Angling Reports
Markus Müller reports
Angling Report for Week Ending 26 April, 2009
River Moy
The Moy had its best week so far with a total of 56 salmon reported. The Ballina Salmon Anglers Water produced 12 for the week while the East Mayo Anglers stretch accounted for 13. However, the best salmon recorded was taken on Gannon’s Fishery where Jimmy Hutchinson, Northern Ireland, landed a fine fish of 5.4kg (12 lbs.) on worm. Elsewhere, the fly was successful and, on the East Mayo Water, Con Hyland, Straide, had a fine salmon of 4.9kg (11 lbs.) which took his fly. On the same stretch, Paul McGrath, Swinford, had a 3.2kg (7 lbs.) fish on fly while Hans Ulrich Bender, Germany, had one of 2.7kg (6 lbs.) on fly. On Cloongee, Michael Conway, Dublin, had a 2.3kg (5 lbs.) fish on the fly. On the Scott-Knox-Gore Fishery, at Coolcronan, Alan Brown from the UK (pictured), had a 3.1 kg (7 lbs.) salmon on the worm while Hugh McCormack, Drogheda, also had one at 3.1 kg (7 lbs. which took a spinner.
Loughs Conn and Cullin
Cold northerly winds and frequent showers resulted in poor trout angling conditions during the week with little fly life evident. Nonetheless, the Dick Gillespie Memorial Cup which was fished by Castlebar Anglers Association, in conjunction with Healy’s Hotel, resulted in 15 trout being taken by 25 rods on Sunday with a 12” (30.48 cms.)limit applying. It was won by Joe Quinn, Cloghans, Ballina, with 2 trout weighing 1.02 kg (2.2 lbs.) while Kevin Byrne, Castlebar, was in 2nd place with 2 trout weighing ∙97kg (2.1). Liam Curry, Ballinrobe, took 3rd prize with a fish of ∙61kg (1.3 lbs.). On the same day, Foxford Angler’s Association, fished for the Frank Devanney Memorial Cup with a 13” (33.02 cms.) limit in force. The competition was won by John Burke, Toomore, with 4 trout weighing 1∙8 kg (4kg) while 2nd was Billy McGhee, Ballyvary, with 1 trout weighing ∙68 kg (1.5 lbs.). Elsewhere on the lake, Xavier Gonnet, Austria, was fishing out of Pontoon Bridge Hotel, had 2 trout weighing 1∙8 kg (4 lbs) while fishing on Lough Cullin. Daragh McDermott, Laois, had a salmon of 3∙62 kg (8 lbs.) while trolling on Lough Conn and, on a subsequent day, had 2 trout for 1∙36 kg (3 lbs.) on Lough Cullin. Fishing out of Gortnorabbey, Francie White, Sligo, had 2 trout for ∙68kg (1.5 lbs.) on a Green Peter while Padraic Traynor had 1 for ∙45 kg (1lb.) on a Dabbler. Congratulations to local young angler, Ryan Binley, Foxford, who qualified for the Irish Youths Team this year after winning the Youth Championship on Lough Leane, Mullingar recently.
Ballysadare River
The Ballysadare River enjoyed another good week with a total of 41 salmon reported which 25 were released and 16 retained. Seanie Maye, had a fine fish of 4.5 kg (10 lbs.) on a Silver Wilkinson and the same angler had another fish of 5kg (11 lbs) later in the week which fell to a Cascade.
Glencar Lough
Glencar produced two salmon for the week with Jim Fox and Jim Henry each landing fish of about 3.17 kg (7 lbs.)
Lough Doon
This small trout lake, near Dromahair, Co Leitrim, yet enjoyed and excellent weeks fishing with Patrick Ward, Co Westmeath, fishing and returning a total of 12 trout for just fours hours fishing while several other anglers also enjoyed a good success. The Bibio and various Buzzers appear to be the most successful flies.
Carrowmore
The harsh weather conditions discouraged angling on Carrowmore Lake last week but several anglers still braved the elements and fished the Beltra part of the lake where several enjoyed good success. The lake produced a total of 16 salmon for the week with most in the 3 kg – 3.5 kg (6∙5- 7∙75 lbs.) range.
Ballin Lough
This rainbow trout lake, near Westport, continued to fish well this week with several anglers reporting excellent fishing. Michael Swartz and friend, Ballina, got a total of 13 trout of which they released 10. Murphy, Castlebar, had nine of which they returned three, best at 1.3 kg (3 lbs.) Pat Murphy and friend, Castlebar, had a total of 20 trout for their day which they returned 16, best fish at 2 kg (4∙5 lbs.)
Angling Report for Week Ending 19 April, 2009
River Moy
Salmon angling on the Moy improved further this week with a reported catch of 29 fish for the week. The Ballina Salmon Anglers water and the East Mayo Anglers water each accounted for four fish while the Cloongee Fishery provided three and another six were taken by anglers trolling on Lough Conn. The best salmon of the week, however, was taken on the Foxford Fishery by ghillie, Vincent McDonnell, who landed a fine fish of 15 lbs. which he caught on worm. On the Cloongee Fishery, Peter Reintjens, native of Holland and resident in Ballina, had a salmon of 10∙5 lbs on a spinner while regular visitor, Willie Behr, Germany, had a 13 lbs. fish, also on a spinner. On the East Mayo Water, Tom Kavanagh, Castlebar, had a 10 lbs. fish on the worm while Paddy Mulligan, Gurteen, Co Sligo had one of 10 lbs. on the fly. Local angler, Ian Guegan, had a salmon of 10.5 lbs on a spinner and released another fish of 6 lbs. which also took a spinner. With the water levels falling, following a recent flood, conditions look very promising for the coming weeks if the present dry spell continues.
Lough Conn
Angling activity picked up on Lough Conn over the past week with several anglers reporting reasonable fishing. John Warren and Ian Wyse, had eight trout averaging 1 lb. which they caught around the islands of north Conn. All came to various black fly patterns. Mick Sweeney, Dublin and Liam McHugh, Edenderry, had three trout averaging 1∙5lbs all of which took Bibios. Seamus Byrne, Athlone, fishing from Pontoon Bridge Hotel, had a trout of about 1 lb on a Claret Dabbler while James McWalter and Ian Byrne, also fishing out of Pontoon Bridge Hotel, had trout up to 1∙5 lbs on a Watson’s Fancy. While fishing with Gerry Murphy Boat Hire, Massbrook, a group from Dargle Angling Club, recorded six trout averaging about 1 lb.
Ballysadare River
The Ballysadare River enjoyed an excellent week of Spring salmon fishing with forty-seven salmon recorded of which 28 were released. Of particular interest was the size and quality of fish reported. For example, Vincent Henry, Sligo, caught and released a fine fish of 14 lbs took on an Ally’s Shrimp fly. Sean Maye, also from Sligo, caught and released two salmon, on separate days, each weighing 10 lbs. One took an Ally’s Shrimp while the other was on a Cascade. Meanwhile, Tom O’Donovan Jnr. had a fish of 9∙5 lbs. on worm while Josie Trotter also had a 9 lbs fish on the worm. With the water levels falling, and fish of this size arriving, prospects for Ballysadare look excellent for the coming week.
Doon Lough
This small lake in Co Leitrim, which is owned and managed by the Board, provided excellent sport over the past week. Ken Henry, Sligo, caught and released 11 trout all of which were caught on buzzers. Walter Doyle, Dromahair, caught four of which he released three while retaining one fish at 11/4 lbs. Mike Kelly caught and released three fish which took Buzzers. Joe Elliott got three of which he released two and retained one at 11/4 lbs Joe Elliot caught three of which he released tow and retained one. All Joe’s trout took a Diawl Bach.
Carrowmore Lake
Carrowmore enjoyed a good week of spring salmon fishing with best salmon, at 16 lbs., taken by local angler, Pat Doherty. Meanwhile Michael Righton, caught and returned no less than five salmon averaging 7 lbs, over the week. Mary Harkin, Dublin, had one at 8 lbs. while Tom Bell, Limerick, had one weighing 11.25 lbs while Bill Baynes, Castlebar, had one at 9 lbs and one at 8 lbs.
Lough Beltra
Lough Beltra enjoyed quite a good week with a total of 9 salmon reported all of which were released in accordance with the Catch & Release Regulation which applies on this fishery until 11 May. The best fish, weighing 11 lbs., was caught by Michael (Rocky) Moran, Castlebar, while Phil Beirne, Castlebar, Martin Hughes, Newport and Sean Dolan, Dublin, all recorded fish around the 9 lb mark. On the Newport House side of the lake, Richard Dowell, caught two salmon weighing 10 lbs and 8 lbs while Jonathan Murray also had two both of which weighed around the 7 lbs mark.
Ballin Lough
This rainbow trout fishery, near Westport, enjoyed excellent fishing during the week with just nine rods accounting for a total catch of 67 trout of which 54 were released. Declan McGuinness, Castlerea, landed a reported 20 rainbow trout of which 16 were returned alive best weighing 2.5 lbs. Patrick Mangan and partner hooked and landed 15 of which they returned 7 while retaining four each with the best at 2 lbs. Ted McGowan, Enniskillen, caught and returned eight trout with the best at 2.75 lbs. The most successful flies were Green Peter, Hares Ear, Damsel Fly, Bibio and various Duckfly patterns.
Week ending 12 April, 2009
River Moy
Water levels remained low during the early part of the week but rose significantly following mid week heavy rain. Over recent days a number of good fish have been reported from the upstream fisheries.
Sixteen salmon were caught during the week including, the fish of the week, a very nice springer of 6.9 kg (15.25lbs) taken on the East Mayo Anglers’Association water by 15 year old Welsh angler, Freddie Duncalf, fishing a spinner.
Freddie Duncalf pictured with his 6.9kg (15.25 lbs) Moy springer
Dan Stewart, Northern Ireland had a very nice springer of 5kgs (11 lbs) which came to a spinner also on the East Mayo Anglers’ Association water. Three salmon were taken on the Ballina Salmon Anglers’ water. John Cornally, Offaly had a nice 3.9kg (8.5 lbs) fish on Gannon’s fishery. Other anglers to take salmon included Sammy Colgan, Dublin fishing the Foxford fishery and upstream on the Cloongee fishery, French angler, Pierre Vellut had a nice 3.2kg fish (7 lbs) while spinning
Loughs Conn and Cullin
A cold north west wind at the beginning of the week did not encourage anglers to venture out on the loughs. Also, heavy mid week rain led to a rise in water levels and, with low temperatures, there was little sign of the much awaited olive hatch.
However, those anglers who did fish enjoyed some success. Ian Wise and John Warren fishing from Gortnorabbey had two trout to olives on Bog Bay. Padraic Traynor fishing with John Garvey, Kilkenny also had two trout on Flannery’s Bay. Fishing out of Massbrook, Ronnie Chambers, Belfast had two trout off Brackwansha on Easter Sunday and Dominic Concannon, Derry returned two from Coleman’s shallows. Other anglers to report trout included Gary Crossley fishing a Bibio, Walter and Susan Byrne, Cloghans and Offaly who had two for 1.4kg (3 lbs). Best catch went to Brendan Levins, Dublin fishing with Seamus Kelly who had four trout for 2.7 kg (6lbs) fishing the Claret Bumble and Sooty Olive.
Bilberry Lough
The Bilberry & Lannagh Angling Club held its first competition of 2009 on Bilberry Lough on Sunday 5 April, 2009. Fifteen anglers fished the competition which was won by Peter Byrne with three trout weighing in at 1.75kg (3.85 lbs). Second place went to Ollie Dorrington who also had three fish with third place going to Peter Gray. The prize for heaviest fish went to Shane Walsh with his first fish which weighed in at 0.64kg (1.4 lbs). Most popular flies on the day included Claret Bumbles, Silver Dabblers and Muddlers.
Carrowmore Lake
Four salmon were reported for the week, two of which went to local anglers Pat Doherty and Michael Noone who had salmon of 3.2kg( 7lbs) and 3.6kg (8 lbs) respectively. Sean O’Malley, Westport also took a nice fish of 3.6kg (8lbs).
Lough Beltra
Three good salmon were reported for the week, two of which went to visiting anglers Lorne Vernon, Belgium who had a very nice 4.5kg (10lbs) springer and English angler, David Cripps who landed a good 3.6kg (8 lbs) fish, both of whom were fishing out of Newport House. Aiden Byrne, Castlebar also had a very good springer of 4.5kg (10 lbs) fishing the Glenisland portion of the lake.
Ballin Lough
Thirty four rainbows were reported for the week of which 30 were very sportingly returned to the water. Jimmy Gibson, Westport had 12, ten of which were returned with his best weighing in at 1.6kg (3.5 lbs). Padraic Traynor and friend had nine rainbows all of which were returned. Others to take fish included Seamus O’Malley, Westport and Joe Gibbons, Kilmeena who had seven between them, five returned with their best 1.8kg (4 lbs). Most successful flies for the week included Muddlers and dry hoppers.
Ballisodare River
The Ballisodare fishery reported ten fish for the week, most of which were taken at the beginning of the week prior to persistent high water conditions following heavy rain. Three salmon were taken on Monday, the best of which a nice 3.9kg (8.5 lbs) fish went to local angler, Jimmy Cuffe, fishing an Ally’s shrimp. Tuesday saw 4 fish caught, two of which were released with the best fish a 4kg (9 lbs) springer coming to T. Mann, Northern Ireland fishing the worm. Mid week was very quiet due to high water and, on Easter Sunday, Anthony McCann and Dermot Glennon, fishing the worm, each had a very nice springer of 5kg (11 lbs) and 4.5kg (10 lbs) respectively.
Lough Arrow
Few anglers were out due to cold conditions and strong south easterly winds. Most anglers who ventured out opted to troll and reported some good fish. In particular, Maurice McCaffrey, Sligo had a very fine 3.2kg (7lbs) trout. Local angler, Gavin Cogan had a nice 1.1kg (2.5kg) fish and Peter Dunne, Drumshanbo also took two good trout each around 1kg. Anglers reported small hatches of duck fly and the outlook is for good duck fly fishing in the evening with favourable weather conditions.
Lough Doon
This small lake with a good stock of free rising wild brown trout opened recently and the small number of anglers who fished the lake to date have enjoyed considerable success. These included Eugene Curran who had six trout fishing Duck fly, five of which he returned and Paddy Ward, Westmeath who had twelve fishing a Bibio all of which he released.
Angling Report w/e 05 April, 2009
Graeme King, with his 52 cm. rainbow trout from Ballin Lough. Graeme is pictured next to the jetty on the lake and was fishing from a boat. Anglers are reminded that wading is strictly prohibited on this lake.
River Moy
Water levels in the River Moy continued to be low over the week and a number of salmon were caught in the Ballina Salmon Anglers’ Association Fishery.
The Board’s live web feed from the Ridge Pool is now on line and can be viewed at www.northwestfisheries.ie. It enables anglers to view the pool and assess water levels in the River Moy.
In Ballina, Tommy Egan Snr caught a fine fresh run springer of 3.6 kg. (8 lbs.) while fishing the worm. On the East Mayo Anglers’ Association Fishery, Ian Guegan, had some good early season fly fishing, catching a 2.9 kg. (6.5 lbs.) salmon.
Loughs Conn and Cullin
For the second week in a row, Ian Wise and John Warren, fishing out of Crossmolina, scored on Bog Bay, catching 2 trout while fishing the Bibio. From Cloghans Bay, Joe Quinn had 7 trout, fishing Buzzers, the best fish at 1.1 kg. (2.5 lbs.), Stephen Brown also had good success fishing Buzzers, catching 4 trout, while John Burke had 2 trout off Brackwansha Point, the best a fish at .9 kg. (2 lbs.).
The Lough Conn & Cullin Anglers Association had their first competition on Sunday April 5th, with 22 anglers venturing on to the lake. In first place was Sean Crean, Cloghans, with 2 trout for 1.26 kg., second place was Michael Noone, Laharadane, 1 trout for .46 kg. and in third place was Stephen Browne, Brackwansha, 1 trout for .43 kg.
Carrowmore Lake
The first salmon of the season from Carrowmore Lake was caught by John Cosgrove, a fine spring fish of 3.6 kg. (8 lbs.). Also during the week, Brian Reilly had a 3.6 kg. (8 lbs.) fish, Martin Rouland also had a salmon of 3.6 kg. (8 lbs.) while Michael Noone and Paddy Doherty, Bangor, had a salmon of 3.6 kg. (8 lbs.) each.
Lough Beltra
Angling catches slowed somewhat on Lough Beltra over the week but this may be partly explained by the settled and bright weather. Alex Haywood boated a 3.2 kg. (7 lbs.) fish, while John Belmore caught a 3.6 kg. (8 lbs.) salmon and Aiden Byrne also landed a 3.6 kg. (8 lbs.) springer. All salmon were released in accordance with Catch & release Bye-Law which applies on this lake until 11 May.
Ballisodare River
The opening day on the Ballisodare Fishery saw 3 salmon caught. A competition for club members was fished with F. McMorrow Jnr. catching a 4.1 kg. (9 lb.) springer on the fly, and receiving a check for €100 and a trophy, while Noel Barber landed a 2.7 kg. (6 lbs.) fish, also on the fly, and received a check for €60 and a trophy.
Over the rest of the week some fine fish up to 4.5 kg. (10 lbs.) were landed. Ronny Bewick banked a fine 4.1 kg. (9 lbs.) salmon while fishing worm and John Connolly caught a 3.2 kg. (7 lbs.) fish, also on worm, while Seanie Maye took a 3.2 kg. (7 lbs.) springer while fishing the fly.
Ballin Lough
Graeme King (pictured) had a very good day’s fishing on Ballin Lough, hooking and landing two fine rainbow trout of 52 cm. and 51 cm. within 5 minuets of each other. Graeme was fishing a Minky, on the eastern side of the lake. The 52 cm. fish gave an excellent account of itself and was quickly released after a photo. Graeme also reported hooking in to a larger fish that broke him off after running straight under the boat.
Meanwhile, Padraic Traynor had a very good catch of fish, landing 9 trout and releasing 7, with the best a fish of 1.1 kg. (2.5 lbs.) and Pat Murphy, Castlebar, boated 5 trout, 4 released, the best also a 1.1 kg. (2.5 lbs.) rainbow.
The most popular flies for the week were Buzzers, Montana Nymph and Minky.