ANGLING NOTES:WATER levels were perfect for angling on the Galway Weir despite the changeable weather, and 17 salmon were recorded. Dublin anglers showed the locals how to do it last week with Dave O'Reilly catching three salmon on fly and releasing two while Lorcan Buckley landed a fine fish of 6.1kg (13.5lb), also on fly.
Fish of the week, however, was accredited to Galway regular Henry Cosgrove with a magnificent salmon of 7.3kg (16lb) on fly. Fresh fish are appearing all the time and with the spring run in full flow, prospects for the coming weeks are excellent.
- On the Drowes Fishery, 12-year-old Callum Kettyles recorded his first ever salmon last Saturday week, a 3.4kg fish on shrimp from the Long Hole. He followed this up next day with a second fish of 3.8kg from the Eel Weir on a Flying “C”. For booking, see drowessalmonfishery.com
- Angling on the River Finn in Northern Ireland remains very good, with daily catches from many sections of the river. A number of larger fish in double figures have been reported; among the names is Frank Elliot from Strabane, one of the most experienced anglers on the Foyle system.
The main run of spring fish is usually from March 17th to April 20th and signs are that this year will be no different.
- A group from Rotterdam while fishing over two days on the Lady Louise out from Courtmacsherry, Co Cork, recorded good catches of pollack and coalfish including a specimen coalfish of 6.9kg (15.4lb) for Eric Kleiborn on his first Irish angling holiday.
- First qualifier of the 2009/10 national pike championships was held last Sunday on the River Inny, near Legan. Results: 1, E Keogh (Trim); 2, R McShane (Ardee); 3, E McCabe (Newbridge); 4, F Dunne (Duleek); 5, R Murray (Cootehill).
All five qualify for the final. The 86 competitors recorded 212 pike, best fish 6.1kg. Next qualifier is scheduled for Dromore River, Ballybay, on Sunday May 10th, 11am to 4pm.
- The Environment Agency Wales’ Salmon Home-Coming project received second place in the Education Category at the recent prestigious Waterways Renaissance Awards in Liverpool. The project worked with 1,300 primary school children in the south Wales valleys explaining the life-cycle of the Atlantic salmon.
For the past six years small-scale salmon hatcheries were set up in classrooms for pupils to care for salmon eggs. At fry stage, the fish were moved to Cynrig Hatchery until ready for release.
The children visited the hatchery at regular intervals to see the salmon in different life-stages, along with many of its natural predators. The pupils then took great pride in collecting the fry for release to local rivers.
Roger Hanbury of The Waterways Trust, said: “The salmon home-coming project is an excellent example of what can be achieved with vision, commitment and partnership working.”
- A one-day “ladies only” fly fishing course in aid of Action Breast Cancer will take place at Rathcon Trout Fishery, Grangecon, Co Wicklow, on May 16th. The event is organised by the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board, with top casting instructor Glenda Powell and angling adviser Mark Corps, in attendance.
Registration is at 10am and the course includes casting theory, practice and fly-casting. Fishing gear will be provided, however, it is advisable to bring wet gear, wellies and sun glasses.
The course is free, instead, participants are asked to make a donation to Action Breast Cancer. As spaces are limited to 16, contact Ashley Hayden at ashley.hayden@erfb.ie or 087- 2746127/01-278 7022.
- Waterways Ireland in partnership with Longford County Council and Fáilte Ireland have announced the development of a €1 million boating and tourist destination at Richmond Harbour, Clondara, Co Longford.
The project will consist of visitor facilities, playground, barge garden, street lighting and additional facilities for boats including a pump-out, mooring bollards and landing jetties.
Damian Brennan of Fáilte Ireland East and Midlands Region, said: “The River Shannon, its lakes and tributaries offer a focal point for tourism development from Lough Erne to the Shannon Estuary. These new facilities will greatly enhance the experience for both the tourist and local alike.”