· An English visitor, Mr. Gary Humphreys catches the biggest Sea Trout of the year so far at 10.5 lbs. on fly at Lough Currane and is our Catch of the Week winner – see www.cfb.ie for Photo.
· 20 lbs. Salmon reported from the Killarney Lakes.
· Mayfly fishing is patchy and anglers are hoping for best weather conditions to bring on the best of the Mayfly fishing on our Trout Lakes.
· Some big Trout reported on Mayfly at Lough Derg and there was sporadic good Mayfly fishing reported from the top end of Lough Corrib.
· Good Trout fishing reported from Lough Conn.
· Specimen Tench to 7 lbs. 8 oz. reported from Lanesboro.
· Very Good Bream fishing reported from the upper Shannon area with fish to 9 lbs. 2 oz. reported.
· 200 lbs. of Tench reported from Banagher.
· 24 lbs. Pike reported from the River Suck.
· 4 French anglers recorded 600 Pike over nine days at Butlersbridge in Cavan with the best two fish measuring 1.07 Metres (over 20 lbs.)
GAME ANGLING
South Western Region: Web: http://www.swrfb.com
E Mail: swrfb@swrfb.ie
From Eureka Lodge, Caherdaniel, angling guide Vincent Appleby reports on the past week’s fishing trends on the LOUGH CURRANE system:
Email: salmonandseatrout@eircom.net
Website: http://www.salmonandseatrout.com/
5/5/08 I start with a back date on the 4/5/08 from www.loughcurrane.com it was reported that Mr Chris Fogarty caught and released a 3 lbs. and 7 lbs. specimen sea Trout on the Commeragh River. Now back to the present very little action after the big flood and with the wind being in the east didn’t help we anglers. Amount of rainfall 0.1mm, max air temperature 15.3C/59.54F. 6/5/08 very warm day but that didn’t deter Mr Ken Towner of the UK catching a Salmon on the troll with his gillie Mr Vincent O’Sullivan and of www.vincentsfishing.com Wind SSE fresh to strong at times with bright sunshine throughout the day. Max air temperature 20.2C/68.36F. 7/5/08 They say you can’t keep a good fly anglers down and Mr Dave Ecclestone of the UK and his Gillie Mr Vincent O’Sullivan and of www.vincentsfishing.com were a perfect example of that, when Dave, caught a fine Salmon out at the Flags then finished his day off with a specimen sea trout of 3.962kgs./8 lbs. 11.7554 ozs. down by the Bull Rock, both fish were caught on the fly and I tell you that is no Bull and for the rest of we anglers, lessons are needed badly. Wind S light to fresh and very warm and humid, max air temperature 17.8C/64.04F.
8/5/08 Lessons my foot those were the words of Mr Garry Humphreys of the UK when fly fishing in Copal when he caught a Cracker of a Specimen Sea Trout weighing in at 4.804 KG/ 10 lbs. 9.4611 ozs. (This magnificent fish wins our Catch of the Week award – please see www.cfb.ie) Garry was with his Gillie Mr Brod O’Sullivan of Stella Maris Guest house Waterville, you can contact Brod on +353 (0)87 9227695 and staying with the Specimen Sea Trout I see on www.loughcurrane.com that Mr Toby Mushler of the Caherdaniel Garden centre caught a 7 lbs. Sea trout on the fly out at the Church Island plus there were a few Sea Trout caught in the 3 to 4 lbs. class and some of those were caught on the troll, now to the Salmon department, Mr Tom O’Callaghan caught a 7.5 lbs. Salmon on the troll and he was telling me that he saw another angler catch a 8 lbs. salmon. Wind SW light and overcast with light rain all afternoon, amount of rainfall 1.6mm, max air temperature 18.8C/65.84F.
9/5/08 Mr Malcolm Clarke caught a 10 lbs. Salmon on the troll with his Gillie Mr Dominic Mc Gillicuddy and on the specimen Sea Trout front they were resting on their laurels. Wind N light with light cloud cover, amount of rainfall 0.2mm, max air temperature 15.1C/59.18C.
10/5/08 Considering the warm and very slack NE wind and at times there was no wind at all, my Noble Angler’s did well to contact my noble Game Fish and here are the facts, Mr Liam Ellis of Cork caught a 10.5 lbs. Salmon on the drift in the Mouth of the Commeragh but Salmon of the day goes to Mrs Tara Lanigan O’Keeffe who caught a 8 lbs. salmon on the troll, now to the Sea Trout department, local Gillie Mr john Griffin 0f johngriffinloughcurrane@hotmail.com caught a fine Sea Trout in the 3 lbs. Class and I see on Loughcurrane.com Mr Bob Priestly caught a Sea Trout in the 4 lbs. class. Wind as all ready stated, max air temperature 16.7C/62.06F.
11/5/08 It may not have been ideal conditions but Lough Currane showed its cl
ass in the trolling department, first in the striking zone was Mr Garry Humphreys of the UK who caught a 10 lbs. Salmon on the troll with his gillie Mr Brod O’Sullivan of Stella Maris Guesthouse Waterville, also in good form was Dr Fox fishing by himself, caught a Salmon on the troll and last but not least Mr Gerry O’Sullivan also caught a fine Salmon on the troll. Wind flat calm for most of the day and when the wind eventually did get up in the afternoon it was west light, so as you can imagine my noble Fly fisher’s weren’t amused but if they used their intelligence and put their trolling rods out they may have had more of a productive day ? and the truth of the pudding is in the eating, as stated above. Max air temperature 17.4C/63.32F That is all the news from your Gillie and the Waterville Fishery. No Spin No Fly’s just Facts. See great Photos from Vincent at www.cfb.ie
Eileen Carroll reports:
FOR WEEKENDING SUNDAY 11th OF MAY 2008
RIVER LEE
There are reports of salmon being landed at present.
RIVER LEE (ESB FISHERY)
Wednesday 30th April
1 salmon caught by Cathal McGuire, Cork weighing 7 lbs released
Thursday 1st May
1 salmon caught by Cathal McGuire weighing 8 lbs. was released
2 salmon caught by Kieran Condon weighing 8 lbs. and 10 lbs. both released
1, 6 ½ lbs. salmon caught by Paul Hanley from Cork and released
Friday 2nd May
Will Hammell from Dublin caught a 9 lbs. salmon which was released
Kieran Condon from Cork caught 2 salmon weighing 7 lbs. and a 8 ½ lbs. both released
Paul Hanley caught 4 salmon weighing 6 lbs., 7 lbs., 7 ¼ lbs. and 8 ½ lbs. all released
Friday May 9th
Richard Barry from Cork caught 2 salmon weighing 10 lbs. and 12 lbs., the 12 lbs. salmon was released
Saturday May 10th
Michael O’Donoghue from Cork caught an 11 lbs salmon and released it
Sunday May 11th
Michael Kelleher from Ballincollig caught a salmon weighing 6 ¼ lbs.
RIVER BANDON
No catches reported this week.
RIVER LAUNE BEATS 1 AND 2
3 salmon landed on Beat 2 by local anglers weighing 5 lbs., 7 lbs. and 10 lbs. respectively.
KILLARNEY LAKES AND LOUGH LEANE
3 salmon landed by visiting anglers.
LAUNE ANGLERS WATERS AND BEAT 3 (REPORT OF BILLY DOWNES, CLUB SECRETARY)
There was considerable fishing effort during the week and even more at the weekend with no fish reported. One member of the Laune Anglers fished Saturday and Sunday along with a visitor in good water conditions and they met no fish but they did see two fish moving.
RIVER BLACKWATER (KENMARE)
Water levels very low, grilse should come with the next flood.
FOR WEEKENDING SUNDAY 4th OF MAY 2008
RIVER LAUNE BEATS 1 AND 2
1 Salmon caught on beat 1 weighing 4 lbs. and 1 salmon caught on beat 2 weighing 5 lbs.
KILLARNEY LAKES AND LOUGH LEANE
4 Salmon caught on the lakes averaging 8 lbs. in weight.
Kevin Tagney landed a 20 lbs. salmon using a green and gold minnow.
LAUNE ANGLERS WATERS AND BEAT 3 (REPORT OF BILLY DOWNES, CLUB SECRETARY)
No fish reported for the week. I fished myself on three occasions during the last week without seeing a fish caught. A few fish were seen travelling on Wednesday last, and a fish was hooked and lost.
Water levels were ideal over the long weekend and it is still lovely but angling effort is very low and there was no sign of fish over the weekend.
RIVER BLACKWATER (KENMARE)
Good flood in the river over the weekend. First of the fish came in off the tides and the first salmon should be taken any day now.
Shannon Region: Web: http://www.shannon-fishery-board.ie/
E Mail: info@shannon-fishery-board.ie
Brian McManus reports:
http://www.shannon-fishery-board.ie/guides/game/fishing-reports.htm
May 14th, 2008
UPPER SHANNON
Mayfly are hatching on Sheelin in small numbers and hatches of buzzer. On Monday May 12th PM anglers reported fair hatches in the Goreport area of the lake. Some Murrough were also visible and Sheelin is now worth fishing over the coming week. Eugene Mc Guinness, Drogheda had a nice fish of 4 lbs. on buzzer. Gene Brady L.S.T.P.A. had a fish of 2 lbs. on buzzer.
See LSTPA website http://www.loughsheelinanglers.ie/
For local updates contact Mr Sean Gurhy, Assistant Fisheries Inspector Lough Sheelin Tel: 049 4336144
LOUGH O’FLYNN & UPPER RIVER SUCK
Fishing on O’Flynn has been quiet so far this year but should pick up over the coming weeks. The upper River Suck system has been very good for a party of French anglers. They caught and released up to 50 trout in two days fishing. The first sightings of Mayfly were observed.
For updates contact John Ryan, Assistant Fisheries Inspector Co Roscommon at 087 2536064.
MID SHANNON AREA
There has been good hatches of buzzers coming on in the evenings on Ennell. A few fish were reported ca
ught. Simon Mc McCarthy, Mullingar had 4 fish averaging 2 lbs. Tommie Grimes had quite good fishing over 2 days – Friday and Saturday last.
For updates contact Shannon Regional Fisheries Board Mullingar Office Tel: 044 9348769 mornings
Nearly 40 fish were officially returned from Lough Owel, being only a sample of the true catch for the week. Green Peter proved the best fly. The Mayfly also accounted for some fish. On Friday May 9th Joe Vickers fishing with B Ryan had had 7 fish between them. Brendan Murray, Mullingar had 4 fish, best 1.55lbs, released 2 fish. Jerry Cleary had 7 fish averaging 1.5 lbs over 3 days. On Saturday Dave and Derek Murray had fish on the Peter. Andy Boyle Mullingar had four fish for 7.5 lbs. Michael Mc Mahon and his daughter had 5 fish on Mayfly. Prospects look good for the coming week.
For updates contact Shannon Regional Fisheries Board Mullingar Office Tel: 044 48769
For general updates contact Shannon Regional Fisheries Board Mullingar Office Tel: 044 48769
FRIENDS OF LOCH AN DOCHAIS…
Friends of Loch an Dochais will host the Annual all Ireland trout angling match for anglers with special needs for the Mary Robinson perpetual trophy at Loch an Dochais, Kilcormac, Co Offaly on Sunday next 18th May 2008. Fishing will be from 11am to 2.45 pm. All legitimate methods are allowed. Bag Limit:4 trout per angler. Entry fee: €5.00, payable at the lake shore. Presentation of prizes will take place at St Josephs Community Centre, Kilcormac at 3.30pm. There are now 40 angling spaces available at Loch an Dochais following major re-development of the lake. All enquiries to Mr Denis O’Driscoll, Secretary, Kilcormac, Co Offaly Tel: 057 9135328. A YOUTH COMPETITION will in association with Friends of Loch an Dochais and the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board be fished at the same venue from 3pm to 5pm, all legitimate methods allowed – 4 trout bag limit, Entry fee: €2.00. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All enquiries to Mr Denis O’Driscoll, Secretary, Kilcormac, Co Offaly Tel: 057 9135328 or email us here info@shannon-fishery-board.ie
The Mayfly season has just commenced on Lough Ree and it will take a few more days for the fly to hatch in any abundance.
ATHLONE ANGLERS ASSOCIATION NEWS
contact Eamon Cunningham P.R.O. Athlone Anglers Association Phone
Mob: 087 – 2340815
THE BARRA FLYNN MEMORIAL CUP …
Due to the late arrival of the mayfly the first of our Dapp Competition will take place next Sunday when we will be fishing for the Barra Flynn Memorial Cup. This competition will start from Gallagher’s Boat Shed at 10 am and finish with lines up at 7 pm. The entry fee will be €6.50 per angler, senior and junior. The weigh in and presentation of prizes will take place in The Bounty Bar with the scales down at 9 pm sharp.
HEAVIEST TROUT ON THE DAPP….
The competition for the Heaviest Trout on the Dapp got under way last Monday, 12th May, and will run for the duration of the Dapp. At this year’s AGM it was proposed and passed that there be only one cup for the heaviest trout on the Dapp. The competition for this cup is open to all members and no entry fee is required. The competition will also cover fish caught each day of the Dapp including Sundays. The scales will be left in the Lough Ree Inn and anglers can use this to record their catch, a keep net will also be left there to facilitate anglers who wish to practise catch and release. There will also be another competition for the duration of the Dapp and will cost €15 to enter, all money taken in will be given out to the top three fish weighed in the order of 50% for first place, 30% for second place and 20% for third place. This competition excludes the Sundays and the entry fees must be paid before going fishing. If you wish to enter this competition then you must contact me on 087 – 2340815 no later than 10am on the first morning you go fishing, entries received after that time will not count until the following day. Text Messages detailing the heaviest fish caught during the Dapp will be sent at regular intervals during the Dapp to inform anglers of the weights of the trout weighed in. This will help ensure that trout are not needlessly brought in for weighing and can be returned unharmed to the lake should you wish.
Lough Ree Inn Competition Ciaran Kiveney of the Lough Ree Inn is also holding a competition for the Heaviest Trout on the Dapp and this competition is open to members of all the local clubs. The angler who catches the heaviest fish during the month of May will receive a prize of €150, the fish must be weighed in the Lough Ree Inn and the angler must be a member of a local club.
Trout fishery opened on May 1st, 2008.
For general updates contact Dinny Coyne Chairperson of the Pallas Lake Angling Club Tel: 087 2974306.
Lough Acalla is fishing in the evenings. A 4.5 lbs. Rainbow won a local competition on the lake.
For updates contact John Devaney, Assistant Fisheries Inspector, Roscommon 087 2266735
No angling reported this week.
The ShRFB issued a Press Release on February 25th, 2008. We request that anglers familiarise with new conservation measures for the fishery.
"This year the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board has introduced a new trout conservation measure on its fishery, River Camcor, in association with the Camcor and Little Brosna Angling Club. This follows concerns that trout stocks were being fished by unsustainable means. This new regulation will ensure that trout stocks will be maintained and that anglers will be able to enjoy angling on the Camcor into the future.
The conservation measure of Fly Fishing Only will be enforced by Fisheries Staff who will patrol the river during the open season which commences on the 1st March 2008 until the 30th September.
The Camcor and Little Brosna is an important salmon and trout fishery and every effort will put in place to sustain and develop its potential. Therefore, we urge all anglers to abide by this conservation measure and practice catch and release when possible.
If anglers have any queries please contact Shannon Regional Fisheries Board.
LOWER SHANNON AREA
Report on trout fishing on Lough Derg filed on May 13 2008 by Peter Gleeson, Secretary of Lough Derg Anglers Association and Secretary and PRO of the Garrykennedy Fishing Club on Lough Derg:
Nenagh auctioneer William Talbot seems to have all the luck when it comes to fishing. On Thursday night of last week he landed a monster trout of 5 lbs. 12 oz. while fishing the mayfly gnat on Lough Derg. William spotted the big fish hovering flies from the surface of the lake off Ryan’s Point, near Garrykennedy. He cast out an artificial gnat and the fish came up and savaged it. A terrific battle of wits between man and fish ensued before the fish eventually surrendered and came under the auctioneer’s “hammer”. William has now put himself in line to win the competition for the Heaviest Trout of the Year Award in Garrykennedy Fishing Club.
The Nenagh auctioneer is no stranger to big trout. Last year he also caught one of the largest trout of the mayfly season when he hooked a beauty of 5 lbs. 7 oz. on the dapp.
Meanwhile, 13-year-old David Gough of Killaloe has done what most anglers spend an entire lifetime trying to achieve. On Saturday last David landed a trout of 7 lbs. 8 ozs. while fishing the gnat on the lake near his home town. Most anglers who have spent decades fishing can still only dream of catching such a whopper. Well done David!
Evening fishing over the past week on the lake has been particularly good. Thursday evening last was a time when all the big fish came out of their hiding places. Local reports state that 29 fish were weighed in Garrykennedy on that night.
Garrykennedy club member Paul Bourke was one of those who hit the jackpot with a fine trout of 4 lbs. 5 oz. while John Ryan, who is having great success this season, had a whopper of 3 lbs. 11 oz.
The heaviest fish caught on a fly reported so far this year occurred on Sunday evening last when well known Lough Derg angler Eddie Hynes landed a trout of 8 lbs. on the gnat.
Several anglers in Ballina-Killaloe have had significant success also within the past week. Last week Mike Conroy had three nice fish in one outing all around the 2 lbs. mark on the gnat. Mike Kelly also had a beautiful fish of 5 lbs. 10 oz. on the gnat.
Garrykennedy club member Bill Hickey is having a gr
eat season with two fish over four pounds and at least one over three. He won the Garrykennedy club competition on Saturday last while Sunday’s club competition was won by Padraig O’Brien with a trout of 2 lbs. 10 ozs.
Padraig landed his fish on a creation called a “Chocser’s gnat”, an evening fly created by local angler John Ryan. This fly is now all the rage in Garrykennedy and Ryan is inundated with orders for his deadly pattern.
Second in Sunday’s competition organised by the Garrykennedy club was Brian Moloney. Fishing was poor during the day time in the warm weather over the past weekend, but conditions improved significantly in the late evening when the sun disappeared behind the Clare hills and fish were caught.
Ballina-Killaloe anglers had a big turnout for their competition on Sunday last. A total of 15 fish were weighed in, the winner being Mike Quinlivan with a fish of 3 lbs. 1 oz. Second was Jimmy Hanly with 2 lbs. 14 oz. Ger McKeogh had one on the fly weighing 6 lbs. 15 ozs.
A number of anglers on Lough Derg have reported lamprey eels stuck to trout.
ShRFB reports for the RIVER FEALE CO KERRY
The bright warm summer weather has killed off the Salmon fishing on the River Feale for now.
For up to date fishing reports contact the local Assistant Fisheries Inspector Mr Paddy Halpin Mobile: 087 7729126
ShRFB reports for Castleroberts Fishery RIVER MAIGUE.
For angling updates on Castleroberts contact Mob: 087 9810817
Western Region: Web: http://www.wrfb.ie/
E-Mail: kcrowley@wrfb.ie
Kevin Crowley reports:
Western Angling Report to 14th May, 2008
Galway Weir
There were 10 fish landed for the week in Galway, as water coming over the gates made wading difficult for flyfishers, and most of the fish were taken on spinner. The water levels are taking a long time to come down this year, and fly anglers are looking forward to being able to wade the river properly and cover all the lies. The best fish this week was landed by Tom Cogan from Carrickmacross, a beautiful springer of 12 lbs. The Rev. Sam Miller from Co. Derry had a lovely 10.5 lbs. salmon on spinner, and there were a number of 9 and 9.5 lbs. fish caught by anglers including James McNulty from Donegal, Damian Nolan from Clare, Ray Foster from Dublin, and Gerry Dooley, also Dublin. Ian Keating landed a nice 8-pounder on fly, and Michael Brown from Clare had an 8 lbs. fish on shrimp, while Liam Dunne from Tullamore landed an early 7 lbs. grilse. The spring run is continuing but not in the same numbers, and anglers are looking forward to the arrival of grilse in the river.
Western Lakes
The hot dry conditions were not the best for mayfly fishing, and reports are extremely varied from around the lakes. The hatches have been very localised, with some anglers reporting good fishing where mayfly have been hatching, and others resorting to fishing buzzer nymphs in the absence of surface activity. The Oughterard area has seen some hatches, although few anglers have been fishing in the Mediterranean conditions. Mr. Dawson staying at Currarevagh House had 2 fish for 5 lbs. in one day dapping, while English visitor Mr. Brown landed 4 fish in a day to buzzers. Over on the Corr na Mona – Greenfields side of the lake there were good hatches seen at times, but fishing was very variable. 122 rods landed 139 trout in 314 rod-days, with dry fly and dapped naturals taking most fish, and the buzzer also accounting for some. Martin Munroe from Clifden went dapping for 7 days and landed 14 trout for approx. 19 lbs., including a fine fish of 7 lbs., with about half the fish returned. Percy Hyland’s party from Scotland landed 15 trout in 12 rod-days to wet and dry fly, while Robert Livingston and a friend, from Bradford, had 7 trout over 2 days to buzzers, with 5 returned. A lot of small undersize fish of 10-11 inches were being reported as well, which bodes well for future angling. All of these were of course released. Roy Pierce and Malcolm Patrick had 23 fish to the boat on one day to dry mayflies, including 10 fish over size,
although all but 2 were returned. Tom Doc Sullivan fished with Malcolm over 2 evenings and they had 4 fish for approx. 11 lbs., while on Friday Tom landed 2 fine fish on dry mayflies of 4.25 and 4.75 lbs.
Mask has yet to see large mayfly hatches, although olives are still being taken by fish, and the hot humid conditions has seen excellent buzzer fishing late into the evening.
Brian Hall from Ballinrobe had a nice fish of 4.5 lbs. on the 8th, while George Goodwin from Co. Meath had 4 fish to 4 lbs. on dry olives. Ronan Cusack and Kieran Biggins had 5 fish for a day to 4 lbs. on dry olive, while Paddy Coyne from Clonbur took a 7.27 lbs. trout while trolling. Martin and David Connors from Northern Ireland had a fish each on the 10th, as did Tony O’Donoghue from Ennis.
Carra produced sparse hatches of mayfly, mixed with dark sedge all week, mainly in the Moorehall-Brownstown area. Fishing conditions were difficult due to light winds and bright sunshine, but the calm evenings produced large hatches of buzzer which resulted in very good late evening fishing.
North Western Region: E Mail: info@nwrfb.com
Web: www.northwestfisheries.ie
Rory Sheehan reports:
River Moy
Angling continued to improve on the Moy system with a reported catch of 125 salmon for the week, bringing the total for the year so far to 391. The spell of settled and dry weather during the week has meant water levels have continued to drop leaving excellent angling conditions on a number of the fisheries.
Ideal water conditions on the Moy Fishery during the week saw the first fish being landed from the Ridge Pool. The fish came to John Howley a Ridge Pool ghillie fishing worm, and was 6.5 lbs., followed by two more fish later that day. Tony Flanagan from Navan landed and released a fish of 11 lbs. to the fly and Rocky Moran from Castlebar also caught and released a salmon on the fly at 11.5 lbs., also on the Weir pool John McKinley Athlone landed a fine fish of 10.67 lbs. on the fly.
Tom Hunt from Northern Ireland had two fish from the Ballina Salmon Anglers stretch, 6 lbs. and 9 lbs., both to a spinner. Kevin Dolan, Co Offaly had a 5 lbs fish on prawn and Jim Gallogley also from Co. Offaly had a 14 lbs. salmon while fishing at Armstrong’s. Graham Hey from the UK had 3 fish one of which he released from the Foxford Fishery while Ivan Tucker from Carlow had an 11.5 lbs salmon also from the Foxford Fishery. On the Rinanney Fishery, Northern Ireland angler Martin King had a 12 lbs. salmon on prawn. Last week, Austrian visitor, Jürgen Deikel had his first ever salmon, a nice 8.5 lbs. fish, on the Foxford Anglers water.
The Cloongee Fishery had excellent fishing during the week with Turi Hilbert from Switzerland landing two lovely fish of 15.5 and 14 lbs. Two French anglers also enjoyed good angling, Luc Maumet landing a 9 lbs. salmon on a spinner and Luc Harne banking an 8.5 lbs. fish. East Mayo Anglers Waters proved lucky for UK angler Dave Batchelor. He landed three fish, two to the fly of 7 lbs. and 8 lbs. and one of 3 lbs. on worm.
Carrowmore Lake
Despite the poor angling conditions over the week with bright sunshine, Carrowmore Lough produced some good fishing with 10 salmon caught. A good size of fish was the norm with almost all fish caught, being over the 7 lbs. mark. Kenneth Cosgrove from Bangor Erris had a fish of 7 lbs., Mark Rogers Snr. and his son had 2 fish of 7 and 6 lbs. while Jim Collins from the UK had a 7 lbs. salmon. Local man Franz Kaiser had a good week with two salmon of 7 and 8 lbs. and his boat partner taking a fish of 7 lbs. Locals, Michael Noone and Gerry Coyle, boated two fish of 7 lbs. each. Dr. Flynn fishing along with a South African Visitor took a salmon of 8 lbs.
Fishing on this prolific spring salmon fishery can be arranged by contacting Bangor Sporting Club at www.bangorerrisangling.com
Ballisodare River
Good angling was to be had during the week on the fishery with 30 salmon landed and 24 of these fish being released. The fly proved successful during the week with club secretary Dermot Glennon landing 3 salmon, the best an 8 lb fish, on the fly and he released all of the fish. Anglers were rewarded with fish up to 11 lbs. and a good number of 8 – 10 lbs. fish for the week.
Ballin Lough
Ballin Lough fished well during the week despite the strong sunshine, with 101 trout caught for 39 rods. Kevin and Michael Quinn from Galway had some fine angling with 18 fish for a day, returning 12, the best a lovely rainbow of 5 lbs. Jimmy Gibbons of Westport also had a good day boating 9 trout and returning 7. Young Robert Roche, Dublin, had his first trout on the fly when he landed a nice fish of 2 lbs., on Bank Holiday Monday, in bright sunshine. Buzzers and Olives proved the patterns of choice with Muddlers also providing good fishing. To book fishing on Ballin Lough, contact Mrs. Gibbons on
Loughs Conn & Cullin
A warm and sunny week saw south easterly winds over both Loughs. The may fly hatches were slower than expected during the week. The most productive fly patterns were a wet Sooty Olive, the Bibio and wet may flies. Dry may patterns also proved successful during the week.
The week saw approximately 180 anglers land 250 trout for 230 rod days with an average fish weight of 0.91 lbs.
The Pontoon Bridge Hotel reported 5 trout for 5.5 lbs and one salmon of 10 lbs. Chris Carter of London released a trout of 1.5 lbs, Brian Hall of Hampshire, had a trout of 1 lb and also a salmon of 10 lbs while his boat partner Alan Benson had 3 trout for 3 lbs.
Albert Berry and a large party of anglers from Cavan & Monaghan enjoyed good angling with 62 trout for 2 days, fishing from Murphy’s boat hire, Massbrook. Pat Foley and Gerry Hughes had the biggest bag with 13 trout (over the two days), the best being 2.25 lbs. The heaviest fish of 2.3 lbs was landed by Michael Walsh.
Fishing out of Gortnorabbey, Michael J Cawley from Crossmolina, had 3 trout for 5.5 lbs, the best being 3 lbs. Ronnie Cox and P J Hallinan had 4 fish, all on wet may fly patterns, the best being 2 lbs.
The Lough Conn & Cullin Anglers hosted the I.T.F.F.A sponsored Connaught Cup. This was fished on Lough Conn at Gortnorabbey on Sunday the 11th of May. Fifty-seven anglers competed, with the top 3 places going to:
1st Gary Binnley, Foxford, 3 trout for 6.04 lbs.
2nd Padraig Traynor, Crossmolina, 4 trout for 4.75 lbs.
3rd Robert Reilly, Loughrea, 3 trout for 3.89 lbs.
As well as finishing first Gary Binnley also landed the heaviest fish, a nice trout of 3.5 lbs.
Lough Arrow
Good hatches of mayfly were reported from the lake last week but the warm weather and light winds did not help the fishing. Two fish were reported from the lake, both falling to a dapped may fly. Michael Gunning and Noel Clinton caught the 2 fish of 2.5 lbs each.
Northern Region: Web: http://www.nrfb.ie
E-mail: info@nrfb.ie
Lynsey Clarke reports:
RIVER DROWES – Monday 5th to Sunday 11th May 2008.
The weather was warm, sunny and dry and the Drowes ran at low levels for the week. This meant there were few rods fishing for the week with the exception of the guests booked into the Fishery Cottages. The weekend was very quiet with no rods fishing. Sunbathing and barbeques seemed to be more in order! There were 3 salmon recorded however ov
er the first two days of the week. On Monday, Philopp Tra recorded a fine 13 lbs. salmon caught from the Island Pool on an Ally’s Shrimp fly which he released. Urs Banninger accounted for a 10 lbs. salmon caught on an Ally’s Shrimp fly which he released. On Tuesday, Derek McLaughlin recorded a 4 lbs. grilse caught on shrimp.
At present the river is low reading 4 on the gauge and the weather is forecast to be dry and sunny into next weekend which should see the river continue to remain low. A little rain would be welcome to lift the river though we are all enjoying the heat.
LOUGH MELVIN – Monday 5th to Sunday 11th May 2008.
The weather was warm and sunny all week with winds blowing mainly from an easterly direction. All this amounted to few anglers fishing. The trout fishing seemed very patchy and few anglers seemed to be targeting trout. There were a few salmon anglers out and a number of fish caught. On Monday, Darren Maguire accounted for a 9 lbs. salmon and a lovely trout of 6 lbs. caught trolling. On Monday, Tommy Duffy recorded a 12½ lbs. salmon caught trolling from the Rossinver Fishery and Dennis Maguire accounted for an 8½ lbs. salmon also caught trolling.
The weather is forecast to remain warm and sunny into next weekend with winds still from an easterly direction unfortunately.
ERNE ESTUARY – Monday 5th to Sunday 11th May 2008.
The Erne Estuary remained quiet this week and the fish seemed hard to come by, probably due to the very bright conditions and easterly winds. I only heard of a couple of fish caught at the weekend.
OWENEA FISHERY – Monday 5th to Sunday 11th May 2008.
The weather was warm and very sunny all week on the Owenea and there was no rainfall. This all meant that the river continued to fall away and is now running at very low summer levels (0.09 metres at the time of writing). The gauge average for the week read a low 0.13 metres! Only three visiting rods were fishing for the week on Monday and I have no recorded catch to date. The forecast is for more of the same with only the odd chance of a shower. A small flood would be desirable to take out the remaining kelts and encourage the smolts downstream!
Lough’s Agency: Web: http://www.loughs-agency.org
E Mail: Lionel.knobbs@loughs-agency.org
Cashel Trout Fishery report by Marlene Mc Laughlin
It’s just great to see May and such great weather also.
The Glens Community Association (Limavady) had a brilliant day at Cashel on Bank Holiday Monday the 5th May. There were sixteen anglers in total, made up of dads, lads, fly tying tutors and community organisers. A lot of these anglers never fished before until they had a few fly tying lessons and the like with Mr Robert Mehaffie. After these half a dozen weeks were over they decided to try out their self tied flies at Cashel. A total of thirty-one trout were killed never mind the ones that escaped. Cashel presented a trophy to angler with heaviest trout of the day. That angler was Jason Mc Donald and second prize went to young lad Kyle Moore.
Derry’s Aidy Askin banked an amazing twenty-seven trout using black and dry olives while Maghera’s B Mellon had at least thirty trout which took buzzers and dries. Chris McDaid (Derry) released ten trout which took the black/gold cat’s whisker. John Hasson (Dungiven) released twenty-four trout over two days all falling mainly to the f-fly. Ryan McKenna (Maghera), Martin Bradley (Dungiven), Darrel Middleton (Drumahoe) all released nine trout each with assorted dries doing the business. Lavey’s Pearse Mc Gill used dries to catch his eleven beauties and Kevin Burke (Claudy) released eight trout which took a small black nymph. Young lad, Dylan Brown (Limavady) had two enjoyable days banked five trout each day. Dylan was using assorted dries. Ciaran Mellon (Swatragh) and Shaun Duggan (Gulladuff) hooked six and seven trout respectively using suspender buzzers and quill buzzers. Barry Hasson (Feeny), Aidan Feeney (Feeny), Kieran Mc Donald (Limavady), Shaun Mc Ivor (Glack), Franky Murphy (Feeny) and Vincent Harkin (Donegal) all managed to bank an average of three trout each taking suspender buzzers, small lures and dries depending on wind conditions.
Newcomers
Raymond Fleming (Derry) banked a total of thirteen trout over two short days but only took four home which weighed almost 9 lbs. while Donald Mc Nair (Kilfennan) only managed to bank one. Conor Gallagher (Derry) released five trout which fell to wet fly patterns.
Well done to all!
River Licences are on sale at Cashel Trout Fishery.
Breakfast is now being served at Cashel in the comfort of an open log fire with plenty of craic.
We are now taking group bookings for any angling club or corporate groups interested in a fun day. Catering facilities are available in the adjacent Cashel Fishing Lodge.
Info and enquiries to Marlene at 17 Birren Road, Dungiven, Co L’Derry, BT47 4SH,Tel/Fax: Dungiven 028777 42159, E-mail: casheltrout@hotmail.com Web: www.cashellakeview.com
COARSE ANGLING
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
May 14th, 2008
UPPER SHANNON
DUTCH KING OF CLUBS 2008
- The Dutch King of Clubs is a prestigious event and will be fished this year from Monday next by 109 Dutch Anglers from the 19th May to the 22nd May 2008. The sections are
- A: Lough Rinn (House) A1 Lough Rinn (Sheep walk.)
- B: Ramada 1 ( Heron’s shore) B1 Ramada 2 ( Barney’s Point)
- C: Kiltybarden C1 St. John’s Lake
- D: Lough Scur ( pumphouse ) D1 Lough Scur ( The Rocks ) The Shrfb will be providing a results service in due course.
Paul Waghorn a regular to Lanesboro is back on holiday for the past few weeks. Paul has recently published a dedicated website on fishing in the area which can be viewed at http://www.lanesboroughangling.ie/ This will be a useful resource for visiting anglers with lots of background and archived reports and photos etc. Here are the latest reports from his personal diaries, for others logon to his website.
Welcome to my new web page devoted to Angling in and around the Lanesborough area. The "Hot water stretch" is renowned for its huge shoals which appear in early April. Other noted sections are "Kilnacarrow", "The Cut" and the "Mud Island" where, if you are fortunate to be there at the right time, you will catch a shedful of large Bream. Should you ever need my assistance, drop in at the tackle shop at weekends or call me on (00353) 879419988. I will be up-dating the reports page daily this year. Please do not hesitate in sending me your photos and catch reports.
Tight lines, – Paul
Tuesday May 6th, – It is with great sadness that I have to offer my resignation of the "Bream Master" a position I have held for the past three years. I was beaten by Damien Allchorne and a fluke Bream weighing 7 lb. I don’t know how he did it because I was asleep. Perhaps he had divine inspiration or just better bait. I caught a solitary 1 lb Roach and Ross had his turn to blank. We were back at Lanesborough by 07.30 and found just a handful of anglers having little success. I had a go for an hour under the bridge but only found 1 oz fish. The gusher peg produced about 30 lbs. or so for the day. The last few days have been amongst the worst I have ever witnessed for the holiday period. It is very warm during the day time and the few fish that are present are unwilling to feed. At 8pm I set out with Steven and Gozzie from Westmeath to the island for another night of punishment.
Wednesday May 7th, – There can only be only be a few things worse than a night on the island with only two fish (smallish Hybrids) between three of us. We were glad to pack up and head back to Lanesborough. Two anglers were present at 9 A.M. and they found the going hard. Later in the day, on the steps above the bridge on the Roscommon side, one angler found the fish willing to feed whilst two swims either side were blanking. My evening session was to try to lure a Tench but I was not happy with my presentation so after just a solitary Perch of 8 oz. I moved to the other side of the river for two Hybrids of a pound a piece. The way it stands at the moment, I will be quite happy to go home next week. A new video has been added on YouTube click here to see me humiliated by Damien Allchorne.
Thursday May 8th, – Only one angler was present early on and I believe he had two Tench with the biggest going 5 lbs. 15 oz. It was a pity that I didn’t see it to take a photo of what was the largest reported this year. I had a bash on the quay-side to register a single bite to produce a 1 lbs. Roach. I travelled to the Suck below Ballymote where I caught a good few Roach to 12 oz. Then I decided to try the shallows at Dunamon. Again I found easy fishing with fish of a similar stamp. At Lanesborough, there were three anglers below the steps on the downside of the river and at dusk had managed four Tench to around 4 lbs. I was near the gusher until nearly 11pm but only had a bootlace, my first this year. A lot of surface activity was visible at dusk and with the weekends mild weather, I would expect a good return on the river over the next few days.
Friday May 9th, – The three who braved the night session were rewarded with one of the best catches for a few years at Lanesborough. Tim Collier from Cheshire but now residing in Tuam and his son Jamie along with friend Matt Whiting shared 19 Tench with the best going 7 lb 8 oz and 7lb (photos will be added soon) for a combined weight of well over 100 lbs. Matt had the biggest specimen which could rock the Irish record in a couple of weeks if it carries a good amount of spawn. Steve and Martin Smith concluded their week with seven Tench to 5 lbs. 13 oz. I had only my second blank session of the year when I fished from 20.00 until 00.30. Locals Phillip and Joe caught a few Tench during the same period. Earlier I found the fish under the bridge more willing to feed in the overcast conditions. Local Gardai were in attendance after two Bulgarians were keeping live oversized fish in a bucket.
The Polish translation for Hybrid is Dinner !!
Saturday May 10th, – Another poor day on the bank, the lads from Mullingar didn’t fare too well on their all night session but below the bridge near the steps David Mulkeen had six Tench to six and a half pounds. The shoal around the bridge seemed to be smaller. This was probably due to the excessive water temperature which was measured at 24°C at the gusher and I’m convinced this was far too high for the fish. I hope the fisheries board will investigate to ensure it’s not above any legal requirements. In the evening I attempted to lure a Tench but although one was hooked and lost, I only managed two small Perch, a Bootlace Eel and a Bream of about 1 lbs. 10 oz. Packed in at 01.30
Sunday May 11th, – The few who visited Lanesborough today struggled. I don’t think anyone saw any significant fish on the stretch. The shoal was made stronger by the presence of a few extra smaller fish and a lot of 2 oz Rudd and Roach were seen in the margins. I believe that the spring influx of big fish is now over and anglers would be advised to either concentrate on Tench or pursue Roach and Hybrids up river towards Kilnacarrow. Normally at this time I would be heading home but I’ve still got enough time to find the big Bream and Tench with a week left. Phillip and Joe sat through a torrential downpour early evening to get a few Tench below the steps. Joe won 3-0 with a couple of fish lost. I sat on the island to get just a single Perch.
Monday May 12th, – It’s very frustrating having a web page devoted to angling at Lanesborough. In days gone by, the tourist angler could usually rely on the "Hot Water Stretch" to produce a reasonable amount of fish in a session. Sadly, this is no longer the case. Today, a few visitors stayed for barely two hours before moving on. Ernie Callahan had just six fish. In the evening, I chose a drive to Dunamon where I thought I would do well. It was difficult and after an hour of just 5 Roach and 2 Perch gave up and drove to Castlestrange bridge. I’d never caught here before but the river was as low as in mid summer. I caught easily in the deepish hole below the bridge and with dusk approaching had a good Hybrid of 2 lb and even more Roach. I drove back to Lanesborough to find Phillip and Joe by the steps. When they packed up at 1.AM, they had 5 Tench each, 9 of which were males! The largest was weighed in at 6 lbs.. As a bonus, they also claimed 5 Rudd with the best a 1 lb 14 oz beauty.
Tuesday May 13th, – The area showed signs of improvement today as one angler on the gusher swim found quality fish with Bream to 4 lbs. At 10.00 he estimated around 30 lbs. but as he was still there after 14.00 I can presume he was still catching. A Carp was cruising below the bridge (George Micheal where are you?) It was seen by two anglers and estimated as a low double. A group from Cambridge had a session at the disabled pegs and had about 5 Tench between them along with a few smaller Bream. My evening session was rubbish. I failed to register a bite until moving just above the bridge to return two Perch of 6 oz. a piece.
Brian Bohan CHAFLYNNS COTTAGE & GUIDING SERVICE MOHILL reports on angling in the upper Shannon region around MOHILL and CARRICK ON SHANNON
Ian Young and Robert Howgate two very dedicated anglers had their best week in 10 years putting together 1,169 lbs. of fish for their weeks holiday. Robert match fishes a lot in the Leeds area. He is a great thinker when it comes to fishing.
Day 1
Ian put together 75 lbs. of hybrids and Roach on the tip. Robert stuck to the pole all day and weighted in 130 lbs. of hybrids, Roach and Bream
Day 2
They fished Lough Scur. A poor days fishing was had by both Ian 12 lbs. on feeder, Robert 20 lbs on pole small Roach and hybrids
Day 3
They returned to Lough Allan where Ian put together 121 lbs of hybrids and Roach on the waggler. Robert stuck to the pole recording 100 lbs of hybrids, Roach and Bream I fished the feeder and had 70 lbs of mostly Bream
Day 4:
Lough Gara Ian had 40 lbs of Roach, Robert had 110 lbs of Roach on the pole
Day 5
They decided to fish Lough Rynn for Tench and they were rewarded with some nice fish Ian with 9 Tench and Robert with 3
Day 6
They fished on Barneys shore on Lough Allan. Ian had 135 lbs of hybrids, Roach and Bream on the waggler. Robert had a 160 lbs. on the feeder and waggler.
Rynn Shannon and District Match Results
The club had their 4th match on Barneys shore Lough Allan on Sunday in a bright sunny day with a westerly wind with fish coming fast on the waggler and feeder
Result
1st: Brian Bohan 50 lbs. 6 oz
2nd: Terry Allan 30 lbs. 04 oz
3rd: Gary Lyons 14 lbs. 12 oz
4th: Darrell Swain 14 lbs. 07oz
5th: Sean Kelly 14 lbs. 04oz
Upper Shannon Fishing Club
They held a charity match in aid of the Leitrim Wheelchair Association on lock 8 on outside Steffan house fishing tackle shop at Kilclare. €2400 was raised on the day from passing boats, donations and an auction for fishing tackle that was held afterwards.
Kevin Lyons, MELVIEW LODGE GUESTHOUSE, Drumlish Road, Clonrollagh, Co Longford Tel : 003534345061 Mob: Email: info@melviewlodge.com Web: http://www.melviewlodge.com covering fisheries in the LONGFORD AREA and the STROKESTOWN LAKES
At the time of writing this report the Bream have not shown in great numbers like they have last week and the week before. However the Tench have made up for that by showing up in bright sunny conditions. Last week Mike Smithers and Kevin Kempster were here for their annual trip to Ireland and Melview Lodge, Kevin of Melview said the lads were due a good year and what a year it was for them. With catches to 285 lbs they were over the moon, Kevin also commented that the lads worked hard pre-baiting and fishing early hours. Kevin Kempster was able to bet his personal best Bream by catching a solid Bream of 9 lb 2 oz, they added many others of 7 lb + in other sessions along with a few Tench. Mike and Kevin had a great ten days, and are now already counting down the days for their return.
At the time of writing this report the Bream have not shown in great numbers like they have last week and the week before. However the Tench have made up for that by showing up in bright sunny conditions. Last week Mike Smithers and Kevin Kempster wer
e here for their annual trip to Ireland and Melview Lodge, Kevin of Melview said the lads were due a good year and what a year it was for them. With catches to 285 lbs they were over the moon, Kevin also commented that the lads worked hard pre-baiting and fishing early hours. Kevin Kempster was able to bet his personal best Bream by catching a solid Bream of 9 lb 2 oz, they added many others of 7 lbs. + in other sessions along with a few Tench. Mike and Kevin had a great ten days, and are now already counting down the days for their return.
MID SHANNON AREA
The ShRFB reports for Ray Duthie Old Forge Banagher, Bait Stockist, Tackle and ACCOMMODATION PROVIDER Tel: 057 9151504. BANAGHER area this week.
A party of UK anglers fished Bullock island recording an excellent bag of Tench of 200 lbs. A local match was fished at Meelick, Sheebeen and Salmon run with top weight of 32 lbs. There are reports of some nice Tench and Bream on the backwaters at Meelick. Fish have just about finished spawning and should settle down well this week and provide good fishing.
ShRFB reports for the RIVER SUCK VALLEY – Mid River Suck
The International Wheelchair competition kicks off on May 16th and is being fished by anglers from Holland, Belgium and Ireland on our access for all fishery at Donamon. This is a major event organised by the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board. Major sponsors are the ShRFB, Roscommon Co Council, Roscommon Tourism, Gleeson Town House Hotel, Davin Meats and Finola Foods. The results will be provided in next weeks report
Further local info contact Mr John Ryan, Assistant Fisheries Inspector Tel: 094 96 40103 Mob: 087 2536064 and John Devaney, Assistant Fisheries Inspector, Roscommon for the lower River Suck 087 2266735
ShRFB reports for Mark Egan Athlone Bait Stockist, Accommodation Provider Email: info@shannonsidehouse.com Website www.shannonsidehouse.com Tel: 090 64 94773 the River Shannon and Inny ATHLONE area.
No reports from the Athlone area.
ShRFB reports for INNY BAY B&B – fishing at TOM FOXES ANGLING STRETCH and lower RIVER INNY Tommy Foxe Mob: 087 9960173 for enquiries and boat hire
Evening time is producing hybrids on Tom Foxes stretch on the Inny. At Ballinalack good Roach fishing was reported.
Dermot Killeen Shannonbridge Tel 090 96 74112 Email: derry.killeen@gmail.com reports for SHANNONBRIDGE area.
Shannonbridge Fishing Report Dated 13th May 2007…
On 29 / 04 Andy James and Tony Holt, Huddersfield fished Mickie’s Backwater in the rain using poles with maggot worm and caster. They caught 18 lbs. of hybrids and Roach with nothing over a pound. Next day they fished the Hot Water at Shannonbridge on a fine day with downstream wind using heavy stick floats at 4 feet. They caught 50 lbs. of Roach to a pound and odd hybrid, Perch and Rudd. On 1st May Andy and Tony fished on the Brosna in the rain using stick float with maggot and caster to catch 50 lbs of Roach and the odd hybrid with two lovely Rudd for 1.5 lbs. Next day A and T fished at Correen Ford on the Suck in warmer but windy conditions using stick float and topper float to catch 36lbs of mainly Roach with the odd hybrid. Pacey but nice 7 foot depth. Hard – preferred single bait. Bradford regular Dave Kemp fished on the River Suck on 30 / 04 fished the River Suck using corn and worm with a feeder and caught 34 lbs. of hybrids and skimmers. Steve Nell also fished the Suck on and used feeder and maggot to catch 13 lbs of hybrids and Roach. Kevin Bekooij party on cruiser fished the Suck on 07 /0
5 using worms and caught 40 large eels and 4 pike. Think they were night fishing. Nicholas Price from Gort Galway fished the Hot Water on 2nd May in sunshine using sweetcorn and feeder to catch 5 lbs. Tench and 15 lbs of roach. His first Tench this year. Regular visitor John Phillips from Wales has completed his two week visit. Found conditions very cold and windy at first with no big fish showing until the second week. On 29th April John fished at Correen using maggot catching 42 fish all under a pound for a 17 lbs. bag. Next day he fished Clonfert Backwater using maggot to catch 12 lbs. of Bream and Roach with one 5 lbs. pike. On 2nd May John was at Correen using maggot to catch 9 lbs. of fish including a 2.5 lbs Bream. On 3rd May John fished at Shannon harbour and caught 12 lbs. of bits on maggot. He caught three pike – one on maggot. On 8th May John fished 100 yards below Correen Ford on a windy day using maggot to catch 14 lbs. of Bream /Roach On 10th May John fished Correen above the island, on a cloudy windy day using maggot / worm to catch 10 lbs. Bream / Roach, and using dead bait to catch two small pike of 3 lbs and 5 lbs. On 11th May John fished at the Culliagh Boathouse using worm and maggot to catch 12lbs of Bream / Roach and he caught two bream to 5 lbs. He plans to return the same time next year. Barry, Dave and Gavin from Montgomery Angling fished Shannonbridge Harbour on 11th May in sunshine using red and white maggot and worm to catch a mixed bag of Bream, Roach, Perch and hybrids. Comment – good day, water very clear. Tony Murphy Ballinasloe fished the Hot Water on a windy 1st May using mixed maggot to catch 25 fish Rudd hybrid and Perch. On May 11th Tony again fished the Hot Water and caught 15 Roach and two Tench one sized 1 X 1.5 lbs and 1 X 2 lbs. Three Nottingham anglers fished on the Backwater on 12th May in sunshine using sweetcorn and maggot. Desmond Hall had 20 lbs of Tench and Bream. Young Shane Starr caught 10lbs of Roach and Bream. Harry Starr senior had an 80 lbs bag of Bream and Tench with both Bream and tech over 5 lbs.
There’s been a remarkable patch of fine sunny weather which has dropped the river level to 2.35 Metres and giving welcome heat to the water for spawning fish. The first visiting Corncrakes have arrived with two heard on the Callows near Banagher and one at Shannonbridge in Borannagh Callow / island near where River Suck joins the River Shannon.
LOWER SHANNON AREA
Paul Drake from Hertfordshire reports on his recent trip to Lough Derg around Mountshannon
My dad and I stayed on the western shores of Lough Derg for 3 days fishing. May 10th,11th and 12. This was our first time in Ireland and can’t wait to get back. Day 1. we only had a couple of hours in the afternoon so fished Lough Graney. I had 7lbs of small Roach and my dad had 10 lbs. with some skimmers. Day 2. we were taken by our brilliant guide (Liam Waterstone, Derg Lodge, Mountshannon) to an island on Lough Derg. I had 94 lbs. of Roach to 1.5 lbs and hybrids to 3 lbs. My dad had 78 lbs. with the same stamp of fish. Day 3. we went back to the same swims where we had non stop action all day. I had 194 lbs. and my dad had 108 lbs., mainly hybrids with some Roach. The back drops were superb. Our guide was superb. The fishing was superb. O, and the Guinness wasn’t too bad either!
TJ O’Brien, TJ’s ANGLING CENTRE KILLALOE Tel: 061 376009 Mob 087 8108225 reports for the Lower Shannon, Lough Derg and East Clare Lakes
A few anglers are getting quality Roach in the morning in the upper sections of the Scariff River. A few anglers are getting Tench on Lough Bridget.
Northern Region: Web: http://www.nrfb.ie
E-mail: info@nrfb.ie
Alice Murtagh reports:
Some anglers who fished Bunerky last week report that they bagged 170 lbs. mixed bag including Bream. Corduff Lake, Ballinamore produced 40 lbs. mixed bags mainly Bream and Tench. The narrows at Killykeen produced mixed bags 35 lbs. to 40 lbs. of Roach and Hybrids
A three day festival took place on Garadice recently the winners are as follows: Day 1- 1st. Tony Lynch 4,520 Kilos Day 2- 1st. Simon Huthwaite 6,610 Kilos. Day 3- 1st. Paul Lee 8,780 Kilos. (All three days were won from D section on Church. Overall, 1st Paul Lee, 14,960 Kilos. 2nd Richard Pratt 12,560 Kilos. 3rd David Burleigh 12,540 Kilos.
PIKE ANGLING
Shannon Region: Web: http://www.shannon-fishery-oard.ie/
E Mail: info@shannon-fishery-board.ie
Brian McManus reports:
http://www.shannon-fisheryboard.ie/guides/coarse/fishing-reports.htm
May 14th, 2008
Bodo Funke, Angling Services Ireland, Boyle, Co Roscommon Web: http://www.anglingservicesireland.com/ reports
Good pike action was reported in the Upper Shannon Region. The water is warming up really quickly now! The really big fish have somehow eluded us for the past while, but great action with some small and medium sized pike can now be had. A recent client enjoyed some good sport while fly-fishing for pike from a float-tube.
Joe Gallacher from Rush, Dublin reports on his recent trip to Rooskey on the Upper Shannon
Two day’s pike fishing on hired boat out of Roosky produced around 30 fish. Countless Jacks caught on spinner baits with the best 3 fish, 14 lb, 7 lbs. & 8 lbs. caught on Rapala plugs and jerk baits. Early morning and late evening proved most successful times. Some small fish fell to trolling.
MID SHANNON AREA
The ShRFB reports for Ray Duthie Old Forge Banagher, Bait Stockist, Tackle and ACCOMMODATION PROVIDER Tel: 057 9151504. BANAGHER area this week.
Pike angling has been quieter than of late.
ShRFB reports for the RIVER SUCK VALLEY – Mid River Suck.
John Chambers, chairman of the Federation of Irish Pike angling Clubs (www.angling-in-ireland.com ) reports on the recent Pike Championship held on the River Suck between Ballymoe and Dunamon last Sunday.
65 anglers entered the qualifier on the Suck today and caught 169 pike to 15 lbs. 15 ozs. While this might sound pretty good it was disappointing that only one double was caught. The vast majority of the pike were jacks of around a pound. Hot, bright sunny conditions are not the best for pike angling but I would expected a lot more decent pike to be caught. There were only 4 pike over 7 lbs. landed.
The 5 anglers who qualified to fish in the Final were
1st Mark Hirtes (Newbridge) 4 pike 23 lbs.-11 oz. (incl 15-15)
2nd Gary Quinn (Duleek) 7 pike 19 lbs.-12 oz.
3rd Frank Leonard (Drogheda) 7 pike 18 lbs.-10 oz.
4th Godfrey Donohue (Dublin) 7 pike 17 lbs.-08 oz.
5th Paul Martin (Ardee) 7 pike 17 lbs.-07 oz.
An angling party of 11 French anglers from Toulouse had a good week in the Suck Valley catching and releasing 300 pike for the week. They were led by Patrick their angling guide.
Further local info contact Mr John Ryan, Assistant Fisheries Inspector Tel: 094 96 40103 Mob: 087 2536064 and John Devaney, Assistant Fisheries Inspector, Roscommon for the lower River Suck 087 2266735
ShRFB reports for INNY BAY B&B – fishing at TOM FOXES ANGLING STRETCH and lower RIVER INNY Tom Foxe Mob: 087 9960173 for enquiries and boat hire
Pike anglers are doing quite well in the local bays of Lough Ree outside the mouth of the Inny.
Dermot Killeen Shannonbridge Tel 090 96 74112 Email: derry.killeen@gmail.com reports for SHANNONBRIDGE area
Shannonbridge Fishing Report Dated 13th May 2007…
Dave Kemp fished on the River Suck on 29 / 04 in showery weather, using a ledgered dead bait to catch a pike weighing 24 lbs. Ooh La was his comment. Marcin Zodachi of Polska- Club fished on the Shannon on 08 / 05 in sunshine using a stick float to catch a pike measuring 90 cm. Nice ? ? ? was his comment. Mattaras Compes from Vienna fished on the Shannon on 9th May in sunshine using a wobbler/lure to catch 6 pike measuring about 60 cm. Great experience says Matt.-Young Paul Cahill from Chapel Gate fished the Shannon on 10th May in sunshine and used a lure to catch three pike weighing 8, 6, and 3 lbs. The 8 pounder fought for a good 10 minutes. All returned alive. On 6th John was back at Correen using dead bait on a windy dry day catching 3 pike with best weighing 11 lbs. Jurgen Johter from Freiburg fished the Shannon at Shannonbridge on a sunny 11th May and used dead flies to catch a pike of 1.09 Metres , 27 lbs. weight.
North Western Region: E Mail: info@nwrfb.com
Web: www.northwestfisheries.ie
Rory Sheehan reports:
With the warm weather over the week pike angling was on the up, with pike being hungry and recovering after spawning. Bodo Funke of Angling Services Ireland reported his clients having good sport catching pike on the fly from float tubes.
Northern Region: Web: http://www.nrfb.ie
E-mail: info@nrfb.ie
Alice Murtagh reports:
Four French anglers who have been coming to the Butlersbridge area for 22 years have recorded the best ever catches of Pike. Over a nine day period they bagged 600 Pike, the two biggest measuring in at 1.07m and 1.03m.
Peter Lynch and two others fished Annaghmakerrig on Sunday last and bagged 70 Pike. They moved to nearby Doohat Lake in the evening and bagged a further 52 Pike.
SEA ANGLING
Shannon Region: Web: http://www.shannon-fishery-board.ie/
E Mail: info@shannon-fishery-board.ie
Brian McManus reports:
Bill Ryan, Querrin St., Kilkee, Co. Clare. Tel: Mobile Outside Ireland: 00353 87 4130122 Inside Ireland: 087 4130122 E-mail: info@chillwithbill.com Web: http://www.chillwithbill.com
Bill Ryan, angling guide in west Clare reports on some recent shore fishing in the region
West Clare Area – Shore Angling Report to 13th. May 2008
Mackerel Fishing
Mackerel fishing has improved and anglers fishing from Ross and Castle Point, Kilkee are having good catches.
Poulnasherry Bay
Dogfish/Ray
Plenty of dogfish with Thornback Ray being caught on the slacker tides.
Carrigaholt Pier
Ray/Dogfish
Some small Thornback Ray and dogfish being caught from the pier on sandeel.
Carrigaholt Strand
Dogfish/Ray
Dogfish being caught on night tides with a chance of Thornback Ray.
Kiltrellig, Kilbaha
Pollock
Pollock being caught on Jellyworm and spinners from the flat rocks from low water to half tide. Evening time fishes best. Good mark to try fly fishing for pollock.
Bridges of Ross and Bealeice, Doonbeg
Wrasse/Pollock
Ballan Wrasse have now moved i
n to the gullies and can be caught on crab or lugworm. Pollock being caught on spinners or Jellyworm.
Aylvaroo, Kilrush
Ray/Dogfish/Conger
Ray, dogfish and conger being caught around low water on the slacker tides. Mackerel and sandeel best baits.
Bass Bye-Law
Bass is a protected species in Ireland and there are some restrictions. Fish under 40cm may not be kept, and there is a bag limit of two fish per angler per day. It is prohibited to fish for bass during their spawning season, 14 May – 14 June.
Western Region: Web: http://www.wrfb.ie/
E Mail: kcrowley@wrfb.ie
Kevin Crowley reports:
Kevin MacGabhann, skipper of the Maighdean Mara out of Spiddal, reports that mackerel are plentiful in Galway Bay at the moment. Bait supplies are easy to come by, and predator species are now coming into the bay, with the first tope expected shortly. Pollack, wrasse and coalfish are showing well, with some thornback ray also being caught. Shore anglers are picking up some nice flounder at the moment, and ray fishing should really pick up at the Connemara marks over the next few weeks.
