Irish Angling Update – March 2006

WEEKENDED SUNDAY THE 19TH OF MARCH 2006 

MUCKROSS FISHERY BEATS 1 AND 2 RIVER LAUNE
2 salmon landed on Beat 1.

KILLARNEY LAKES
4 salmon landed on Lower Lake.

RIVER LEE, CORK CITY
Salmon were reported taken at Orchard Pool and at the Regional Park Weir Stream.

RIVER BANDON, CORK CITY
Two salmon landed for the week in the Ballineen area.  Sea Trout fishing opened on the lower Bandon on St. Patrick’s day the 17th of March and to date two sea trout were landed on the fly each weighing 1.5 lbs. respectively.
 
RIVER BLACKWATER (KERRY)
River very low after a cold dry spell.  Kelts just starting to move out of the system and hopefully the next flood will bring in a few springers.

WEEKENDED SUNDAY THE 12TH OF MARCH 2006 

MUCKROSS FISHERY BEATS 1 AND 2 RIVER LAUNE

4 salmon landed on Beat 1 of the river Laune and 2 salmon landed on Beat 2.  One of these fish weighed 6lbs and two weighed 10 lbs. each.

KILLARNEY LAKES

Water was low all along but good rise now due to recent rains.  6 salmon were landed on Lough Leane and 4 salmon were landed on the Middle Lake.  Average weight was 9 lbs. each. 

RIVER LEE, CORK CITY

10 salmon landed for the week, averaging 8 lbs. each, mostly landed spinning downstream of Inniscarra Weir.

RIVER BANDON, CORK CITY

Water conditions very low and no reports of salmon catches.  Trout fishing was poor due to low water temperature.

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

March 29th, 2006
UPPER SHANNON
LOUGH O’FLYNN & UPPER RIVER SUCK
There has been little or no angling activity reported yet on Lough O’Flynn. It’s generally April onwards that fishing slowly picks up on this fishery.
For updates contact John Devaney Assistant Fisheries Inspector Co Roscommon at 087 2266735
MID SHANNON AREA
LOUGH ENNELL
Very few anglers are fishing Ennell presently. The present milder weather should see more anglers out and about by next weekend. Only three trout were officially reported caught this week. Tom Smith, Mullingar had a fish of 5 lbs. and Tosh Grimes, Mullingar had 2 fish for 4 lbs. Some small duckfly are starting to hatch, and prospects look better.
For updates contact Pat Mc Donnell, Fisheries Officer Shannon Regional Fisheries Board Mullingar Office Tel: 044 48769 mornings
LOUGH OWEL
With cold easterly winds up to recent days, Lough Owel was very quiet. There has been much milder conditions since the weekend, which should get more anglers out on the lake by this weekend. 24 trout were officially returned up to weekending Sunday 26th March, mostly caught on fly. Martin Mc Gorian, Dublin had 3 fish for 4.75 lbs., best 2 lbs. Pat O’Neill & John Hutton, Mullingar had 3 fish. Also with 3 fish was Simon York, Moate and John O’Neill & Fran Nugent, Dublin. Stuart Murray, Dublin and Mick Finnegan, Kilbride had a fish each. 18 anglers fished the Silver Stream Competition on Owel, 8 fish were caught, J Geary won the event with 2 trout for 4 lbs.
For updates contact Pat Mc Donnell, Fishery Officer Shannon Regional Fisheries Board Mullingar Office Tel: 044 48769
LOUGH REE
ATHLONE ANGLERS ASSOCIATION REPORTS
Eamon Cunningham P.R.O. Email: eamo@iol.ie Ph: 087 – 2340815
THE FALLON MEMORIAL CUP….
The Fallon Memorial Cup is one of those competitions, which always generates excitement and interest, and this year was no exception as twenty boats took to the water. The competition was held on Sunday 26th March and while the weather in the morning was mild by early afternoon the rain came down and never let up for the rest of the day. However the anglers stuck to their task and a fine catch of fish was returned for the weigh in which took place in Walsh’s pub on Connaught Street. It was also great to see so many new members joining on the morning of the competition, particularly in the junior category, and we wish them all good fishing over the coming season.
However when weigh in time approached it was the more seasoned members who came to the scales and for a while it looked like last weeks winner, Tony Doolan, had done it again but then James Kearney and Michael Sheriff came to the scales and surpassed even their own expectations when their fish weighed in at 3 lbs. 13 ozs. to claim first prize and the Fallon Memorial Cup. This the second time, in the four years since this competition was first run, that James and Michael have taken home the top prize. Tony Doolan and Gerard Lynch were only two ounces behind when their fish weighed in at 3 lbs. 11 ozs. while Johnny and Hugh Tobin claimed third prize for their trout weighing 2 lbs. 9 ozs., an improvement from their fourth place in last weeks competition. In fourth place was Connor Hannon and Sean Kelly, down one place from last week, with a trout weighing 2 lbs. 1 ozs. of which Connor was very proud as it was the only fly caught fish to win a prize. Karl Unwin and George Price claimed fifth place with a trout just one ounce lighter, which weighed in at 2 lbs.
The club would like to thank the Fallon family for their generous sponsorship and continued support in running this competition and in particular Paul Fallon who also carried out the Captain of the Day duties. Thanks also to Willie Walsh of Walsh’s pub and his staff for their excellent hospitality at the weigh in and presentation of prizes.
THE ANGLERS REST CUP….
The competition for the Anglers Rest Cup will take place on Sunday 2nd April and this will be a home and away competition for trout. The away start will be at the old railway station at 8.30 am while the home start will as usual be at Gallagher’s Boat Shed at 10.30 pm. As the Anglers Rest pub, called Yates in recent years, has now closed its doors the weigh in and presentation of prizes will take place in Fiddler’s Bar with the scales down at 8.30 pm sharp. Our thanks to Tracy Thompson of Fiddlers Bar, which is located beside the Dean Crowe Hall, for taking on this competition, which has a long and distinguished history in the club.
ShRFB REPORTS FOR LOUGH REE
Recent heavy rainfall should bring up water levels on Lough Ree and favour fly anglers.  A few nice fish are appearing in the early season competitions. Barry Darby Multyfarnham had the best reported fish of the week at 7.5 lbs while deadbaiting. Simon Mullivhill Killenmore Anglers won their competition with a nice fish of 5 lbs. 2nd was Joe Mc Taggart with a fish of 4 lbs. 12 ozs. and 3rd was Peadar Bartley with a fish of 4 lbs.
For updates contact Pat Mc Donnell, Fishery Officer Shannon Regional Fisheries Board Mullingar Office Tel: 044 48769
Mick Flanagan, Angling Correspondent for the Westmeath Topic and Sunday World Newspaper Tel: 087 2797270: mick@midlandangling.com reports on Midland Lakes & Rivers.
UPCOMING EVENTS ….
Tonight March 29th Lough Ennell Trout Preservation Association will hold their A.G.M. in the Greville Arms Hotel at 8pm.There has being a change of venue for the Lough Glore social night pencilled in for April. The night will be held in McCormack’s Bar & Lounge Castlepollard not the Pollard Arms hotel are stated on tickets. More on this at a later date.  You may remember I had a bit of luck on Lough Corrib last April and won the Rocca Cup and a super 19ft Davison Boat. Well it’s coming up once again and there are some fantastic prizes up for grabs on the day including another boat and 15hp engine for 2nd place. Entry fee is €80.00. The event is hosted by Collinamuck Angling Club, fancy your chances! Entry fee to Mr Padraic Fahey, Unit 11a, Ballybane Ind Est. Tuam Road, Galway. 091-700900.
FINALLY….
We end this weeks angling report on a very sad note indeed. On Monday morning we woke up to the news that Martin  (Mo) Gerathy had passed away at a very young age. I got to know the “Mo” quite well when he worked along side his good fishing and shooting pal Brian Conlon formerly of Outdoor Pursuits. The “Mo” is a tragic loss to his family and to the sporting world as we anglers & shooters know it. On behalf of Angling Focus we send our deepest sympathies to the Gerathy family.
LOWER SHANNON AREA
ShRFB reports for the RIVER FEALE CO KERRY
There were no fish reported for the week. Water levels were very low for most of the week. Some rain did fall on Friday resulting in a small flood on Saturday but Salmon were reluctant to take. On Sunday there was good angling conditions. A few fresh fish were seen showing but nothing reported caught. At time of writing there is a huge on the river and milder temperatures which should attract a good angling contingent over the coming days, more on this next week.
For up to date fishing reports contact the local Assistant Fisheries Inspector Mr Paddy Halpin Mobile: 087 7729126

March 22nd, 2006

UPPER SHANNON
LOUGH SHEELIN
There’s little or nothing happening yet on Lough Sheelin due to the very cold weather. Anglers who intend fishing this week should consider trying the shoreline from Orangefields to Crover.
For updates contact Mr Sean Gurhy, Assistant Fisheries Inspector Lough Sheelin Tel: 049 4336144
MID SHANNON AREA
LOUGH ENNELL
Very few anglers are fishing Ennell presently, but recent fisheries survey indicates a very good stock of trout in the lake, read Michael Flanagan’s report below.
For updates contact Pat Mc Donnell, Fishery Officer Shannon Regional Fisheries Board Mullingar Office Tel: 044 48769
LOUGH OWEL
A few boats were out on the lake but little to report due to the cold weather.
For updates contact Pat Mc Donnell, Fishery Officer Shannon Regional Fisheries Board Mullingar Office Tel: 044 48769
LOUGH REE
ATHLONE ANGLERS ASSOCIATION REPORTS
Eamon Cunningham P.R.O. Email: eamo@iol.ie Ph: 087 – 2340815
THE KEVIN GRIFFIN MEMORIAL CUP COMPETITION
Early season competitions are generally always fished in cold weather but Sunday 19th March brought one of the coldest north-east winds that most anglers could remember. However seventeen boats containing anglers wrapped up better than a Mothers Day present, which is next Sunday, still took to the water and returned with an excellent catch of fish even if some of them did finish early.
The weigh in took place that evening in Gertie Browne’s Bar and there was one angler whose grin was almost as big as the fish he presented for weighing. Tony Doolan and Declan Doolan were duly awarded first prize and the beautiful Kevin Griffin Memorial Cup when their fantastic trout weighed in at 4 lbs 6ozs. The competition for the remaining places was very close with only ounces separating them, James Kearney claimed second place when his trout weighed in at 2 lbs 2 ozs and Connor Hannon and Sean Kelly were placed third when their trout weighed in at 1 lb 15 ozs. The brothers Tobin, Johnny and Hugh, were delighted to receive fourth place for a lovely trout weighing 1 lb 12 ozs, it was obviously Hugh’s day as he also won the Social Committee raffle. The father and son duo of Tommy Moran and Anthony Moran were awarded fifth place when their fish weighed in three ounces lighter at 1 lb 9 ozs.
The competition was sponsored by Declan and Noreen Griffin and our thanks to them for their continued and generous support. Thanks also to Michael and Mary Loughman of Gertie Browne’s for their excellent hospitality on the evening.
The Garda Siochana were also on the lake last Sunday and were issuing warnings to anglers who were not wearing their life jackets. Legislation was passed in 2005 that made it a legal requirement for all occupants of boats less than 7 metres (21 feet approx.) to wear a life jacket at all times. Failure to comply with this law can be penalised with a fine up to €1000. It is the responsibility of individual anglers to comply with this and any other law covering the use of their boats and equipment.
THE FALLON MEMORIAL CUP COMPETITION
The competition for the Fallon Memorial Cup will take place on Sunday 26th March, Mother’s Day, and with the weatherman predicting milder temperatures it should make for a much better fishing day. The competition will start from Gallagher’s Boat Shed at 10.30am but as summer time comes in on Saturday Night anglers may fish until lines up at 6pm. The weigh in and presentation of prizes will take place that evening in Walsh’s Pub on Connaught Street with the Scales down at 8.30pm Sharp. The Fallon family will sponsor the competition and our thanks to them for their continued support.
Mick Flanagan, Angling Correspondent for the Westmeath Topic and Sunday World Newspaper Tel: 087 2797270: mick@midlandangling.com reports on Midland Lakes & Rivers.
TEST NETTING PRODUCES THE GOODS ON ENNELL….
Lough Ennell was test netted last Wednesday & Thursday by members of the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board and the scientific staff of the Central Fisheries Board. The lake yielded loads of different species of fish which included, Trout, Perch, Roach, Pike and even a Tench came up in the nets. The only thing missing was a “Barracuda” but don’t worry we also have some Barracuda, tuna, & Gar-fish caught in the Grand Canaries by local angler Frank Gilligan who was on Holidays last week with his Girlfriend Lesley Marshall.
ENNELL TOPS IN IRELAND….
Dr Martin O’Grady Senior research officer with the C.F.B. based in Dublin was working on Lough Ennell last week. The C.F.B. is part of the National Fisheries Body, which includes the Central Board and the seven Regional Boards across Ireland. Working along side Dr O’Grady were two Phd. students, Brian Hayden and a charming young lady from Naples Alexia. Brian is no stranger to Angling Focus and back in 2004 we featured him releasing & tagging Tench being stocked into the Royal canal here in Mullingar. The students are working on a special National Fishery Project, which studies the competition for food etc, between trout & roach present in the same lake. While I watched the Phd students at work they recorded the weight, length, took stomach content samples, scale samples, and flesh samples from each fish. In doing so they will be able to carry out work back in the labs.
TROUT STOCKS ON ENNELL….
When Angling Focus questioned Dr O’Grady on the present trout stock in Lough Ennell his eyes lit up. He stated trout stocks are brilliant at present in Ennell and is better than any other lake in the country at the moment without a shadow of a doubt. This he stressed is part due to work carried out by the ShRFB. on stream development work carried out from around 1997-2000, and consisted in major improvement of river banks, deepening the rivers, and laying suitable spawning areas for the  trout. It’s very important young trout reach yearling size in the rivers before they drop back into the lake as their survival rate is much higher. Since the work was carried out on the rivers there has being a three fold increase in trout stocks in Ennell and this is the way forward Dr O’Grady told us. I explained to Dr O’Grady the problems with anglers trying to catch trout on Ennell be it trolling or on the fly, he stated Lough Ennell is so rich with bottom food such as waterlouse & shrimp the fish are simply gorging themselves on the bottom. Lough Ennell has a very unique high waterlouse population and the trout simply wont surface feed when feeding on them. All the trout stomach contents contained high quantities of these macro invertebrates, and had no minnow or stickleback present in their stomachs. The only fish caught during the test netting with sticklebacks in their stomachs were jack-pike. On the age profile of Ennell trout it’s looking fantastic with all sizes showing up in the test netting, you have one, two, three and four year old trout in the lake.
THE LAST WORD….
Finally before we finished with Dr O’Grady, Brian and Alexia were asked what the future holds for Lough Ennell and other lakes across Ireland. At present we have a concern about the whole ecology of our lakes. They have utterly changed in the past thirty years. There is a number of reasons for this such as pollution, new fish species such as the roach etc, also we have problems with non native freshwater plants & invasive species entering our lakes. The final results from our scientific research on Ennell this year will give us a very good indication of what’s happing on the lake. We rotate our surveys from year to year on different lakes in different regions where needed. Also we are in close contact with the relevant Regiona
l Boards who monitor the lake all year round. I had the final word myself and thanked Dr Martin O’Grady and his colleagues for allowing us to interview them & photograph their work. Not forgetting Matt Nolan, Dermot Broughan and their fellow ShRFB officers based at Tudenham Lodge where the work was carried out.
LOUGH OWEL A.G.M…
Last Thursday night Lough Owel Trout Preservation Association held their A.G.M. in the Greville Arms Hotel. There was a nice turnout of members present on the night. There was plenty of talking points. The stocking program was discussed for the coming season and already almost 2,000 quality 2 year plus fish have being stocked into Lough Owel. Membership is holding its own at the moment and Stan Mc Keown (Secretary) L.O.T.P.A. was delighted to see some new members coming on board. Well known Owel angler Mickey Tyrrell asked that anglers visiting Lough Owel should be encouraged to join the Association. Next up was the election of officers for the coming season, Not a lot changed here except Brendan Murray’s term as Chairman came to an end, and his fellow Officers and members from the meeting thanked Brendan for all his work in the past number of years for Lough Owel. Brendan remains on as Vice Chairman. Lough Owel Trout Preservation Association new Chairman is Mr Andy Boyle. Andy is part & parcel of angling on Lough Owel and is an excellent choice for the Chairman’s job. Andy thanked L.O.T.P.A. members for voting him in as the new Chairman and is looking forward to the challenges ahead in the coming season. On behalf of Angling Focus we wish Andy all the best in his new position. Next up was the report from the ShRFB. This was addressed by Dermot Broughan. Dermot gave a detailed account of the work carried out by the staff of the ShRFB. Somewhere in the region of 5,000 Tench & Rudd were removed from Lough Owel during 2005. These were transferred to more suitable waters such as the Royal Canal etc. Also a slide show was made available to the meeting, which showed the ongoing work on the Angling Centre at Tullaghan. It looks very impressive and will be a great meeting point for L.O.T.P.A. and their members. He pointed out the treatment plant was in place and landscaping work has started on site. Dermott thanked the L.O.T.P.A. members for their support and help during the past season and wished Andy Boyle all the best in his term as Chairman. Stan Mc Keown on behalf of all club members thanked Dermot and his fellow officers for their work on Lough Owel. He also thanked the Doolan family, Jack Michael, and Mary for all their help during the year. Also all who kindly sponsored competition hosted by the club in 2005. The Association sympathized with the Forde family on the untimely death of Ian who was a committee member. Also Eamon Tonge and Sean Downes long time members of L.O.T.P.A. Also Anna Farrell T.P. Farrell’s late wife who was regular at competitions. Plus Ray Duncan who passed away not so long ago.
 
LOWER SHANNON AREA
Sile Corish O’ Briens Bridge Co Clare. St Flannans Fishing Club Killaloe reports on their first trout competition of the season on Lough Derg
St Flannans Fishing Club Killlaloe held their first trout trolling competition of the season on Lough Derg on Sunday last March 19th. Some very good bags of fish were weighed in. Of 17 fish in total, 3 fish were over 2 lbs 4 ozs. The winners were David & Mick Gough with a total bag weight of 8 lbs 9 ozs & a heaviest fish of 2 lbs 5.5oz.
ShRFB reports for the RIVER FERGUS Co Clare, Lower Shannon and CASTLECONNELL SALMON FISHERY
Over the weekend one salmon of 16 lbs was caught on Castleconnell fishery.
ShRFB reports for the RIVER FEALE CO KERRY
It was a bitterly cold week weatherwise which saw only the hardiest of anglers venture onto the water to brave the easterly winds. A total of 5 fish were officially reported for the week. Danny Shine Listowel had an 8 lb fish on Monday March 13th spinning. Joe Devine Newcastlewest had a fish each day on Monday and Tuesday March 13th and 14th, weighing 8 lbs and 9 lbs respectively. Mike Walshe Ballyhahill Co Limerick had a fish of 8 lbs on Tuesday. The best reported salmon of the week at 12lbs was landed by Conor Lyons Abbeyfeale on Thursday March 16th. Water levels are down at time of writing following a fairly dry but very cold week. Milder and wet weather is expected to return which should get a few fresh fish moving again.
For up to date fishing reports contact the local Assistant Fisheries Inspector Mr Paddy Halpin Mobile: 087 7729126

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

Kevin Crowley reports:
28 March 2006
GALWAY WEIR

Well it took a while, but finally fishing on the Weir has produced the first fish of the season, a beautiful sea-liced 11 lbs spring salmon caught by David Lenihan from Salthill. The fish was caught on Sunday the 26th, and fell to a float-fished shrimp. Cold weather and unsuitable conditions had prevailed for the last few weeks, but on Sunday a mild spell and lower water levels made fishing more enjoyable, and Dave took full advantage.  As is traditional, the fish was donated to a local charity, and this year the benefiting charity is COPE. 
Water levels rose again on Monday after torrential rain, and prospects for more fish were decidedly less rosy, but as in 2005, the long wait for the first salmon was ended with 2 fish in 2 days. Retired fishery officer Joe Mulry, an ever-popular figure at the fishery, landed another 11-pounder, this time on spinner, on Monday.
With fresh spring fish entering the fishery, prospects are looking up for April, and warmer weather should improve the fishing dramatically.

LOUGH CORRIB

Fishing on Corrib has been very quiet over the last few weeks, as winter maintained its grip on the lake. Very cold and blustery conditions seemed to last forever, and fishing was poor as few anglers ventured out. With warmer weather though, the duckfly has put in an appearance, and fishing is picking up.
The Oughterard Development 50 Competition was held over 3 days last weekend, with 86 anglers fishing in pairs. Overall there were 152 trout caught for 172 rod-days, with the fish averaging 0.885kgs, a great average size. The winning team was a pair of Northern raiders, popular tackle dealer Sean Maguire from Garrison, and teammate Kevin Curran, who between them had 12 trout for 10.375kgs. Second was local pair Martin Butler and Gerry Molloy, with 11 trout for 10.105kgs, and third place went to Mike Faherty and Kevin Molloy, with 11 trout for 9.425kgs.
Prior to the competition the weather had been cold and windy, and there were returns for 56 trout caught by 28 anglers in 52 rod-days. Gerry Molloy had a lovely trout of over 8 lbs on fly during the week, in addition to his success in the competition.

LOUGH MASK

Mask has also been quiet over the last few weeks, with few anglers out and no fly life in evidence. The warmer weather over last weekend though, has brought a change in conditions, and although few anglers were out, a lot of trout were coming to the fly. 16 anglers caught 46 trout in 24 rod-days, with the best fish about 2.5 lbs., with most of the fish coming to wet fly. Bibio, Green Peter and chironomid patterns were the most successful flies. Sean Moloney and Noel Moran from Ballinrobe had 7 trout for approx. 9 lbs. in 1 day to wet fly. Alan Murray and Darragh Touhy from Dublin had 9 trout averaging 1 lb in 1 day to wetfly, and Brian Healy from Ballinrobe had 8 trout averaging 1 lb in 2 days, also to wet fly. With milder weather the duckfly should soon be up here too, and fishing prospects look very good indeed.

North Western Region: E Mail: info@nwrfb.com
                                     Web: www.northwestfisheries.ie
Vincent Roche reports:
Angling Report 26 March, 2006

River Moy
The Moy produced nine salmon for the week bringing the total, so far, to twenty-eight. Two, at 11 lbs and 7 lbs., were taken at the back of the boxes in Ballina.  The Attymass water and Gannon’s each produced one at 10 lbs. and 8.75 lbs. respectively with 4 coming off the NWRFB/Foxford Club water. On Lough Conn, a German visitor, a guest of Murphy Boat Hire, had a lovely 10 lbs. salmon on the fly.

Lough Conn

On Lough Conn, trout fishing was again fairly quiet but some trout were reported. Mick Sweeney and Liam McHugh, Edenderry, had 3 nice trout all in the 1.25 lb. to 1.5 lb. bracket and all taken on Bibios. Stephen Browne, Ballina, had one, at 1 lb., for just an hour’s fishing on Saturday. Brendan Breslin, Foxford, had 2 on Saturday and 4 on Sunday, all around 1.25 lb. to 1.5 lb.  Early season favourites such as Bibios, Black Pennel and Fiery Browns all appeared to work well and duckfly were beginning to appear during the week.

Lough Gill/Garagogue River

Fishing was quiet on Lough Gill but two salmon were reported for the week. Noel Reddy had one of 7.5 lbs. and Rodney Reddy had one of 7 lbs. both taken while trolling.

Lough Beltra

Lough Beltra again produced salmon this week after an encouraging start to the season the previous week. Local angler, Eamonn Kennedy, had a fine salmon of 12 lbs, on a Silver Badger, on this fly only fishery on Sunday.

Carrowmore Lake

The cold weather and exposed nature of this lake kept angling activity low on Carrowmore but Andrew Murphy, from Toorglass, near Belmullet, managed to catch his first salmon, weighing 7 lbs., on what was only his second attempt at salmon fishing. Other salmon were hooked and lost and the prospects for Carrowmore look good for the coming weeks if weather conditions are favourable.

  Angling Report – w/e 12 March, 2006

River Moy

The harsh weather conditions resulted in a low level of angling activity this week but the Moy produced one salmon for the week, a fine 9 lbs. fish which was taken on worm at the “back of the boxes” in Ballina by Albert Bradley.
 
Lough Conn

The cold weather conditions also resulted in few anglers fishing Lough Conn during the week but a number ventured out at the weekend most of those caught trout. Mick Sweeney and Liam McHugh, from Edenderry, caught and returned a total of 18 trout, mostly in the .5 to .75 lbs. range, with Bibios and Black Pennels proving most effective. Well known local anglers, John Walsh and Joe Quinn landed some good trout on Saturday. John had a 2 lbs. trout, on a shrimp pattern, and Joe had one at 2.5 lbs. on a Pearly Dabbler.  Young Kieran Smith, Ashbourne, Co. Meath, fishing from Pontoon Bridge Hotel, landed a fine brown trout of 2.5 lbs., which he caught while trolling. A total of 29 trout, weighing 24 lbs., were reported for the week.

Northern Region: E-mail: info@nrfb.ie
                           
Lynsey Clarke reports:

RIVER DROWES – Monday 13th to Sunday 19th March 2006.
 
The cold conditions made angling somewhat uncomfortable during the week. A lack of rain meant that water levels dropped steadily over the week until the gauge on Four Masters Bridge was reading 7. Fishing remained good with respectable numbers of salmon entering the fishery.
A selection of catches for the week is given here. Sean McNeice recorded an 8 lbs salmon caught from Kelly’s on the shrimp. Dennis Barrett accounted for a 10 lbs salmon caught on the fly from the Blackwater. Brian McClintock landed an 8 lbs salmon on the fly from the Mill Run. Chris Sinclair recorded a 10 lbs fish from the Wash Stones caught on a shrimp. Brendan Lyons also recorded a 10 lbs salmon caught on the worm from the Mill Pool. It was pleasing to see Daniel Cozzo catch his first ever salmon. The fish which weighed 10 lbs. also, was caught on a Willie Gunn fly from the Island Pool.

LOUGH MELVIN – Monday 13th to Sunday 19th March 2006.

Lough Melvin was fairly quiet this week. The prevailing cold conditions did not encourage anglers to venture forth. On Friday, John Flanagan recorded an 8lb salmon and on Saturday Peter McKenny also landed an 8 lbs. salmon. The trout fishing is still slow with little fly life evident. There are still some Duckfly hatching but not yet enough to bring the trout up in numbers.

WATT’S POOL, LENNON RIVER – Monday 13th to Sunday 19th March 2006.
 
The Pool has fished very well again this week. On Monday the river levels were high but clear giving good angling conditions. The river then slowly dropped all week and was at low water levels by the weekend. 14 rods recorded 14 salmon caught in the Pool for the week. On Monday, Freddie Beggs recorded a salmon of 8lb caught on the fly. On Wednesday, Owen Kelly caught 3 salmon returning 2 of these. The fished weighed 7, 8 & 12 lbs. and were all caught on the fly. The successful patterns were a size 6 Cascade, Badger Tube and a Pot Bellied Pig respectively. On the same day Bobby Chan accounted for salmon of 8 & 11 lbs. caught on the Flying ‘C’ releasing the 11 pounder. Tommy Hannigan recorded an 8 lbs. fish caught on a Flying ‘C’ and two further fish were lost on the fly. On Thursday, Shane Gallagher recorded 3 salmon caught on a Flying ‘C’ releasing 2 of these. The fish weighed 8, 7 & 5 lbs. Gavin Duffy and Brian McGlynn recorded a salmon apiece weighing 10 lbs. & 8 lbs. respectively. Both fish were caught on a Flying ‘C’. Five other fish were hooked and lost including one very good fish. On Friday, Gregory Doherty caught an 11¼ lbs. salmon on a self tied ‘Red Shrimp’ fly at 6.00pm. Finally, on Saturday, Eddy Keerie recorded a 7 lbs. salmon caught on the fly.
 
Lough’s Agency: Web: http://www.loughs-agency.org
                         E Mail: declan@loughs-agency.org

Lionel Knobbs, Loughs Agency Angling Manager reports:

MON 27th march 2006
 
CASHEL TROUT FISHERY
 
Marlene McLaughlin fishery manager reports Pat McGettigan (Drumsurn) started the weekend off by bagging five trout weighing in at 10 lbs. 7ozs and had eight more catch and release all on olive nymph with a yellow tail. Newcomers, Damien Larkin and Michael Laverty (Bellaghy) had eighteen trout between them, the trout all fell to an olive Damsel. Declan McAteer (Claudy) bagged two trout and released six on his white rabbit fur lure.

Info and enquiries to Marlene to:
17 Birren Road, Dungiven, Co L’Derry, BT47 4SH
Tel/Fax: Dungiven 02877 742159
Email: casheltrout@hotmail.com
www.cashellakeview.com

CARLINGFORD CATCHMENT
 
Brian Connolly from Oriel Angling reports the Warrenpoint and Rostrevor Angling club waters have both been fishing well in the past week. Gary McAteer had five Rainbow trout to three pounds for the week all on the fly from Donaughy reservoir and Hugh Browne had a fine brace for eight pounds from the Mill Dam.
Tuesday 28th March is the final night in the present series of fly tying classes at the gateway club and has once again has been well attended so its thanks to the Loughs Agency & the National Angling Guides, Newry can now boast some of the finest young fly tiers around. The secrets passed on from master fly tiers Stephen Moates & Stevie Munn will ensure the Clanyre trout may watch out as young Christopher & Sinead Hughes can now tie fly’s to” match the hatch”.
 
DONNEYBREWER TROUT FISHERY
 
Ian Gamble trout manager reports good catches at the moment with Dermot Boyle  (L, Derry) had seventeen trout to the bank on the fly. Ronnie Smallwood’s (L, Derry) had six trout to five lbs. Arnold Borland (Limavady) had twenty-one trout on the fly using various patterns,” all trout released”. Ian informs me that he will be re socking Monday 3rd April.
 
RIVER FINN
 
The low water conditions last Friday did not put some anglers of with  (Downpatric) angler and well-known Angling Guide Stephen Moates landing a lovely spring fish of twelve and half lbs on a red tube fly on the Graveyard beat.  Also on Saturday past Sebastian McMichale from (Colerain) had a ten and half lbs Springer on a curry’s red.   
 
David A Hetherington
Loughs Agency (FCILC)
22 Victoria Road
Prehen
Northern Ireland
BT47 2AB

Tel:   028 71 342100 Ext 4106
Fax:  028 71 342720

Mon 20th March 2006
 
River Finn 
 
The month of March on the river Finn has been for many anglers one of the best in many years. High water levels provided near perfect conditions for the dedicated anglers in search of the top prize in game angling, the Spring Salmon. Angling efforts have mainly been around the Killygordon to Cloghan waters, with fish being taken on a daily basis. Killygordon private fishery has to date produced around 11 fish with well known names like Frank Elliot and James McNulty having their first catches of the season. Liscooly waters have also produced some fine fish; Brian McKee from Rossapenna had a fine fish of 13 lbs on Yellow Flying C. Paddy McNulty from Ballybofey and Stranorlar anglers has already landed 2 fish one at 12 lbs and one at 9 lbs.  The Cloghan / Glenmore waters have produced around 17 fish this season.  Andy Dunn has 2 fish so far on fly and one spinning. Roy McCann landed a 9 lb fish at Glenmore Bridge but catch of the season so far was a young 13 year old with his first ever-salmon weighing 13.5 lbs.
 
Oaks fishery Derry
 
Mon 13th Pete Finnegan from Derry had six trout using full floater, sink tip and buzzers.  Ray McCulgan from L’Derry had seven trout and lost a further six on a redhead frits.  Fishery Manager Ivor Smith informed that he stocks the lake with trout weighing 2-10 lbs. 
 
Donneybrewer Fishery Eglinton
 
Marty Boyd from Eglinton and Dean O’Kane from Limavady had (thirty-six) trout between them on Monday past using sleaches and buzzers. The fish weighed from 2-12 lbs.  Fishery Manager Ian Gamble stated, thing where still quite at the moment but he still continues to stock weekly with trout 2-12 lbs.
 
Camlough Lake
 
Brian Connolly of Oriel Angling reports he was out guiding at the weekend and one of his clients had 3 Pike on the fly up to 13.5 lbs.   

Loughs Agency Angling Fair 11th/12th march

This year the Agency’s fair proved a big hit once again with over 3,500 through the gate. We feel once again one of the big attraction was the junior events with all the National Angling Guides Association (instructors) carrying out a fantastic job offering tuition and competitions on casting, fly tying and information on river/pond life (bugs), backed up with some great prizes of rods, reels etc.
Along with top exhibitors and demonstrators the Wild Trout Trust and their display of a live river including fish kept all our visitors busy.
The feedback has been very positive. And for me it was a pleasure to be part of such an event and I believe its success is down to the hard work of the Agency’s staff and the willingness shown by all involved and I look forward to being part of similar events throughout the year.

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
March 15th, 2006
UPPER SHANNON
Bodo Funke, Angling Services Ireland, Boyle, Co Roscommon http://www.anglingservicesireland.com/ reports
Shoals of roach moved into the Boyle Canal and were caught by anglers who managed to draw them into their swims. While good numbers of mainly small fish were caught, last weeks unsettled weather with all the rain didn’t improve the situation.
At Lanesboro some Roach fishing was evident but generally there are very few anglers about.
MID SHANNON AREA
The ShRFB reports for Ray Duthie Old Forge Banagher, Bait Stockist, Tackle and ACCOMMODATION PROVIDER Tel: 0509 51504.  BANAGHER area this week.
Water levels are up as we write. Fishing is up and down. The Sheebeen stretch fished quite well producing bags to 40 lbs., mainly hybrids and roach earlier last week. There was a local match on the stretch on Sunday which proved disappointing, probably due to the change in weather.
ShRFB reports for John Dyson, Ballyshrule Lodge, PORTUMNA Tel: 090 97 41528   
Visiting anglers are expected over the coming week, which marks the commencement of the fishing season here. Water levels have risen following the recent heavy rain, we’ll be keeping an eye on this and hope the river doesn’t flood. Hopefully it won’t reach flood levels and spoil the fishing.
ShRFB reports for Mark Egan Athlone Bait Stockist, Accommodation Provider Email: info@shannonsidehouse.com Website www.shannonsidehouse.com