Salmon Angling

River Moy

Conditions are now very low on the River Moy, as Ballina celebrates its Annual Salmon Festival. Over 550 salmon were recorded for the week, with catches reported from throughout the system. Despite the low conditions, fresh grilse are moving daily, although they seem reluctant to settle in large numbers in the lower river fisheries. Fish have been taken on all methods throughout the week.

The Moy Fishery had 54 salmon for the week, 39 of those from the Ridge Pool and 9 from the Cathedral Beat. On the Ridge Pool, Henri Tromelin, France had one of 9lbs on the fly with Yannick Tromelin landing one of 5.5lbs and Paul Ashworth, England, also scoring with one of 6.5lbs. Among those to land fish off the Cathedral Beat was Geraldine Ashworth, U.K. who had one of 4lbs on a spinner.

The Ballina Salmon Anglers' water had 71, although catches were less plentiful towards the end of the week. At Mount Falcon 9 were landed while the Knockmore and Attymass waters' also produced reasonably good numbers.

Byrne's, Armstrong's and Gannon's fisheries all enjoyed a good week while at the Foxford Fishery 55 were caught including two of 7lbs and 10lbs for Paul Mally, Co. Meath, taken on a spinner. Rinnaney and the Foxford Town waters all yielded good numbers and at Cloongee, 45 were recorded.

Geoff Belcher, U.K. landed two at Cloongee, while Michael Timlin, U.K., had three, his best 5.5lbs caught on the worm. East Mayo once again had a very good week, recording 120 salmon, 37 of them being released. Garrett Ruigrock, Co Dublin enjoyed a great week with 8 salmon on the East Mayo water, releasing 6 of those. Ronnie Morris, N.Ireland, also had success, with one of 8lbs on fly.

Ballisodare Fishery

Despite water levels lowering and temperatures rapidly increasing towards the end of the week, the Fishery reported a very good week, with 224 salmon caught, with a large proportion of those released. Many more fish in the 6lbs-8lbs are now appearing, with some nice catches of 10lbs, 12.5lbs and 16lbs recorded also. Monday produced 31 in total, 19 of those released, with the grilse ranging from 3lbs to 6lbs, the majority taken on prawn and fly.

A further 35 were caught on Tuesday (23 released), the best was 8lbs and was caught on the prawn by visiting Italian angler Pablo. Thirty-nine were caught the following day, with anglers releasing 19 of those, with the average fish weight 4.5lbs. The fly accounted for 14 of the 27 salmon caught on Thursday, the prawn two and worm 11.

Friday proved to be another good day at Ballisodare with 39 fish caught for the day. The prawn proved the most successful method on the day taking 22 of the 39 fish, including a fine salmon of 10lbs caught by Ronnie Berwick. Despite the unfavorable conditions on Saturday 21 were captured, again the fly and prawn accounting for the majority. The average size was 5lbs, although several of 7lbs were also caught. Despite very warm weather and low water on Sunday, 31 fish were caught, including a fish of 12.5lbs for Sean Callaghan and one of 16lbs caught by Michael Gallagher, both taken on the fly.

Sea Trout

Moy Estuary

Angling Guide Judd Ruane has reported good sea trout action on the Moy Estuary of late, as many game anglers seek sport on the Estuary as the calm and warm conditions continue. Philip Waterworth and two friends enjoyed good fishing with Judd, landing many fine sea trout, their best weighing 2.8lbs. Mr and Mrs Paul Dunne, N.Ireland, also enjoyed good sport, with five trout.

A fine ling taken recently on board the Leah on Killala Bay.

Anglers are reminded that a valid salmon and sea trout rod licence is required to fish for sea trout in the estuary, that all sea trout over 40cm which are retained must have a gill tag attached immediately, and the catch recorded in the anglers log book in accordance with the current salmon and sea trout angling regulations.

Sea Angling

Killala Bay

On Sunday 7th July 2013 a party of anglers from County Dublin departed from Killala Pier at 9.00am for a days fishing on board the Leah. Skipper Donal Kennedy reported good conditions, a very light breeze and overcast in the morning, clearing to bright weather in the afternoon with a sea fog developing in the early evening. Mackerel were initially scarce but as the party moved out to deeper water they were in a plentiful supply and the anglers met a constant stream for the rest of the day. Pollack up to 7lbs were boated, as well as whiting, pouting, cuckoo wrasse, red gurnard, poor cod and lesser spotted dogfish. The L.S.D.'s were numerous and to the surprise and eventual annoyance of one angler, he was the one on board to land them! One good drift produced many ling, the best up to 12lbs.