Angling News
Angling News - Mayo/Sligo 29 June 2011
By Bryan Ward
4, Jul 2011 - 07:57

Salmon Angling
River Moy

Angling on the River Moy has improved significantly, with 420 salmon reported for the week, bringing the season total to an impressive 2,211 salmon to date. Grilse are appearing in ever increasing numbers, with many good sized double figured salmon still being reported. Catches on the lower beats have improved greatly, with the Ridge Pool now producing good numbers. Pictured below is Kevin Clayton, with a great 15.10lbs salmon caught on the fly on the Ridge Pool, Kevin also had one on the Cathedral Beat which was released. Brendan McLoughlin also had success on the fly with one of 7.96lbs. Martin Parker, England, had two to the worm and one spinning on the Ridge Pool, while Damien Rooney, N.Ireland had four to the spinner, with one released.

The Ballina Salmon Anglers' water also produced good angling, as did Mount Falcon and Coolcronan. At Coolcronan, Harold Reitch, Germany had one to the worm, as did Raymond Massey, N.Ireland, who had one of 8.5lbs. Anglers enjoyed good sport at Byrne's, where Jonney McDermot had one of 14.5lbs. Armstrong's and Gannon's fished well, where Anthony Murphy, Co. Dublin, had two salmon at Armstrong's and at Gannon's, Paul Nash, N. Ireland, was among those to enjoy success, with three salmon.

The Foxford Fishery also enjoyed good angling throughout the week, where Eugene Ryan had three salmon of 9lbs, 11lbs and 14.5lbs to the worm, while Jackie Barrett also had success with three fish, of 5lbs, 9lbs and 11lbs. Rinanney fished very well with large numbers reported, including one great fish of 16lbs for Noel Connell, Co. Meath and one of 10lbs for Werner Fellermeirer, Germany.

Anglers enjoyed productive fishing at Cloongee, with some good salmon reported. Alain Debierre, France, had a nice salmon of 14.5lbs to the spinner at Cloongee, while Brendan Doyle, Co. Monaghan, had one of 11.5lbs (also on the spinner) and Damien Quigley, Co. Laois, banked one of 10.25lbs to the worm. The East Mayo Anglers' water once again has produced very good angling, with good numbers of salmon reported. Among those to have good sport at East Mayo were Hans Ulrich Bender, Germany who had three of 4lbs, 5lbs and 5.5lbs to the fly, Lothar Waldeck, Germany had one of 8lbs spinning while Remmy Poignant, France, had a total of 6 for the week, his best weighing 13lbs.
Ballisodare River

The Ballisodare Fishery continued to produce great sport, with over 120 salmon reported for the week. Michael Breslin enjoyed great success, catching two fine sea trout on his day. Fishing the worm, Michael landed the sea trout which weighed 7lbs 8oz and 4lbs. A fine salmon of 16.5lbs was also caught during the week by Jim Keenaghan, Co. Offaly, on the worm. Fly anglers also enjoyed good sport at Ballisodare, where Philip Soden landed one of 7lbs; Dennis Crowley caught one of 9lbs. Michael Mullaney and Paul Culreevey also had success on the fly. The prawn also proved a successful method, with Steven Robinson, Peter Doherty, Co. Limerick, Graham Tuck, U.K., and Tony Scallon all landing salmon. John Taylor had a good fish of 10.5lbs to the prawn.

Carrowmore Lake and the Owenmore River
High winds affected angling on Carrowmore of late; despite this 23 salmon were reported for the week, with some fresh grilse entering the system and numerous sea trout, up to 3lbs reported. Among those to enjoy good sport on the lake were Pat Foley and John Dix, Co. Dublin, who had five salmon for their day. Jim McKenna, Co. Monaghan, accounted for two salmon, as did Eamon Giblin, Co. Clare, and Jim Ruane, Castlebar. Angling on the river has been relatively slow, due to the lack of fresh water. However, some anglers did enjoy productive angling, with Declan Brady, Belmullet, landing a fine fish of 15lbs. Mick Noone also had a salmon of 6lbs with Michael Benson hooking one of 8lbs.

Lough Beltra and the Newport River
Four salmon were caught on Lough Beltra over the past week, with all fish weighing between 6lbs and 6.5lbs. Brian Hope, David Patton, Tom Higgins and Kevin Gerry all enjoyed good sport and boated fish on Beltra.

Burrishoole Fishery
The Burrishoole Fishery opened last week, with angling restricted to a four day week, opening between Thursday and Sunday. The fishery enjoyed a productive opening period, with 23 salmon caught. The first of the season was taken by Dougie McKeown, Co. Antrim while the heaviest was caught by Joe Donnellan, Newport and weighed 5.73lbs. Martin McCoy, Co. Fermanagh accounted for four salmon, while Malcomb Killian, Co. Dublin had five. Fred Lockard, Co. Antrim, caught three while Seamus O'Neill, Co. Cavan caught two.

Trout Angling
Ballin Lough

A total of 11 rods accounted for 69 trout for the past week (56 of which were released), a good return by any standard! John Freestone and boat partner, Crossmolina, boated 13 trout, releasing 11, with their best fish 3.25lbs. Tony Hall and boat partner had 23 trout, their best 2.5lbs, while Larry McCarthy and boat partner had 16 trout, with their best, 4lbs. Most successful flies over the past week were, Buzzers, various Dry flies, Golden Olive and the Green Peter.

Sea Angling
Blacksod

Tope were the quarry for a group who ventured out on a recent evening trip from Blacksod with Skipper Anthony Irvine, onboard the Dúlra na Mara. Several were hooked and lost during the evening, with two weighing approximately 30lbs released at the side of the vessel. Several Bullhuss were also encountered on the trip. For guided sight seeing tours, wildlife tours and quality sea angling contact Dúlra Nature Tours on +353(0) 876656114 or email info@dulranaturetours.com.

Pike Angling
Two French visitors to the Foxford area, Benoit Layette and Julien Tessier enjoyed good sport pike angling with local angling guide Kenny Sloan. Six pike were caught during their outing, with the best measuring 105cm and 102cm. These fish were taken with a Slider Jerk-bait and a sinking Slider, with the others taken trolling Swim-baits. For guided angling in the Foxford area, contact Kenny Sloan on +353 (0)949256501 or +353 (0)879670310.