North West Region

The North Western Regional Fisheries Board

Angling Report – w/e 16 September, 2007

Markus Müller reports

The Moy system accounted for a reported catch of 217 salmon for the week, bringing the yearly total, so far, to 7701. With water levels dropping the best of the fishing was between Ballina and Foxford.
 
While angling on the Moy Fishery was slow a number of anglers enjoyed good fishing including UK angler, Mike Maslin, Andrew McGall from Northern Ireland, Sean Maye, Sligo, and Nick Shaw, Mullingar all of whom had salmon. Mount Falcon had another good week with 55 salmon caught (22 released). The Phil Briscoe party did particularly well: the 9 anglers had 32 salmon for 3 days, 22 of which were released. The same English party was also successful on Coolcronan where, they had another 12 salmon mainly on worm and prawn. Also on Coolcronan, Mick Sherwin, UK, had a 6 lbs, salmon to the worm. 

Up river, on Cloongee, Joe Yates from the Isle of Man had a 5 pounder on spinner while on the East Mayo Association water, Cecil Allen, NI, and Richard Smith, UK, each caught a 4.5 lbs. grilse on the fly. German fly angler, Hermann Hauert, had 2 fine salmon on Ballintemple and also reported excellent sea & brown trout fishing.

Moy Estuary

There was very good fishing on the Moy Estuary during the week with 120 sea trout reported by anglers. John Honour, UK, had very good sport on the fly, while Sherley & Peter Hannon, who were fishing with Judd Ruane, caught 40 trout (28 released) for 2 days on mackerel strip.

Lough Conn

Lake levels have dropped a lot with all the fine dry weather and as a consequence just a few anglers ventured out during the week. However, visiting anglers reported some decent catches. Twenty-five anglers caught a total of 41 trout over 53 rod days.

Arthur Mann and George Paine, UK, each had 2 trout for 6 lbs., best at 2.25 lbs. fishing Black Pennells. Martin Fisher and his wife Anna, also UK, caught 3 trout for 5 lbs., with best at 1.75 lbs. on Golden Olives & Claret Dabblers. A French party of 4 anglers had 6 trout for 7 lbs., best at 1.5 lbs. The French anglers were fishing Watson’s Fancy, Bibio and Green Peter patterns and released all their fish. Jean Arliez & Louise Bartoldy, also from France, took 3 trout for 4 lbs. on Golden Olives. Elsewhere, local angler, John Finnerty, caught 2 trout at 1.5 lbs. & 1.25 lbs. while spinning.

Easkey - Fortland Fishery

Eleven salmon were reported for the week on the Fortland Fishery with most fish taken on bubble & fly and prawn.

Burrishoole Fishery

There are still good numbers of fish entering the Burrishoole system. A total of 7 salmon were caught on Lough Furnace for the week: Michael & Sean Smith had 4 fish, while local angler Martin Hughes caught a fine 6 pound grilse.

Ballin Lough

Conditions were calm and bright with light winds and 20 rods fished for the week. A total of 16 rainbow trout were caught, 4 of which were released.  Amongst the successful anglers were: Mr. Brown & Mr. Ludgate with 5 trout, beast at 2 lbs, Mr. Sweeney & friend with 3 fish, best at 2.5 lbs. and Paul Caslin & Colm Peyton also with 3 trout, best at 2 lbs. Most successful flies for the week included Montana, Coch y Bonddu and Xmas Tree.

Lough Arrow

Despite the fine dry weather and calm conditions some fine fish were caught on Lough Arrow during the week. Local angler, Peter Dunne, did particularly well and caught 9 trout, all between 2 lbs. & 3.5 lbs. The best fishing was in the evenings on dry sedge patterns.

Sea Angling

The Moy system yielded 446 salmon for the week, with the best of the fishing, again, in the middle reaches of the Moy between Ballina & Foxford. However, with weather conditions improving and water levels dropping, expectations are high that fishing on the tidal beats of the Moy Fishery will improve over the coming days.

While angling on the tidal beats was slow a number of anglers enjoyed success including Welsh angler, Ken Williams, Henry Keating from Meath, William Fullerton, Donegal & Gary Slattery, Limerick all of whom had salmon. Mount Falcon continued to fish well with UK anglers, Bill Whiting & friend taking 11 salmon for 2 days, 6 of which they released. On the Coolcronan fishery Noel Craig, UK had 3 salmon, while Dieter Deslades, Germany had fine 7 lb fish on Gannon’s fishery. Thirteen year old Brian Kennelly, fishing the Foxford Fishery had his first 2 salmon and his 10 year old brother also had his first fish. Up river, on the East Mayo Anglers’ water, Jimmy Reilly, Leitrim had a 5 lb salmon on a spinner & Cecil Allen, Northern Ireland had 2 fish on the fly.

The North Western Regional Fisheries Board, in association with Recreational Angling Ireland, held its  second juvenile anglers event on the Moy Fishery last Thursday, 23 August. As with the Board’s earlier event, it was necessary to accommodate the young anglers on the Freshwater Beat rather than the usual venue (the Cathedral Beat) due to high water. Although the day failed to produce any salmon, it was attended by 46 juvenile anglers and proved to be an enjoyable occasion nonetheless.  It is one of many events which are held throughout the region as part of the Board’s policy to promote angling for young people.

Easkey - Fortland Fishery

72 salmon were reported for the week, 55 of which were released. Robbie Kingston & son from England had 18 salmon on fly & worm, 10 of which they released. Best day was Monday, when 33 salmon were caught on the fly, 26 of which were released.

Burrishoole Fishery

Light northerly winds made angling conditions difficult. However, anglers enjoyed good sport and landed 10 salmon for the week. Stephen Bird, Lisburn Co Antrim caught a nice salmon on an Ally’s Cascade and Liam McHugh, Offaly had a great days fishing catching and releasing two wild salmon (The fishery has a policy of releasing all wild salmon) Mr McCormack Ballina caught a nice grilse and local angler, J Wade took a fine fresh salmon at the neck. The fishery continues to fish well and anglers report good signs of fresh salmon in the lake.

Ballin Lough

Conditions were calm and bright with light winds and 13 rods fished for the week. A total of 13 rainbow trout were caught and a number of these were released. Visiting UK angler, Mr Good and friend had 4 rainbows, their best fished weighing in at 3.5 lbs. Local junior angler, Pat McNamara from Fahy caught 2 fine rainbows, with his best fish at 2.5 lbs. Brothers, Pat and Dennis Murphy, Castlebar caught 4 trout and released 2, their best was 2.5 lbs  The most successful flies were nymphs and sedges.

Clogher Lake

Five boats fished the lake for the week and all trout caught were returned. Amongst the best catches  were Mr Caslin and friend, Claremorris who caught and returned 10 trout and Michael McDowell who caught and returned 12 trout.

Ballisodare River

The run of salmon into Ballisodare has started to tail off over the past week. In total, 32 salmon were caught, 6 of which were tagged and the remaining 26 returned to the river. Trevor Goulding had a fine 10 lb salmon fishing an Allie’s shrimp fly which he very sportingly returned to the river to continue its journey to the spawning beds. Local angler, Jimmy Cuffe caught and released a 9 lb salmon on the fly. Dennis Barrett, Northern Ireland had two fish on the fly which were also returned to the river. Water levels are dropping and conditions are good for the fly, especially in the area between the Butt and the weir.

Lough Doon

This small wild trout fishery has fished well for the last week or so with good numbers of, generally, small trout being caught. Dutch angler, F. Von der Assen reported had a fine days sport with all trout returned to the lake. The algae which hampered fishing earlier in the year has started to break up and this should encourage anglers to visit the Lough.

Lough Bo

Twenty anglers fished for the week and reported 17 trout weighing a total of  25 lbs.
Richard Casey had 8 fish weighing 11 lbs, 4 of which were returned with his best at 2 lbs.
Other anglers to enjoy good sport were English anglers, P Holstock with 2 fish for 3 lbs heaviest 1.5lbs and R Tulip who had 2 trout  for 3.5 lbs his best at 2 lbs.

Lough Arrow

Collooney& Ballisodare anglers will hold their annual competition on Sunday next 2 September on L Arrow. Entries will be taken on the day between 10 and 11am on Lyttles Island on the lough. The event is being fished as a boat competition and the weigh in will take place at 6.30pm at McDermott’s Pub, Castlebaldwin.

Angling Report – w/e 19 August, 2007

Angling Report – w/e 12 August, 2007

Angling Report – w/e 06 August, 2007

Angling Report – w/e 29 July, 2007

River Moy

The Moy system produced a whopping 886 salmon for the week bringing the yearly total, so far, to 5173. Again, the middle and upper reaches of the river saw the best of the fishing while conditions on the Moy Fishery beats remained poor due to the high water levels.

The Ridge Pool accounted for 18 salmon for the week. Amongst the successful anglers were: Edward Kelly, Cavan, Paddy Conneff, Dublin, Michel Odin, France and Alan Jack, Northern Ireland. Alan also caught and released a remarkable 4.5 lbs. brown trout. The Ash Tree Beat produced 3 salmon for the week: Edward Kelly & P.J. Smith, both from Co. Cavan, and Jim Doody all had one salmon on spinner, while Steve Hazeldine, UK, landed a salmon on the Freshwater Beat.

The Mount Falcon Fishery noted its 3 record week in a row. Simon Wall and party of 3 anglers from the UK did particularly well catching 32 salmon for 4 days. Also on Mt. Falcon, Ian Forde, Dublin, caught 7 salmon (5 released) including his first ever salmon. On Coolcronan, eleven year old Nathan Clarke, UK, also landed his first ever salmon, while Phil Briscoe, UK, had 3 fish, with best at 6 lbs. On Armstrong’s, Christie Galvin, Offaly, had 2 salmon, so had Richard Robinson, UK, with best at 12.2 lbs. The Foxford Fishery totalled 52 salmon for the week including 3 fish for UK angler Stuart Sumnall. The Lyn Cobley party, who also did well on the Easkey River, had 16 salmon for 3 days, 7 of which were released.
   
Cloongee yielded 23 salmon for the week. Edward Shanley, Co. Meath, had 3 fish on spinner, Wendy Crawford, Northern Ireland, landed two on the worm and German anglers, Lars & Klaus Wolf Frieberthauser took 3 salmon together. Klaus Wolf Frieberthauser also did well on the East Mayo Association water where he had 5 salmon for 3 days. All his fish came to the fly. Also on East Mayo, Steve White, Co. Kildare, had 3 on spinner and Ken Coleman, Co. Louth, landed two on the fly.  

Moy Estuary

Despite the discolouration of the water the estuary enjoyed a reasonable week with 55 trout reported and many more returned. Colin & Sue North, UK, who were fishing with Judd Ruane caught 5 sea trout on mackerel strip and also enjoyed excellent sport on the fly.

Lough Conn

Again a quiet week on Lough Conn and few fish were caught. Twenty-five anglers took 36 trout over 40 rod days. However, at least some of the anglers that went out managed to catch fish.

Keith Elvery and his party of 4 UK anglers had 7 trout on Golden Olives and Green Peter patterns, with best at 2 lbs., Constance Browning & partner took 3 trout for 4 lbs., best at 1.75 lbs. on Daddy Longlegs, while Scottish angler, Peter Mansfield caught 2 fish for 2 lbs. during an evenings fishing. Elsewhere, junior angler, Steven Breen, Co. Clare, fishing with his father caught his first ever trout for 1.25 lbs. on an Olive Bumble.

The Conn & Cullin Anglers held a juvenile angling competition on Sunday, 29 July. Thirty youngsters took part in the event and a total of 20 fish were caught.
Results were as follows:
Under 12s: 1st Conor Grey; 2nd Finnaun Duffy; 3rd Jack O’Dowd

Under 14s: 1st Brian Moore; 2nd Shane Cooney; 3rd Sean Jordan

Under 18s: 1st Thomas Wier, 2nd Keiran Traynor; 3rd Clare Grehan

Easkey River

The Easkey Fortland Fishery reported 22 salmon for the week with the Lyn Cobley party, UK, catching 14 fish mainly on the fly.

Carrowmore Lake & Owenmore River

No report available for this fishery.

Lough Beltra & Newport River

On the Newport River, local angler David Nevin had one grilse and 2 sea trout averaging 0.75 lbs. Eamon Kennedy caught 2 fine sea trout at 1.5 lbs. & 1.25 lbs and James Clarke had one sea trout at 1 lbs., while Mr. Birkley, UK, caught 2 nice sea trout on Lough Beltra.
 

Burrishoole Fishery

A total of 16 salmon (15 ranched & 1 wild) weighing 58.4 lbs. were reported for 55 rod days. The best fish of the week, a 5 lbs. grilse, was caught by John Chapman. Other notable catches included 3 grilse for angling journalist David Gray for his day on Burrishoole and the first ever salmon for visiting angler Dermot Seymore. Most successful flies for the week were Ally’s Cascade and Green Peter patterns.

Ballin Lough

Yet, another excellent week for the Ballin Lough Fishery with a total of 56 trout reported for 22 rods. Matt Fahy & friend, Islandeady, caught 2 rainbow trout, best at 3.5 lbs., Denis & Pat Murphy, Co. Galway, had 4 rainbows, best also at 3.5 lbs. and Joe Gibbons, Kilmeena, also did very well with 7 trout (5 released), while Tim Hayes &  friend, Co. Meath, had 7 rainbows (5 released) and 1 brown trout. Best flies for the week were Bibio, Fiery Brown, Muddlers, Dabblers, Buzzers and nymphs.

Ballisodare River

The good run of fish into Ballisodare continued with a total of 82 salmon caught, 68 of which were released. Local angler, Jimmy Cuffe caught and released a fine 8 lbs. salmon which came to a Cascade pattern, Joe & Anthony Power both caught and released a 7 lbs. salmon each and Beny Henry also released his 8 pounder which he caught on a shrimp fly.

Glencar Lake & Drumcliff River

The water levels on the Drumcliff River have started to fall and angling activity is expected to pick up during the coming week. On Glencar Lake, Ken Donohoe had a 5 lbs. grilse.

Lough Arrow

Lough Arrow produced some fine trout for the week. The best fish, a brown trout weighing 6.5 lbs. was caught by Marcus Kennedy, Co. Roscommon, while Mark O’Shea, also Roscommon, had one at 4 lbs. Local anglers also did well, with another 4 lbs. trout for Josie Gray, 2 fish for David Gray (heaviest at 4 lbs.) and 2 trout for Noel Fairbanks (3 lbs. & 3.25 lbs.) Most fish came to the Green Peter fished late in the evening.

Angling Report – w/e 22 July, 2007

River Moy

Yet, another successful week for anglers on the Moy system, with 785 salmon reported bringing the yearly total, so far, to 4267. However, varying water levels throughout the week resulted in rather unpredictable fishing conditions. Similar to the previous week, the middle and upper reaches of the river fished best, while angling on the Moy Fishery was generally slow.

The Ridge Pool accounted for 24 salmon, including 3 for Emmet Stagg, Co. Kildare. UK anglers, Adam Akhurst and Jim Godwin also had 3 fish between them. Ross Campbell, Co. Donegal, had 2 fish on the Cathedral Beat, while 11 salmon came off the Freshwater Beat, including 4 fish caught by young novice anglers during the “Juvenile Anglers Day” held on Wednesday, 24 July.
 
The Mount Falcon Fishery topped its good result of last week with a total of 63 salmon for the week. The Davidsons from Northern Ireland had 4 salmon each over 3 days, including the first ever salmon for Mrs. Davidson. Also on Mount Falcon, Max Rocha, Dublin took a nice 6 lbs. grilse on the worm.

On Byrne’s, UK anglers Roy Smith & Roger Berry had 5 salmon, while on Armstrong’s K. Binduel, France, landed two grilse. The Coolcroonan Fishery accounted for 39 salmon for the week. The fishery also produced the first salmon ever for UK anglers Mike & Chas Fields and Paul Harman. Gannon’s and the Foxford Fishery also enjoyed good fishing during the week. Rinanney yielded some fine salmon to Albert Finney, Northern Ireland (11 lbs.) and Ronnie Nuttal from the UK (8.5 lbs. & 9 lbs.).

Cloongee totalled 33 salmon and it was here where Gordon Sweetman, Carrickmacross, landed 3 salmon, best at 10.5 lbs. Also on Cloongee, David Crawford & E. Fellman Junior had 6 salmon together, ranging between 5 lbs. and 12 lbs. Fishing East Mayo, Simon McDowell, Northern Ireland, had 2 fish on the fly, best at 8 lbs. Henry Spring, Dublin, and David Ferran, Northern Ireland also fishing the East Mayo Association water had 2 fish each and Dutch visitor, Martin Van Seenus caught a fine 7 lbs. salmon.
 

Lough Conn

This has been a rather quiet week for anglers on Lough Conn and weather conditions were unfavourable with strong north westerly winds and heavy thunder showers at times. Despite the poor conditions, some anglers persisted and there were a few surprisingly good catches. Thirty-five anglers took 62 trout over 50 rod days.

Gerry Fox and his son Barry, Co. Sligo, had 20 (18 released) trout, best at 2 lbs. in a day mostly to mayfly patterns. James Drumm and Oliver Bradley, Co. Wicklow, had 4 trout for 5 lbs. also on mayfly patterns, while Paul Dunley & friend, UK, each took 2 trout averaging 1.2 lbs. on Daddy Longleg and Octopus patterns. Anne-Marie Levins and her partner Simon, UK, also enjoyed a good day on the Lough with 3 trout for 4 lbs., best at 1.75 lbs. Elsewhere, John Cawley, Castlebar, took a 4 lbs. fresh grilse on a Golden Olive Bumble.

Loughs Bilberry & Lannagh

A Junior Angling Competition was held on Loughs Bilberry & Lannagh on Sunday, 22 July. Twenty-two juvenile anglers took part in the event and a total of 26 fish were caught. A barbecue was held on the shores of Billberry Lake following the competition which was enjoyed by anglers, parents and other family members making this a memorable day for everyone involved.

Full Results:
Under 10s: 1st James McGinty; 2nd Neil Byrne; 3rd Aaron Jennings; heaviest fish: Gavin Hastings

Over 10s: 1st Dean Carney; 2nd Daniel Gray; 3rd David Gavin; heaviest fish: Shane Halligan

Casting Section: 1st Stephen Joyce; 2nd Ryan Gray; 3rd Radoo King

Easkey River

The Easkey Fortland Fishery reported 8 salmon and 20 sea trout (all released) for the week.

Carrowmore Lake & Owenmore River

Carrowmore Lake produced 2 salmon and good bags of sea trout, while the Bangor Angling Club water on the Owenmore River accounted for 6 salmon averaging 5 lbs.

 
Newport River

There was little angling activity on the Newport system. However, Roger Wigglesworth from the UK caught and released a small grilse and a fine 1.75 lbs. sea trout on the Newport River this week.
 

Burrishoole Fishery

The excellent fishing continued on the Burrishoole Fishery with good numbers of fresh fish showing in Lough Furnace. A total of 31 salmon (including 27 ranched & 4 wild fish which were released) weighing 103 lbs. were reported for 42 rod days. The best fish of the week, a 7.3 lbs. grilse, was caught by C. Kelly, Galway. Further remarkable catches included 10 salmon for Sean & Michael Smith for their week’s fishing, 2 fish for UK angler, Mr. Engoldsby and the first ever salmon for Mayo man, Joe Cooney. Most successful flies for the week were Ally’s Cascade and Green Peter patterns.

Ballin Lough

Again, a very good week for Ballin Lough with 23 rainbow trout & 2 brown trout reported for 15 rods.  Philip McGoldrick & friend caught 8 rainbow trout and 1 brown trout, best at 3 lbs., Tom Davoren, Castlebar and junior angler David Egan, Claremorris had 4 rainbows & 1 brown, best at 2.5 lbs. and Jim Flanagan, Westport, landed 2 rainbows, with best at 3 lbs.  The best fish of the week however, was caught by Meath angler, Mark McCann. Mark’s cracking 5 lbs. rainbow is the heaviest trout ever caught on the lake. Best flies for the week were Viva, Daddy Longlegs, Muddlers & Dabblers.

Ballisodare River

The Ballisodare Fishery is still enjoying a good run of salmon at present with a total of 110 salmon caught, 87 of which were released. Amongst the lucky anglers was Geoff Wilson who caught and released two fish weighing 5 lbs. and 6 lbs respectively. Both of these fell to the prawn. 

Lough Arrow

The “Peter Fishing” on Lough Arrow has been pretty good during the week with fair numbers of fish moving. The northern end of the Lough fished best and anglers are still reporting decent hatches of mayflies during the day. Gerard Martin had 4 trout (3 released), best at 5.5 lbs., David Gray accounted for 5 fish averaging 2 lbs. with best at 4 lbs., Peter Dunne caught two at 2.5 lbs. & 3.75 lbs., Dave Cadman had one at 4 lbs. while Noel Fairbanks landed a 5.25 lbs. beauty.

Lough Doon

Lough Doon also saw some reasonable angling activity during the week. Local angler, Andrew Langan, who was fishing the lake with some friends, had a very productive day with 11 trout caught (9 released) averaging 1 lbs.

Pike Angling

Donagh Gilmartin (Balla & District Angling Club) reports:
Balla & District Angling Club hosted the All Ireland Pike Fly Competition sponsored by MMH builders providers, Claremorris and McCann & Tighe Drylining, Swinford on Sunday 22 July at Carrowmore Lake, Manulla. Twenty-seven anglers from all 4 provinces took part in very difficult bright sunny weather. Fishing was brisk with the first pike landed within 10 minutes of the start of the competition. However, the day belonged to Pat McCann, one of the main sponsors, who caught an 18.4 lbs. pike which was safely returned to the water.

Full Results: 1st Pat McCann 18.4 lbs; 2nd Mark Donohue 12.75 lbs.; 3rd Gerry Heaslip 6.25 lbs.;  4th  David Gray 3.8 lbs.; 5th Eddie Cronin 3.4 lbs.

A Special word of thanks goes to sponsors, North Western Regional Fisheries Board, Maura Lukes, Tourmakeady, Gerry Murphy boat hire, David Gray and John O’Connor.

Angling Report – w/e 15 July, 2007

Angling Report – w/e 08 July, 2007

River Moy

Again, the River Moy fished very well during the week with 689 salmon reported for the week. The total salmon catch for the year to date has now reached 2,621 fish. While high water levels impacted on the fishing on the lower beats, conditions were perfect in the middle and upper reaches of the river.
 
The Moy Fishery accounted for 37 salmon for the week. Most of the fish were taken on the Ridge Pool, where Jack Charlton got a nice fish on the worm. Jack was fishing with his friend Ray Bailey who also landed a salmon. Also on the Ridge Pool, Shane Lawless, Dublin, had 3 salmon on spinner and Paul Barrett, Ballina, got 2 fish, best at 5.54 lbs. On the Freshwater Beat, Monty Allen, Northern Ireland, had one on spinner, so had Graham Hunter, also Northern Ireland.

The Ballina Salmon Anglers held a Juvenile Fishing Competition as part of the “Ballina Salmon Festival” on Saturday, 7 July. Forty-seven youngsters took part in the event which was won by Luke Lackey who landed a fine 7.25 lbs. salmon. Runner up was Ross Moran and 3rd was Colin Ginley.

On Mount Falcon, John Miller, UK, landed 5 salmon for 3 days and Eric Wolley, also UK, had 3 salmon with best at 7 lbs. On Byrne’s, Keith Barnfield & Philp Hartwell, both from the UK, had 5 salmon together, while on Armstrong’s, Vinie McGuire, Kildare, landed 7 salmon for 3 days. Gannon’s also reported excellent results for the week, with Andy Major, UK, catching 7 salmon, best at 6 lbs. for his fishing week and Joe Kuban, also UK, landing 3 fish, best at 5 lbs. The Foxford Fishery however, saw some of the best fishing for the week. Michael Rapter & his party of six from the UK caught a spectacular 46 salmon (12 released) for their week. Also on the Foxford Fishery, Ollie Rood and his 15 year old son Josh from South Africa both caught their first ever salmon. So did a father and daughter from the UK, Justin Penford and his 13 year old daughter Rina took an incredible 9 salmon together for their first time salmon fishing. On Rinnaney, French angler, Dominic Chedonne caught 5 salmon for the week, best at 8 lbs. and Pat Loughnane, Galway landed a nice 11 lbs. fish.

The Cloongee Fishery accounted for a total of 63 fish for the week. Amongst the lucky anglers were: Jez Leech, UK, with a superb 11 salmon (2 released) for the week, Jose Maria Alonso Nuerga, Spain, with 4 salmon over 2 days and Michael Johnson, UK, who landed 3 salmon. On the East Mayo Anglers Association water, Harry Bass, UK, took 2 salmon for 17 lbs. and Mick Archer, also UK, had 2 for 12 lbs. 

Easkey River

There is a good show of fish at present in the Easkey River with 7 salmon reported over the last few days from the Fortland Fishery, including some fine double figure salmon up to 10.5 lbs.

Owenmore River

Water conditions on the Owenmore River remained excellent for most of the week with 3 salmon reported from the Bangor Angling Club water. The best fish of the week was caught by local angler, Michael Noone and weighed 11 lbs.

Newport River

Twenty-one sea trout (averaging 8 to 14 oz) and one grilse were caught on the Newport River during the week. Denis Couglan, Newport, had a small grilse, while Dave Tucker & John Dardis, Dublin, accounted for 14 sea trout. All fish were safely returned to the water in accordance with the regulations for this “catch & release” fishery.

Burrishoole Fishery

After a slow start, Burrishoole enjoyed good fishing during the week. A total of 21 ranched and 5 wild salmon were caught, including fish for M. Healy, T. Aldiss & S. O’Neill.

Ballisodare River

The Ballisodare River has a good run of fish at present but the high water levels are curtailing the numbers of fish being caught. However, the system produced 145 salmon (113 released) for the week. Local angler, Albert Shaw, had a 7 lbs. fish on a shrimp fly, while Mr. Hillary Mitchell got one at 5 lbs. on the same pattern. Visiting angler S. Norbert caught two fish at 4 lbs. & 5.5 lbs. on the worm.

Drumcliffe River & Glencar Lake

There was an increase in the catch on the Drumcliffe River for the past week. The best fish of the week was caught by Padraig McKenna who landed a fine 14 lbs. salmon on the worm. Padraig was fishing a stretch of the Drumcliffe River directly downstream of Glencar Lake, known as the “Lurgan”. Johnny Lockney had a 5 lbs. fish also on the worm in the same stretch of river, while another local angler John Sheirdan caught a 6 lbs. salmon while spinning of the shore on Glencar Lake.
 

Lough Arrow

Angling on Lough Arrow picked up during the week with some fine trout up to 5 lbs. reported. Most fish were caught late in the evening and Green Peter patterns proved to be most successful. Noel Clinton got a trout at 3 lbs., Leo Conlan had one at 3.25 lbs., David Gray caught and released 2 fish averaging 3 lbs. and Noel Fairbanks accounted for the best fish of the week, a fine 5 lbs. trout.

Lough Bo

There was some angling activity on Lough Bo during the week. Amongst the successful anglers were: English visitor, B. Sprout, with a 2 lbs. trout taken on a buzzer, M. Rush, Boyle, with a trout weighing in at 1 lbs. and Bodo Funke, also Boyle, who landed a trout at 1.5 lbs. on a goldhead pattern. Lough Bo is managed by the N.W.R.F.B and stocked with brown trout. For permits and boat hire anglers should contact Mrs. Eileen McDonagh at 071 9165325.

Angling Report – w/e 01 July, 2007

River Moy

With a total of 556 salmon reported, the Moy had its best week of the season, so far. The fluctuating water levels during the week have moved fish throughout the system and consequently fishing improved on all beats.
 
The Moy Fishery had a total of 104 salmon for the week. On the Ridge Pool, Gary Perks, UK, had 4 salmon (3 released) on the fly, while his country man, Bill Shinkins, got 3 fish (1 released) on spinner. David Carney, also from the UK, caught 2 salmon on the fly and Phil Donaghue, Galway, landed one at 5.49 lbs. Gary Perks and David Carney also were successful at the Weir Pool where they had 7 salmon altogether, 3 of which they released. On the Cathedral Beat, Charles Penny, Scotland, got 2 salmon on the worm and one on spinner.

On Mount Falcon, French visitor, Gerard Garnier, scored with a fine salmon of 10 lbs. and another at 7 lbs. Both fish came to the worm. The Coolcronan Fishery reported 17 salmon for the week, 5 of which were released. Amongst the successful anglers were: Harald Retsch, Germany, with 3 salmon, Mike Hodges, UK, with 2 fish and Georges Le Gullermic, France, who landed one salmon. On Byrne’s, Colin O’Dell & Mike Standon, UK, enjoyed excellent sport catching 11 salmon for the week, best at 9 lbs. On Armstrong’s, Lorenzo Serrano, Spain, landed a 7 lbs. salmon, while on Gannon’s, Paul Nash, Northern Ireland, caught a fine 13.5 lbs. salmon on prawn. The Stuart Sunnall party, UK, did very well on the Foxford Fishery with a total of 26 salmon for the week on worm and spinner. Baker’s new fishery, also known as the “Foxford Rocks”, produced one fish each for John Bentley, Philip Ghazala & Jamie Hawksfield, all fly anglers from the UK. Rinnaney also reported good fishing for the week and this was where German angler, F. Schwartz, landed his first ever salmon. His fish weighed in at 8 lbs. and came to the worm.

The Cloongee Fishery had its best week of the season, so far. A total of 49 salmon were caught including double figure fish for Stephen Browne & Warick Ivill, both UK. Also on Cloongee, French anglers Pierre Cordier & Claude Maumet had salmon at 4 lbs. and 9 lbs. Angling conditions also remained very good on the East Mayo Anglers Association water during the week and anglers were rewarded with some fine catches: German angling journalist, Thomas Kalweit, had a 5 lbs. salmon, while Thomas Koch from Switzerland, landed a fine 12 lbs. fish. Both fish were taken on worm.         

Moy Estuary

The Moy Estuary Sea Trout & Boat Club held its annual sea trout angling competition on Sunday, 1 July on a windy day of sunshine and showers. There was a big turn out with 50 anglers, including 5 ladies and 7 juniors, taking part in the event. A total of 26 sea trout were caught and the heaviest individual trout went to local angler John Fitzpatrick at 1.75 lbs. Best lady angler went to Bernie Ferguson with a trout of 1.05 lbs. and Sean Cuffe won the junior section of the competition. Sean caught a trout weighing in at 1.3 lbs. The heaviest bag overall went to Martin Lackey with a total of 5 trout.

Elsewhere, the Gillard party from the US, fishing together with Judd Ruane, landed 6 fine trout on mackerel strip.

Ballin Lough

The Ballin Lough Fishery continued to fish very well. Forty-five rods fished the lake during the week catching a total of 78 rainbow trout (36 released) and 15 brown trout (8 released).

Greg Perry & friend from Galway had 6 rainbows, best at 3.5 lbs., Sean O’Malley, Westport, caught 4 rainbow trout, best at 3.25 lbs and Paddy Blaney fishing together with Anthony Corcoran landed 6 trout together, best at 3 lbs. The best bag of the week however, was caught by Tommy Carroll and his friend who had 13 rainbows (10 released) and 2 brown trout (all released) with heaviest fish a 3 lbs. rainbow trout and a 2 lbs. brown trout. Best flies for the week included: Booby, Minkie, black Pennel and Bibio.

Ballin Lough is a fly only fishery and fishing is from boats only. For permits and boat hire anglers should contact Mrs. Gill, beside the lake, on 098-26128.

Ballisodare River

Anglers enjoyed excellent fishing on the Ballisodare Fishery during the week. The grilse are running and with 179 (136 released) salmon reported the fishery had its best week of the season, so far. Amongst the successful anglers was Graham Tuck, Scotland, with 3 fish on the fly for his day at the “Butt”. Graham released all his fish which averaged 5 lbs. Peter Henry landed two salmon at 5 lbs. each on worm and local angler, Seanie Maye, had a nice 7 lbs. salmon (released), so had Sean Gallagher who caught his 7 pounder on a Cascade pattern. Due to the showery weather water levels have gone up in recent days and therefore fishing conditions should remain excellent. 

Glencar Lake

There were three salmon reported for the week on this scenic fishery. The best fish of the week, weighing 7 lbs., was caught by Bernard McDermott on a spinner.  To book a boat on Glencar Lake, anglers should contact Mrs. Siberry, beside the lake, on 071- 9144221
 

Lough Arrow

Again, a very quiet week on Lough Arrow with only very few anglers fishing. However, local angler, David Gray, was successful fishing late in the evening and caught 3 fine brown trout, best at 4 lbs. on a Murrough.

Angling Report – w/e 24 June, 2007

Angling Report – w/e 17 June, 2007

River Moy

Fishing was mixed over the past week, with 134 salmon reported for the Moy system. While water levels were suitable the extremely sunny weather impacted on the fishing for most of the week. However, high tides over the weekend resulted in a run of sea liced salmon upstream.
 
The Moy Fishery had a total of 10 salmon for the week. On the Ridge Pool, Tim Keoghan, Mullingar, had a 6.8 lbs. salmon and John Chambers, Northern Ireland, landed a fish weighing 7.11 lbs. Both fish came to the fly. The Weir Pool accounted for 5 fish including a nice 7.14 lbs. salmon for UK visitor, John Thorne. Declan Foley caught and released a 5 lbs. salmon on the Cathedral Beat.

On Mount Falcon, Eddie Summerville & Mr. Jeffries, both UK, had salmon weighing 7 lbs. and 8lbs. On Byrne’s, English visitor, Roy Smith had 3 salmon while on Gannon’s, Eric Le Guillermic, France, landed a fine 10 lbs. salmon on spinner. On the Foxford Fishery, Thierry Rey-Dorene, also France, had 2 salmon (averaging 4 lbs.). On the Rinnaney Fishery, Jim & Ruth Bowman, Northern Ireland, landed 3 fish on the prawn, with best at 12 lbs. Also on Rinnaney’s, Albert Berchtenbreiter, Germany, caught a fine 11 lbs. salmon on the worm.   

Further up river, the Cloongee Fishery produced 7 fish for the week including 2 fish for French fly angler, Lionel Jaffrain, with best at 7 lbs.  On the East Mayo Anglers Association water, Marcel Jacruemin, Belgium, had a 7 lbs. salmon on worm and Mayo man, Fred Thompson, also got a 7-pounder on the fly.

Carrowmore Lake

Again, Carrowmore Lake fished very well for the week. Anglers caught 24 salmon, 8 of which were released. There is also some excellent sea trout fishing on the lake with some fine trout around the 2 lbs. mark been taken. The salmon averaged 7 lbs. – 8 lbs.

Amongst the successful anglers were: John Cassidy, Co. Clare, with 2 salmon, Antonio Sardinero, Spain, Ronnie Mayock, Dublin, with two fish (both returned), Franz Kaizer, Germany & Bangor Erris, Brian Clayton, Mel Parrot (2 salmon) and Adrian Blackwell, UK, who landed his first two salmon during the week.

Ballin Lough

At present, Ballin Lough is fishing very well and anglers are delighted with the quality of the rainbow trout. A total of 20 rods fished the Lake during the week with 57 trout caught, 31 of which were released.

Amongst the best catches were: Ronan Cusack, Galway & friend with 12 trout (9 released), best at 3 lbs. (rainbow trout) & 2 lbs. (brown trout), Jimmy Gibson, Scotland & friend with 3 rainbows, best at 3 lbs. and 2 brown trout (all released) and Cathal McGuire, Willie Noone & David Quinn, all from Galway who had 10 rainbows and 6 brown trout, best at 3 lbs. The most successful flies for the week were Green Peter, Buzzers and Muddler patterns.
To book a boat on Ballin Lough, anglers should contact Mrs. Gill, beside the lake, on 098-26128.

Clogher Lough

Five boats fished the Lough this week and anglers reported good catches. However, most of the brown trout caught were small and therefore safely returned to the water. Dennis Coughlan, Newport, had 10, Paul Barnes, UK, caught 8 and Stephen Lee & friend, also UK, took 12 trout.

Permits and boat hire for this delightful wild brown trout fishery can be arranged through Mrs. Gibbons on 098-25061.

Lough Conn

Now that the mayfly time is over, very few anglers are fishing Lough Conn. Additionally, the very hot and sunny weather impacted on the fishing during the week. However, the few anglers who ventured out were rewarded with some fine catches.  An estimated 50 trout were caught by approximately 60 anglers in 90 rod days.

Gerald Thompson, UK, took 3 trout over 2 days on Green peter and Grey Wulffe, with best at 1.2 lbs. Martina Williamson, Wexford, had her first trout on Lough Conn at 1.25 lbs. to an Octopus and Austrian angler, Herbert Krankl and his friend landed 2 fish on dry flies, averaging 1 lbs. Albert Steward, Scotland also caught 2 trout (returned) for 2 lbs. and Dermot Dunne fishing together with Seamus Kelly, Cloghans, had 6 fish (all returned) over 2 evenings, weighing between 0.75 lbs. and 1.3 lbs.

Best flies for the week included Sooty Olive, Golden Wulffe, Royal Wulffe, Green Peter, Fan Wing Mayflies, Octopus, Gosling and Golden Olive Bumble.

Ballisodare River

The Ballisodare Fishery recorded 44 salmon for the week, 28 of which were released. Alan Marshal had a 7 lbs. salmon on the prawn while Maurice Coleman landed a nice 5 lbs. fish on the Yellow shrimp Fly. Mark Graham had the best fish of the week with a fine salmon weighing 11.5 lbs. on the fly. Mark also released two other fish for his day.

 Drumcliffe River/Glencar Lake

Although the water levels rose towards the end of the week reports of fish moving on the Drumcliff system were scarce. However, a few salmon were caught. Brian Gordon had a 6 lbs. salmon on the worm and local angler, Johnny Lockney, had two fish during the week, best at 5 lbs. John caught his fish on worm on the upper section of the river.

Lough Arrow

Fishing on Lough Arrow was quite slow during the day and only few anglers sallied out for the week. However, Peter Dunne from Drumshanbo did it again and landed a nice trout weighing 2 lbs. Peter fished late in the evening and took his fish on a Murrough. Elsewhere, John Kelly, Athlone, had 2 fish for the week averaging 1.5 lbs.

Lough Doon

A party of visiting anglers from Germany reported some good fishing on Lough Doon during the week with catches of 3 to 6 trout per boat with all of their fish safely returned to the water. To book fishing on Lough Doon anglers should contact Mrs. Nora Martin at 071 9164989.

Angling Report – w/e 10 June, 2007

River Moy

The extremely dry and sunny weather conditions impacted on the fishing over the past week, with only 79 salmon reported for the Moy system.
 
On the Moy Fishery, fourteen year old James Hewson, Ballina, had a fine 8.56 lbs. salmon on the fly on the Weir Pool. Also on the Weir Pool, German visitor, Rene Gehringer landed a salmon at 4.75 lbs.

On Mount Falcon, Geoff Hogman, US, took a fish of 9 lbs. on a spinner and Jim Irons, UK, had two at 4 lbs. & 6.25 lbs. on the prawn. On Coolcronan, Keith Tolley had 2 fish  (8 lbs. & 9 lbs.) and Mick Hodges, UK, a long time visitor to the fishery, took a salmon weighing 8 lbs. Gannon’s also reported some good fishing with Pirmin Bucher, Switzerland, catching two fine salmon (10 lbs. each) on the prawn. On Rinanney, Horst & Juergen Babal, Germany, caught one salmon each (9 lbs. & 10.5 lbs.) on the prawn and Paul Verner, Northern Ireland, had one at 10.5 lbs. on the worm.

Further up river, the Cloongee Fishery produced 8 fish for the week including a 6 lbs. salmon for Torwalt Berger from Germany. On the East Mayo anglers Association water, Marc Tromme, Belgium, had one fish at 7 lbs. on the worm, his countryman, Claude Grosteau also got one (4 lbs.) on the worm and Austrian angler, Christian Menahaer, landed a small 3 lbs. salmon on the fly.    

Moy Estuary

At present the Moy estuary is full of white bait followed by shoals of small mackerel and consequently there was a good show of sea trout during the week.

Gavin Fitzpatrick and 2 friends, Dublin, fishing with Judd Ruane had 7 good trout on mackerel strip. Several other good sea trout were reported by anglers for the past week and with a good stock of sea trout building up in the estuary prospects for the coming weeks are looking good.

Ballin Lough

A total of 21 rods fished the Lake during the week with 15 trout caught, 8 of which were released.

Amongst the successful anglers were P. Blaney & friend with 4 rainbow trout (3 released), best at 3 lbs., Neill Taylor & friend with 2 rainbows, best at 2 lbs. and Martin Walsh & friend who caught 2 rainbows and one brown trout, best at 2.5 lbs. The most successful flies for the week were Octopus, Silver Butcher and Muddler patterns.

Lough Conn

Despite the very sunny and calm conditions anglers who ventured out reported some good catches during the week with an estimated 60 trout caught by approximately 80 anglers in 170 rod days.

Dr. Richfield, UK, a guest of Pontoon Bridge Hotel, took 3 trout for 4 lbs., best at 1.5 lbs. Andrew Dell, also UK, had 2 trout for 3 lbs. on dry mayflies and his countryman, Mark Arnold, caught one trout just over 1 lbs. on a Royal Wulffe. The Vilunaff party of 4 Dutch anglers who were staying at Healy’s Hotel had two trout each, all around the 1 lbs. mark.

At Cloghans, William Gates, UK, and his party of four anglers had one trout each (all around 1 lbs.) while Rory Jones, Wales, had 5 fish for 7 lbs. (best at 1.5 lbs.) over 2 days. Mike Ryan and his friend, both from Clare, had 3 trout for 4 lbs. on a Sooty Olive and the Green Peter and Mary Hardy, Kilkenny took 2 for 2.5 lbs. on a Grey Wulffe. Elsewhere, Gareth Edwards, Wales, and two friends caught 8 trout over 2 evenings on dry fly patterns.

An international gathering of lady anglers from England, Wales, Scotland and the US took place on Lough Conn during the week. Twenty ladies competed in the event and Beth Morrison from the US came 1st with 4 trout for 5 lbs.

Ballisodare River, L Arrow and other Sligo & Leitrim Fisheries

The Ballisodare fishery reported a total of 24 salmon for the week, 22 of which were released. J. Wilson, Northern Ireland, had the best fish of the week with a fine 10 lbs. salmon taken on a Prawn. Whereas local angler, Albert Shaw, had a salmon at 5 lbs. on a shrimp fly.  

Again, there was very little angling activity on Lough Arrow over the week due to the sunny conditions. However, local angler, David Gray, had 2 fine brown trout at 3 lbs. & 2.5 lbs. He was fishing well into darkness and took his fish on a dry Murrough close to midnight. Elsewhere, John Kelly, Athlone, landed a fish at 2 lbs. on a wet fly.

Anglers have also reported some good fishing on Lough Doon where a party of four French anglers led by Thomas Patrice enjoyed a good days sport. J. Wilson who already was successful on the “Butt” at Ballisodare also reported two trout from Lough Doon. Similar to last week, any of the regular black pattern flies are proving successful on this small wild fishery.

The Riverstown Junior Anglers had an outing on Lough Bo on Saturday, 9 June. A total of 47 young boys and girls took part in the event with some of the youngsters were catching good numbers of trout: Jason Scott had 2 rainbow trout at 1.2 lbs & 2.3 lbs., Joseph Burns also landed two rainbows both weighing 1 lbs. Christopher McGann caught a brown trout at 0.7 lbs. and a rainbow trout weighing 2.4 lbs and Connor Baker & Aine Burns had a brown trout each (1.2 lbs. & 0.9 lbs.)

Angling Report – w/e 3 June, 2007 By John Conneely

River Moy

There was a notable increase in the number of anglers fishing the Moy system over the past week, with 201 salmon reported which brings the total catch for the year to date to 756 salmon.

On the Moy Fishery, Des Chew, Dublin had a fine 12 lbs springer from the Ridge Pool. The salmon which was taken on an Ally’s Cascade was released immediately by Des who is actively involved in the Dublin Angling Initiative. Athlone angler, John McKinley had three fish on the Weir Pool while visiting English angler, Paul Ainley had a nice 11 lbs fish on the fly from the Ridge Pool and a smaller 5 lbs fish from the Cathedral Beat fishing a spinner. On the Point Beat, Peter Reintjens, Holland had a 5 lbs fish on spinner.

On Armstrong’s Fishery, Johny Clarke, Navan had 2 salmon. On Gannon’s Jurgen Gasser, Switzerland had an excellent 16 lbs springer and Nigel Tucker, England had 2 ten pounders fishing the prawn. On The Foxford Salmon Anglers Rinanny stretch, Frank Geib, Germany had  2 fish of 11 lbs & 13 lbs on prawn. Peter McGowan, England who fished the Foxford Fishery had 3 fish on worm and Richard Milner also from England had a nice fish of 10 lbs also on worm.

Upstream of Foxford on The Cloongee Fishery, John Gilbert, England caught his first salmon which weighed in at 10 lbs on spinner. Lee Cooper, England took a fish of  7 lbs on worm and Paul Wymes, Dublin had a small salmon of 5 lbs on bubble and fly, which he released.

Moy Estuary

Persistent north winds made fishing conditions very difficult for most of the week. A French party fishing with Judd Ruane had 5 trout on sand eel, best fish 2.5 lbs. Also fishing with Judd Ruane, Sean Ruane, Dublin had 4 trout on sand eel and mackerel strip.

Carrowmore Lake & Owenmore River

Weather conditions were mixed with rain and wind in the latter part of the week on Carrowmore Lake. However, The lake fished very well over the week with 25 salmon caught. Cameron Brant, Bob Sullivan and a group of anglers from the USA enjoyed good fishing with 3 salmon and 4 sea trout. The salmon averaged 7 lbs and the best of the sea trout weighed in at 3 lbs. Ronnie Mayock and Mr Peter McGuire Dublin had 2 and 4 salmon respectively. Other anglers who had a salmon on Carrowmore during the week included Franz Kiaser, Marvin Corway, Owen Warren, Kieran Carey and Michael Noone who also took a fine 3.5 lbs sea trout.

The Owenmore River produced two salmon on the club stretch where Con Cleary and Clive Coose, Dublin had a  7.5 lbs and  8.75 lbs fish respectively.

Ballin Lough

Fishing was excellent on Ballin Lough where 40 rods were fished for the week and landed a total of 109 trout, 31 of which were returned. Tommy Carlon, Islandeady had 8 trout all of which were released, his best fish was a 3 lbs rainbow. English anglers, B Vinali and A Birkett caught 19 rainbows and 2  browns, best fish was a 4.5 lb rainbow and all were released. Local angler Tom Bourke had 5 rainbows and a fine brown trout of 5.5 lbs, four of which were released. Best flies on Ballin Lough this week included Green Peter, Olives and Silver Dabbler.

Newport River /Lough Beltra

Angling also improved on the Newport River/Lough Beltra system where  eight salmon were  caught and returned as this fishery is strictly catch and release. Rory Murray, Portlaoise had an excellent day on the Glenisland Co Op side (Beltra East) where he landed two salmon, a fine 12 lbs fish and a smaller one at 6lbs. Declan Dooley, Dublin and David Nevin, Newport had fish of 8lbs and 7lbs respectively.  On the Newport House side of the Lake (Beltra West), Dublin anglers, Ian Conn and John Chew each had 7 lbs fish and Eamon Kennedy, Newport caught a nice 9lbs salmon.

Burrishoole  Fishery

The Burrishoole  fishery opens on Monday next  11th June.

Lough Conn

Despite persistent north westerly winds which made conditions unpleasant, fishing on Lough Conn was generally good with an estimated 286 trout reported for 380 rod days with an average weight of approximately 1lbs. Two major angling competitions were also held on the lake during the week.

The Garda Síocáhna annual event was fished in poor weather by 54 anglers who took 28 trout. The overall winner was Jim Caden, Ballina with 4 trout for 5 lbs. Michael McNeely, Mullingar won the retired Garda event with 2 trout for 2.34 lbs.

The biggest competition of the year, the Lough Conn and Cullin Anglers 2 day event was fished over the bank holiday weekend with 112 anglers taking 91 trout with an average weight of 1.22 lbs. The top prize, the Traynor & Tolan Cup went to Frank Guilfoyle Jnr., Co. Clare who had 6 trout for 6.43 lbs. Joe Quinn, Ballina took the Tommy Kiely trophy with 5 fish for 6.04 lbs. Michael O’Toole, Dublin was third with 4 trout for 4.87 lbs. Best lady angler went to Sorcha Weld with two trout for 2.5 lbs and heaviest fish at 2.14 lbs went to Cecil Marshall.

Amongst other anglers to report good fishing during the week were Pauraic Kelly, Cloghans who said it was the best May fly fishing he had seen on Lough Conn in years. English anglers, Ned Quigley and Mark Francis had 8 good trout on Saturday with their best weighing in at 2.5 lbs which they kept. Other anglers to record good catches were Dermot Dunne & Seamus Kelly, Cloghans, Clement McRory, Belfast and Dr Bill O’Connell, Arklow who took 19 trout over the weekend the best of which at 4 lbs he kept.

Ballisodare River, L Arrow and other Sligo & Leitrim Fisheries

The Ballisodare fishery reported a total of 32 salmon for the week, 24 of which were sportingly released. Local anglers, Francie Kearns and Alan Marshal fishing worm at the “Butt” had the two best fish of the week which weighed in at approximately 7 lbs each.

With the best of the May Fly fishing over, there was very little angling activity on Lough Arrow over the week. However, Carl Murrin had 2small trout on wet fly and Noel Fairbanks had a very nice 3 lbs trout fishing  a dry sedge. Reports have been received of several salmon having been caught on Glencar Lake where Bernard Mc Dermott, Sligo took two fish on a Silver Toby. Anglers have also reported some good fishing on Lough Doon where the water is clear at present and good hatches of fly are encouraging trout to rise freely. Any of the regular black pattern flies are proving successful on this small productive lake.

The North Western Regional Fisheries Board

Angling Report – w/e 27 May, 2007

River Moy

The Moy system accounted for a reported catch of 133 salmon for the week. With varying water levels fishing conditions remained difficult for most of the week

On the Moy Fishery, John Howley had 3 salmon (all released) from the Weir Pool on the fly. John also caught the fist salmon of the season on the Cathedral Beat. Donegal angler, Shaun O’Doherty, also was successful on the Cathedral Beat and caught a salmon at 7 lbs. on the fly and Alan Keaveney, Ballina, had a fine 10 lbs. fish on the Point Beat.

On Mount Falcon, Stuart Price had 2 fish, one at 6.5 lbs. on the worm and one at 7.5 lbs. on the fly.  On Armstrong’s, Tom Kane, Northern Ireland, landed a fine fish at 11 lbs. on the worm and French visitor, Gilles Boudier, had a 5 lbs. salmon. There were also good reports from Gannon’s, where Juergen Gasser, Switzerland, had a 9 lbs. Salmon and Robert Orr, UK, caught a fine 10.5 fish. Both fish took the prawn. On the Foxford fishery, Howard Bayliss, Wales caught 2 salmon at 4 lbs. and 11 lbs. and on Rinanneys, Thomas Murtaugh, Germany, also had fine fish on the prawn weighing 14 lbs.

Further up river, the Cloongee Fishery produced 7 salmon for the week including 2 fish (6 lbs. & 6.5 lbs.) for Mike Tulley, UK. Also on Cloongee, Tommy Colgan, Westport, had an 8 lbs. salmon, Peter Deegan, Carlow, landed a fish at 7.5 lbs. and Laois angler, Sean Moore, had one at 7 lbs. all fish were caught on the worm.

The East Mayo Anglers association water also fished well during the week. Amongst the successful anglers were Ernest Piere, France with a salmon at 14 lbs., Pat Donovan, Dublin, who also caught a 14 lbs. salmon and Lois De Nardo, Italy, who landed a 10 lbs. salmon.

Moy Estuary

Fishing picked up during the week in the Moy Estuary.
Michael Hyland and friend, Dublin, who were out fishing with Judd Ruane (www.fishingireland.ie) reported 5 trout on mackerel strip. Benjamin Perutschnig, Austria and Harry Feeny, Foxford, who were also fishing with Judd, had 15 sea trout up to 1.75 lbs. on mackerel strip and sand eel.

Carrowmore Lake & Owenmore River

Angling on Carrowmore Lake improved this week and despite the windy conditions 9 salmon were caught for the week. The Derek Rutter party, UK, had 2 fish at 5.5 lbs. and 6 lbs., Franz Kaizer, Bangor Erris & Germany, landed 2 salmon at 4 lbs. & 4.5 lbs and Dave Elliot, Enniskillen, also caught 2 salmon, one at 6.5 lbs. which he returned and another one at 9 lbs. Anglers also reported the first sea trout catches of the season. 

On the Bangor Angling Club stretch of the Owenmore River a total of 4 salmon was caught for the week. Declan Foley had the best fish for the week, weighing 11.25 lbs. and Martin Reuland, Belmullet, also was successful and added another fish (7.5 lbs.) to his account.

Lough Beltra

The windy weather effected angling during the early part of the week. However, later in the week 5 salmon were caught and released on the Co-Op side of Lough Beltra. Rocky Moran and Kieran Byrne, both Castlebar, had 2 fish each all weighing between 8 lbs. and 9 lbs.

Ballin Lough

The Lake fished very well for the week with a total of 19 rods catching a total of 59 trout (27 released). Amongst the successful anglers were: Willie Scully & Tony McGrattan, who had 6 rainbow trout, best at 2 lbs. and one brown trout at 1.5 lbs.; David Jackson and friend, UK, with 8 rainbow trout, best at 2.5 lbs. and 3 brown trout, best at 1.5 lbs.; Willie Scully, Mullingar, with 4 rainbows and 4 browns, best at 2.5 lbs. and Peter Grey & Shane Walsh from Castlebar, who had the best bag for the week with 4 rainbow trout, best at 5.2 lbs. and 17 brown trout, best at 2.5 lbs. Most successful flies were: Damsels, Nymphs, Muddlers and Hopper patterns.

Lough Conn

The strong north-east winds impacted on the fishing for some time during the week. However, anglers again reported some great fishing despite the difficult conditions: About 170 anglers landed 260 trout, averaging 1 lbs. in 240 rod days.

The Castlebar Anglers held a competition on Sunday, 27 May with 26 fishermen taking 22 trout. Peter Byrne won the event with 2 trout for 3.75 lbs. and Adrian Murphy came 2nd with 3 trout for 2.25 lbs.

Elsewhere, Brian Morgan, Dublin, had 4 trout for 5 lbs., Peter Roche, Cloghans, caught a 3 lbs trout on a wet fly, Richard Johnston, Wicklow, had one for 3.25 lbs on a dry fly and J. McLaughlin, UK, landed 4 trout for 6 lbs. on a Royal Wullf. The Jonathan Barbour, party, UK, comprising of 6 anglers, had 20 trout with 13 over 1 lbs., best at 2.25 lbs. the fish of the week, however, goes to Glen Allen, Scotland, who was staying at the Pontoon Bridge Hotel, and was fishing with Kieran Connolly from Pontoon. Glen, a regular visitor to Pontoon caught his fine 4.75 lbs. trout on a dry Fan Wing Mayfly.

Ballisodare River

The Ballisodare Fishery accounted for 31 salmon, (24 returned) for the week. All fish caught were averaging 7 lbs. – 8 lbs. with the best fish of the week, a 10.8 lbs. salmon, landed by Sligo man Patrick Scallan. Peter caught his fish upstream of the Butt on the worm. Dutch angler, Philip Speekenbrink, who was part of a group guided by professional angling guide, Bodo Funke of Angling Services Ireland, also landed a fine 10.7 lbs. salmon on the worm.

Drumcliff River

The first salmon of the season was reported from the Drumcliff River during the week. The lucky captor was local angler,Johnny Lockney, who landed his 7 lbs. fish on a stretch of the river known as the “Lurgan”.

Lough Arrow 

There was still some good mayfly fishing on Lough Arrow during the week. Peter Smith, Scotland, had 2 trout at 2 lbs. each on a Dry Sedge. Peter Dunne, Drumshanbo, landed 4 fish weighing between 2 lbs. and 3.5 lbs in an evening on the Spent Gnat.  Philip Murray, Kenneth Murray and Liam Eweritt, all from Drogheda, also enjoyed excellent fishing on the Lough during the week: Philip had 2 fish at 1.45 lbs. each, Liam accounted for 3 trout for 5 lbs. and Kenneth topped the scales with 6 fish for a total of 18 lbs., best at 4.5 lbs. the successful anglers caught their fish on the dap and the Spent Gnat.

Angling Report – w/e 20 May, 2007

River Moy

The Moy had its best week of the season, so far, with a reported catch of 183 salmon.

On the Ridge Pool, Vincent Woodlock, Dublin, had a salmon on the fly weighing 8.16 lbs. and Vincent Foley, also from Dublin, landed a fish at 5.58 lbs. on spinner. The Weir Pool produced 4 fish for the week including a fine 9.5 lbs. salmon on the fly for Brian McGlashan, Scotland, who had a second fish at 8.86 lbs. on the worm. Keith Brand from the Isle of Man, who also fished the Weir Pool, caught a salmon at 8.35 lbs. on the fly.

On Byrne’s, Dave Roe, England, had an 11 lbs. salmon on the worm and Patrick Finnegan from Monaghan who fished Gannon’s landed a fine fish at 12 lbs. also on the worm. On Rinanney, German angler, Horst Hermann caught a salmon weighing 7 lbs.

Further up river, the Cloongee Fishery produced 13 salmon for the week including 3 fine fish for Pat Carr, Wicklow, at 9, 10 and 12 lbs. Pat caught all his fish on the worm. Fintan O’Toole, also from Wicklow, had a 10 lbs. fish and Keneth Chandler, England, had a very memorable day on Cloongee as he caught his first ever salmon weighing 6.74 lbs.

There was also good fishing on the East Mayo Anglers water during the week. Amongst the successful anglers were Jean Luic Le Frere, France with a salmon (worm) at 7 lbs., Martin Gross, Germany, with a fish (spinner) weighing 9.79 lbs. and John McDonagh, Galway, who landed a fine fish (worm) at 14 lbs.

Carrowmore Lake & Owenmore River

Despite the breezy conditions and a slight discolouration during the week, Carrowmore Lake produced 8 salmon for the week: David Baggenstos from Switzerland, a regular visitor to the Bangor area, landed a fish at 6.5 lbs. and his friend, Neville Thomson, Dublin, did well with a fine 9.5 lbs. salmon. The lake also produced fish for Liam Gilsenan, Mullingar, Mel Parrott, UK, John Long, Dublin and NWRFB Fishery Officer, John Cosgrove.

On the Bangor Angling Club stretch of the Owenmore River, Rory Murphy, Portlaoise, landed a 6 lbs. salmon and Marvin Corway, Dublin had one at 11 lbs.

Lough Beltra

There were 4 salmon caught and released on the Glenisland Co-Op side of Lough Beltra this week: Declan Foley, Dublin, had 2 fish at 7.5 lbs. and 9 lbs., Rory Moran, Castlebar, had 1 salmon at 9 lbs. and Kevin Byrne, also Castlebar, caught a fish at 12 lbs.

Ballin Lough

Ballin Lough continued to fish well for the week with 18 rods reporting a total of 25 trout, 6 of which were released.

Pat and Damien Murphy, both from Castlebar, had 6 trout (2 released), best at 2.5 lbs. and Martin McGuire, Newport, landed 3 fish, best also at 2.5 lbs. Most successful flies were Bibio, Green Peter and Buzzer patterns.

Lough Conn & Lough Cullin

Despite the strong gales and varying winds during the week fishing on both Loughs has been excellent for the past week with very good mayfly fishing reported by anglers. About 250 anglers landed 350 trout, averaging 1 lbs. in 300 rod days.

Padraig Traynor, Crossmolina, fishing together with Michael Monaghan landed 35 trout for the week weighing between 1 lbs. and 2.25 lbs. John Walsh and Joe Quinn, both from Cloghans, took 8 trout for 10 lbs. At Kelly’s Boat Hire, Cloghans, Noel Loughnane, Dublin, had 15 trout for 24 lbs, with best at 2.25 lbs. Gerry Hoey, Cork, and friend reported 11 trout for a day’s fishing with best at 2 lbs. Dr. Clemence McRory, Dublin, caught 7 trout for 7 lbs and Dermot Dunne, Offally, fishing together with Seamus Kelly, Cloghans, caught and released 23 trout over 2 days, all weighing between 1 lbs. and 2 lbs. John O’Brien, Wicklow, a guest of Pontoon Bridge hotel, took 2 trout for 2 lbs. and Stewart Lyon, Scotland, had 6 fish, best at 2.1 lbs. Best flies for the week included Grey Wulff, Green Wulff, Gosling and Spent Gnat. Professional angling guide, Ken Hall, also reported good fishing for the week. Ken was guiding Austrian visitor, Andreas Werzer, who had 9 trout (6 released) ranging from 1.25 lbs. to 2.5 lbs. Andreas was fishing Dry CDCs and Green Duns.

Elsewhere, the Foxford Angling Club held a competition for the “Foxford Lodge Cup” on Thursday, 17 May. Twenty-seven anglers took part and the event was won by local angler, Stephen Browne, with 3 trout for 4.25 lbs. The Lakelands Angling Club, Mullingar, also held a competition on Lough Conn during the week. Thirty anglers landed 45 trout and Darren Cox won the event with the heaviest bag of 7 lbs.

Ballisodare River

 Seventy-five salmon (50 released) were reported for the week for the Ballisodare Fishery.

 The best fish for the week weighed 9 lbs. and was caught by local angler, J. Power, on a Yellow Shrimp. Further fish were caught by Thomas O’Donovan, Chairman Ballisodare Fishing Club Ltd. (salmon 7.5 lbs.) and Fechin McMorrow, Coolooney, who had fish at 6 lbs.

Lough Arrow 

Anglers who ventured out on Lough Arrow during the week were rewarded with some exceptional catches.  Gerry Martin, Drogheda, had a total of 10 fish including 2 at 4.75 lbs. each, 2 at 3.5 lbs. each and on at 2.75 lbs. His brother Jim landed 3 trout, heaviest at 2.5 lbs. Gerry and Jim were fishing Dry Mayflies and Spent patterns. Sean and Peter Dunne, Drumshanbo, caught 9 fish together weighing between 1.5 lbs. and 3. 5 lbs. They also took their fish on dry flies.   Local angler, Noel Fairbanks, landed a fine 5 lbs. trout on the dap and Philip Murray had a nice bag with 2 fish at 2 lbs. and one trout at 6 lbs.

Lough Bo

Recreational Angling Ireland (RAI) in conjunction with The North Western Regional Fisheries Board held an “Angling Tuition Day” on Lough Bo on Saturday, 19 May. Twenty participants including many youngsters attended the event. The enthusiastic beginners enjoyed the day despite the squally weather conditions and 10-year old Walter Frazer, Ballindoon, was rewarded with his first ever fish. Walter caught a 1 lbs. brown trout on a Connemara Black!

 Angling Report – w/e13 May, 2007 

River Moy

The Moy system accounted for a total of 72 salmon for the week.

On the Ridge Pool, Bart Kavanagh, Dublin, had 2 salmon on the fly, with best at 7 lbs. Dutch angler, Peter Reintjens, who was fishing the Point Beat caught and released a fish at 5 lbs. on a spinner.

Anthony McHale had a salmon at 8 lbs. on the Ballina Salmon anglers stretch, Colin Todd, Northern Ireland, and Yan Bouchard, France, who were fishing Gannon’s caught fish at 11 lbs. and 8 lbs. on the prawn. On the Foxford Fishery, Granville Nesbitt landed a salmon at 7 lbs. and Cairan Sudyan, Dublin, took another one weighing 6.25 lbs.

Up river, the Cloongee Fishery produced 9 salmon for the week including an 11.5 lbs. fish (worm) for Jan Hoy, Denmark, a 6.5 lbs. salmon for Paul Wymes, Dublin, a fine 13 lbs. fish (worm) for Keith Mistilly, Northern Ireland and a salmon (spinner) weighing 6 lbs. for Jack Roy, France. There also was very good fishing on the East Mayo anglers water where fly anglers Wolf Belger and Thomas Carl, both from Germany, had fish at 11 lbs. and 3 lbs. Also on Cloongee, Kevin Pfattmeier (fly), Austria, and Kevin Agnew (worm), Northern Ireland, caught salmon weighing 10 lbs. and 11 lbs.  

Carrowmore Lake & Owenmore River

Conditions were less than favourable for angling on Carrowmore Lake this week. The lake was still discoloured for most of the week with the result that few anglers ventured out before the weekend when conditions improved. As a result, 3 salmon (all returned) were caught over the weekend: Frank Dooley had a fish at 12 lbs., John Reynolds, Belmullet, caught one at 7 lbs. and a visiting angler from the UK caught the third fish weighing 8 lbs.

The first fish of the season was caught on the Owenmore River this week. Raymond C. Bickley, UK, was the lucky angler and his salmon weighed in at 10 lbs. Water levels remained good for most of the time with a further 4 salmon reported for the week: John Reynolds, Belmullet, landed a fine fish weighing 12 lbs., Martin Reuland also Belmullet, caught one at 10 lbs., Dick Winship, UK, took one at 7 lbs. and NWRFB Angling Officer, Markus Müller, had a salmon at 11.5 lbs. on an Autumn Brahan.

Lough Beltra

Lough Beltra, which is open on a Catch & Release basin only, produced two more springers this week. Kevin Byrne, Castlebar, had a salmon at 11 lbs. and Eamon Kennedy, Newport, caught one weighing 10 lbs. Both fish were, of course, released.

Ballin Lough

This lake fished very well for the week and all anglers reported excellent results. Thirty-two rods caught a total of 62 trout (27 released).

Amongst the successful anglers were Alan Daniels & David Quinn with 12 trout (8 released), best at 3 lbs., Michael Quinn, Galway, with 4 fish, best at 3.5 lbs. and Vincent Roche, CEO NWRFB, fishing together with Harry Lyo & Alan McGurdy with 9 trout (2 released). Vincent had the best fish for the week - a rainbow trout weighing 4 lbs. 12 ozs. Best flies were Zulu, Claret Bumble, Green Peter, Bibio and Goldheads.

The newly formed Kiltimagh Angling Club hosted a competition on Ballin Lough on Saturday, 12 May. The event was a beginner’s competition and a total of 5 trout was caught by the keen novices.

Bilberry Lake & Lough Lannagh

The Irish Ladies Fly Fishing Association held their 2^nd trial over the weekend. Fourteen lady anglers participated in the event and 56 trout were caught, measured and subsequently released. The trial was won by Madeleine Kelly, Belfast, Sorcha Weld, Kildare, was runner up and Muriel Scorer, Meath, came third.  

Lough Conn & Lough Cullin

Fishing on the both Loughs has been pretty good for the past week and about 180 anglers reporting 200 trout, weighing 190 lbs. in 230 rod days.

Padraig Traynor, Crossmolina, had 7 trout for one evening with best at 2.5 lbs. Padraig caught most of his fish on Green and Grey Wullfs. John Burke, Foxford, took 4 trout for 8 lbs. on Stimulators and Eugene Munnelly, Ballina, had 8 fish for 8 lbs. with best at 2 lbs. Colin Cahill and Paddy Ward, both from Mullingar, also landed 8 trout averaging 1 lbs. with best at 2.75 lbs. David McNee, Scotland, had 6 fish over 2 days for 5 lbs., best at 2 lbs. on dry Mayflies and UK angler, John Nickelson, took 4 trout for 5 lbs with best at 1.5 lbs.; Bibio & Octopus patterns worked best for John.

Elsewhere, Hans V. Otterloo and Wim Hanselaar, both from Holland, had good sport on Bibios and Olives catching 5 trout with an average weight of 0.75 lbs.

The Albert Berry party of 70 anglers from the Monaghan/Cavan area held their annual angling competition on Lough Cullin on Sunday, 13 May. A total of 45 trout were weighed in and Dan Gormley on the competition with the heaviest fish at 3.9 lbs. the heaviest bag went to Jack Spratt and Stan McCort.  

Ballisodare River

The Ballisodare Fishery had a reported catch of 38 salmon (17 released) for the week. The majority of the fish was caught on worm and fly. The best fish for the week weighed 10 lbs. and was caught by Anthony McCann on an Ally’s Shrimp

 Lough Arrow 

Fishing picked up on Lough Arrow during the week with prolific mayfly hatches on most of the days. Thirty trout were reported by anglers for the week with Jonathan Frazer landing the best fish weighing 4 lbs.

The “Mayfly Competition” was held on Sunday, 13 May. The competition was based on the heaviest fish and nearly all trout were taken on the dap. Results were as follows: 1^st Philip Murray with a magnificent trout at 7.4 lbs., 2^nd Brian Hargadon with a trout at 3.5 lbs, 3^rd John Finegan with a trout at 2.7 lbs. and 4^th John Hargadon who caught a trout weighing 2.25 lbs. The juvenile section of the competition was won by Garlath Dodd with a 2.1 lbs. trout and runner up was Darren Lavin with a fish at 1.2 lbs.

Angling Report – w/e 07 May, 2007

River Moy

The Moy had a reported catch of 40 salmon for the week and fish were caught throughout the system.

On the Ridge Pool, Lothar Deeg, Germany, had a salmon (released) at 6 lbs. and Paul McGrory, Louth, landed one at 7.7 lbs. Both fish were caught on fly. Four salmon were reported from the Ballina Salmon Anglers stretch. This fishery opened on Tuesday, 1 May and Gary Keaveney, Ballina, caught the first fish weighing 5.5 lbs on worm. Billy Brett, Athlone, also had a salmon at 5.5 lbs. The Mount Falcon Fishery also reported the first salmon of the season: Meath angler, Padraig Corrigan, caught the fish weighing 8.5 lbs.

Ten year old Lisa Massey from Northern Ireland who was fishing Coolcronan’s together with her parents caught a fine 9 lbs. salmon on the worm. This was the first fish of the season for the Scott-Knox-Gore Coolcronan Fishery!

Armstrong’s produced 4 salmon and 2 fish were reported from Gannon’s including a fine 12 lbs. salmon caught by Dublin angler, Doreen Connolly. On the Foxford Fishery, Eugine Ryan and Jack McDonnell, Carlow, had fish at 9 and 10 lbs. An Austrian party enjoyed very good sport on the Clongee Fishery including a 12 lbs. fish (fly) for Harald Heuerweller, an 11 lbs. (fly) salmon for Thomas Steininger and one at 10 lbs. (spinner) for Martin Guttman. 

Moy Estuary

The fluctuating winds affected fishing conditions this week on the Moy Estuary.  However, the same Austrian party, fishing with Judd Ruane who can be contacted on www.fishingireland.ie, had 15 sea trout averaging 1.25 lbs. on mackerel strip.
  
Carrowmore Lake

Angling on Carrowmore Lake was slow this week with only one salmon caught: Declan Daly was the lucky angler and his fish weighed 8 lbs. The lake was discoloured for most of the week due to the windy conditions but fishing should improve again in the event of winds settling over the next few days. 

 Lough Beltra

Lough Beltra produced 2 fish for the week: Alistair Angus, England, a guest of Newport House, caught a salmon at 10 lbs. on a Silver Doctor and Rory Murray, Offaly, who was fishing from the Glenisland Co-Op side, had a fish weighing 7 lbs. on a Shrimp Fly.

Ballinlough

The season on Ballinlough started off with excellent results! The Board managed fishery opened on Tuesday, 1 May and 13 anglers had a total of 40 trout, 14 of which were released. The total catch for the week was 108 trout (34 released). Undoubtedly, the fish of the week was caught by Frank Gilsenan, Offaly, who landed a 7 lbs. rainbow trout. Frank’s fish came to a Zulu. Other notable catches include 17 rainbow trout (11 released) for B. Jameson and friend (Westmeath), 11 fish (3 released) for Ronan Creane, Offaly, with best at 3.5 lbs. and 9 rainbows for Paul Caslin & Colin Peyton with best at 2.5 lbs. Most successful flies were: Zulu, Clarte Bumble, Sedge Hog, Clan Chief, Sooty Olive, Octopus, Dabblers and Buzzers.

Lough Conn & Lough Cullin

All anglers reported good fishing on both lakes for the week with more than 200 trout caught by 70 anglers over 180 rod days.

The prestigious Healy Cup Fly Fishing competition was fished on Lough Conn and Lough Cullin on Saturday, 6 May. An international array of fishermen took part in the competition, conditions were perfect and anglers saw good hatches of mayflies. The annual event is sponsored by Healy’s Restaurant and Country House. Jim Ruane from Ireland won the Healy Cup with a fish at 1.39 lbs. Runner up was Phillip Whitehead, UK and James Jennings, Castlebar came third.

The Lough Conn & Cullin Anglers competed against the Dublin Anglers on Saturday, 5 May. Forty anglers took part in the competition and the results were as follows: 1st Michael Monaghan with 5 trout for 5.29 lbs., 2nd John Walsh with 3 trout, 3rd David Dinsmore with 2 fish. On Sunday, 6 May, the Conn & Cullin Anglers fished for the “Pratt Cup” with John Griffin (2 fish for 2.47 lbs.) winning the event, John Walsh (2 fish for 2.19 lbs.) in 2nd place and Adrian Murphy (2 fish for 1.75 lbs.) coming 3rd.

Elsewhere, Joe Quinn, Ballina caught 2 fish for 2.5 lbs., Simon Karlfield, UK, took 6 trout on Lough Cullin with an average weight of 1 lbs. and Seamus Kelly, Cloghans, had 16 trout over 3 days, best at 2.75 lbs.

Best flies for the week were: Bibio, Gosling, Octopus, Sooty Olive and Green Hackle.

Ballisodare River

Ballisodare had a good start to the season with 20 salmon recorded of which 7 were released. Vinney Henry had a fish at 10 lbs. and Michael Smith caught a fine fish weighing 15 lbs. Both fish were taken on worms.

Lough Arrow 

Last weekend saw the first prolific hatches of mayflies on the Lough and subsequently a number of fine trout were caught. Anglers reported 23 trout for the week mostly taken on the dab. Noel Clinton fishing with his father Carl had 6 trout for 14 lbs. and juvenile angler, Walter Frazer, caught two fish at 3.2 lbs. and 2.6 lbs. Angling journalist, David Gray, enjoyed good sport on the dry fly and landed 3 nice trout averaging 3.5 lbs. Prospects for Lough Arrow are looking good for the coming weeks with more mayfly action ahead.

Angling Report – w/e 28 April, 2007

River Moy

The Moy had a total of 33 salmon reported for the week.

On Gannons, John Marshall, Northern Ireland, caught a salmon at 8 lbs. on prawn. Granville Nesbitt reports 2 fish from the Foxford Fishery: Dermot O’Hanlon, Northern Ireland, and Dr. Graham Hey, UK, both had one salmon weighing 8 lbs. each. On Clongee, Paul Wymes, Meath, had a fish at 10 lbs. on spinner, which he released. Also on Cloongee, Austrian angler, Martin Guttman, landed a salmon at 5.5 lbs. and Gary Mulhall, Wicklow, had a fine 13 lbs. salmon on worm. There was also good fishing on the East Mayo Anglers stretch and it was here that visiting angler, Hans-Joachim Roth, Germany, caught and released a 5 lbs. salmon. Mr. Roth was fishing the fly. Also on the fly, Mick Maye, Galway, landed a fine fish weighing 9 lbs. One salmon was caught on the Ballintemple Beat and 2 more salmon are reported caught trolling on Lough Conn.    

Moy Estuary

This is the second week of good sea trout catches in the Moy Estuary. Three local boats had been out during the week and report good sport on the fly. The trout weight between 1 lbs. and 1.5 lbs. and were all released.
 
Carrowmore Lake

The windy weather and heavy rain early in the week resulted in a slight discolouration of the lake with fishing conditions deteriorating for a few days. However, with water clarity back to normal, 5 salmon were reported for the weekend. English angler, Barry Lowrie, and friends caught 3 salmon weighing between 7.7 lbs. and 8.5 lbs. Pat Kelly, Co Kildare, will definitely remember Carrowmore Lake as he caught his first ever salmon on Saturday, 28 April, weighing 7.5 lbs. – and this after 10 years of fishing!

Lough Beltra & Newport River

There was good angling this week on Lough Beltra.  Ian Holman had a fish at 6 lbs. and James O’Hora caught one weighing 10 lbs. On the Glenisland Co-Op side, Kevin Byrne had 2 fine salmon at 9 lbs. and 10 lbs. and Rory Murray, Portlaoise, caught a fish at 7 lbs.

The first salmon of the season was caught on the Newport River by visiting angler William Moberg. The fine fish weighed 11 lbs. and was, of course, also released as the Newport River/Lough Beltra system is open on a Catch & Release basis only.

Clogher Lough (Westport)

Moy Fishery Manager, Declan Cooke, caught 6 nice trout (all returned) and Arnold Whymm, Glenisland, and friend reported 30 trout, all of which were also released. Permits and boat hire for Clogher Lough can be arranged through Mrs. Gibbons on 098-25061.
Lough Conn

Despite the warm weather and sunny conditions anglers were rewarded with some nice catches over the last week. Forty-six anglers reporting 60 trout, weighing 55 lbs. in 50 rod days.

Robert Sinclair, Scotland, a guest of Healy’s Hotel, Pontoon, took a beautiful 6 lbs. trout while trolling. He also caught a further 6 trout averaging 1.5 lbs., all of which were released. Tim Deasy, Castlebar, who was fishing with Ghilli Jack Mellet, had 9 trout over 2 days, best at 2.1 lbs. Dermot Dunn, Offaly, had 7 trout over two days, averaging 0.75 lbs., best at 2.25 lbs. and  Bernie Scott, Moate, fishing with Denis Michael, Ballina, landed 4 trout for 6 lbs., best also at 2.25 lbs.

Most successful flies for the week were Bibio, Sooty Olive and Dabbler patterns.

Lough Arrow 

A small number of trout were reported for Lough Arrow for the week, all caught on the troll. David Frazer had 1 fish at 1.5 lbs (returned), Thomas Walsh had 3 trout at 1.75 lbs., 2 lbs & 2.25 lbs. and Mark McConnon landed 2 trout weighing 1.75 lbs. and 2 lbs. With the first mayflies hatching, the coming weeks look more promising for good sport on the fly.

Pike Angling

Pike guide, Bodo Funke, reports lively pike action this week in the North Western Region. While guiding two Italian anglers, Bodo managed to hook a very nice pike, which topped the scales at exactly 20 lbs. A few smaller pike were also caught and pike fishing is expected to stay lively for the next few weeks as then all pike should have finished spawning. Bodo can be contacted on www.anglingservicesireland.com

Angling Report – w/e 22 April, 2007

River Moy

The Moy had a reported catch of 22 salmon for the week.

The first Moy Fishery salmon for the 2007 season was caught on Friday, 20 April by ghillie John Howley on the Ridge Pool. John was using a size 8 Ally’s cascade fished on an intermediate line. The fish was estimated to weigh approximately 11 lbs. and was released immediately after being caught.

Half an hour later Gary Fullerton from Buncrana Co. Donegal caught the second salmon of the season on the Ridge Pool. He was also using a size 8 Ally’s Cascade. His fish was estimated to weigh about 6 lbs. and was also released.

On Clongee, Frank Walsh, Belfast, caught a salmon at 8 lbs. on spinner. Fly angler, Ben Baker, UK, fishing the East Mayo Water, had a fine fish weighing 11 lbs. There have also been reports of a big salmon of app. 17 lbs.  caught trolling on Lough Conn.

Moy Estuary

The Moy Estuary saw a good start to the sea trout season this week. Bob Bell, England, John James, Wales and Pat Rice, Bray, had 23 trout (all between 1 & 1.5 lbs.) for 3 days. All were fishing with Judd Ruane who can be contacted on www.fishingireland.ie. All fish were caught on mackerel strip and released. With water conditions remaining good and a good show of sea trout in the estuary fishing should improve in the coming weeks.

Carrowmore Lake

Once again, Carrowmore Lake proved to be one of the top spring salmon fisheries in the country with 25 salmon caught, 15 of which were released.

Visiting anglers as well as locals enjoyed excellent fly fishing for the third consecutive week. Brian Butler, Frank Dooley, Andy Letterman, Peter McGuire and Franz Kaizer all had one fish each. The biggest fish for the week was landed by Keith Hudson from Devon, England, weighing 10.5 lbs and visiting anglers Neil Atkinson and Bernard Cravan, Dublin, both caught their first ever salmon.

All salmon weighed between 6.5 lbs and 10.5 lbs with the bulk of the fish around the 8 lbs. mark. Most successful flies were various Dabbler patterns, Clan Chief, Claret Bumble and Red Zulu Palmers.

With more settled weather conditions predicted, the prospects for Carrowmore Lake for the coming week look excellent.   

Lough Beltra

There was only one fish caught this week on Lough Beltra. Michael Dolan caught and returned a fine 9lbs. salmon.
 
Lough Conn

Angling activity was slow on Lough Conn this week due to the weather conditions.

The Foxford Anglers held a competition on Sunday, 22 April. Twenty-five anglers took part and the event was won by Michael Monaghan who had the heaviest bag (2 trout for 2.2 lbs.). John Burke came 2nd with 2 fish for 2.1 lbs and the heaviest fish (1.5 lbs.) was caught by Joe Quinn.

Elsewhere, Henry Belshaw, England, had 4 trout for 6.5 lbs on Dry Olives and Murphy’s Boat Hire report 10 trout from the Massbrook area and the Coleman’s Shallows.

Lough Arrow 

Angling activity on Lough Arrow is still quite slow. However, 3 nice trout were reported for the week. Jonathan and David Frazer had a trout at 2.5lbs. each and their father, Ivan, landed a fish at 2 lbs. All three fish were caught trolling.

Pike Angling

Professional angling guide, Bodo Funke, who can be contacted on www.anglingservicesireland.com reports excellent pike fishing for the week. Bodo was guiding a German film team on Templehouse Lake and Derryhick Lake during the week and the journalists landed more than 30 pike fishing lures and the fly in two days. The biggest pike weighed 12 lbs. with most of the fish between 5 and 7 lbs.

Ridge Pool produces its first Salmon of 2007

The first Moy Fishery salmon for the 2007 season was caught today 20 April by ghillie John Howley on the Ridge Pool. John was using a size 8 Ally’s cascade fished on an intermediate line. The fish was estimated to weigh approximately 11 lbs and was released immediately after being landed.

Half an hour later Gary Fullerton from Buncrana Co. Donegal caught the second salmon of the season on the Ridge Pool. He was also using a size 8 Allys Cascade. His fish was estimated to weigh about 6 lbs and was also released.

 
Angling Report – w/e 15 April, 2007

River Moy

The Moy had a total of 19 salmon reported for the week. Again, the bulk of the fish were caught on Foxford club waters, upstream of Foxford, and on Gannons’ Fishery, downstream of Foxford. A fine salmon, weighing 8 lbs., was also caught on the East Mayo Anglers stretch by fly angler John McGrath from Tipperary.

Free fishing continues to be available on the Ridge Pool at Ballina until the first salmon is caught there and fishing on the lower Moy Fishery beats, including the Cathedral Beat and the Point, has opened on Tuesday, 17 April.

Carrowmore Lake

No report available for this fishery.

Lough Beltra
 

There were two fish caught this week on Lough Beltra, both by guests of Newport House. Mr McClune, Northern Ireland, had a nice salmon at 9 lbs. and Edwin Oxlade also from Northern Ireland landed a salmon weighing 8 lbs. Both fish were, of course, released as Lough Beltra is open on a Catch & Release basis only.

Clogher Lough

Philip McGing, Westport, caught 4 trout, Sean Hanley, Castlebar, had 3 trout and Michael Smyth, Belfast, landed 10 trout, all of which were returned.   Permits and boat hire for Clogher Lough can be arranged through Mrs. Gibbons on 098-25061.

Lough Conn & Lough Cullin

Despite the very calm and sunny conditions it has been a rather good week on both lakes with 40 anglers reporting 60 trout, weighing 63 lbs. (just as many fish to about ¾ lbs. were returned) in 50 rod days.

The most successful flies were Bibio, various Dabblers, Olives and Buzzer patterns.

On Sunday, 22 anglers from the Conn & Cullin Anglers held a competition on Lough Conn. A total of 9 trout were caught and the event was won by Adrian Murphy, Cloghans, with a nice fish weighing 2.16 lbs. Second was Michael Monaghan with 2 trout for 1.86 lbs. and Ian Wyse came third with a trout at 1.68 lbs.

Elsewhere, Ronnie Cox, Ballina, caught 12 trout over 3 outings, all of which were returned and Peter Roche, Cloghans, had 9 fish (over 3 evenings). Peter also returned all his fish. Joe and Kay McBride, Dublin, had 7 trout with the best at 2 lbs. and Walter & Susan Byrne fishing together with Michael Kelly took 11 trout for 14 lbs. with the best at 2.5 lbs. Seamus Kelly, Cloghans, caught and released a nice trout at 2.25 lbs.

Ulah El Khulfash and her husband Abdullah, two wedding guests at the Downhill Hotel, Ballina and both from Kuwait, experienced a very enjoyable day out on Lough Conn. The couple was looking for some relaxation before the big event and after enquiring it was suggested to try some fly fishing for the first time. They promptly caught 2 beautiful trout at 1.5 lbs. and 1.25 lbs on a Bibio and a Dabbler.  

Lough Arrow  

Due to the long dry spell and the exceptionally warm and sunny weather fishing on Arrow was quite slow during the week. However, local angler, Leo Conlon, had a trout at 1.5 lbs. on the troll and visiting angler, Barry Kelly from Athlone caught 6 trout with the best at 2.75 lbs and 3.25 lbs. which he retained and the others were put back.

The North Western Regional Fisheries Board

Angling Report – w/e 8 April, 2007

 River Moy
The Moy fished well this week with a total of 28 salmon reported for the week. The bulk of the fish were caught on Foxford club waters, upstream of Foxford, and on Gannons’ Fishery, downstream of Foxford. Salmon were also caught on the Ballyvary River (the inflow to Lough Cullin) on Lough Cullin itself and on Lough Conn. The best fish reported, however, was a fine salmon of 9.75 lbs. (4.42 kgs.) which was caught by David Cahill on the Foxford Fishery (see photograph attached). Free fishing continues to be available on the Ridge Pool at Ballina until the first salmon is caught there and fishing on the lower Moy Fishery beats, including the Cathedral Beat and the Point, commences on Tuesday next, 17 April. With water levels ideal for fishing, the prospects for the Moy for the coming week look very good.

Carrowmore Lake
Carrowmore had another very good week with a total of twenty-four salmon caught of which nine were returned alive. Most of the fish were in the 8/9 lbs. (3.6 – 4.0 kgs) range. However, well known local angler and Fishery Officer, John Cosgrove, caught a fine salmon of 11 lbs. (4.98 kgs) which he duly returned to the water. Denis Desmond had two weighing 8 lbs. and 9 lbs. (3.6 kgs.and 4 kgs.) both of which he also returned. Jim Ruane, Castlebar, and friend caught one each weighing 7 lbs. (3.1 kgs.) and 8 lbs. (3.6 kgs.). John Coady, Kilkenny, had one at 10.5 lbs. (4.76 kgs.) and Dan Gormly, Dublin, had one weighing 9 lbs. (4 kgs.). With a good stock of fish in the lake and the current settled spell of weather expected to continue, prospects for Carrowmore for the coming week look excellent.

Lough Conn
There was some reasonably good fishing on Conn this week with 36 anglers reporting 42 trout, weighing 41 lbs.(18.6 kgs) in 60 rod days. The best fishing was in the Brackwansha and Cloghans areas. Fishing from Cloghans, Padraic Kelly and Brendan Levins had 4 trout for 6 lbs. (2.72 kgs.) with the best at 2.5 lbs (1.13 kgs.) which he retained and the others were put back. The previous day, Mr. Levins had two for 1.25 lbs (.57 kgs) and 1 lb. (.45 kgs). Joe Quinn and David Slack had 7 trout from .75 lbs. (.34 kgs.) to 1.25 lbs. (.56 kgs.) Harry McCafferty, Brendan Breslin and Mick McNeely caught eight trout up to 1.5 lbs (.68 kgs). The most successful flies appeared to be the Bibio, Golden Olive and Sooty Olive. With Olives beginning to hatch on Conn, fishing should pick up over the coming weeks if weather conditions continue to be suitable.

Lough Arrow
There were good hatches of duckfly on Arrow this week and some anglers enjoyed good fishing. Visiting angler, Jim Johnson, had five trout on wet flies of which he retained two at 1.5 lbs. (.68 kgs) and 1.75 lbs. (.79 kgs). Peter Dunne had a nice fish of 2.5 lbs (1.13 kgs) and Gerry Martin had a trout of similar weight. Jonathon Frazer had a fine trout of 5.25 lbs (2.38 kgs) which he caught while trolling.

Lough Bo
This stocked lake, near Lough Arrow, fished well. Guerrini Eleuterio took 6 trout on wet fly, averaging 3 lbs. (1.36 kgs) and returned a further 5 trout averaging 1 lb. (.45kgs). Neil Jackson and Mark Gallagher, from Sligo, each had 2 trout averaging 1 lb. (.45 kgs)

Clogher Lough
This small wild brown trout lake, near Westport, enjoyed good fishing with anglers averaging seven trout each. Permits and boat hire can be arranged through Mrs. Gibbons on 098-25061.

Angling Report – w/e 1 April, 2007

Carrowmore Lake

Carrowmore continued to fish well this week with another six spring salmon recorded bringing the total for the past two weeks, including released fish, to fifteen. On 26 March, Declan Dooley, Dublin, caught a salmon of 9.5 lbs., which he returned. On the same day, Frank Dooley, also from Dublin, caught two, both weighing 9 lbs. He retained one and released the second in accordance with the law.  On 30 March, Toby Gibbons, Westport, had one which also weighed 9 lbs.  The following day, Declan Dooley again scored with a fine fish of 10.5 lbs. On 1 April, a German visitor caught another salmon, this one weighing in at 7.5 lbs.  With the present weather conditions predicted to continue, the prospects for Carrowmore over the Easter period look excellent.

Lough Beltra

Lough Beltra, which is open on a Catch & Release basin only, produced two more springers this week. Both were caught by Desmond Desmonds, England, one weighing about 7 lbs. and the second at about 9.5 lbs. Both fish were, of course, released.

River Moy

The Moy is known to have produced a number of salmon this week but it has not been possible to get details. The river is now in perfect condition for fishing and good numbers of salmon have been observed all the way from Ballina to Cloongee where at least two fish have been lost.

Loughs Conn and Cullin

Lough Conn had a quite week with few anglers going out due to the sunny, calm conditions. However, those that persevered caught trout. John Walsh, Cloghans, had four trout, on duck flies and nymphs, with the best at 2.5 lbs. The same angler had a fine trout weighing almost 5 lbs. on Lough Cullin, on a duck fly, on St. Patrick’s Day.  Joe McBride and Fred Finlay had one weighing 1.25 lbs.
 
Bilberry Lough

Bilberry & Lannagh Angling Club held the first competition of the season on Sunday with 13 anglers participating. Six anglers caught 9 trout with the competition won by Shane Walsh with 3 trout weighing 2.10 lbs. Mat Fahy was second with 2 trout weighing 2.06 lbs.  The club’s next completion will be fished on 29 April and new members are welcome.

Pike Angling

 
Balla & District Angling club held a competition  on Carrownmore Lake (Manulla area) on Sunday. The event was won by junior angler, Alan Kiernan, with a fine fish of 18 lbs. Second in the junior section was Richard Kelly with a fish of 6 lbs. The senior event was won by Liam Flanagan with three pike weighing 22.5 lbs. Second was Kevin Kelly with two pike weighing 8 lbs. and 6.5 lbs. and Joe Early was third with a fish of 10.25lbs.

Angling Report – w/e 26 March, 2007

First Salmon of Season taken on Owenduff River

The Lagduff Fishery on the Owenduff River, Ballycroy, has produced the first salmon of the season in the North Western Fisheries Region. The fresh fish, weighing 8 lbs., was caught by English visitor, Alexander Mills, on Wednesday last, 21 March on this “fly only” fishery. Two days later, second salmon was taken, and returned, on the same fishery by another guest, Andrew Glover.

Lough Beltra produced its first salmon of the season on Thursday, 22 March. This was a fine salmon on 10.25 lbs. but it was, of course, returned to the water in accordance with the regulations for this fishery.

Carrowmore Lake produced its first salmon on Saturday, 24 March, when Declan Foley, Dublin, landed a lovely 8 lbs. fish. A second salmon, also around 8 lbs. was caught by John Bramble, Co. Offlay and a third was caught and released by Declan Dooly, Dublin.

The Board has also received a number of unconfirmed reports of salmon having been caught on the Moy which is now dropping fast. The upper stretches, on the Cloongee and East Mayo fisheries, should be in perfect order in the coming days if the present dry spell continues.

The North Western Regional Fisheries Board

Angling Report – w/e 25 February, 2007

The trout angling season opened on Lough Conn on 15 February and a reasonable number of boats were fishing on opening day and in the following days.  Several anglers reported trout on the first day of the season. However, Michael Rutledge, Lahardaun, fishing together with Sean Goulding and Michael O’Toole, both from Dublin, enjoyed an exceptional opening day with 10 trout, best at 1.5 lbs. The three anglers were fishing wet flies and landed 8 of their 10 fish in the first hour. Water levels on Conn are dropping and this should favour angling if weather conditions become more settled over the coming weeks.

Prospects for salmon fishing on the Moy are also looking good with suitable water levels above and below the outflow of Lough Conn. All fisheries on the Moy are open and operating as usual except the Ballina Salmon Angler’s beat upstream of the weir.  Anglers are welcome and invited to cast a line on the River Moy!

The Fisheries Board is still offering free fishing on the Ridge Pool up until the first salmon is caught there. All legitimate methods are allowed except prawn and shrimp.

The North Western Regional Fisheries Board

Angling Report – w/e 04 February, 2007

With water levels dropping rapidly, and some fresh salmon running the system, prospects look quite good for the Moy over the coming weeks. On Saturday, 3 February 2007, well know musician, Chris De Margary, from the band, Simply Red, together with friends, Jules Evans and Simeon Hay, enjoyed an exciting day’s fishing in Ballina.  They had travelled from Donegal to try their luck on the Ridge Pool and the Moy Fishery Fresh Water Beat, where Chris caught a fine 2 lbs. trout on the fly. Later, a well mended kelt also took a fly and was duly released.  The anglers also reported a couple of fresh spring salmon running up river and at least one springer was also observed in the Canal stretch just upstream of Ballina.  As usual, the Fisheries Board is offering free fishing on the Ridge Pool up until the first salmon is caught there.

Further up river, fishing conditions on the Cloongee Fishery and on the East Mayo water are perfect at present and there are high hopes that the first salmon of the season will be landed soon.  Both fisheries are upstream of the outflow from Lough Conn and water levels are lower than on the downstream fisheries.

Prospects for Carrowmore Lake, another prolific spring salmon fishery in the region, are also looking good with water levels dropping and calm weather conditions expected to continue over the coming week.  

Angling Report - w/e 31 October, 2006

Ballinlough Fishery

Seventeen rods fished for the last week of the season on Ballin Lough. A total of 8 rainbow trout were caught, 4 of which were released. Paul Caslin and Colm Peyton, Castlebar, caught 5 trout (4 released) with best at 1.5 lbs. John O’Malley, Westport, had 2 fish, best at 2.5 lbs. and Mat Foley, Kiltimagh, had one trout at 1.5 lbs. Best flies for the week were Sedges, Muddlers, Alexandra and Green Peter patterns

Derryhick Lake

An inter-club pike angling competition was held on Derryhick Lake on Sunday, 29 October. Participating angling clubs were Blessington, Foxford and Balla AC. Forty-six   anglers took part and 16 pike were caught weighing in at a total of 57 lbs. The best pike weighed 9.2 lbs. Derryhick Lake holds an excellent stock of pike and has very good bank fishing facilities. For further information contact the North Western Regional Fisheries Board at info@nwrfb.com.   

Angling Report – w/e 22 October, 2006

Ballinlough Fishery

Angling activity on Ballin Lough was very good during the last week. Forty-four rods fished for the week landing a total of 25 trout, 9 of which were released.

Paul Caslin and Colm Peyton, Castlebar, caught 6 trout (3 returned) with best at 1.75 lbs. Mr. Fitzgerald and friend, Westport , had 2 fish (both released) including a cracking 7 lbs. rainbow trout. Successful flies included Silver Sedge, Finnish Lady, Green Peter and Muddler patterns.

Westport Trout Anglers held a competition during the week for the Pat Fitzgerald Cup. Twenty-four anglers took part in the competition which was won by Martin Walsh with trout weighing in at 4.5 lbs. The cup was presented by the family of the late Pat Fitzgerald, Buckfield, Kilmeena, a former member of Westport Trout Anglers. Further results were: 2 nd Toby Gibbons; 3 rd Tom Bourke, 4 th Sean Moogan. Westport Trout Anglers intend making the competition an annual event.

The Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association (ILFA), in association with The North Western Regional Fisheries Board, held an introductory course for ladies interested in fly fishing on Saturday, 21 October on the lake . An indoor session where participants were introduced to the basics of fly fishing and casting was followed by a practical casting session on the lake shore.

Ballinlough Fishery remains open till the end of October and fishing can be arranged by contacting Mrs. Gill at 098 26128.    

Angling Report –   w/e 15 October, 2006

Ballinlough Fishery

Fishing on the Lough has been excellent this week. Sixteen rods fished for the week landing a total of 87 trout, 48 of which were released.

Mike Bourke and friend, Co. Galway, caught 21 trout (15 returned) with best at 3.75 lbs. Brian Jameson and P.J. Marsh, Co. Meath, had 16 fish (10 released). Their heaviest fish weighed in at 3 lbs. John Crowly and friend from County Mayo had 8 fish (5 released), best at 2.75 lbs and Brendan Smith & partner, Co. Sligo, landed 13 trout, 9 of which they released.

Best flies for the week were Moy Bumble, Bibio, Delphi, Golden Olive Bumble, Orange Dabbler and Green Peter patterns.

Ballinlough Fishery remains open till the end of October and fishing can be arranged by contacting Mrs. Gill at 098 26128.   

Angling Report –   w/e 08 October, 2006

Ballinlough Fishery

Angling conditions were ideal and fishing on the Lough was excellent during the week. Twenty-seven rods caught a total of 52 trout, 26 of which were returned.

Robert Pitman & party, Co. Galway, caught 4 rainbow trout with best at 2.5 lbs. Roy Burnett & partner, Co. Sligo, had 7 rainbow trout (5 released) with best at 1.5 lbs. David Quinn and Willie Noone, Co. Galway, also landed 7 rainbow trout, 4 of which were released. Their best fish weighed in at 2 lbs. A fine 3.5 lbs. trout was caught by James Gibbons who had another 5 trout, 4 of which he released.

Best flies for the week were Hares Ear Nymph, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Minky, Yellow Gosling, Claret Bumble, Silver Dabbler, Green Peter and Muddler patterns.

Ballinlough Fishery remains open till the end of October and fishing can be arranged by contacting Mrs. Gill at 098 26128.   

Lough Conn

Angling activity on Lough was quite slow during the last week of the season. However, good numbers of smaller trout were reported by anglers who fished the Lough this past week.

Raymond Kelly, a regular visitor from Northern Ireland, fishing out of Cloghans reported a 1.5 lbs. fish and released several small trout.

Healy’s Hotel, Pontoon, ran its end of season fishing competition on Sunday, 8 October on Lough Conn & Cullin for the Healy’s Hotel Kingdom of Conn Cup. Twenty anglers took part in the competition and landed a total of 9 trout. Results were as follows: 1st prize Peter Byrne, 2nd Steward Weight, 3rd Frank Reilly