Angling News
NW Angling News - w/e 30 Aug 2009
By Markus Müller
3, Sep 2009 - 07:57

River Moy 

Fishing on the River Moy was hampered by extremely high water levels for the third week in a row. As a consequence, fly fishing was not really possible and most fish were caught spinning. However, the Moy produced a reported catch of 299 salmon for the week bringing the total for the season, so far, to 5,944. The tidal beats of the Moy Fishery were unfishable for the entire week. However, on the Freshwater Beat, 12 salmon were caught. Amongst the successful anglers were: Brian Harvey, UK, (2 salmon), David Callen, Northern Ireland (3 salmon, 2 of which were released) and Alan Jackson, also Northern Ireland (3 salmon, one of which was released). The best angling on the river was again on the Ballina Salmon Anglers’ water, with most fish taken on Flying Cs and worm. On the Mount Falcon Fishery, John Price, UK, had 5 salmon on worm for 3 days, best at 8 lbs., while Alan Dunlop, Northern Ireland, landed a 5 lbs. grilse on the Coolcronan Fishery. Anthony Murphy, Dublin, had a 9 lbs. salmon on Rinanney and Eamon Nolan, Northern Ireland, caught & released 2 fish at 9 lbs. & 10 lbs. on the Foxford Salmon Anglers’ water above Foxford Town. Cloongee produced eight salmon for the week, including 3 for David White, Dublin, 2 for Bernard Lionel, France and one salmon for Roscommon angler, Brian Ingram. Fergal Smith, Dublin and Aengus O’Marchaigh had two fish each on the East Mayo anglers Association stretch. 

Easkey River 

Angling on the Easkey River’s Fortland Fishery was good over the week with 24 salmon reported, 7 of which were released. Fly angler, Jose Fernandez, Spain, had 6 salmon over 3 days!  
 

Owenmore River 

The excellent salmon fishing continued on the Owenmore River for the third week in a row. This was helped by high water levels throughout the week. Again a good average size of salmon was recorded, with many in the 6 – 8 lbs. size range and a couple of double figure fish also. On the Bangor Angling club stretch, Mark Mason, Northern Ireland, enjoyed a memorable week with a total of 6 fish (3 returned), while Jimmy Doran, Carlow, had 5 salmon, most of them caught in “Conmy’s Pool”.  Local angler, John Maughan, was successful on the “Rocky Pool” where he landed two salmon at 6 lbs. and 8 lbs. With suitable water levels remaining prospects for the last month of the season are excellent. At this point anglers are reminded that a daily bag limit of 1 salmon is in place until the end of the fishing season. 

Newport River 

Angling was still slow on the Newport River during the week, with only two salmon reported. Paul Hayes, UK, caught a small grilse, while Frank Rothwell, also UK, had a 7 lbs. salmon. 
 

Ballin Lough  

Ballin Lough produced a total of 27 rainbow trout (18 released) for the week. Notable catches came from Irla Reilly and boat partner, who caught 3 trout (2 returned), best at 3.25 lbs. and Emmet Stagg, TD, with 5 trout (3 returned), best at 3 lbs. The best bag of the week was caught by Peter Gray & Mark Foley, Castlebar. The two anglers boated 12 rainbows (9 released), best at 3 lbs. Most successful flies included Black Zulu, Olives & Montana Nymph.  Angling on Ballin Lough will continue until 30 October following which it will close for the winter months. 
 

Ballysadare River  

The salmon run on the Ballysadare system is coming to an end for the year. Few fish were caught last week.   
 

Lough Arrow 

Angling picked up on Lough Arrow during the week with wet fly fishing being the most productive method. Paul Ferris, Northern Ireland, had a 2 lbs. trout, while Roger Fowler, Dublin, caught 5 fish between 1.5 lbs. and 2 lbs., all of which were returned. Local angler, Peter Dunne, did particularly well with 8 trout (6 returned), also between 1.5 lbs. and 2 lbs.