Lough Owel
Lough Owel also fished well up to the weekend of 20th April for trout anglers, producing plenty of 'Stockies',
weighing up to a pound and a half. Some quality fish were caught by luckier anglers, with Brendan Kelly from
Killiney landing a 3 lb trout at the point of Murrays.
The O'Malley Cup was fished on Sunday, April 21st, and 46 anglers returned 25 fish. Phil McMahon, Mullingar won
with a fish of 1.470 kg.
In general weather conditions proved much more favourable over the weekend with the first signs of Olives hatching
down along the Portloman shore. It is interesting to note that five or six fish returned were over 3 lb wild trout. This is
unusual for this early in the season but is certainly good to see, inferring that the lake is not completely dependent on
this year’s stocked fish. Ray Morgan, Dublin, had a three- pounder on fly on April 20th. Paddy Isdell also had a
three-pounder on April 16th. M. O'Donoghue had a 4 lb trout on fly. The Kilbride Cup was also fished for on
Sunday. 20 anglers returned 16 fish, which was a good result. M. Kearney won with five fish.
In the week ending 25th April, anglers were getting reasonably good fishing with a number of 2 lb and 3 lb trout
showing up in the catches.
On Tuesday, April 23rd, Eamon Connell, Rathconrath had three fish to 1.5 lb on Bibio. On the 24th, J Miller, Dublin
had four fish. F Gainey, Dublin, three fish on fly. Joe Vickers, Tullamore had two trout including a good wild fish of
3 lb on a Duckfly. Danny O'Keefe, Dublin had two trout on a Bibio. Ted Callaghan, Lucan, returned two trout on a
Cock Robin. On April 27th, Philip McMahon, Dublin had two fish, one a nice wild trout of 2.5 lb on fly. Brendan
Murray, Mullingar, had the best reported fish of the week at 3.5 lb on fly. John O'Neill, Dublin, and Frank Garvey,
Dublin also had a few fish. Despite atrocious weather conditions on Sunday, April 28th, seven anglers managed
another ten fish.
169 anglers fished the Leinster Qualifier on Sunday, 12th May. 69 anglers caught 109 trout total weight 141 lb.
Best fish was 3 lb 15oz. The placings were:-
1st Place: Brendan Murray, Mullingar, five fish for 5 lb 9 oz
2nd Place: John Cooke, Collinstown, Co. Westmeath, four fish for 5 lb 5 oz.
3rd Place: Gerry Buckly, Naas, Co. Kildare, four fish for 4 lb 10oz.
In the week ending 19th May, fishing was reported as fairly good. Mayfly and Olives were on the trout menu.
A few nice wild fish were taken. Kevin Tipper, Dublin, had two fish, best 3.5 lb. Joe Vickers had four trout
averaging 1.5 lb on Mayfly on Tuesday and followed with a bag limit of six fish on Saturday, best fish 2.5lb.
Pat Ward from Slane had four fish on Sunday, averaging 1.5 lb. Pat Mulholland, Belfast, Tom Kennedy
and Ray Heffernan, Dublin, were amongst other anglers who returned fish.
P.O’R.
Lough Ennell:
Mayfly were up on Lough Ennell at Rinn Point & Belvedere Shore during the week ending 12th May but few fish
were feeding. Quite good catches were reported by anglers fishing Buzzer, returning lovely wild fish to over 5 lb.
Best areas are located from Hopes Bay to Ladestown Bay and into Borrough Hill areas. John Brennan, Longford,
took four fish weighing 4 lb, 3 lb 10 oz, 3 lb 8 oz and 3 lb 2oz, in three evenings, all on Buzzer. Mick Devaney,
Mullingar, had two fish, one 5.5 lb and 3.25 lbs. Andy Duncan, Mullingar, had a 4.4 lb trout on Buzzer. Mick
McCormack had two fish for 7 lb, John Carney, Newbridge, two fish, 4 lb and 3.5 lb. Eugene McGuinness from
Drogheda had three fish, best 5.25 lb, 3.5 lbs, 3 lb on Duckfly.
In the week ending 19th May, there was little to report. A few local anglers returned fish, despite a good hatch of
Mayfly. Conditions for Spent Gnat fishing have largely been unsuitable with the exception of Thursday night. Conor
Lynch had a couple of fish during the week, best 3.25 lb.
Lough Sheelin:
Reports from Sheelin are encouraging. I visited the lough on the 28th May. The water clarity was good, indeed very
good, there were prolific hatches of Mayfly and Sedges and more important, I saw some fine big wild trout being
caught.
Reports of the fishing during May are patchy.
In the week ending 12th May, there were few anglers fly fishing on the lake owing to North and North Easterly
winds. Saturday evening saw a good fall of Spent Gnat from Church Island to Orangefield. A few good fish were
reported including a whopping trout of 9 lb 2 oz caught on a Murrough Gedge by P. Lyons, L.S.T.P.A. J Murphy,
L.S.T.P.A., caught four trout on Green Mayfly, best 4½ lb. All were released. Mayflies are hatching from Church
Island to Orangefield and Sailors Garden. Also observed were Buzzer, Olives, and Murrough.
There were some good catches reported for the week ending 19th May when some good daytime and evening
Mayfly fishing took place. Mollusk Angling Society from Belfast appears to have had a very successful outing. S.
Childs and S. Munn took 21 trout in one day, most of which they returned. The best trout taken by the party was 3½
lb. Others that reported fish that week were Pat Irvine, Newry, 3 lb 4 oz; Eddie Clinton, 4 lb; Pat Delaney on Bibio,
7 lb 2 oz; Patsy Smith, on Spent Gnat, 2 lb 3 oz; Frank Kelly, Cavan, on Spent Gnat, 6½ lb, 3 lb, 2½ lb and 2 lb, all
returned.
PO’R.
Lough Corrib:
Danny Goldrick of the Western Regional Fisheries Board reports that over the weekending 21st April, temperatures
over the week ranged around the 10 to 12 degrees on Corrib, very often dropping to below zero come night time.
This, of course, affected trout fishing particularly during the evening time, the better angling been around mid-day to
around 4 p.m. Lake water levels had been dropping for the past few weeks bringing all levels to about normal for the
time of year. Good hatches of Olives occurred in many areas and Duckfly hatches were also good over the usual
hatching areas. Trout angling was considered to give reasonable results but not near as good as during the first week
of the month. A lot of anglers are fishing the lough, more and more boats coming from practically every county in
Ireland.
70 anglers fished the area between Greenfields and Cornamona over 92 rod-days and they accounted for 104 trout
for 131 lb. George Reward and party of six rods from England recorded 51 trout for 65 lb in five days (30 rod-days).
The winner of the Headford versus Ennis angling challenge competition was the Ennis Club with 15 trout for 18 lb.
The Headford Club had 13 for 17 lb. 52 anglers competed.
87 trout were caught in the Oughterard area for the week weighing 113 lb. 87 anglers fished over 1390 rod days.
John Molloy and a friend had 30 for the week, and M. McCormack from Offaly had four for 9.5 lb for a day’s
wet-fly fishing.
There was a big drop off in the number of anglers fishing over the weekending 28th April, mainly due to the normal
lull in angling between the Duckfly and Mayfly periods. The weather too was of little help with a lot of storms and
heavy rain over several days. However, there were many good catches to wet-fly by individuals and by those taking
part in angling competitions. Olives were very plentiful all week with lots of trout rising all over many areas. Padraic
Costello was the winner of the Garda Competition held at Greenfields on April 27th, recording six trout for 6.75 lb. In
second place was James Kelly with three for 5.5 lb and third was Tom McGuinness with four for 4.75 lb. 57 anglers
landed 103 trout for 132 lb in 58 angling days.
70 anglers took part in a competition held at Oughterard on Sunday, landing 94 trout for 129 lb. Jimmy Molloy won
the event with six trout for 10.5 lb and Michael Molloy was second with five for 7 lb. In third place was Patrick
Molloy with five for 6.75 lb. An excellent catch during the week was by Philip Harte from Portumna who landed
seven for 10.5 lb for a day and Jeremy Hannon had ten for 15 lb. Aiden Garvey from Galway had a specimen trout
of 15.5 lb while trolling the Glann Shore. Donal Connolly reports from his Nonaim Lodge, Glann, Oughterard, that
Mike Hennessy from Kenmare caught six trout for 9.25 lb for a day’s fishing with Donal, and he says he
accompanied Bob McDonnell from Huddersfield on another angling trip to Lough Corrib where Bob landed another
six trout for over 6 lb. Colm Murphy from Cork had three for 4.5 lb fishing from Donal’s lodge.
The Mayfly was up on the lake in the week ending 5th May but the trout didn’t notice for the most part. Most of the
trout that week were taken on Olive patterns.
Toby Bradshaw and Cyril Murray from Galway City won the three-day team Angling/Golfing event that was fished
from the Oughterard area over the Bank Holiday weekend. Their unbelievable record catch for the three days, using
mainly Olive and Buzzer nymphs, totalled 34 trout for 77 lb. 66 anglers took part and they accounted for 275 trout for
an average of around 2 lb. Olive hatches occurred over wide areas of the lough bringing trout to the surface during
the calmer periods. A lot of the trout were taken in the mid section of the lough, down as far as Ballindiff Bay.
There was good fishing the same week in the Greenfields, Cong and Cornamona areas of the lough, 47 rods taking
122 trout for 178 lb in 54 rod days. In addition to the above catch an estimated 300 rods fished the same areas
landing approximately 250 trout for 320 lb. G. Molloy won the Cornamona Anglers Competition with six trout for 8 lb
10 ozs; Martin Butler taking second place with three for 5 lb 7 oz and Mike Kane also had three for 5.25 lb. Mr.
Edwards and Mr Andrews fished over five days with Michael Walshe from Greenfields and they recorded 44 trout
for 66 lb, 34 of which were returned again to the water.
Over the week to May 12th, 43 anglers fishing in the area between Greenfields and Cornamona landed 144 trout for
205 lb in 55 angling days, mostly all to wet-fly and dapping. There was tremendous angling pressure on the lough
with some boats bringing in between 12 and 25 trout per day, including large numbers of trout in the 1 lb bracket. In
addition to the above catch an estimated 450 trout were also taken in 322 rod angling days. A small sample of
catches by a few anglers are as follows: Andy Duncan and Ian Kelly from Mullingar caught seven trout for a day
averaging about 2 lb, all of which they released again. Craig Murray and John Arneill from Co. Antrim had 13 for a
day, releasing ten again. Bert Blaklely from Donegal landed seven for 10 lb for a day and he released eight others.
In the weekending 19th May, Danny Goldrick reported that never in the history of Lough Corrib has so many anglers
fished there, particularly in the area of Greenfields, Cong, Cornamona and Oughterard. 141 anglers in the Greenfields
and Cornamona areas accounted for 240 trout for 309 lb in 140 angling days, best 4 lb. In addition to the above, an
additional 840 trout were taken between these areas for 1,122 lb, all in 670-rod days. The Irish Army Competition
was held on the lough on 13th May with 122 anglers who landed 151 trout averaging around 2 lb. John Molloy was
the winner with 6 trout for 4.1 kilos and the Guest Trophy went to Michael Keady who had 3 for 3.4 kilos.
Over two weeks in the Oughterard area, 248 anglers recorded 840 trout for 958 lb in 678 angling days, best bag of 12
fish for 14 lb for a day by Seib Eschler. 63 anglers at Currarevagh landed 231 trout for 251 lb in 191 angling days and
56 anglers at Camilaun Angling Centre had 265 for 293 lb in 213 angling days. Guests at Corrib Wave House: Donal
Forester had 22 trout in four days; Michael Drummond had eight for 13 lb in three days and Jim Williams had 13 in
four days. 52 guests from Lakelands Guest House had 63 trout for 127 lb in 64 angling days.
Lough Mask:
In the week ending 21st April, the reasonably good hatches of Duckfly and Olives brought about fairly good trout
angling on Lough Mask, resulting in 26 anglers taking 59 trout for 74 lb in 57 rod days. Greg Donohoe and a friend
from Dublin had 28 for 30 lb in six days with wet-fly, best 3.5 lb and Sean McGuine from Fermanagh had four for 5
lb for a day. Ronan Cusack and two friends caught five for 6 lb for a day with wet-fly.
The fishing picked up well in the week ending 28th April. Olives were plentiful all week bringing lots of trout to the
surface and the hatches of Duckfly also continued to attract more trout to feed in certain bays of the lake. A few
Mayfly were observed hatching despite the big drop in temperatures. 62 anglers fished and they recorded 147 trout
for 192 lb in 159 angling days. Edward Good and friend from Belfast fished wet-fly over five days to land 23 trout
for 27 lb and two other North of Ireland anglers – S. Chandler and T. Ivors – had 13 for 17.75 lb in three days to
wet-fly. P. McMullen and S. Howard from Dublin caught 12 trout for 15 lb in two days to wet-fly. English anglers,
S. Fawkes and Mr. Poynton also did well with 17 for 22 lb in five days. Local Ballinrobe angler, Pat Feerick,
reported a very successful weekend’s fishing landing a big number of trout, all of which he returned again to the
water.
Over the week to the Bank Holiday weekend (5th May) 99 anglers landed 278 trout for 398 lb in 263 angling days, all
excellent fishing considering that the Mayfly were still barely making an appearance on the water. Olives were all
over the place and trout fed extremely well to them. Colin Folan from Galway won the Two-day Development
Competition with six trout for 6.08 lb, in second place was Padraic Munroe with six for 4.59 lb and third place went to
Philip McGoldrick with six for 3.75 lb.
During the weekending 12th May, the lough, once again, produced great angling, anglers having a bonanza to the
Mayfly and Olive hatches. 55 anglers had 132 trout for 166 lb in 124 angling days. There was also some excellent
rises of trout to the Chironomid hatches late in the evenings, and some very good trout were caught on Buzzer
nymphs.
Anglers who recorded notable catches included Kevin Sheridan and Noel Moran from Ballinrobe who landed 12 for
15 lb for just one day’s wet-fly angling, all but one of which were returned again to the wild; S. Meran and T. Figgis
who had 13 for 15 lb in two days, and J. Keenan and P Delaney from Dublin who had 16 for 20 lb in two days to the
dap and wet-fly.
In addition, the Westport & District Anglers’ Association held a competition for the Broddie Gibbons Memorial Cup
and they recorded an outstanding catch on the day with possibly the best single bag of trout recorded in the history of
the Association. 46 trout weighing 62 lb were caught by 32 anglers. Brian Hope caught eight for over 15 lb, best
weighing 3.5 lb, to win the event. His two best fish fell to a Green Dabbler. A Mayfly nymph was the most
successful fly on the day and other successful flies were the Gosling and Bumble Olive. Adrian Kelly was second
with four trout for 5.3 lb and Pat Murphy was third with three fish for 4.1 lb.
The lake had good hatches of Mayfly, Olives and Chironomids throughout the week to May 19th, helping anglers to
some of the best trout fishing witnessed for a long time. During the same week, 272 anglers caught 634 trout for 897
lb over 812 angling days, including the two-day wet fly European Cup Competition held at Tourmakeady by the local
angling club. The winner was Mike Faherty from Oughterard with ten fish for 19.08 lb. Second was Patrick Fahey
with nine for 13.10 lb and Harold O’Toole from Galway was third with seven for 10.04 lb. 186 anglers fished the
event and they recorded 316 trout averaging 1.5 lb. On the second day of the competition the weather conditions
were so stormy that not all competitors got onto the water. Others to do well during the week included North of
Ireland’s Billy Graham and Dennis Hill plus three friends; they landed 58 trout averaging 1.5 lb, most of which were
returned again to the water but two 5 lb fish were kept. D. Hutching and a friend from Dublin had 23 for 32 lb in five
days to wet-fly and dapping. T. Quirke and S. McNulty from Dublin landed 13 for 17 lb in three days with wet-fly.
Mr. Holland and Mr. Spencer from Omagh took 26 for 33 lb in five days, and two other North of Ireland anglers, T.
Towey and S. McKuster had 17 for 23 lb in three days to wet and dry-fly.
Lough Carra:
The trout fishing is always slow to begin on the lough with anglers not willing to go out before the Mayfly appears.
Some Mayfly appeared during the weekend of 28th April. Olives were plentiful as also were Duckfly. Trout angling
continued to improve. 18 were caught for 24 lb. Joe Conroy and two Cork anglers caught four for 6 lb for a day, all to
wet-fly.
The fly was well up during the week ending 5th May but the trout were still slow to feed on them. 38 anglers fished
during the week landing 114 trout for 148 lb in 138 angling days. However, during the next week when Mayfly
hatches were much better, there was quite an upsurge in angling activity on the lough resulting in 148 anglers having
205 trout for 214 lb in 282 angling days. Reports say that the hatches of Mayfly were fair to good, all depending on
which part of the lough was fished. The Moorhall/Twin Islands seemed to have the best hatches of Mayfly and the
entire area south west of the Twin Islands produced excellent hatches of Olives. Mattie Hughes and a friend spent
two days on the lough for seven trout for 9.5 lb and four anglers at Peter Roberts’ guesthouse had 34 for the week,
all returned again to the water except for four. P. Caffrey and T. Jones from Dublin landed nine for 9 lb in two days
with wet-fly. S. Dunsworth and M.Whilde from Northern Ireland caught 11 for 13 lb over two days with-wetfly.
Mayfly were scarce over the weekending 19th May and fishing was never good. 28 anglers having 84 trout for 99 lb
in a 109 angling days, with a best fish weighing 2.5 lb. Anglers continued to report big numbers of smaller fish rising
to Olives and Chironomids. Eight anglers staying at Peter Roberts’ guesthouse had 40 trout for the same weight in
18 angling days.
POR.
Galway Fishery:
Spring salmon fishing has been poor this season. Only ten spring salmon were caught from 1 February to 21st April
at the Galway Weir Salmon Fishery, the best of 14 lb by Declan Tuffy. Peter Lynch from Kildare had one of 11.5 lb
and Dave Lenighan landed one of 11 lbs. Michael Leonard had a nice fish of 10 lb.
Only a few were caught in the week ending 28th April – one of 19 lb and two of 13 lb.
In the week ending 12th May, spring salmon fishing continued to give poor returns. Anglers for the week took just
nine fish, best of which weighed 13 lb by Paul Gallagher who was spinning at the time. Kevin Hannon and Dave
Lenighan each landed one of around 14 lb, again while spinning. The only fish to fly was caught by Paul Steward
from Northern Ireland and it weighed 14.5 lb.
12 salmon were taken in the weekending 19th May, best of 14 lb by Brian Howard and one of 13 lb by Michael
Leonard. Water levels were pretty suitable for fly fishing, but only three grilse were taken. Heavy rain at the
weekend will again bring up the water levels.
P.O’R.
Moher Lough:
Fishing for brown trout was reported to be excellent on the lough with most anglers taking their four-bag limit on each
outing. Enquiries for boats and permits to: Michael McDonnell, Liscarney, Westport, Telephone: 098 – 21638.
P.O’R.
Aille Lough:
The beautiful lake situated near Digger Jay’s Pub, Ayle, Westport (on the Westport/Ballinrobe Road) is providing
some very good trout fishing since the lough was restocked at the end of last month with trout averaging well over 1
lb. It also has wild brown trout to several lb. Enquiries for boats and permits to: Edward Mannion at 098 35366.
River Moy:
There were still good numbers of fish moving up through the River Moy system in the weekending 21st April and the
fresh water after the rain at the weekend encouraged more fish to travel upstream. Most of the fish caught were in
the Foxford area and above with East Mayo waters doing particularly well. 32 salmon were reported. Heaviest fish,
weighing 12.2 lb was caught by Conor Dennedy, Knock. Another good fish was caught by Ron Horan, Cheshire, on
the worm weighing 12 lb. Guy Boatotoux, France, had the first fish on the fly on the Foxford Fishery weighing 12 lb.
In the week ending 28th April, the wind and rain made for difficult fishing conditions. However the rise in the water
meant a good number of fish moved upstream and fishing was good above the outflow from the lake (Conn). Worms
and spinners accounted for most of the fish with one or two caught on the bubble and fly. Fishing was slow in the
Ballina area. 41 salmon were reported. Heaviest fish weighing 13.5 lb was caught by Geoff Moore, Lancashire.
Another good fish of 13 lb was caught by Frank Tarbuck, England. A French angler released a good fish of approx.
12 lb.
Heavy rain during the weekending 5th May resulted in an increase in water levels on the river of about two feet and
big numbers of fish moved upstream. All fisheries reported good fishering except those in the Ballina area where it
was slow. Due to the dirty water the worm was the most successful method, and as the water was clearing, some
fish were caught on spinners. 63 salmon were reported. Heaviest fish weighing 12.25 lb was caught by Alan Dixon,
Belfast. Andrew Lynette, Ballina, also had a good fish weighing 12 lb. Rodger Williams caught his first ever salmon
on the worm at Gurteen near Foxford weighing 7 lb.
The river fished well for most of the week ending 28th May but the very heavy rain towards the weekend resulted in
a high flood and stopped the anglers going out. There were good numbers of fish moving upstream with the high
water. Most of the fish were caught in the Foxford area and worming was the best method. 152 salmon were
reported. The heaviest fish weighed 15 lb and was caught by John Coleman. John also had three other fish weighing
13, 11 and 10 lb. Jeff Morrow, Isle of Man, had six salmon for eight days fishing, best fish 14.25 lb. Marty King,
Northern Ireland had two fish weighing 13.75 and 10 lb. Harry Thompson, Dublin, had two fish weighing 11 and 10.5
lb. Frank Gorman, Ballina, had two fish weighing 11.5 and 5 lb. Stevie Hooper, Northern Ireland, had two fish
weighing 9 and 8 lb.
P.O’R.
Lough Conn:
There were conflicting reports coming from the lough so far this season regarding the status of the trout stocks. It is
probably true to say that the jury is still out. However, I have heard some encouraging reports from anglers.
In the week ending 28th April, there was little interest shown in the lough mainly due to the strong winds. Six boats
were out earlier on in the week and they reported eight trout. Heaviest trout weighing 5.5 lb was caught by Dermot
Conlon, Pontoon. John Griffen, Crossmolina, had a good trout weighing 4 lb. Two anglers fishing with the Gibbs
party had four trout up to 2.5 lb. Walter and Susan Byrne had two trout.
During the week ending 5th May, the Mayfly was beginning to hatch in the southern end of the lake and the Castlehill
area and Olives were still hatching in big numbers in Bog bay. A slight improvement was noticed one some days and
a greater number of anglers decided to go out. 33 trout were reported. Most of the boats coming into Cloghans had
one or two trout and Susan Byrne had four trout, best 2.5 lb. Heaviest fish of the week was caught by Michael
Ruttledge, Lahardane, on a Cock Robin and weighed 4.07 lb. A competition was held on Sunday by Lough Conn &
Cullin Anglers for the Pratt Cup. 25 anglers caught nine fish weighing 16.89 lb.
Winner: Michael Ruttledge, Lahardane, with one fish weighing 4.07 lb.
Second: Ian Wyse, Lahardane, with one fish weighing 2.92 lb.
Third: John Warren, Errew, with fish weighing 2.80 lb.
In the week ending 19th May, John Burke of the North Western Regional Fisheries Board reported that there had
been excellent hatches of Mayfly on this water for nearly two weeks now it fished extremely well. The heavy rain
on Thursday resulted in a rapid rise in water levels and made for difficult fishing at the weekend. The Home
International was held on Saturday and the three practise days were fished on a catch and release basis with only
trophy fish being kept. Approximately 200 fish were released. John Kaye, Scotland, kept a beautiful trout weighing
6 lb. Mike Childs, England, was not far behind with a fish weighing 5 lb 11 oz.
The Final itself was fished in difficult conditions and 56 anglers caught 43 trout weighing 55.21 lb. The winners were
Scotland with 15 fish weighing 20.28 lb. Second: England with nine fish weighing 12.35 lb. Third: Ireland with nine
fish weighing 11.39 lb. Fourth: Wales with ten fish weighing 11.19 lb. Heaviest fish: George Reed, Scotland,
weighing 3.02 lb. Heaviest bag: Gordon Inglis, Scotland, with three fish weighing 3.60 lb.
Top rod England: Richard Cobbledick with two fish weighing 3.31 lb.
Top rod Ireland: Pat Feerick with three fish weighing 2.97 lb.
Top rod Scotland: Gordon Inglis with three fish weighing 3.60 lb.
Top rod Wales: Tim Llewellyn with two fish weighing 2.93 lb.
The Healy Cup was fished over two days on either Conn or Cullin and due to other commitments on other lakes there
was a poor turnout by the local anglers. Overall winner over the two days: Sam Bolton, Lahardane, with five fish.
Second: Michael Ruane, Pontoon, with three fish. Third: John Jennings, Ross, with one fish.
3 salmon were caught during the competition and were released. Chris Wather, Woking, England, had a salmon
weighing 8.75 lb on a Green Peter. Martin Foley, Dublin, had one salmon weighing 7.5 lb and two trout trolling near
Pontoon.
P.O’R.
Lough Cullin:
This lough is located immediately downstream of Lough Conn. On 19th May, John Burke of the North Western
Regional Fisheries Board reported that there were excellent hatches of Mayfly for the past two weeks on Lough
Cullin with trout moving all over the lake. The fishing was spectacular and was reminiscent of the good old days of
long ago when anglers caught, rose and put back dozens of fish. Its great to see this turn around as very few anglers
fished this water last year. The fishing slowed down towards the weekend due to the rise in the level of the lake and
strong winds. The outlook is good once the winds die down and there should be great Spent fishing in the evenings.
Also the encouraging thing for future years is the big stock of small fish. Jack Spratt and Stan McCart, two
renowned anglers from Northern Ireland, had 19 trout for two days, best 2.5 lb, all returned. Betty and Michael
Hayes had 22 fish for one day up to 2.5 lb, all returned. The Albert Berry party of 30 anglers caught 62 trout and
returned hundreds more. Graham Williams Pontoon had six, fish best 1.75 lb. Martin Foley, Dublin, had five fish,
best 2 lb. Francis Martin, Fermanagh, had nine fish for two days, best 2 lb.
P.O’R.
River Boyne & Tributaries:
On Monday 15th April 2002 Nemo Fontecchio from NY, U.S.A. visited the Kells Blackwater. Water conditions were
low and clear and fishing was difficult with not much by way of fly hatches occurring. Some small hatches of large
dark Olives appeared but not enough to encourage trout to rise consistently. However, Nemo had a lot of small fish
and his catch was complimented by a number of fish from 12 to 14 inches. His best fish was 1 lb. The River Boyne
at Navan produced three salmon during this week. The fish weighed in at 8 lb, 9 lb and 13.5 lb. The fish fell to Flying
"C", shrimp and worm. The Boyne below Slane, Co. Meath also produced its first fish this week with a salmon being
taken at Molly Johnstons.
During the week ending 28th April, the salmon fishing really began to pick up.
On the 21st., Ken Gillick, Trim, took a fish of 13½ lb on worm. Also on that date Derek Timmins, Navan, landed an 8
lb salmon on a worm. Tom Hamill, Navan, landed a salmon of 8½ lb on a Flying 'C' and Liam Gooseberry, Dublin,
took a fish of 9 lb on shrimp.
Some trout are being caught on the Upper Boyne. At Efferknock trout of around the pound mark were taken. At
Muchwood in the Longwood area, anglers were catching trout from 1 lb – 1½ lb. There were also a few trout being
caught in the Moyfinn area.
On the Enfield Blackwater at Castlerackard trout of .75 lb were caught.
On Friday, 3rd May, Michel Henry from Lyon in France and David Byrne from Drogheda visited the Kells
Blackwater. Conditions were difficult with a cold northeasterly wind blowing downstream. There were
hatches of Olives and Gnats at intervals throughout the afternoon. This encouraged small spasmodic rises
with fish sipping Olives and Gnats from the surface. The rises were very hard to see in the turbulent
water. In all, the duo landed and released ten trout to 11 inches. The best fish fell to Michel Henry from
Lyon.
Herbert and Robert Berendregt from Holland visited the Kells Blackwater on Thursday, 2nd May. Weather
conditions were tough with a moderate wind blowing from the north. The day was bright with little in the way of
cloud about. The temperature was 9 degrees in the morning and getting up to 13 in the early afternoon. Robert and
Herbert fished in the Maudlin area in the morning using wet-fly and down stream nymph. In the evening dry-fly was
possible in sheltered places. There was a slight colour on the water but cleared slightly in the afternoon. The water
level on the Kells Blackwater is high for the time of year. The flies which produced the best results were the Iron
Blue - size 12 (dry) and Greenwells Glory - size 12 (dry). In all. Robert and Herbert had a total of 14 fish and all fish
were returned safely to the river. The best fish weighed in at 1 lb.
Heavy rain in the week ending 12th May put a lot of water in all the Boyne tributaries. Some of them were virtually
unfishable and the main river was very high and coloured right up to the last week of May.
Robert and Herbert Berendregt from Holland fished the Kells Blackwater on Monday, 6th and Tuesday, 7th. The
duo produced a total of thirty trout to 14 inches for the two days. All fish were returned safely to the water.
The Mayfly hatch on the main river was well under way in the week ending 19th May and really good trout were
being taken despite the unseasonally high water.
In the Donore area, trout of .75 lb to 3½ lb were being caught. In the upper reaches of the River Boyne in the
Inchimore area, trout of .75 lb to 2 lb were taken. Ballyboggan Area: trout of .75 lb to 3½ lb were reported. Rahan
Area: trout of .75 lb to 2 lb were caught. Moyfinn Area: trout from .75 lb to 1½ lb were being caught. Drinadaly
Area: trout from .75 lb to to 1 lb were being caught.
Kieron Early, Dublin, took a fine salmon of 17.5 lb on May 13th. on the the River Boyne at Navan. Quite good trout
fishing is currently being enjoyed by anglers despite conditions not being the best on stretches of the Upper River
Boyne. The Mayfly is now making its appearance and this will help no end.
In the Bective area trout from .75 lb to 1 lb are being caught. At Tripley, trout from .75 lb to 1½ are being taken. In
Drinadaly, anglers are getting trout from .75 to 2 lb. Anglers in the Donore area are getting trout from .75 lb to 2½
lb. In the Moyfinn area, trout from .75 lb to 4 lb are being caught. At Ballyboggan trout from .75 lb to 2½ lb are
being caught.
Between Athboy and Ballyfallon trout from .75 to 1 lb are being caught on the Trimblestown River. Throughout the
system many small trout are being returned to the water.
P.O’R.
Emy Lough:
The trout fishing was very slow on the lake in April. From April 8th to 21st, 34 boat rod days yielded seven trout,
which weighed 16.75 lb. The best of these were a 4- pounder taken on April 11th, and a 4 pounder and a 3½-pounder
taken on April 21st. Between April 22nd and 29th. seven boat anglers caught one trout weighing 2lb.
Best flies currently are Black Pennell, Mayfly Nymph, Claret and Mallard, Duckfly and Black Spider.
During the week ending 5th May, the weather was still causing problems on the lake and returns were not what we
would like them to be. Between April 30th and May 7th inclusive, 29 boat anglers took 12 trout weighing 24.5 lb. The
best days fishing occurred on May 4th when 11 anglers took eight trout for 17 lb. Best flies at this time were Sooty
Olive, Mayfly Nymph, Zulu and Silver Butcher.
In the week ending 12th May, the weather continued very broken and although some days were quite warm, the
nights were rather cool with frost. Angling returns were still not what they should be. The lough has been enjoying a
very good Mayfly hatch since late April. Between May 8th and 12th, 33 boats yielded 21 trout weighing 37½ lb.
No wild trout were reported. Best flies currently are Bibio, Sooty Olive, Golden Olive, Silver Butcher and Black
Spider.
P.O’R.
White Lake:
White Lake has been fishing quite well since opening day. On April 19th Paddy Gregory, Kildare, landed three
brown trout weighing 1 lb, 1 lb 4½ oz and 1 lb 7 oz. All were caught on worm. On the same day, Larry
Kelly from Trim took two trout. One was 1 lb 8 oz brown and the other was 1 lb 10 oz rainbow. Both
were caught on Claret Dabbler. Also on that date, Billy Devitt from Ardee had a rainbow of 2 lb 7 oz on a
Duckfly.
On April 20th, Jane Kelly, Trim, landed a brown of 1 lb 8 oz on a worm. Also on that date, Jimmy Allen,
Dunshaughlin, had two browns of 1 lb 9 oz and 1 lb 10 oz, both on worm. On the same date, Jason Connor,
Dunshaughlin, took two browns of 1 lb and 1 lb 2 oz also on worm.
On the 21st, only one trout was caught up to 5p.m. and it was a rainbow of 1 lb 6 oz. which fell to a Claret Dabbler
fished by Ollie Kelly husband of Jane, father of Larry and local club chairman.
The local club ran a competition on Sunday 28th. Fishing was from 10a.m. to 5p.m. with 16 anglers catching nine
trout. The winner was Gerry Peppard, Trim, who caught the heaviest fish - an over wintered brown of 2 lb 8½ oz
(He also had a rainbow of 1 lb 1½ oz.). He caught both on spinner. Joint second were Ollie Kelly, Trim, with a
brown of 1 lb 7½ oz. (He also caught three other brown trout; 1 lb; 1 lb 1½ oz and 1 lb 2 oz.). All his fish were take
on worm. His partner in second place was Joe Maxwell who had a rainbow of 1 lb 7½ oz. (He also had another
rainbow weighing 1 lb 1½ oz). He too caught his fish on worm. Third was Jason O'Connor, Dunshaughlin, with a 1 lb
1½ oz brown on worm.
Fishing was very poor over most of the weekend, 5th May, due to calm bright conditions. However, on Sunday, May
5, things improved a bit. Michael McMahon, Drogheda, got a brown of 2 lb and a rainbow of 2.05 lb on Bibio. Pat
Rodgers, Dunshaughlin, landed a brown of 1.07 lb and a rainbow of 1.10 lb, flyfishing. Phil Molloy, Belfast, got two
browns of 1 lb and 1.12 lb, worm fishing.
Monday brought a nice wave to the lake and Ollie Kelly, Trim, took two rainbows of 2.03 lb and 2.06 lb on Claret
Dabbler. Another angler took a 1.04 lb brown on a fly. Fly fishing was improving and worm fishing was easing off at
this time.
Earlier in the weekend a day ticket holder caught and released three trout, the best of which was a rainbow of 2.04
lb.
Only a couple of anglers braved the conditions on Saturday, May 11th., and blanked for their trouble. However, on
the next day a few people tried their luck and took a few fish.
Paul O'Neill, Dublin, had three rainbows on a fly averaging 1½ lb to 2 lb. Jason O'Connor, Dunshaughlin, took two
rainbows of 1½ lb and 1.75 lb on a fly. Jim Kane, Trim, got a rainbow of 1½ lb on a fly. A few trout averaging 1 lb
were also registered. Conditions were windy but dry.
P.O’R.
Lickeen Lake:
The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board on Monday 13th announced the re-opening of Lickeen Lake, Co Clare.
Lickeen Lake Trout Fishery situated near Kilfenora in North Clare which has been the subject of fishery ownership
difficulties over the past few years, is once again fishing.
The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board in association with the stakeholders have developed a management protocol
for the lake. The protocol recognises the commitment of the local landowners to the conservation and management of
the lake and enables the Board to manage the lake on a day to day basis.
Mr Eamon Cusack CEO stated that "the re-opening of Lickeen marks a new beginning for the lake and the
Board is committed in restoring Lickeen, in association with the other stakeholders and developing it in a
sustainable manner for the benefit of recreational angling and the local community"
All anglers are welcome to visit and permits are available at a number of outlets. The permits also allows for angling
on other Shannon Board Waters throughout the region.
Further Information contact
Eamon Cusack CEO
Tel: 061 300238
P.O’R.
Monaghan Blackwater:
Occasional trout are being taken on the Monaghan Blackwater. The local club ran a fly only competition on the river
on April 14th, thirteen anglers fished from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. taking 22 trout. Only three trout qualified as being twelve
inches or more. Local angler Dick Kernan caught all three on Buzzer. He had the heaviest trout, an old stocked fish
of 2 lbs. 12 oz; the heaviest bag which was the previous fish plus one of 1 lb. 4 oz. He also scooped the third prize
with a trout of 1 lb 6 oz. Apart from the heaviest fish, the rest were all wild trout.
P.O’R.
Lough Nagarnaman:
Carrickmacross Trout Anglers ran their annual Greenmount Cup Competition on Lough Nagarnaman on Sunday,
May 19th. 59 seniors and eleven juveniles fished from 3-6 p.m. landing 65 trout between them. The winner was
Sean Donaghy, Lisdoonan, who had one brown and two rainbows for 6.09 lb. He fished flies. Second was Tony
Gartlan, Cloughvalley, Carrickmacross, with three rainbows weighing 6 lb, using worms. Third was Artie Campbell,
Ballykella, Co. Louth, who had two browns and one rainbow weighing 5 lb. 14oz. Heaviest individual trout was a
brown of 2.07 lb caught by Sean Donaghy to win him the Noel Callan Memorial Trophy. The heaviest rainbow was
caught by club sec., Gordon Sweetnam, Carrickmacross, weighing 2.05 lb. The juvenile event was won by local John
Doyle Jnr. with two browns and one rainbow weighing 4lb. This won him the Sean Manning Cup.
In general the lake is now fishing quite well again.
All is quite on the Glyde and Dee at this time. Some anglers are managing to
catch a few trout at Lough Brackan near Drumconrath.
P.O’R.
Lough Beltra:
Spring salmon fishing was slow on Lough Beltra in the first half of May with no salmon coming from the Newport
side. Five salmon were caught on the Glenisland side. Heaviest fish weighing 10 lb by James Clarke. Bernard
Koolhaas, Holland, had two fish weighing10 lb and 9 lb. Manfred Bunzel, Germany, had one fish weighing 9 lb. Sean
Dolan had one fish weighing 7.5 lb.
P.O’R.
Upper Caragh:
May in the beautiful valley of Glencar climatically resembled the Alcutian Islands with an incredible amount of
precipitation mostly in the form of torrential rain showers and at times sleet, contributing to the very fast flows and
resulting in unseasonably high water levels. The May catch due to inclement weather and difficult fishing conditions
was not quite as prolific either, with a total catch of 60 fine salmon for a total weight of 506 lb, with an average
weight of 8.5 lb. In the order of effectiveness, the old reliable, though somewhat frowned upon, worm, accounting for
34, followed by the fly in a variety of shapes, form and colour at 16; Toby in third place accounted for an additions
six and a spoon in fourth position accountabe for two fish.
The largest catch this year went to Ernst Gubeli of Switzerland in Pool 6 at 15.5 lb and 860 mm. on a worm. Second
place at 14 lb went to our own Ralph Dopplar using a worm in Pool 9. Third place went to Heinz Stalmann in Caragh
Lake with 13.5 lb on a Toby. At the same time, his wife was playing an 11 lb fish. Special mention went to
fisherman Christopher Barbary of England who, on a combination fly and worm, caught five fish for a total of 43 lb in
three days fishing. Moss Connor and Andy Beadsley, President of the Handicapped Anglers Association inspired us
with their dazzling performance on wheels in Pool 6.
P.O’R.
Moy –Foxford Fishery:
Following on from the fine sport enjoyed at the end of April, the month of May has produced 40 salmon at the
Foxford Fishery. 30 of these were spring fish with an average weight of around 9 lb, the balance being early grilse
averaging around 4 lb. This very respectable catch was returned despite very unsettled conditions for the entire
month with over three times the average rainfall for the month falling in the area. As a result of this extreme
weather, the River Moy was constantly at flood level and rising and falling daily calling for high water bait fishing and
spinning tactics and not giving an option for fly-fishing
Best fish for the month was a wonderful 14 lb 4 oz springer for Geoff Morrow from the Isle of Man which was part
of a seven fish bag for his week. Three members of a party led by Paul Tibbett, including 15 year old Chris Tibbitt,
were initiated into the salmon angling fraternity by catching their first ever salmon during their week at the Foxford
Fishery. Another party to do well was Gerry Courtiers party of four with four fish to 9½ lb in three days.
Almost all the fish taken during May were fresh and sea-liced indicating that the constant high water levels were
encouraging fish to run hard. Prospects for June appear good with the weather settling and grilse starting to feature
in the catches. For information or bookings, contact the Fishery Manager, Granville Nesbitt on 00353868032350, or
info@anglingwestireland.com or check the fishery website at www.anglingwestireland.com
P.O’R.
River Easky-Fortland Fishery:
Reports that early fish had been seen at the Fortland Fishery were confirmed on the 30th May when Stan Peachie
caught a 10 lb springer in the Sandhole on a Brown & Gold Devon. This was followed on the 31st with another fish
by Dustin Pitman of Wales. Dustin’s fish was fresh-run and about 8 lb. It was taken in the Platform Pool and
released back to the river. Although only a couple of anglers had fished to-date, several fish had been lost and
several more seen. Some good spring sea trout were also seen ascending the Fortland Falls, so clearly a more
concerted angling effort is warranted at this time of year in advance of the main grilse run arriving around the end of
June.
For information or bookings, contact the Fishery Manager, Granville Nesbitt on 00353868032350, or
info@anglingwestireland.com or check the fishery website at www.anglingwestireland.com
P.O’R.
Screebe Fishery:
With Screebe House opening on the 1st May, there has been a steady trickle of fishing guests from far and wide.
John Relinsky from Seattle had 14 brown trout for two days, largest 2 lb from Screebe Lake. Z. Rene from France
had 18 brown trout from Lough Lettercraffroe over two days, all averaging 1¼ lb. Lots of rain around the 20th
stirred up the springers again with four fish lost over three days on the 26th May. The Chef at Screebe House,
Trevor Down, had a 9 lb 14 oz springer from Wings Pool on a Black Shrimp. Although water levels are high, it is
very clear. On the 29th, Albert Burkart, owner of Screebe, had 19 brown trout from Derryvonniff and Glencho
Lough. The largest was 3 lb and he also saw a few salmon. A. Loibnegger from Germany had 14 brown trout from
Lettercraffroe Lough in one day. When the water starts to drop, we will have a better idea of how many fish ran in.
Fingers crossed for June!
P.O’R. | |
