Salmon Angling

River Moy

Water conditions on the River Moy are currently very low, with the gauge at Ballylahan Bridge reading 0.3m. The low water has favoured angling on the lower Moy Fishery beats, with the Cathedral Beat and Ridge Pool now producing good numbers. The Ridge Pool fished well last week, particularly on Sunday when 16 salmon were caught. Robert Logue, N.Ireland, had a total of five on fly, all of which were released. Graham Hunter, N.Ireland, also took two on fly, his best 4.95lbs. The weir pool produced 3, including one for Ian Keating, Dublin, of 4.23lbs.

The Cathedral Beat yielded 17, with two for Roland Capouillez, Belgium, on the fly. Eleven year old Conor Moran, Portlaoise, fishing Pollnamonagh, had his first ever salmon on bubble and fly. Jean Daniel Rouanet, France, had two of grilse to fly on the Springwells, while the Ash Tree Pool produced four, including one grilse for Benny Hopkins, Monaghan.

The Ballina Salmon Anglers' water fished reasonably well, with the Mount Falcon Fishery reporting over 30 salmon for the week, including 7 for Mike Hornsby, U.K., whose best fish was 8lbs. The Knockmore, Attymass and Coolcronan waters' also produced reasonable numbers, as did Byrne's fishery. Armstrong's had approximately 30 salmon while Gannon's and the Foxford Fishery had similar numbers. Preston Patton, Canada, had two grilse off the Foxford Fishery on the fly. At Rinanney, 44 salmon were reported, with IFI's Cloongee Fishery returning 14 salmon for the week, including two for Roland Luley, Germany.

The East Mayo Anglers' Association water produced approximately 25 salmon, 10 of which were released. Jochem Solwag, Germany, had two grilse on fly, Mike Springer had one while James Compton, N.Ireland, had one of 5.5lbs, also on fly.

Ballisodare River
Over 110 salmon were reported from the Ballisodare Fishery for the past week, with approximately 45% released. Many grilse continue to be caught, with the occasional larger salmon also being landed. Local angler Patrick Scallon, had an 8lbs salmon to the fly, while visiting angler A. McKeown, also had one of 8lbs on worm. F. Kelly had two nice grilse of 5lbs and 6lbs to the fly with visiting angler Gary Bertwell, England taking a fine 10.5lbs fish on fly.

Garavogue River
Good numbers of grilse have been observed moving into the system of late, resulting in some good catches for anglers, many of whom have been concentrating on the migrating sea trout. In recent weeks, Bernard McDermot, Sligo, has caught and released 4 salmon, including one fine fish estimated at 13lbs which was caught on a Teal, Blue and Silver. Francis Brady, Sligo, also enjoyed good sport with 4 salmon over 2 days, 3 of 3lbs and one of 6lbs which was caught on an Invicta. Anthony Walsh, Sligo also had a 2lbs grilse on an Alexandria. All fish reported have been released. Anglers are reminded that the Garavogue and Lough Gill system are operating under a strict quota, and unless in procession of a brown gill tag, anglers must fish catch and release methods.

Burrishoole Fishery

The fishery produced 6 salmon for its four day open period, two of which were wild fish and were released. Sixteen sea trout were also caught and released. Michael and Sean Smith, U.K., enjoyed great angling, with 5 salmon and 9 sea trout, including the best fish of the week, caught by Michael which weighed 5.5lbs. Jim Wilson, Ballina had one wild salmon and 2 sea trout, while Andrew Pease, U.K., and Bill Bullick, N.Ireland also had two sea trout each. A lot of fresh grilse have been reported as moving into the system on the recent spring tide.

Sea Trout

Moy Estuary

The Moy Estuary Boat Club hosted its annual sea trout angling competition on Sunday the 31st, with 44 anglers taking part and a total of 66 trout weighed in on the day. The ladies section was won by Heather Doherty, with a trout of 1.97lbs and received the John Walkin Cup. In second place was Marion Fitzpatrick with a trout of 1.40lbs and in third was Geraldine Padden. The junior anglers section was won by Mike Doherty, second place went to Ryan Donnelly and third place went to Caleb Peterson.
The Alice Campbell Memorial Cup for the senior section was won by Mark Campbell with sea trout of 1.64lbs, second place went to Ryan Leonard and third place went to Harry McCafferty.
The winner of the Marie Durkan Memorial Cup for the heaviest bag of the day went to Mark Campbell. The Johnny and Barbara Ward Memorial Cup, awarded to the captor of the heaviest fish from all categories, was won by Heather Doherty.
Elsewhere on the estuary, angling guide Judd Ruane reported good angling of late. Max Collins and friend had seven trout for their day. Roger Walker and party of three had 18 trout, while Des Mc Donagh, had five, his best 1.75lbs.

Trout Angling
Lough Arrow
Late evening fishing on Lough Arrow continues to produce some great sport for anglers. However, it is a matter of being in the right place, at the right time, as the rises of trout are reported to last for very short periods. However, those who find themselves present when the fish are ‘on' are having great success. Michael Gunning had three trout between 2lbs and 3lbs while Peter Dunn had 6 in the 3lbs to 4lbs range. John Hargadon had 4 trout, his best 3lbs with Sean Wilson, Dublin also enjoying success, with 5 up to 5lbs. Jimmy Frazer boated one of 3.5lbs with David Gray landing one of 4.5lbs.

Ballin Lough

Eight rods fished Ballin Lough over the past week and were rewarded with a total catch of 28 trout (20 of which were released). Pat Murphy, Castlebar, boated 16 rainbow trout in total (12 of which were released), with his best fish 3.5 lbs. John O' Malley and boat partner had 5 trout with their best fish weighing 4lbs. Trevor Knott and boat partner caught and released 4, with their best weighing 4lbs. The most successful flies over the past week were the Viva, Green Peter, Nymph patterns, Daddies and the Cat's Whisker.

Sea Angling

Broadhaven Bay
Belmullet Sea Angling Club, in conjunction with Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Broadhaven Bay Hotel hosted a juvenile angling event on Saturday the 30th. The event which was initially scheduled for Fisheries Awareness Week in May, had been postponed due to bad weather. However, the first of three trips from Ballyglass Pier onboard An Gearóidín was graced with an almost flat calm sea and blazing sun over head. The weather conditions deteriorated throughout the day, and by late afternoon, the participants of the final trip (but not their spirits!) were considerably dampened. In total twenty juveniles took part, ranging from 6 to 16 year old, all of whom caught fish on the day, many enjoying their first ever fishing experience.

However, angling was difficult at times, with fish reluctant to take and mackerel difficult to locate, yet nine species were boated in total throughout the day. Many fine red gurnard (some up to 1.5lbs) came to the boat, along with tub gurnard, good sized pollack (up to 8lbs), coalfish, dabs, pouting, dog fish and poor cod.

All juveniles who ventured out were presented with trophies at the end of each session by Pat Ruddy of Belmullet Sea Angling Club, and a special thanks to Gerry Reilly, Skipper of An Gearóidín, for his expert knowledge and patience displayed on the day.

Trophy presentation on Ballyglass Pier, juvenile anglers Jonea Ruddy, Rhea Ruddy, Caleb Keane, Andre Kabulovah, Deirbhle Wilson, Leannie Wilson, Carol Reilly and Megan Padden pictured with Daniel Wilson, Belmullet Sea Angling Club.

Killala Bay
Donal Kennedy, skipper of the Leah, reported good angling on Killala Bay over the past weekend. On Saturday the 30th of July, a party of anglers fished out of Killala. Sea conditions were fine with the weather find but dull. Fishing throughout the day was steady, with a mixture of pollack, ling and 16 thornback ray, one close to 18lbs caught.
Sunday, 31st saw a party of anglers from Limerick depart from Killala, with light rain and winds, conditions were not ideal, but very manageable. Again, many fine ray were caught, including two blonde ray. A number of pollack were also caught, with two of these up to 7lbs and many around the 4lbs mark. Ling were also boated, with one weighing approximately 8lbs. A turbot of approximately 5lbs was also landed. For angling onboard The Leah on Killala Bay, contact Donal Kennedy on 00353 (0)86 8174509.