Salmon Angling

Ballisodare River
Ballisodare Fishery enjoyed great sport over the past week with over 30 salmon being caught, 11 of these were released. The fish caught ranged from 5lbs to 12lbs, with the worm and fly accounting for most of the catch. Among those to enjoy success early in the week were Noel McGowan, who had a 7lbs salmon to an Ally Shrimp, and Francis Kearns who landed one of 8lbs to the worm. The Willie Gunn captured a fine 12lbs salmon for D. Glennon, Ballisodare, while Sean Gallagher also had success with the fly, landing one of 11lbs. Steven Cafoles also landed one on fly, a fish of 9lbs, while Paddy O'Loughlin had one of 5lbs to the worm. Seanie Maye and Jimmy Cuffe were among those anglers to catch and release fish. For information on fishing at Ballisodare and to purchase permits, please contact Dermot Glennon on +353 (0)86 2515064.


Carrowmore Lake
Weather conditions of late have not been wholly suitable for angling on Carrowmore but, despite this, some anglers have been successful. David Rodgers boated one of 10.5lbs while Peter Maguire had one fine fish of 13lbs. Michael Wymes caught one of 9.5lbs while Toby Gibbons returned one of 7lbs. Jonathan Murray and Joe McDowell both had good sport on Sunday, each boating two fine salmon of around 7lbs, and they released one each.

River Moy
Reports of catches on the Moy have been scarce of late, with only three reported for the past week. The Knockmore waters produced one salmon while at Rinanney, visiting angler Horst Hermann, Germany, banked two salmon last week, weighing 4lbs and 6.5lbs, both caught on the worm.

Trout Angling

Lough Conn
Despite the fluctuating weather conditions experienced in the west of late, mayfly has been observed hatching on both Loughs Conn and Cullin. Some anglers have experienced good sport of late, though many fish being caught are under the size limit. Angling out of Gerry Murphy's, Massbrook, John and Malcolm Bell of North Tipperary had 6 trout over two late evenings, their best was 2lbs with all fish taken on a Bibio off Poteen and Glass Island. Ian Wise and John Warren once again had good sport on the lake, averaging four trout per day over four days, caught with the Fiery Brown, Connemara Black and Green Peter. Gary Binley and nephew enjoyed good fishing on Friday past, boating 10 trout for the day, with five over the 12 inch size limit, and were taken on a Watsons Bumble variant and the Brunswick Olive. Finally, Bill Colohan, Sligo, had four trout for his day out.

Ballina and Cloghans Anglers hosted the Jack Mc Neeley Memorial Cup competition on Saturday past, with 24 anglers competing. Many fish were landed on the day with some boats reporting up to ten trout, however, few that were landed were above the 13 inch competition size limit. In total, six trout were weighed in for this ‘Heaviest Fish' competition, with the largest of the day taken by Gary Binley to secure first place. Padraic Kelly, Cloghans, took second place, Patrick Kelly won third, Brendan Breslin came fourth, Padraic Traynor came fifth and John Bourke was sixth.

Ballin Lough
Ballin Lough opened on the 1st of April with 16 rods fishing the lough accounting for 27 trout - 15 rainbow and 12 brown. John Shaughnessy had one of 1.5lbs to a Viva, while Tommy Brennan and boat partner enjoyed great sport, boating 4 rainbow and 8 brown trout. Their best fish weighed 2lbs and all were taken on various wet flies. Mattie Foley and boat partner, Roscommon, had 5 rainbow and 1 brown trout, their best weighed 1.25lbs and were taken on Buzzers and the Montana Nymph. To hire a boat on Ballin Lough, please contact Mr. Tom Gill on 00353 (0)86 6096514.

Pike Angling

A very pleased Valentine Cagnac, France and his fine catch, pictured with angling guide Kenny Sloan.

Angling guide Kenny Sloan, who operates in the Foxford region, reported a very good day pike fishing in the area with two visiting anglers from France. Conditions were not favorable with a cold and blustery north-west wind. Despite this, it was 12 year old Valentine Cagnac who boated the best fish of the day, a fine 1m long pike which was taken on a trolled Salmo Fatso lure. For information on guided pike fishing in the Foxford area, or boat hire, contact Kenny Sloan on 00353 (0)94 9256501 or 00353 (0)87 9670310.

Sea Angling

Donal Kennedy reported on another successful day on board the ‘Leah', fishing Killala Bay with a group from Co. Monaghan and Tubbercurry.

One of several cod taken onboard the ‘Leah’ recently in Killala Bay.

It was a dull, damp day with moderate to fresh west - north -west winds. Conditions were slightly uncomfortable for the party as the winds increased later in the day, however, good sport was had. Pollock up to 8lbs were caught, ling up to 6lbs and numerous pouting. Coalfish were also present in numbers, with several of approximately 3lbs boated. Cod were also landed on the day, with four of approximately 5lbs taken. The boat was moved closer to the head land to find shelter and here whiting, pouting, poor cod and cuckoo wrasse were taken. Despite the winds and rough conditions, a successful day was had on the water. For further information on angling in Killala Bay on board the "Leah" contact Donal Kennedy on +353 (0)96 36644, Mobile: +353(0) 868174509 or Email: dak@eircom.net.