Owel last Thursday 24th April. Some of the lads never fished before, and it was a first time for some to be out on a boat on Lough Owel, even though the morning was very wet, the lads were in high spirits. The best trout was caught by Trooper Peter Cox from Ballymahon. Joint second was SGT. Andy Marlow from Tang Co. Westmeath, and SGT. Pat Masterson from Longford. The best trout was 2lb 2oz; squadron SGT. Johnny Enright on presenting the winning prizes thanked all involved for making the day a huge success. Cpl. Seamus Keevney dished out chicken curry at Mullaly's at lunchtime, which was really appreciated by all anglers.

Shannon Region contd.:
Last Friday 25th April 1,000 trout were stocked into Lough Owel, the fish were transported by boat to various parts of Lough Owel, the Shannon fishery board staff were operating out of Tullaghan, the weather was wet and windy but the lads covered the whole lake on Friday. O.K a thousand trout in a thousand acre lake is a small number, but this brings the tally so far to 3,500 2 year old trout, and in the region of 10,000 un-fed fry were being placed in rivers. Some people might say competitions put two much pressure on Lough Owel, in the last three club competitions 21 trout were weighed in.
YOUTHS NATIONAL QUALIFIER... Fished on Lough Owel 26th April, there was a total of 54 young anglers from all over Ireland competing for 12 places on the Irish national team. A total of 17 trout were weighed in, the winner was 12 years old James Purcell from Headford and Corrib Angling Club. Young James received the Jimmy Allard Cup for his winning catch of 3 trout weighing just under 3lb.The heaviest trout that was caught on Saturday was caught by Nicky Sherman from Mallow Angling Club in Cork, this fish weighed 1lb 10ozs.
O'MALLEY CUP... Fished Sunday 27th April also on Lough Owel, produced very few fish. 46 anglers landed 7 trout. There was quite a good number of Olives hatching on the lake from mid- day on, but there was very few trout seen rising. The winning trout was caught by Collinstown angler Mick Healy, Mick's fish weighed .915kgs. Lough Owel fished so badly on Sunday many anglers came in early off the lake. ah- well as the saying goes (things can only get better) we hope !!.
LOUGH GLORE... At least one lake is fishing well at the moment; Lough Glore's recent competition produced good fish and is still doing so. Tom Weston had the best trout on Sunday 13th April, Tom’s fish weighed 1lb 9oz, the junior winner was Ian Ellis, Ian's fish was 1lb 5oz.This competition was sponsored by Kennedy's Bar Castlepollard.
RESULTS.
· LOUGH GLORE .... Sun.13th. April. Senior 1st Tom Weston. 2nd Tom Flynn. 3rd Paddy Gorman. Junior.1st. Ian Ellis, 2nd Sean Weston 3rd Amanda Smith. L. Glore Club Easter Draw winners. Ray Grall, Kevin Moran, P. Smith, Fergal Crowley, Derek Waters
· ARMY COMPETITION....1st.Trooper. Peter Cox, 2nd Andy Marlow, and Pat Masterson.
Shannon Region contd.:
· O'MALLEY CUP.1st Mick Healy. 2nd Tom Gorman, 3rd.Seamus Eighan. 4th Billy Darby.
ShRFB Mullingar Office reports for LOUGH OWEL and LOUGH ENNELL
LOUGH OWEL: Fishing was described as slow last week on Lough Owel with 24 fish officially returned. John Cooke from Collinstown had the best bag of 5 fish on Friday, all were returned. Kevin Tipper, Eddie Hardgrove, Mick O'Sullivan, Dave Claffey were among some of the anglers who had fish. Fly accounted for most of the fish, best flies Claret Bumble, Duck fly and Silver Invicta.
LOUGH ENNELL: We received very little angling feedback this week from Lough Ennell. One good fish was caught by a Longford angler at 4lbs 2oz.
LOWER SHANNON AREA
ShRFB reports for Jim Robinson, Fishing Guide Lower Shannon and for CASTLECONNELL SALMON FISHERY Tel Mob: 087 2339999 Landline: +353 61 453808 Web Address: http://www.iol.ie/~jimrob Email: jimrob@iol.ie
4 salmon were caught over the weekend on Castleconnell Salmon Fishery - 3 grilse and a salmon.
John Vaughan ANGLERS REST Tel: 065 7071069 Email: johnvfishing@eircom.net reports for Lickeen Lake, Co Clare
" Fishing continues to be good in Lickeen.
I had people from Germany and Switzerland on Thursday and Friday of last week. They really enjoyed themselves. Five brown trout were caught between one and two lbs. The week-end was quiet due to windy weather. Best time for fishing is between 2pm and 5 pm. "
For boat hire and permits call to the Angler's Rest, Lickeen as above.
Mike Quigley (Grange Road) P.R.O. for Killaloe/Ballina & District Anglers. Mob: 086 8755947 reports for Lough Derg at Killaloe
Gerard Mc Keogh, Ballina, Killaloe landed a 9lb. 10oz trout which he caught on the wet fly on Lough Derg near Killaloe during the last week. Gerard is competition secretary of Killaloe/Ballina & District Anglers.

Shannon Region contd.:
LOUGH DERG: The Mayfly is up on Lough Derg and a few locals are starting to get fish on the Wulff, conditions were favourable over recent days.
Wednesday April 23rd, 2003
FISHERIES & ANGLING HIGHLIGHTS
At the time of writing temperatures are very respectable peaking at about 18 C today but this is about to change as more unsettled weather is on the way from tomorrow Thursday onwards April 24th. Fishing is generally slow but we have a few surprises. TIGHT LINES !!
MAYFLY EMERGING EARLY THIS YEAR AS WATER TEMPERATURE WARMS
· MICK FLANAGAN REPORTS FOR THE MIDLAND LAKES AND RIVERS AND UPCOMING COMPETITIONS.
· MAYFLY HAS STARTED TO APPEAR ON LOUGH DERG AT KILLALOE WITH OCCASIONAL TROUT STARTING TO MOVE
· A FEW SALMON REPORTED FROM THE RIVER FEALE CO KERRY AFTER RECENT 'FRESH'
MID SHANNON AREA
Mick Flanagan Angling Guide Mullingar Tel: 087 2797270: mick@midlandangling.com reports for the Midland Lakes and Rivers.
TROUT FISHING.. Easter weekend proved very difficult for Trout anglers, day time fishing was very poor, evening fishing was a little more productive on some lakes.
TROUT COMPETITION.. Lough Owel is the centre of attention next weekend. On Saturday next 26th April the Irish youth Qualifier will be fished. On Sunday the 27th April the O'Malley cup will be hosted by Lough Owel angling club, fishing 11am-6pm trout fishing, fly only. Last Sunday the 20th April the Abbott Trophy and Tight Lines was fished on Derravaragh, the winners were Liam Gillsenal with a trout of 2lb 7oz and Jimmy Nally had a trout of 1lb 3oz. The next competition on Derravaragh is the Stonehall Cup on the 7th June evening competition for trout, more details later.


Shannon Region contd.:

ShRFB Mullingar Office reports for LOUGH OWEL and LOUGH ENNELL
LOUGH ENNELL: Very few anglers were reported fishing the lake with only a handful of fish caught, best two 4 pounders by Simon York and Paddy Hoey, Portlarlington. There was a good hatch of olives evident on Saturday and Sunday but very few fish caught on fly.
LOWER SHANNON AREA
ShRFB reports for Jim Robinson, Fishing Guide Lower Shannon and for CASTLECONNELL SALMON FISHERY Tel Mob: 087 2339999 Landline: +353 61 453808 Web Address: http://www.iol.ie/~jimrob Email: jimrob@iol.ie
At Castleconnell, four salmon in total were caught. Martin Kiely, Limerick, 11lb, spinning. Eamon Joyce, Castleconnell, had a 12lb fish spinning. John Cullinan 11lb on fly and another 8lb fish was landed. Plassey & Long shore produced 3 fish for local anglers.
There are reports that over the bank holiday weekend some 4 salmon, including an unconfirmed large specimen salmon of 28 lbs was caught on the Maigue anglers stretch of the River Maigue, the weight of the big fish is being checked out as we go to press. More about this next week.
John Vaughan ANGLERS REST Tel: 065 7071069 Email: johnvfishing@eircom.net reports for Lickeen Lake, Co Clare
After a quiet 10 days due to unfavourable fishing weather, Lickeen picked up and fished really well over the Easter week end. Seventeen anglers returned 45 fish between them. Fish varied from very nice wild browns, over wintered rainbow, to stocked brown trout from 1 to 2 lbs. in weight. The Black Pennell, Claret Bumble, Black Zulu and some olives worked well. Lickeen is well worth a day's fishing at the moment. For boat hire and permits contact above
The ShRFB Angling Section reports for Paddy Halpin Assistant Fisheries Inspector ShRFB Listowel Office for the RIVER FEALE and Smearlagh Rivers
The heavy rain on Sunday 13th April had less than expected impact on the river due to the land being so dry. The resulting flood led to a little over a foot of a rise, which quickly ran off. A few anglers fished on Monday but only 2 salmon were caught. Over the week a
Shannon Region contd.:
further four fish were accounted for. Sean Enright and BJ Murphy had a fish each on fly. Mike Heffernan had a 10lb salmon on worm and a 4lb sea trout.

Western Region: Web: http://www.wrfb.ie/
E Mail: dgoldrick@wrfb.ie

Danny Goldrick reports:

WESTERN ANGLING REPORTS, APRIL 29, 2003

Lough Corrib: Most areas between Annaghdown and Cornamona, on the eastern side of the lough, experienced large hatches of olive and sedge flies with chironomid hatches reasonably too. That was all through last week when fishing was fair to reasonable only. 148 anglers fished and they accounted for 304 trout for 406 lb in 222 angling days. During the previous week, in the same area, records show that 267 anglers landed 511 trout for 685 lb over 478 angling days. It was a week when anglers were doing very well with buzzer nymphs, especially in the Ballindiff and Lime Islands areas of the lough. 6-8 trout per boat was common each day. Simon Jones and Frank Reilly recorded 59 trout over 5 days, all but 6 of which were kept. Gylim Hughes and three other anglers from Wales also landed 59 trout for five days, and they too only kept 10. 15 anglers fishing from Mike Holian’s Angling Centre landed 78 trout, some to over 4 lb.

Hatches of Olives were, again, excellent in the Oughterard area where 94 anglers landed 188 trout over 144 angling days, some of which were taken to the troll but most to wet fly. J. Hermann caught 24 for over 40 lb in 4 days’ trolling, and Aiden and Owen Kelly had 6 for 10 lb for a day to wet fly. Some mayfly were seen hatching.

Lough Mask: For the third week, trout angling was better here than anywhere else in Ireland, some anglers landing 6 to 10 trout for a single outing. Madalene Kelly and Noel Lowery from Belfast had 15 over two days and David Gray and Martin Carney from the Kilbride Anglers’ had 14 over the weekend. Over the week, 54 anglers caught 152 trout for 218 lb in 116 angling days, best flies included the green peter, buzzer and olive patterns. Big numbers of trout were seen rising most days, mostly to olives but also to chironomid hatches. A few mayfly were seen to hatches in a few different areas of the lough. Rod Tye from Ballinrobe along with two friends recorded 35 for an average weight of 1.25 lb, all in five days
Western Region contd.:

with wet fly. Others to do well were Mr Lennon and Mr. Tuohy from Northern Ireland who had 11 over two days to wet fly.

In addition to the above results, the Westport Anglers’ Club held a competition on the lough, fishing from the Tourmakeady Shore, and they had an excellent catch of 65 trout to 26 anglers, Toby Gibbons been the winner with 10 to take two trophies. Paul Smith was second with 6 trout and Anthony Corcoran also had 6 for third place.

Lough Carra: There is no information to hand for the lough but mayfly hatches are expected over the coming weekend.

Galway Weir Salmon Fishery: With water levels so good for the past few days, salmon fishing should have been much better than just 6 for the week. Raymond Foster landed the best of the week, a really splendid fish of 13.5 lb, taken on a shrimp. Michael Rogers had one of 11.5 lb and Brian Howard landed a 9 lb fish, the only one taken on a fly. Young Adrian Murphy took a 5 lb grilse, the second grilse of the season.

Moher Lough (Westport): Reports from the lough say that fishing has been very good with most anglers getting their bag limit of four trout. Peter O’Reilly and a number of visitors are reported as having landed a lot of trout, all put back again. And Noel Holian from Castlebar along with a friend got their bag limit over two evenings. Mr.Walker from Cork had 8 for an evening, putting back five. The Western Regional Fisheries Board recently restocked the lake with trout weighing between 1 lb and 2 lb. There are four excellent boats for hire and anglers can obtain permits and boat hire by contacting Michael McDonnell, Liscarney, Westport, telephone: 098 21638.

Aille Lough (Westport): This is a very picturesque lough and small enough for anglers to use the boats without outboards. It also holds some wild brown trout to several pounds. Boats and permits can be had from: Edward Mannion, Ayle, telephone: 098 35366. The Western Regional Fisheries Board recently restocked the lough.

WESTERN ANGLING REPORTS, APRIL 23, 2003

Lough Corrib: It was a difficult week enough for trout fishing except in the areas where hatches of olives were good, and the hatches occurred mainly on the dull, darker days. Overall, it was a very dry, warm week with brilliant sunshine and temperatures up to the 20-degrees at times. Hatches of chironomid and olives were
Western Region contd.:

good and some mayfly were seen at the weekend. Neil Fingleton and John Minnock from Dublin were fly fishing near the Kekill area of the lough and Neil land and put back a 7 lb trout while John had one of 2.5 lb. Fishing in the Glann area, Ger. & Trevor O'Mahoney, Bandon, had 8 trout for 10.25lbs, mostly all to the wet fly, and Richard Morgan, Bristol, had 2 for 7lbs., best 4 lb.

In addition to the above, 70 anglers in the Oughterard area recorded 158 trout for 212 lb in 112 angling days, best catch of the week by G. Molloy and E. Hill who had 30 in 5 days for around 50 lb, all to wet fly. The heaviest of 9.5 lb was taken by Mr. Hill. Local angler Mike Faherty and Crossmolina angler Michael Monahan had 6 for 10.5 lb for a day, again all to wet fly.

Lough Mask: Reports from the lough say that the trout fishing is excellent most of the time, even when conditions are not so favourable. For the week past 68 anglers recorded 213 trout for 287 lb in 79-rod days, a pretty impressive catch by any standard, especially for the time of season. Reports also say that lots of trout were rising when hatches of fly were hatching, mostly to olives and chironomids. In seven days with wet fly, Greg O’Donohue from Dublin had 40 trout averaging 1.25 lb, and Sammy Wilson from Northern Ireland had 8 for a day, best of 7 lb to a Green Peter wet fly. Local angler, Ronan Cusack and a friend landed 14 with an average weight of 1.75 lb, all in one day’s wetfly fishing, the Green Peter taking all fish. Michael Tuohy from Cork and Noel Farragher from Dublin each landed 6 for 8 lb for a day to wet fly. Rod Tye from Ballinrobe, along with a friend, caught 11 over 3 days, and Kevin Sheridan with two friends also had 11 trout. Two regulars from Northern Ireland, Tony Yarrow and T.McEvoy, took 6 for 9 lb for a day with wet fly.

Lough Carra: A sprinkling of mayfly hatched on several days last week and anglers expect a lot more by the end of this week. Mayfly hatches are much earlier on this lough than elsewhere in the country, normally causing great excitement among the local and visiting angling fraternity. Only five anglers fished the lough last week and they accounted for 14 trout over 10 angling days, a good improvement on previous efforts by the small number of anglers fishing.

Galway Weir Fishery: Only 9 salmon were caught for the week including one 6.5 lb grilse. John Anderson from Moycullen was the angler who caught the grilse, the first of the “summer” fish so far. Louis van Beck from Mullingar landed two over two days, 11 lb and
Western Region contd.:

12 lb. Gordon Sweetman landed the heaviest of the week, one of 13.5 lb, and John Logan had a fish of 12.25 lb. Anthony Luke from the UK caught a 10 lb salmon on fly, and Sean O’Toole from Galway also had one of the same weight.

Moher Lough (Westport): The Western Regional Fisheries Board restocked the lake last week with around 1,000 trout. The fish weigh between 1 lb and 2 lb. There are four excellent boats for hire and anglers can obtain permits and boat hire by contacting Michael McDonnell, Liscarney, Westport, telephone: 098 21638.

Aille Lough: The Western Regional Fisheries Board released several hundred fish into the lough last week and, from reports, these are giving lots of good sport. This is a very picturesque lough and small enough for anglers to use the boats without outboards. It also holds some wild brown trout to several pounds. Boats and permits can be had from: Edward Mannion, Ayle, telephone: 098 35366.

North Western Region: E Mail: info@nwrfb.com
Web: www.northwestfisheries.ie

John Burke reports:

Angling Report Week-Ending 27 April 2003

River Moy

The water levels are still very low and few fish are moving upstream. We have now reached the time when the most of the spring fish have gone through and it will be some weeks before the grilse start thus we can expect the fishing to be slow. Last week 29 salmon were reported.

Heaviest fish was a fine Salmon weighing 16.5lbs. and caught by Vincent Flanagan Garvagh, Derry. Kenny Sloane Foxford had another good fish at 13lbs. Paul Aniley Yorkshire also was successful with a lovely fish of 12lbs. Johnny Thompson Co. Down had 2 nice fish weighing 10.75 and 8lbs. on a shrimp. Jimmy Martin Belfast and Vincent McDonnell Foxford both had fish of 8lbs.

Loughs Conn and Cullin

The windy weather at the week-end meant that there was little interest shown in these two waters and only six trout were
North Western Region contd.:

reported. The outlook is good for the coming weeks as the mayfly is beginning to hatch especially in Cullin. Noel Johnston Enniskillen had a fine fresh salmon weighing 7lbs. whilst trolling on Conn.

Lough Arrow

The fishing is slow during the day and the buzzer fishing has not started in the evenings as yet.

Lough Gill

10 salmon reported. All fish caught were between 9 and 10lbs. Noel Reddy had two fish and the following names all had one fish each. Tony McLoughlin, Dougie Kenna, Maurice McCaffrey, Jim McLaughlin, Pat Maye, Dean Gordon, Christie Gordon and Rodney Reddy.

Carrowmore Lough

This water continued to fish well all week with an average of five salmon caught each day. Due to the strong winds at the week-end the water was dirty and no one fished.

Angling Report Week-Ending 23 April 2003

River Moy

Excellent fishing reported from all fisheries upstream of Ballina and this was due to the slight rise in water levels just over a week ago. The river is very low again and rain is needed in order to bring some more fish up through the system. Good sea-trout fishing was reported in the Ballina area and down the estuary. The Cathedral Beat opened on Thursday last with anglers showing great interest in this popular beat, however it took almost a week for the first fish to be caught. This honour fell to John McGauchey from Northern Ireland with a nice fish weighing 7.41lbs.
72 salmon were reported for the week.
Heaviest fish was a fine salmon weighing 15.5lbs.caught by Steffan Jones Wales on the Ridge Pool on an Ally’s Shrimp. Two other fine fish weighing 14lbs. each were caught by Steve Wainright and Keith Buckley both from the U.K. Another 14 pounder was caught by Mervyn Dixon from Bangor Northern Ireland. Eugene Ryan Wexford had 2 fish weighing 11 and 8lbs. Gille Vodinier France and Billy Martin Dublin both had fish weighing about 12lbs. Sarah Marshall Co. Down had a fish weighing 12 lbs. Father and son team, Randolf
North Western Region contd.:

and James Johnson from England both had their first ever salmon weighing 10lbs. and 5.25lbs.

Lough Conn

There were good hatches of olives and a few mayflies seen mainly in the northern end of the lake, however fish were slow to rise to them and this was probably due to the very bright weather for most of the week. The low water and warm temperatures so early in the year should bring forward the mayfly hatch this year and we can expect good fishing fairly soon. The anglers were few and far between again this week and those that did go out enjoyed reasonable sport. The heaviest trout weighed 5.5lbs. and was caught by Declan Flynn Limerick on the troll. Willie Costelloe Dundalk had 5 trout over two days best 2lbs. John Griffen and Michael Benson had 3 trout. Graham Williams Pontoon had 2 trout both 1.5lbs. David Hawley England had 2 trout. Pat Dunning Athlone and Declan Scahill, Claremorris both had salmon on the troll weighing 12lbs. and 8lbs.

Lough Cullin

No anglers out, but the outlook is good with big hatches of Mayfly expected by the weekend.

Lough Arrow

Good hatches of duckfly all week with lots of fish rising especially in the calm in the evenings. Not many anglers were interested. Heaviest fish weighing 4.5lbs. caught by Colin Dodd on the troll. Peter Dunne had 6 fish on the fly in one evening 5 of which he returned.

Lough Beltra

4 salmon were caught all on the Glenisland side of the lake. Michael Dolan had heaviest fish weighing 15lbs. Oliver Corcoran had one of 12lbs. Rory Murray and Declan Dooley both had fish weighing 10lbs. and 8.5lbs.


COARSE ANGLING

Eastern Region: Web: http://www.fishingireland.net/
E-mail: dbyrne@fishingireland.net

Bill Reidy reports:

29 April 2003

Small bream and small tench were reported taken at QUIGLOUGH in the past week.

At PETERS LAKE in Monaghan Town, small bags of small roach and small rudd are being caught.

22 April 2003

Tench and bream have been reported taken at QUIGLOUGH.

In the Carrickmacross area, there was plenty of angling activity at LISANISK LAKE, CORCRIN LAKE, CAPRAGH LAKE, and on LISHANNAGH LAKES.

South Western Region: Web: http://www.swrfb.com
E Mail: swrfb@swrfb.ie

Mike Risdon reports:

28 April 2003

Trevor Fradgley, Mallow, fished Rooves Bay for three hours and caught about 30lbs of skimmer bream on feeder method on INNISCARRA LAKE. Mike Risdon fished Cathys Cove for 5 hours and caught 44 bream between 1lb and 3lbs for a total weight of approx 70 lbs using casters and feeder method.

Paul Davis and friend Dave (both from Gloucester) fished Rooves Bay and caught about 25 lbs of small skimmers each on feeder and worms.

The lake is fishing well for the time of year helped no doubt by several weeks of warm weather.





Shannon Region: Web: http://www.shannon-fishery-board.ie/
E Mail: info@shannon-fishery-board.ie

Brian McManus reports:

http://www.shannon-fisheryboard.ie/guides/coarse/fishing-reports.htm

27 April 2003
FISHERIES & ANGLING HIGHLIGHTS
Weatherwise, it was a week of mainly unsettled conditions with periodic pleasant sunny interludes. At time of writing temperatures are relatively mild but remains unsettled with thundery rain. Last week we reported the greatest catch EVER recorded in the Shannon Region and one of the greatest catches of all time in Irish waters. This week we have seen match records smashed several times in the Portumna area.
Water levels are unseasonably low on the Shannon for the time of year. Recent warm weather has resulted in increased water temperatures which has provided ideal fishing conditions going into the first week of May and prospects are very promising for anglers visiting this week TIGHT LINES !!
MATCH RECORD SMASHED AGAIN FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN SUCCESSION ON THE SHANNON AT PORTUMNA
· 100LB PLUS NETS FROM THE UPPER SHANNON AT TARMONBARRY
· FISHING GOOD AND PROSPECTS LOOK EVEN BETTER FOR THE ATHLONE AREA AS ANGLERS START TO BAG 100LBS PLUS
· MIXED FORTUNES FROM THE SHANNON AT LANESBORO WITH SOME ANGLERS DOING WELL
· GOOD PIKE ACTION ON THE SHANNON AT BANAGHER
· VISITING ANGLERS REPORTED QUALITY PIKE FISHING ON THE CLARE LAKES
· ANOTHER SUPERB WEEK AT PORTUMNA WITH RECORD MATCH CATCHES REPORTED
· FISH ARE MOVING INTO THE SCARIFF RIVER, PROSPECTS ARE GOOD FOR THE WEEK
UP COMING EVENTS
Shannon Region contd.:
· BENELUX KING OF CLUBS 2003: This is a major event, which is scheduled to be fished from May 18th to May 23rd on a number of lower Shannon venues around O'Briensbridge/Killaloe area and East Clare Lakes. DOWNLOAD DETAILS OF VENUES info specially compiled by TJ O'Brien, TJ's ANGLING CENTRE KILLALOE and Mike Daly ANGLING GUIDE EAST CLARE LAKES designed for participating anglers. Anglers and their supporters visiting for the festival can book accommodation through our web guides by logging on to www.shannon-fishery-board.ie/guides/coarse/obriensbridge.htm and www.shannon-fishery-board.ie/guides/coarse/killaloe.htm The ShRFB aim to provide a reports service each day over the duration of the event - will keep you posted
· PORTUMNA ANGLERS WORLD AUTUMN FESTIVAL 2003: is scheduled to be fished from Monday to Friday October 6th to 10th incl. More info contact Mr John Dyson Ballyshrule Lodge, Portumna Tel: 0509 41528 Email: ballyshrule@eircom.net
· THE BANAGHER FESTIVALS 2003 will be fished from 3rd May with the top prize of £1000.00 sterling. This festival is NOW fully booked up. The Autumn Festival is scheduled from Monday to Thursday September 8th to 11th incl. please contact Ray Duthie for further information and booking Tel: 0509-51504

UPPER SHANNON

ShRFB reports for Paul Waghorn at LANESBORO this week
Angling in Lanesboro area saw mixed returns from
the "Hot water stretch" where Trevor Craddock of North Allerton caught a bag of 95lbs followed by 125lbs the next day consisting of the usual Hybrids and Roach. A lot of fish spawned in the gusher on Tuesday night. Perch are absent in the usual numbers this year, and the Pike action is a lot less frantic than in previous weeks. Tench still present in the 'duckpond' area. The "Breakfast Boys" will have no Tench, as you must be up at dawn to have any success. Odd Bream also showing with Paul Waghorn tempting a 6lb 4oz fish on corn along with 7 Tench averaging 4lbs apiece. The cut and surrounding area is once again very poor. A fish finder will show a huge shoal in the middle of the lake in 15 feet of water.

Shannon Region contd.:
David Cole, TARMON HOUSE, Tarmonbarry, 043 26147 Website: http://www.tarmonhouse.com Email: info@tarmonhouse.com reports for the TARMONBARRY area.
'Angling guests staying at Tarmon House had nets of 100lbs & 70lbs from the Shannon near Tarmonbarry, Bream to 5lb using the feeder. 2 visiting anglers also had 100lbs from Kilglass Lake. Lots of big hybrids.
MID SHANNON AREA
ShRFB reports for Mark Egan Athlone Bait Stockist, Angler Advisor and Accommodation Provider Email: info@shannonsidehouse.com Website www.shannonsidehouse.com Tel: 0902 94773 Mob 087 8517299 - the River Shannon and Inny ATHLONE area.
Fishing in the Athlone area has picked up well, particularly Lough Ree. Graham from Dewsbury fished at Temple Island and had a bag of well over 100lbs, mainly roach and hybrids. His son fished Friars Island at Coosan Lough and produced some fish, he commented that he never saw as many fish which he located on his fish finder, he expects some real action mid week in response to pre-baiting a few swims - lets see how he fares !. Frank Willis and Ted Gash from Essex fished Inny Bay at the pump house section at Tom Foxes and had a good days fishing, no bream but large hybrids were abundant. Early morning and late evening best times by all accounts. The Meadows is fishing well for roach especially at the top end. The river levels are unseasonably low for the time of year. Prospects are looking good for the coming week. Fish are starting to move into Inny Bay and good fishing is expected over the coming days, more on that next week.
ShRFB reports for John Dyson, Angling Advisor and Accommodation Provider, Ballyshrule Lodge, PORTUMNA Tel: 0509 41528 Email: Ballyshrule@eircom.net
It was yet another bumper week and one to remember in the coarse angling calendar on the Shannon at Portumna. The ANGLERS WORLD HOLIDAYS SPRING FESTIVAL started off in style on Monday April 21st. The event was fished by 56 anglers at 5 sections over 5 days from Monday to Friday last April 21st to 25th. It would be an understatement to say the festival was a super success, it was more than that, it was an unprecedented occasion which saw previous match records broken not once but an incredible seven times with individual bag weights exceeding 90 kgs, best over 94kgs (207lbs) for Dave Brooks Jnr from Hull and
Shannon Region contd.:
District. Six anglers recorded weights in the 80's Kg range, five in the 70's, seven in the 60's. A total weight over the festival was 4731.150kgs. The festival threw up quality fish with plenty of large roach to 1.5lbs and hybrids to 3lbs, A number of sections fished particularly well, most notably Rogers Island and the ESB stretch in the town and the Salmon Run also fished well. It was remarked the excellent quality of the fish.
The Overall Results were
· 1st Place: Dave Brooks Jnr from Hull with 183.380 kg, best individual weight of 94 kgs on pole on Rogers Island
· 2nd Place: Alan Scotthorne from Doncaster with 168.370 kg
· 3rd Place: Mark Lichetenberg had 137.850kg
· 4th Place: Dave Brooks snr. with 135kg
· 5th Place: Kevin Ashurst, Leigh, with 134.700kg
· 6th Place: Baz Smith Leigh Angling with 129.600kg
· 7th Place: Bob Nudd with 124.950kg
· 8th Place: Sandra Scotthorne with 124.900kg
· 9th Place: D Hayes with 119.700kg
· 10th Place: Willie Wheeler, Enniskillen with 117.300kgs
The lake swims on Lough Derg also lived up to their usual very high standards with lively bream sport for a number of visitors. Tim Johnson and Bob Cooke from Leeds had in 4 days 530lbs and 582lbs of bream respectively. Tim and Dave Nalton and Mark Sheppherdson from Market Weighton had a best day with 331lbs bream on the lake swims. Mark and Dave also fished the river for a day and had super roach fishing on the lower town stretch at Rogers Island, they bagged 115.5lbs and 100lbs. Fishing continues on the same positive note as we go into May.
The ShRFB reports for Ray Duithie Old Forge Banagher, Angling Advisor, Bait Stockist and Accommodation provider Tel: 0509 51504. Email: kmduthie2@eircom.net BANAGHER area this week.
Bullock Island main river is fishing quite well for hybrids, roach and occasional tench. Pike fishing is good in the area with one angling party of four returning 20 fish on the river upstream of Banagher, best fish 15lbs and reported other doubles. The Banagher angling
Shannon Region contd.:
festival will be fished over the coming week, which will test all the usual hotspots next week, more on that in due course.
TJ O'Brien, TJ's ANGLING CENTRE KILLALOE reports for the area
Bream fishing on Lough Derg's southern shores hasn't commenced yet. At time of writing fish are starting to move into the Scariff River at Tuamgraney. Prospects look good for the week.
20 April 2003
FISHERIES & ANGLING HIGHLIGHTS
After a long dry and warm spell with record high temperatures for April, weather has eventually assumed a more typical April feel. At the time of writing temperatures are respectable though with daytime temps peaking at 18 C this afternoon but this is about to give way to more unsettled conditions from tomorrow Thursday April 24th. Fishing activity has increased and reports coming in are very good this week with some exceptional catches returned. Prospects look very promising for those planning a trip to the region this week. TIGHT LINES !!
SOME OF THE GREATEST CATCHES EVER RECORDED IN IRISH WATERS WERE RECORDED LAST WEEK IN THE SHANNON REGION
· FISHING IN THE ATHLONE AREA HAS PICKED UP WITH GOOD TENCH CATCHES ON THE CANAL END OF THE MEADOWS
· TENCH FISHING GOOD IN THE 'DUCKPOND' AREA AT LANESBORO
· ROYAL CANAL MULLINGAR PROVIDES GOOD TENCH SPORT
· UNPRECEDENTED BREAM CATCHES FROM THE NORTHERN SHORES OF LOUGH DERG AT PORTUMNA
· ANGLERS WORLD SPRING FESTIVAL BEING FISHED THIS WEEK AT PORTUMNA WITH GREAT EARLY RESULTS - JOIN US NEXT WEEK FOR AN UPDATE & RESULTS
· LIVELY BREAM SPORT ON THE CLAREVILLE STRETCH CASTLECONNELL
UPPER SHANNON
Shannon Region contd.:
ShRFB reports for Paul Waghorn at LANESBORO this week
It was a mixed week at Lanesboro which produced similar results to last week, Hybrids to 2.5lbs, Roach to 1lb and very occasional Bream to 4lbs. Perch are not showing in normal seasonal numbers. The mixed shoal under the bridge moved into the main river when the power station shut down on Good Friday. One chimney fired up at midday Saturday but the fish have not yet returned to the hot water stretch. Fishing on the CUT was very poor with only a few fish caught. Tench fishing in the 'duckpond' area was very good with a number of fish to 5lb.
The Inny at the meat factory Ballymahon was devoid of fish on Thursday, similar reports from Redbridge. We await reports from the Inny mouth at Tom Foxes which is expected to provide good sport this week, lets hope it materialises!.
MID SHANNON AREA
Mick Flanagan Angling Guide Mullingar Tel: 087 2797270: mick@midlandangling.com reports for the Midland Lakes and Rivers.
" THE DOCTOR FISH "
Last week we featured Mullingar Tench angler Kenneth Matthews with some fine Tench from the Royal Canal. Easter weekend came up trumps for Kenneth and his brother Jason, The lads were fishing the stretch of the Royal canal at the new bridge Mullingar, and in the space of three hours they had 36lbs of tench. Jason had the best tench a super fish pushing the 4lb bracket. Recently I met up with two times Irish tench record holder Nick Parry angling correspondent with the Sun newspaper, one of Nicks record tench was caught in Ballyeighter Lake Co. Clare on the 20-6-1995 and it weighed 8.15lbs. You never know maybe the Royal Canal will produce an Irish record some time. The canal is in super condition at the moment and the staff of Waterways Ireland keep the banks and parking facilities in spotless condition.
TENCH (tinca tinca)...Tench slime was taught to have magical medicinal properties in the middle ages and was used to treat headaches, toothache, and jaundice, a practice which led to the fish been called the 'doctor fish' If any canal walkers see some anglers rolling around in Tench slime don't pay any heed, he is just getting rid of a headache !!.
ShRFB reports for Mark Egan Athlone Bait Stockist, Angler Advisor and Accommodation Provider Email: info@shannonsidehouse.com Website
Shannon Region contd.:
www.shannonsidehouse.com Tel: 0902 94773 Mob 087 8517299 - the River Shannon and Inny ATHLONE area.
Athlone has picked up in terms of fishing and angling numbers over the week. Dave Sutton from Liverpool and son Graham coarse fished the canal between the meadows stretch and Halligan's field and reported very good mixed bags, including lots of quality tench to 4lbs. Two other visiting anglers Phil and Paul Gazzard from Summerset had fish towards the mouth of the river but experienced a number of pike strikes, plenty of pike pursuing the fodder fish in the area. Prospects are looking good as water temperature warms up providing optimum angling conditions.
ShRFB reports for John Dyson, Angling Advisor and Accommodation Provider, Ballyshrule Lodge, PORTUMNA Tel: 0509 41528 Email: Ballyshrule@eircom.net
It just gets better and better in the Portumna area!! A party of three anglers Graham, Paul and Harry Lines from West Midlands in 7 days recorded an amazing 5,000lbs of bream on the lake swims on Lough Derg at Portumna. Visiting anglers Guy and Stuart Gledhill from Bradford had best weights of 252lbs and 220lbs, other bags of 120lbs and 111lbs. Alan and Matt Waller from Hertfordshire fished all week and recorded unprecedented catches of bream on the lake. Alan's best weights were 200lbs, 210lbs and the final two days he produced a staggering 400lbs and 510lbs, Matthew's corresponding weights were 210lbs, 220lbs, 275lbs who also had a staggering weight of 467lbs on the final day - between them they had 977lbs on the last day alone to complete in style their fishing trip. Catches like these literally means catching fish non stop all day. These are some of the best catches ever recorded on Irish waters
The Anglers World Portumna Spring Festival is being fished this week on the Shannon and by all accounts has got off to a great start with super catches coming off a number of sections. More on this join us next week.
The ShRFB reports for Ray Duithie Old Forge Banagher, Angling Advisor, Bait Stockist and Accommodation provider Tel: 0509 51504. Email: kmduthie2@eircom.net BANAGHER area this week.
Not many pleasure anglers were reported fishing in the Banagher area this week. The Portumna angling festival is occupying a number of the local swims as we write - more on this festival next week.
Shannon Region contd.:
ShRFB reports for Dermot Killeen Shannonbridge Tel 0905 74112 Email: jimmyjkilleen@yahoo.com reports for SHANNONBRIDGE area.
Returns from the local Angling Logs at Shannonbridge over the week: There were some very happy anglers who fished the River Shannon and River Suck in the Shannonbridge area this week. On Thursday last April 17th, a party of three anglers from Leicester, Matthew, Chris and James Swan described their fishing as 'brilliant' while fishing the lower River Suck where they had lively bream action and lovely tench to 5lbs using feeder and red maggot. The Grand Canal at Rahan threw up some very good mixed bags for Declan Walsh and Derek Moore from Enfield, including tench to 4lbs. Shane Smith aged 14 years fished on Good Friday on the backwater and had 150 fish in a mixed bag. The lower end of the River Brosna produced enjoyable roach and bream fishing for visiting anglers Paul Doughty, Steve Blatch and Pete Britton from Lincolnshire. Other noted catches were for trio Ralph Howard, Paul Mills and Martin Harris who fished at Shannon Harbour and the River Suck near Shannonbridge, best weight was a bag of 20 bream and other good mixed bags.
LOWER SHANNON AREA
The Scariff River is starting to spring into action at time of writing with lots of roach appearing.
Jim Robinson, Fishing Guide Lower Shannon Tel Mob: 087 2339999 Landline: +353 61 453808 Web Address: http://www.iol.ie/~jimrob Email: jimrob@iol.ie
The Clareville waterworks stretch at Castleconnell is fishing very well at the moment. Large numbers of Bream, averaging 6 - 7 lbs are being caught. This is one of the venues for the Benelux King of Clubs to be fished here next month.

Northern Region: E-mail: info@nrfb.ie

Alice Murtagh reports:

The Cootehill Easter Classic took place during Easter week. Sixty six anglers took part, some from Northern Ireland and some from England. Fishing was excellent. The results were as follows:
1st. T. Bourke 47kg 860g.
2nd. T. Kelley 47kg. 800g.
3rd. M. Brush 43kg. 280g.
4th. J. Douglas 42kg. 380g.
Northern Region contd.:

5th. A. Ball 41kg.
6th. D. Forde 33.220

Bairds Shore is fishing very well at present, Alan Ball bagged 23Kilo of Tench some up to 4½lb in weight during the Easter Classic competition. Tony Price fished the same peg last Friday (25th. April) and bagged up to 100lb. of Tench some weighing 6½lb. Ray King fished Killyvaghan and bagged 100lb. of good Bream.

Young Fiona Fay bagged a 9lb. Trout on the Annalee River.

There are plenty of French anglers, and the Pike fishing is reported to be excellent.

PIKE ANGLING

Eastern Region: Web: http://www.fishingireland.net/
E-mail: dbyrne@fishingireland.net

Bill Reidy reports:

In the ROSSMORE PARK LAKES, catches of small pike are being caught at the twin lakes & the castle lake with the best fish weighing 12lbs.,

On Sunday, April 27th, the Castleblayney anglers ran the annual Castleblayney Steel Cup match on LOUGH MUCKNO at Castleblayney. The venue was White Island and it ran from 2.30pm-5.30pm. There were 20 anglers who landed 10 Pike.

Winner; Maxie McCreesh, Camlock, with 1 pike of 7.03lbs., on copper spoon.

Second; Derek Murray, C’bly., with 1 pike of 4.15lbs., on d/b

Third; Eric McDonough with 1 pike of 1.14lbs., on dead roach.

Shannon Region: Web: http://www.shannon-fishery-board.ie/
E Mail: info@shannon-fishery-board.ie

Brian McManus reports:

http://www.shannon-fisheryboard.ie/guides/coarse/fishing-reports.htm

Shannon Region contd.:

27 April 2003
· MIDLAND PIKE COMPETITIONS: 0contact Mick Flanagan Mullingar Tel: 087 2797270: Email: mick@midlandangling.com
· THE EUROPEAN PIKE ANGLING CHALLENGE 2003 BOOKINGS contact Mr Jim Robinson, Angling Guide, Limerick Tel: 061 453808. Email jimrob@iol.ie
· IRELAND'S INTERNATIONAL PIKEFLY COMPETITION BOOKINGS 2003 contact TJ O'Brien TJ's Angling Centre, Killaloe/Ballina, Co Tipperary Tel: 061 376009 Email: tjsangling@esatclear.ie Website: www.pikefly.net

The First Qualifying Competition of the 2003/2004 Kingspan National Pike Championships was held on the Grand Canal at Cloghan Co Offaly. The event was confined to members of paid up affiliated clubs. It was possible for non club members to join an affiliated club on the morning of a competition.

56 anglers landed 71 pike. Gary Quinn’s pike of 12-10 was the best fish. The top 5 anglers who qualified to fish in next year’s final were;
1st. Gary Quinn (Drogheda) 4 pike 21-04
2nd. David Boyle (Granard) 1 pike 11-14
3rd. Tom Crickley (Drogheda) 3 pike 10-07
4th. Paul Martin (Ardee) 5 pike 7-03
5th. Michael McKenna (Keady) 7 pike 7-02
The next qualifier will be held on Lough Egish on Sun 11th May.

LOWER SHANNON AREA
Jim Robinson, Fishing Guide Lower Shannon Tel Mob: 087 2339999 Landline: +353 61 453808 Web Address: http://www.iol.ie/~jimrob Email: jimrob@iol.ie
Good Pike fishing on Doon Lake and on Lough Atedaun at Corofin by parties of French anglers.
Gearoid Kirwan, Ennis Co Clare reports on his recent fishing trip to Dromore Lake Email gearoidkirwan2002@hotmail.com
" I was out fishing for pike in Dromore lake last Sunday from a boat. The fishing seems to have improved as I got eight fish (3lb-6.5lbs) trolling a mepps on the mouth of the Ballyline river just at the entrance to the lake. The lake now seems to be going back to its former glory and it's good to see. Also I would encourage people
Shannon Region contd.:

fishing the lake to adopt good angling practice to ensure quality fishing continues TIGHT LINES!!!!!!

· RIVER SUCK AND INNY SYSTEMS PROVIDE MORE GOOD PIKE ACTION
LOUGH KEY PIKE FISHING FESTIVAL A HUGE SUCCESS OVER EASTER WEEKEND
Mick Flanagan Angling Guide Mullingar Tel: 087 2797270: mick@midlandangling.com reports on THE EASTER WEEKEND PIKE COMPETITION LOUGH KEY BOYLE. Winner of the Lough Key Pike Angling Festival Brian Bryford
"The Boyle Angling Club ran their annual two day pike festival over the weekend. This was a huge success. This club really appreciates their fishing be it coarse or game, the work and effort put into this major competition really paid off for the club. A total of 278 anglers caught 302 pike with the winning fish weighing 25lb 8oz, taken by Brian Bryford. Brian received a perpetual cup and a cheque for €2,500. The entry fee for the two days was €40.00. Six Mullingar anglers including myself fished Lough Key on Saturday and Sunday, we caught 9 pike between the two boats but nothing good enough to be in the prizes, but we will be back next year. The next big two day competition for pike is on Lough Gowna on the May weekend, I hope to have more info on this next week."
Dave Eady UK reports on recent trip to the Shannon Region
" We fished the River Suck, Loch Gara, Lock Key and Loch Derravaragh and happy to say best trip yet. The Suck produced a great half days sport with 22 pike, mainly Jacks but with three small doubles. Loch Key was hard as usual but we achieved 5 Pike of which one was a small double. Derravaragh provided 6 good doubles, the largest at 18lbs during an afternoon session. The only disappointment was Lock Gara which produced only a couple of small jacks."
SEA ANGLING

North Western Region:

Mary Gavin-Hughes skipper of the charter boat “SHAMROCK-1” fished out in Clew Bay with a party of Dutch anglers. They had excellent catches of Mackerel, Coalfish, Ray, Dogfish and Pollack up to 9lbs. Due to strong winds they fished in the sheltered waters of at the weekend.