ANGLING NOTES:THE OUTGOING Minister for Natural Resources, Conor Lenihan, joined fourth class pupils from St Pius X Girls National School, Terenure, on a field trip last Monday to analyse water quality in the River Dodder.
In preparation, Des Chew of Dublin Angling Initiative (DAI) visited the school and enlightened pupils on water quality, the lifecycle of trout and fly-fishing. Starting at Rathfarnham SC and finishing at the confluence of the Owendore River at Bushy Park, the Minister was joined by TV presenter and angler Derek Davis.
Fisheries staff, assisted by Gerry Heaslip and Brian McDonagh of Dodder Anglers’ Association (DAA), took kick samples and the children identified invertebrates and found different species of stonefly and caddis fly.
“It is wonderful to see young people learning about their local river. The Dodder is a very important river in south Dublin. It has good water quality, a healthy population of wild brown trout and is a wonderful angling resource. This is in no small part due to the excellent relationship that DAI and Inland Fisheries Ireland have with DAA,” the Minister said.
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Charles Baker is passionate about his salmon angling. As owner of the three-mile stretch of the River Moy in Foxford, Co Mayo, he portrays great determination to return one of the most prolific fly-fishing stretches on the Lower Moy to its former glory.
The Foxford Rocks beat lies above and below the town and has a considerable gradient and flow throughout. New pools have been expertly designed to accentuate this and allow the fly to move with minimal assistance.
The Bridge Pool is streamy, with rocks providing natural lies. Below the bridge are four classic wading fly pools, Flag, Eel Weir, Ford and Blackrocks. The beats fish equally well with floating line in normal conditions and intermediate/sinking lines in higher water.
Contact cb@foxfordrocks.com or 0044-1428-707272.
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Action was slow on opening day on Lough Corrib. On the Oughterard side, the best return was by John and Frank Butler, from Roscahill with three trout for 3.9kg (8.5lbs) to win the Langan Cup, according to fisheries officer, Kevin Crowley.
Sport picked up towards the weekend, with Gerry Molloy from Glann landing four fish for approx. 5.4kg (12lbs). Fishing guide Patrick Molloy and Darren Higgins caught three including one of 3.9kg (8.5lbs). All were taken trolling. Very little to report from fly anglers, so far.
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The first salmon of the season was caught last Thursday week on Lough Melvin. John Flanagan caught the 4.1kg (9lb) fish while trolling the Garrison shoreline. “This normally kicks off the season on Melvin,” according to Lindsey Clarke of Inland Fisheries Ireland.
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John Geary of Pontoon Bridge Hotel enjoyed a good day’s fishing last Tuesday to mark opening day on Lough Conn. Fishing with Michael Flanagan from Mullingar and gillie Kieran Connolly, John landed a beautiful trout of 1.3kg (2.5lb) on a size 10 Extractor pattern. The fish was in mint conditions and duly released unscathed.
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The first-ever Rossnakill Open Fly Fishing Competition took place last Sunday at the Meadows Rainbow Trout Fishery in Letterkenny, Co Donegal. While strong south-westerly winds proved a challenge, a great day was enjoyed by all competitors.
Following a helping of fine food and refreshments, the presentation of prizes was held in McBrides Bar, Rossnakill. Results: 1, K Shanaghan, 8 fish; 2, C Cuskelly, 6f; 3, J Callaghan, 5f. For bookings, contact Paddy at 086-3192949.
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Correction: The Slaney River Trust seminar will take place in the Millrace Hotel, Bunclody, Co Wexford this Saturday, commencing at 10.30am. To attend, contact John Carroll at secretary@slaneyrivertrust.ie or 01-6687014.
angling@irishtimes.com