WRBD Ballina

Salmon Angling
River Moy
Catches remained low on the lower river due to water heights this week, although the upper Moy Fisheries are having a great spring, with 93 salmon reported for the week, with many of these in the double figures.
The Mount Falcon Fishery had its first fish of the season, with Armstrong's also producing one and Gannon's three, including one of 7lbs for Jim Keogh, Wicklow. There were only a few fish reported from Rinanney and the Foxford waters, yet just upstream at Cloongee, 24 were recorded. Regular visitor to Cloongee Thierry Colum, France, had a nice fish of 13lbs on bubble and fly, while fellow Frenchman Marcel Barteau caught one of 11.5 lbs while spinning. Rory O'Toole, N.Ireland, also had good sport at Cloongee, with two 10lbs springers (spinning) with John McMahon accounting for one of 9lbs to worm.
Visitors to the East Mayo Anglers' Association water also enjoyed a very productive week, where 38 salmon were recorded. French anglers Louis LeCour and Yann Bouanchaut both landed 11lbs springers while spinning, with fellow country man Christian Scieur also enjoying success with the spinner, landing a fine catch of 11.5lbs.
Visiting anglers from Germany also enjoyed the sport at East Mayo, with Gunter Hommer landing two of 7lbs and 12lbs on fly and Andrea Grossman banking one of 6lbs while spinning. Tom Connolly, Dublin had an 11lbs salmon on the worm, Paul McGrath, Swinford, had a nice fish of 14lbs, Peter Martin, Attymass, landed one of 15lbs on the worm and finally, Gary Smith, Swinford, had a great catch weighing 17.5lbs.

Ballisodare Fishery
Weather conditions, including high flood water in the river rendered the Fishery unfishable for parts of the week. However, despite this thirty-seven salmon were landed at Ballisodare. Prospects for the week were looking good on Monday, when 8 were landed, all on fly, including one of 12lbs for Jim Kinahan, a 6lbs fish for J.P. Chenoux, Tommy Colgan and Richard Ryan both had salmon of 9lbs while Noel Barbour landed a grilse.
Tuesday produced just four salmon as conditions deteriorated, although all four were caught on fly with two released. Wednesday was a much better day for anglers at Ballisodare, with 11 salmon caught, five of these on fly of which four were released. All salmon ranged from 5lbs to 12lbs and among those to have success were Alfie Mahon, Donagh McDonnell, John Connolly, Tony Scanlon, John Scanlon and Vaughan Harkness.
Very heavy rain on Wednesday left the river in heavy flood until Sunday, resulting in few anglers fishing. Tom Mulholland did manage to land one of 9.5lbs on Friday on the fly in very difficult conditions. By Sunday however, the river had dropped some, with the morning period yielding two fish for visiting Angler Peter Connolly (England) of 11lbs and 7lbs on worm. A further fall in levels in the afternoon resulted in good sport for anglers, with a further 11 fish caught, seven on worm and four to the fly. John Molloy, Michael Mullaney and Anthony McCann and Fechin McMorrow (Sr. and Jr.) were among those to have success, with all fish ranging in size from 5lbs to 9lbs.

Trout Angling
Lough Arrow
The Lough Arrow Fish Preservation Association and District Anglers Mayfly Competition has been rescheduled to Sunday 26th May from 10am to 7pm. Entries accepted between 9am and 10am at Flynn's Pier, or by texting your details before start time to Alison on 087 9541835, Karl on 086 8343584 or David on 086 3825376. Entry cost €20 or €10 for Juveniles. No entries will be accepted after this time. Weigh in for SINGLE heaviest fish will take place at Des's at 8pm. Cash prizes and many other spot prizes. Association Membership also accepted on the day with all new members welcome.