Salmon stocks will be considerably enhanced over the next two weeks with the release of 3.6 million salmon fry into the Shannon by the ESB. The new Programme 2000 is part of a tripartite research project by NUI, Galway and the Marine Institute.
Comprising 1,100,000 multisea winter (msw) origin and 2,500,000 grilse parentage, the fry will be introduced at carefully selected locations along the Shannon.
Research has shown the "old" river stretch from World's End at Castleconnell to Thomas's Island, Corbally, as the most suitable habitat for juvenile salmon and it is here the msw element of the restocking will take place.
The Boyle will also benefit to the tune of 0.5 million msw. Although presently denuded of juvenile salmon, historical evidence shows msw salmon will return to this important river and the time is now considered opportune to revitalise the area.
On the grilse front, the 2 1/2 million unfed fry will be planted along the Shannon system including the Suck, Brosna, Little Brosna and Inny rivers. In order to allow proper monitoring in terms of success rate, the areas chosen will differ from that of last year's stocking programme.
Anglers are delighted with spring salmon catches from the lower Shannon so far this season, many of which originated from the new-look hatchery at Parteen. "We hope to achieve the IS EN ISO 14001 Environmental Management standard within three years," says ESB Fisheries Manager, Mr Gough.
It was a week of mixed fortunes for north-west anglers, with 23 salmon from the Finn and no catches from the Mourne.
After a slow start to the season, the Killygordan Private Fishery produced 11 fish, ranging from 5 1/2lb to 14lb.
Two sluice gates are open this week on the Galway Weir Fishery and levels are ideal for fly fishing. Despite this, only seven fish were caught, six springers and one 6lb grilse, the latter the first of the season. Sean McMenamin from Kildare landed an excellent fish of 14 1/2lb.
On the Erriff Fishery, only two anglers have fished the river so far. However, with any real effort by anglers it is felt salmon are there for the taking. Accommodation and rods are available by contacting Jim Stafford at (095) 42252.
Two English anglers hit the jackpot at the Tom Foxe stretch on the Inny. Fishing about 300 meters above the river mouth, they encountered vast shoals of bream and ran up a tally of 260lb and 245lb.
Bream are on the move from Lough Ree and there are sightings of big shoals around the reeds at the Cut section. For further information on this venue, visit webpage www.shannon-fishery-board.ie/athlone-coarse.htm
Correspondence and fishy photographs to The Irish Times, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2. Fax: 679-1881. e-mail: angling@irishtimes.ie