The first salmon of the 2008 season was caught on Monday last, St Patrick's Day, on the East Mayo Anglers' Association water. The fish, a fine 9 lbs fresh run salmon was caught by Mr Phil Beirne, Castlebar, and was taken on a Blue Devon spinner. The following day Tuesday, the second salmon of the season, which was released, was also taken on the East Mayo water by Mr Seamus Cummins, Bohola fishing the fly. This was followed, this morning, Wednesday by the third fish which came to Mr Martin Conroy, Ballina fishing worm on the Ballina Salmon Anglers' water. Martin has regularly taken the first fish of the season in previous years.

These catches indicate that salmon are now starting to lie in their traditional spots making for an increasingly good outlook for angling prospects on the Moy. With water levels dropping, and fish known to be running the system, the prospects for salmon fishing over Easter weekend look good. As in previous years, the Board is offering free fishing on the Ridge Pool, in Ballina, up until the first salmon is caught

The Cloongee Fishery, which enjoyed excellent spring salmon fishing last year, is now under the management of the Board and permits are available from Tiernan's Tackle Shop, Foxford. Further information on angling in Ireland's North Western Region can be found on the Board's website http://www.northwestfisheries.ie/