Salmon Angling

Lough Beltra

Beltra continued to fish very well over the past week, with James O'Hora's boat accounting for three fine fish on one day! Richard McDowell, N.Ireland, caught one of 9lbs while fishing partner Jonathan Murray, N.Ireland, had one of 8lbs early in the day, followed by a cracking salmon of 17lbs, which was quickly weighed, photographed and released unharmed. Rocky Moran, Castlebar again had success on Beltra, catching an 11lbs salmon near the Dock. All fish caught recently on Lough Beltra have been released as this system remains catch and release until the 12th May.

The magnificent 17lbs salmon recently caught and released by Jonathan Murray on Lough Beltra.

Carrowmore Lake

Carrowmore Lake produced nine fine spring salmon for the week, with Westport anglers Vincent Rigney and John Campbell both having success on the lake, as well as Gerry Fitzpatrick, Dublin. Angling instructor Paddy McDonnell was joined by Granville Nesbitt on the lake and enjoyed a fine day with a slight north to north easterly breeze. Fishing in calm conditions near the mouth of the Glencullin River Paddy caught an 8.5lbs salmon on a Claret Bumble size 8, and also caught and released several sea trout kelts. Later on in the day Granville had success, hooking a fine springer of 11lbs which ran into the backing line in its first run, and after a ten minute tussle the fish was successfully boated. This fish was caught on a size ten dark Claret with a pink tag and tail. For fly casting instruction or guided angling contact Paddy McDonnell at www.moyflyfishing.com and for fishing on Carrowmore contact Seamus Henry on 097 83487. For regular angling updates and additional information please see www.bangorerrisangling.com.

Paddy McDonnell and his recent catch, an 8.5lbs spring salmon from Carrowmore Lake.

River Moy

The River Moy produced a further two spring salmon over the past week and with water levels continuing to drop even further the prospects for angling look good for the near future. Both fish were caught on the Ballina Salmon Anglers' water and were taken on the worm. David McLoughlin landed one of 8.5lbs while Pat Lacken landed a fine salmon of 11.5lbs.

River Bonet

Manorhamilton angler Brian Neill had success recently on the Bonet, catching and safely releasing a 10lbs salmon. The fish was caught using the prawn with a single barbless hook in accordance with catch and release restrictions currently in place on the system. Anglers are reminded that Lough Gill and the Bonet system remain catch and release until the 12th May, following which a strict quota will be enforced. Anglers who wish to retain a salmon after May 12th must be in possession of a brown gill tag. For details and arrangements for distribution of brown tags please contact IFI-Ballina on 096 22788.

Trout Angling

Loughs Conn and Cullin

With the recent settled weather and a rise in air temperatures, hatches of duckfly are now being observed in sheltered bays in both loughs, with Bog Bay (L.Conn) being one of the notable areas at present. Padraig Traynor had two trout of 1.25lbs on buzzers from Bog Bay, while Joe McBride, Co. Dublin, also boated a trout in the bay. Joe Quinn had success in Cloghans Bay, catching four trout while Peter Roach had one of 1lbs. Fishing out of Pontoon Bridge Hotel, John Gallagher, Co. Donegal, had success on Lough Cullin with a trout of 1.5lbs.

Lough Doon

Joe Whoriskey, Co. Derry enjoyed a productive day on Lough Doon recently, catching a total of nine trout. The Black Pennell and Connemara Black proved the two most successful flies of the day. For angling and boat hire on Lough Doon, please contact The Blue Devon, Dromahair, on 071-9164134.

Pike Angling

Professional angling guide Bodo Funke from Angling Services Ireland reported good pike action from the Castlebar Lakes. Bodo and his boat partner landed and safely released several pike up to 90cm. Conditions were ideal for fly fishing and all fish were caught on blue/green fish imitations using fast intermediate or sinking lines. Angling Services Ireland can be contacted on +353 (0) 86 601 1878 or see www.anglingservicesireland.com.

Angling guide Bodo Funke with a 90cm fly caught pike.

Sea Angling

The Belmullet Sea Angling Club recently held its first boat angling outing of the year, fishing the Blacksod area onboard the Dúlra na Mara. Calm seas and fine weather allowed for an enjoyable day out, with a variety of species caught. Numerous coalfish, pollack and ling up to 7lbs were boated, as well as cuckoo wrasse, pouting and mackerel.