• Very good Rainbow Trout and Carp fishing reported from the Corkagh Park Fishery in Clondalkin in Dublin.
• Big angling day planned at the Ballyhass fishery in Co. Cork.
• First Salmon of the new season reported from Lough Currane and the River Laune in Co. Kerry.
• Five Salmon reported so far from the River Drowes in Co. Donegal including our catch of the month winner for Billy Cathcart from Ballymena. – see our website www.cfb.ie
• Big litter problem reported from Ballyhoe Lake.
• Good catches of Pike reported from the Cavan Lakes near Virginia.
• 23 lbs. Pike recorded from the River Suck.
• Very good shore fishing reported from the EFSA Winter Shore Festival in Co. Wexford.
GAME ANGLING
Eastern Region: Web: http://www.fishingireland.net/
E-mail: info@fishingireland.net
Godfrey Donohue reports on recent Rainbow Trout catches at the Corkagh Park Fishery in Clondalkin.
Two double figured fish fall for an Emerald Irish Spider 23rd January 2007
It was a cold day today with temperatures not rising above 5 degrees. The fish seemed to laying low in mid to bottom water. Two regulars Paul and Luka targeted some of the larger fish in the lake today.
Paul took the first fish hitting the scales at just over 11 lb. A fantastic fish, especially on such a cold day. Many smaller fish followed then at 3 pm Luka hit into another double. Most fish were taken on an Emerald Irish Spider with a very slow retrieve. Fantastic action on a cold January afternoon. What else would you want to do on a Tuesday?
A GREAT DAY ON THE TROUT LAKE
17th January 2007
Tommy Egan, Ray Harris and Paddy Mc Laughlin had a great day’s fishing with over 30 trout today.
Ray had the best fish with one just over 6 lb. Most of the fish were caught on a Okey Dokey.
Southern Region: E-mail: enquiries@srfb.ie
Website: www.srfb.ie
Ian Powell reports from the BLACKWATER LODGE fishery on the Munster Blackwater in Co. Cork.
Email: info@ireland-salmon-fishing.net
Website: www.ireland-salmon-fishing.net
Tel: 00 353 58 60235 From UK: 0871 474 0135 (10p/min any time!)
Fax: 00 353 58 60162 From UK: 0871 474 0136 (10p/min any time!)
Mobile: 00 353 87 235 21 20
10… 9… 8… 7… 6… 5… 4… 3… 2…1….. Springer!
The New Season kicks off on February 1st.
Why not come & join us to wet the first line of 2007?
The river looks as if it will be in perfect order on Opening Day – it’s dropping steadily & with excellent clarity already.
The Fishing Report page is being updated daily with the gauge height & from now on with any rainfall too.
The weather forecast is good for the next two weeks – dry cold weather – so it could even be worth bringing the fly rod!
Some fresh fish have already been seen running on the lower river.
State licences will be available at the Lodge and the day will kick off in our traditional way with complimentary breakfast rolls & coffee.
Booked yet?
With the drift nets gone, and no nets at all in the estuary below Cappoquin, the interest level in the Blackwater is much higher than in previous years, so now is the time to ensure your place for the coming season.
Best Regards & Tight Lines
Ian Powell (Proprietor)
Blackwater Lodge & Salmon Fishery
(Voted Best Fly Fishing Guesthouse/Hotel 2006 by the readers of the UK magazine Today’s Flyfisher!)
Upper Ballyduff
Co. Waterford
Ireland
Email: info@ireland-salmon-fishing.net (Ian)
glenda@ireland-salmon-fishing.net Glenda)
Web: http://www.ireland-salmon-fishing.net
Tel: 00 353 58 60235 From UK: 0871 474 0135 (10p/min any time!)
Fax: 00 353 58 60162 From UK: 0871 474 0136 (10p/min any time!)
Mobile: 00 353 87 235 21 20
Maritime Tourism Ltd. E-mail: maritime@indigo.ie
Tom Lofts reports from BALLYHASS LAKES in Co. Cork
A new innovation to provide an action packed information day for anglers is being introduced at Ballyhass lakes in March 2007
The association with the Irish angler brings many of Ireland’s Top angling journalists to Ballyhass for a series of lectures and one to one guidance and assistance
For further information contact: Ann Marie O Shea or Tom Lofts at Ballyhass lakes.
Ballyhass Lakes,
Cecilstown, Mallow, County Cork, Ireland.
Tel 353 22 27773 Fax 022 27990
E-mail: info@ballyhasslakes.ie
Web: www.ballyhasslakes.ie
Irish Angler Reader open days.
Saturday March 3rd and Sunday March 4th 2007
Ballyhass lakes, Cecilstown, Mallow, County Cork.
The Irish Angler and Ballyhass Lakes come together to give an action packed day out for all fishermen. Take this opportunity to meet in person David Dinsmore the Editor and the expert writers and contributors the magazine, learn from their seminars and one to one assistance, and enjoy the good company of your fellow fishing folk. The packed programme will include:
• Free Goodie Bag with the compliments of the Irish Angler and the Donegal Fly Co.
• Robert Gillespie – fly casting demonstration, Group sessions and one to one advice.
• Michael Drinan – fly tying demonstration and advice.
• Malcolm Cocliff –top UK Stillwater Angler
• Tom Lofts – for all the local tips.
• Michael Shanks – fly tying and selection.
• Tom Doc Sullivan – Top corrib guide and angler
• All Day fishing included
• Fly fishing competition- open to all, floating line only, with max of 3 flies supplied by Donegal Fly Co, – one hour by boat – lots of prizes!!
• Casting competition open to all – try your skill. supervised by Glenda Powell
• Donegal Fly Company- Representatives on hand with new flies, and advice.
• Guide fly fishing-Try out the latest Reddington and Vision rods , reels and lines.
• Philip Maher – journalist and representative of the Countryside Alliance
• Enjoy the fishing between the group sessions.
• Guide Fly fishing – try out the latest Reddingon and Vision rods.
All anglers are welcome, but numbers will be restricted. Entry fee only €30 per person per day.
All participants are welcome to join the Competition
Special accommodation offers. 3 bed roomed house,(1 double, 1 twin ,1 single) four star, fully fitted on special offer of €399 for the weekend (1 or 2 nights) and including free entry on one or two of the open days for all the occupants of the house.
To secure your place send €30 to Ballyhass lakes. Telephone bookings with credit card are accepted.
Ballyhass Lakes, Cecilstown, Mallow, County Cork.
www.ballyhasslakes.ie
Tel: 022 27773 Fax: 022 27990 E-mail: info@ballyhasslakes.ie
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/
17/1/07 I commence my report on the opening day of the season on LOUGH CURRANE and it was all-quiet on the Southwest front even though there were a few Kelts caught. Wind west-southwest fresh to strong all day and overcast with heavy showers and just for the record our Manger. Mr John Murphy and of www.loughcurrane.com reported to me that there were about 11 or 12 boats fishing?
18/1/07 No boats out due to storm force winds coming from the west and if the odd boat did venture out, all I can say is good luck to them and rather them than me.
19/1/07 Great news First 7 lbs Salmon was caught on the fly by Mr Ken Towner of the UK and Waterville, fishing with his Gillie Mr Vincent O’Sullivan and of www.vincentsfishing.com so congratulations to the both of them and as they say game on and let battle commence. Wind west strong all day and overcast with light rain in the afternoon,
20/1/07 another wild day with storm force west northwest wind blowing and if any boats did venture out they would have deserved to catch my Noble Gentlemen.
21/1/07 Again strong west northwest wind blowing and showers through out the day and as you can imagine very few boats out fishing. That is all the news from the Waterville Fishery. No Spin No Fly’s just facts.
Eileen Carroll reports:
SEASON OPENED ON THE RIVER LAUNE ON THE 17TH OF JANUARY 2007
RIVER LAUNE BEATS 1 AND 2
The first fish of the season was landed on the opening day the 17th of January by Damien Leen from Tralee weighing 9 1/4lbs landed by worm on Beat 1. Another fish caught on the same day was over 7lbs weight but was released.
Water levels were high, but not as high as last year and air temperatures were very cold. Water levels have continued to rise on Beats 1 & 2.
Northern Region: Web: http://www.nrfb.ie
E-mail: info@nrfb.ie
Lynsey Clarke reports:
HERE WE GO AGAIN!
RIVER DROWES – Monday 1st to Sunday 7th January 2007.
The 2007 salmon angling season began in earnest at 8.30 am on the Drowse as some 120 anglers vied to catch ‘The First’ salmon of the season. The weather was awful with wind and rain making conditions uncomfortable but the river was in fine fettle and looked very promising. The wait was not very long since at 8.50am, Derek Jermyn from Cavan Town caught a 6lb salmon and claimed the Drowes Perpetual Cup. The fish fell to a Flying ‘C’ spinner. At midday, David McKinley, Co. Donegal caught the second salmon of the season, another 6lb salmon also caught on a Flying ‘C’. The first ‘Catch and Release’ salmon of the season was caught at 2.45pm by Billy Cathcart, a former winner of the Drowes Perpetual Cup in 2004. The fished weighed around 10 lb and was caught on a Flying ‘C’ from ‘The Blackwater’ upstream of the Four Masters Bridge. Releasing the fish earned Billy a €500 Voucher from the Northern Regional Fisheries Board to be spent at a tackle shop of his choosing and also €1000 from the Central Fisheries Board to be donated to his designated charity. Billy wished this to go to Cancer Research at Belfast Hospital. At 3.45pm, William Campbell from Belleek, Co. Fermanagh, caught a salmon of 7 lbs. and should be congratulated for releasing the same back to the river. All in all it was a good day despite the weather with everybody enjoying the ‘craic’ despite some of the inevitable ‘groggy heads’ that can abound early on a New Years day!
There were few anglers out fishing during the week due in great part to the very wet and stormy weather. Richard Tannion however, recorded an 8½ lbs. salmon on Saturday which was released again. The fish was caught from Scot’s Corner and took a 2½ inch blue & silver Devon Minnow. Due to very heavy rain at the weekend, the river rose rapidly and is at present far too high for effective angling with few anglers fishing.
RIVER DROWES – Monday 8th to Sunday 14th January 2007.
The river has been running at high levels all week and with the very windy and wet weather, angling conditions have been very difficult. As a consequence, the river was quiet all week but a few rods did venture out at the weekend. There was no report of fresh salmon caught to date.
COARSE ANGLING
Eastern Region: Web: http://www.fishingireland.net/
E-mail: info@fishingireland.net
Godfrey Donohue reports on recent Carp fishing catches at the Corkagh Park Fishery in Clondalkin
“FIRST DOUBLE AT Corkagh Park Fishery in
2007â€
Camac Valley, Naas Road
Clondalkin
Dublin 22
Ireland
http://www.corkaghpark.com
T: ( 353 1) 459 2622
E: fishing@ireland.com
15th January 2007
Harry Kilpatrick, aka HARDCORE HARRY regular angler here at Corkagh park has truly lived up to his name this week. He braved the hard rain and wind to try and catch some winter carp. But to his surprise he got a lot more than he had bargained for.
After one or two medium sized carp he hooked into another fish, and soon after doing so he realised this one wasn’t like the other two, this fish had dragged Harry to the far side of the lake and was still taking line. Finally after ten or fifteen minutes the fish fell into Harry’s landing net the first double figure carp of 2007 weighing in at 11 lb 8 oz.
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
January 17th, 2007
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.
The River Shannon is in high flood following recent heavy rains and high winds.
ShRFB reports for the RIVER SUCK VALLEY – Mid River Suck
River Suck is in high flood.
Further local info contact Mr John Ryan, Assistant Fisheries Inspector Mobile: 087 6560038 Tel: 094 96 40103 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 Mob 087 8517299 – the River Shannon and Inny ATHLONE area.
The River Shannon is in high flood.
Mick Flanagan, Angling Correspondent for the Westmeath Topic and Sunday World Newspaper Tel: 087 2797270: mick@midlandangling.com reports on Midland Lakes & Rivers.
M.C.A.C…
On Thursday night January 18th Mullingar Coarse Angling Club will hold their Annual General Meeting in the Greville Arms Hotel. The club were very active in 2006 and hosted many competitions on local waters. Here in the Midlands coarse anglers are blessed with the amount of lakes & rivers which they can fish and it’s fitting that the town has such an active coarse angling club. Since we started Angling Focus the amount of people requesting information about coarse fishing here in the Midlands has been unbelievable. When you take the likes of Doolin lake, Dysart Lake, Lough Patrick, Slevins, Sheever, McEvoys, the Inny system and the Royal canal you have a huge span of waters for coarse angling. These are only a few jems in the Westmeath waterways which hold some super fish. In the coming season Mullingar Coarse Anglers will be holding competitions on some of these waters and if you would like to get involved in coarse angling in Westmeath call into the Greville Arms Hotel on Thursday Night 18th January. The meeting starts at 8pm and all are welcome on the night.
LOWER SHANNON AREA
TJ O’Brien, TJ’s ANGLING CENTRE KILLALOE Tel: 061 376009 Mob 087 8108225 reports for the Lower Shannon and East Clare Lakes
Michael Butler reports on a recent trip to Doon lake
” I caught 13 roach, 2 bream, 1 perch and a pike of 11lb
PIKE ANGLING
Eastern Region: Web: http://www.fishingireland.net/
E-mail: info@fishingireland.net
Fishing Report
16 January 2006
Thursday, January 04, 2007
By: Pat Mc Loughlin – Angling Guide, www.fishinginireland.net
086 1017415
Gerard Morris from Meath spent a day with me afloat on one of my local Lakes. The weather was mild and after a very stormy week the lake had a few days to settle. Gerard informed me he would love to have a chance to better his PB of 15lb he had taken in September on another lake in the area.
It wasn’t long before he was into his first fish of 6 lbs. followed very soon after by a 10.5 lbs, 14 lbs. 11 oz, 12 lbs. 3 oz. Over lunch Gerard said his scales were very old and the biggest fish we had might indeed be his PB.
We finished the day with 7 pike to Gererd, total weight 78 lb 3 oz and yes he managed to break his PB with a lovely clean fish of 17 lbs 15 oz. Needless to say, all fish were safely released to fight another day.
Slow fishing is the catch
Written by Marc O’Regan
Wednesday, 24 January 2007
Matthew McInerney from Manchester a regular pike angler to Ireland breezed in for a spot of fishing and in two days had the miraculous draft of fish. Many doubles and a big number of singles in the two venues visited so far this week. A very circumspect angler who enjoys catching a few fish on a days outing however his big thrill is working it out and talking about it afterwards in the bar. I expect that he will have a cracking day again tomorrow. His solution for this kind of weather is to fish slow and believe you me it works.
Last Updated (Wednesday, 24 January 2007)
Hard work catching pike
Written by Marc O’Regan
Monday, 22 January 2007
Yesterday Sunday the 21st was a cold miserable day that tried to improve but never succeeded. The previous night saw very heavy rain, which directly impinged on the fishing for the following day. How long it takes water temperature to reach equilibrium in any given lake is a real mathematical problem and knowing the answer might lead one to stay at home and enjoy the comforts of the modern day household Brothers Ken and Brendan Whelan well known in the Irish fishing world were not to be deterred despite a few subtle hints. As expected the fishing was very difficult but the enthusiasm and appetite was incredible and consequently the battle was joined. Within 20 minutes Brendan had a beautiful fish which needed just one more perch or roach to get him to the sometimes illusive 20 lbs. mark. This was a lovely start for any Gillie but under the conditions totally against the odds. The interesting thing about the weather at the time of capture was the sudden change that came about that looked like the day might improve, not the case. Shower after shower and a fluctuating NW wind put and end to the brief good spell. The day became colder and the wind dropped and moved to the NE and conditions generally became more difficult. We recorded a number of hits in the afternoon but no more successful hook ups. Overall the day was a great one with plenty of good conversation and fun also I like to think that these sort of days are part of the learning experience and often more beneficial in appreciating and understanding fishing than the successful ones. Picture of the winner below.
Well known angling writer and specimen hunter, Brian Cooke reports from a recent trip to BallyHoe 1 Lake near Drumconrath.
A quick note to say I was at Ballyhoe 1 yesterday. There is an awful amount of litter at the back of the car-park. Not certain it is anglers but there are a lot of cans, evidence of fires etc. Also the gate was open when we arrived and a few of the cattle were down the lane. I had to herd them back in. Fished for a couple of hours in horrendous conditions. Lake is well up. Managed one pike about 8 lbs. on a smelt.
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
January 17th, 2007
UPPER SHANNON
Bodo Funke, Angling Services Ireland, Boyle, Co Roscommon http://www.anglingservicesireland.com/ reports
We kick started the new year on our first days fishing/guiding of the year on Wednesday the 3rd of January 2007, when UK client David Tompkins hooked, landed and released this beautiful pike. She weighed in at 23 lbs. and was a welcome start to the new year. David and his father Gregg are over on a week long pike fishing trip in the Suck Valley area, which they booked with me over a year ago. During the next few days they boated several more pike up to low double figures. So despite the floods, high water levels and bad weather, there is fish to be caught out there. Tight Lines!
MID SHANNON AREA
ShRFB reports for the RIVER SUCK VALLEY – Mid River Suck
Patrick Cooper reports on a recent fishing trip to Co Roscommon
A 26lb 4oz pike which I caught on New Years Day on a small lake in Roscommon. The fish was returned safely to the water and was in perfect condition. “
Further local info contact Mr John Ryan, Assistant Fisheries Inspector Mobile: 087 6560038 Tel: 094 96 40103 and John Devaney, Assistant Fisheries Inspector, Roscommon 087 2266735 for lower River Suck.
Dermot Killeen Shannonbridge Tel 090 96 74112 Email: derry.killeen@gmail.com reports for SHANNONBRIDGE area
No reports received
Mick Flanagan, Angling Correspondent for the Westmeath Topic and Sunday World Newspaper Tel: 087 2797270: mick@midlandangling.com reports on Midland Lakes & Rivers.
Eventually the weather gods shone on Lough Ennell anglers. Last Sunday January 14th they hosted their annual winter pike competition. Unfortunately I was tied up on Sunday as my good friend Marty Smith and his good lady Sue were over on a weekend break from Macklesfield in Manchester. As it turned out Sunday was quite pleasant but still there was a sharp cold breeze. On the day local piker Peter Delaney topped the day with a pike 10 lbs. At present the water level on Lough Ennell is very high and fishing is very slow, with more rain promised for the coming weeks it’s not going to improve in the coming weeks. Mind you if you get a pet day it’s well worth a trip. Pike should be getting active shortly in preparation for the spawning season. If you do happen to hook-up with a monster the Irish Specimen lake weight is 13.608 kg.
FINALLY….
Over the coming weeks all local angling clubs will be holding their A.G.M. If you would like to drop us a line with date and venue we will publish it. Remember this is your page, the anglers voice in the Midlands. Simply e-mail, text or ring.
SEA ANGLING
Eastern Region: Web: http://www.fishingireland.net
E-mail: info@fishingireland.net
Warren Doyle, secretary of EFSA Ireland, reports on the Recent Winter Shore Classic held on the WEXFORD beaches last week.
65 anglers fished the EFSA winter shore classic on three venues in the Wexford area last week. 48 anglers came over for this annual event from the UK. Three beaches were used for the competition at Courtown, Tinnaberna and Roney Point. The first day got off to a good start at Courtown, and 31 fish was need to win. The second day saw the competitor’s fish in onshore gales at Tinnaberna and catches were down on the first although 17 fish won the day. The third day was kinder to the competitors with 34 fish needed to win at Roney Point. 11 species were recorded and in all 2816 fish were caught and released. Among the species caught were Dogfish, Smoothounds, Bullhuss, Bass, Cod, Coalfish, Flounders, Dabs and Three Bearded Rockling. All fish were measured and the winning anglers won on length. Over 50 Kilometres of fish were caught and measured!! The overall winners were:
1st Joe Arch, North Wales, winning the Waterford Glass Trophy along with a cash prize.
2nd Ian Golds, Essex,
3rd Stephen Brennan, South Shore SAC, Dublin,
4th Ian Knight, Ballybrack SAC, Dublin,
5th Robbie Coventry, Raheny & district, Dublin,
