Castlebar - County Mayo - NW Angling News

River Moy

NWRFB & RAI juvenile angling day on the Cathedral Beat, Ballina.

The Moy system had a reported catch of 337 salmon for the week. Unsettled weather conditions and changing water levels again impacted on the fishing during the early part of the week. However, a rise in water levels towards the end of the week resulted in improved angling conditions, with most upstream fisheries reporting Saturday and Sunday as the best days while the high water conditions at Ballina over the weekend again made fly fishing very difficult on the Moy Fishery waters.

The Moy Fishery yielded 47 salmon for the week. The best fish of the week, an 8.43 lbs. salmon, was caught on the Ridge Pool by fly angler, James Hewson from Ballina. On the Cathedral Beat, Daniel Barry, Northern Ireland, had two grilse on fly, while Ronan Walsh, Dublin, caught an eight pounder on spinner.

The North Western Regional Fisheries Board, in association with Recreational Angling Ireland, hosted a juvenile angling event on the Moy Fishery on Monday, 10 August. All participants got a chance to fish the Cathedral Beat during the day with specialist fly casting tuition provided by resident Ghillie, Declan Hughes and well know casting instructor, Paddy McDonnell. Although the day failed to produce any salmon, it was attended by 50 juvenile anglers with over 20 travelling from the Leitrim area 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.

Yet again, the Spring Wells beat produced some fine salmon catches. Kevin Clayton, Kilkenny, enjoyed excellent sport on the fly with 6 grilse (5 released) for two days, while Sam Allison, Northern Ireland had one fish on the fly.

On Coolcronan, Mark Walsh, Wicklow, had 2 grilse on spinner, while the Foxford Fishery produced 2 salmon for Ciaran Sudway and his son. On the Foxford Anglers’ Rinanney stretch, Paddy Monaghan, Meath, landed a fine 11.5 lbs. salmon on worm and Cloongee produced a fine grilse for visiting German angler, Alfred Weigand. Good fly fishing was reported form the East Mayo Anglers Association water. Amongst the successful anglers were: Arthur May, UK, with a 10 lbs. salmon, Cecil Allen, Northern Ireland, with an eight pounder and Rene Königs, Germany, who had a fine grilse.

Youngsters, tutors, NWRFB & RAI staff.

Easkey River

The Fortland Fishery reported a total of 9 salmon for the week, all of which were caught on spinner.

Owenmore River

With perfect water levels and the grilse run in full swing, angling was excellent on the Owenmore River during the week. Twenty-seven salmon and some fine sea trout were reported from the Bangor Angling Club stretch. Most fish were in the 4 lbs. to 6 lbs. range, with the odd 8 pounder also being caught. Fishery Manager, Seamus Henry, enjoyed a nice day’s fishing with 3 salmon averaging 5.5 lbs. Other notable catches included an eight pounder for Ronnie Mayock and a 7 lbs. salmon for Peter Maguire, Dublin. With suitable water levels continuing, prospects for the remainder of the season are looking good.

Ballin Lough

Angling was somewhat slower this past week on Ballin Lough. However, anglers reported a total of 26 rainbow trout (8 released) up to 4.5 lbs. Most successful flies included Green Peter and various nymph patterns.

Fishing on Ballin Lough is from boats only and can be arranged by contacting Mrs. Gill at 098 26128.

Loughs Bilberry & Lannagh

Bilberry Lannagh Angling Club held their second junior event on Saturday, 15 August. Twenty-two young anglers participated in the competition. The under 10 section was won by Joe Sweeney with 4 trout weighing in at 4.59 lbs and second place went to Aoife Gray with one fish at 1.79 lbs. In the under 18 section, Tokian Dolan won first place with 3 trout for 3.69 lbs. Runner up was Niall Bryne with one fish at 1.65 lbs.

Ballysadare River

The run of salmon into Ballysadare has started to tail off over the past week. In total, 17 salmon were caught, 7 of which were returned to the river. Local angler, Hubert Henry, had a grilse fishing an Allie’s shrimp fly which he very sportingly returned to the river. Michael Martin, Northern Ireland, also caught & released a grilse on an Allie’s shrimp, while Michael Gillean, Dundalk, had a 5 lbs. salmon on a Garry Dog.

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. Amongst the successful anglers were local anglers, Paul Flanagan, who caught 6 trout (4 released) and Pat Devaney who had 3 trout (2 released). Best flies for the week were Green Olive and Green Peter.

Lough Doon is a Board managed, fly only fishery. For permits and boat hire anglers should contact The Blue Devon, Dromahair, Co. Leitrim, on 071-9164134.