Lough Corrib

Lough Corrib has been fishing quite well over the last week according to John Walsh in Cornamona. Anglers are reporting a lot of smaller fish coming to the fly, and very enjoyable fishing. The Evenly Cadall Trophy competition was fished out of Greenfields on a catch and release basis, and was won by Corrib expert Basil Shields. Ryan Bently was second, and Frank Reilly third. Dorrie Gibbons from Cong took the ladies prize.

Elsewhere, there were reports from 31 anglers of 36 trout taken in 41 rod-days, with a lot more smaller fish also caught and released. 2 anglers from Ennis landed 4 fish for 7lbs for a day on the dap. Michael Donnelly and Martin O'Rourke from Mullingar fished wet fly over 2 days and landed 9 trout, all released. With the last week of the season upon us, Corrib is producing good fishing right up to the finish, and often this is the best time of year to get a big fish.

Connemara
Jim Stafford at Aasleagh Lodge reports on fishing on the Erriff River from the 11th to 17th of September. It was a week of varied angling conditions on the Erriff with heavy rains accompanied at times by gale force winds. Overall there were excellent water levels on the Erriff during the week. Levels were recorded at 1.1 metres on the 11th, rising to 2.3m overnight on the 12th. Thereafter levels fell gradually from 1.4m to 1.0m by the end of the week. There were still very good numbers of fish showing on Beat 9 and although fish were starting to colour up there were still good fresh fish amongst them. A total of 48 salmon and 18 sea trout were recorded for the week with a lot of salmon being released by anglers.

The Athy Salmon Anglers' Albert Caffrey, Donal Chambers, Michael Vincent and Paddy Donegan had a great week catching a total of 22 salmon and 6 sea trout - most of the fish were returned to the water including a salmon estimated at 10lbs taken in the Falls Pool on Beat 9. Arthur Muckian, Dundalk, had 2 salmon taken on Beat 4 and Beat 9, young anglers Killian Duffy released a fish of 7lbs taken on a Cascade in the Otter Pool on Beat 7 and James Muckian released one taken on a Cascade in Kings Pool on Beat 4. James also retained a sea liced grilse taken in the Upper Gauge Pool on Beat 9. Mr. Fairhurst, UK, recorded 1 salmon and 3 sea trout taken on Beat 7. Mr. B. Shaw caught 1 salmon and a sea trout in the Colonel's Pool on Beat 6.

Henry Hosinger and Norbert Meier, Luxembourg, had 4 fish from the Garden Pool on Beat 9 and the Boat Pool on Beat 5 - best fish 6.5lbs.

Henry Hosinger and Norbert Meier, Luxembourg, had 4 fish from the Garden Pool on Beat 9 and the Boat Pool on Beat 5 - best fish 6.5lbs. Dr. Bart Maloney and Liam Maloney, Loughrea, had 4 fish from Beats 6 and Beat 9. Sam McMenamin, N. Ireland, returned 2 fish taken on a Stoat's Tail in Jenkins Pool on Beat 2. Ken Wickham and Niall Wickham returned one each from the School House Pool on Beat 3. Enda Kenny, Kildare, had one on Beat 5 on a Black Shrimp and lost another in the Garden Pool on Beat 9. A Thunder & Lightening and a Hairy Mary were successful flies for Nigel & Marcus McCorkell, UK, who returned 2 fish estimated at 7lbs each taken in Wanklyn's Dam and Mickey's Run on Beat 7. Michel Winthrop's party from France, fishing the Erriff for the first time had 5 salmon - best 10.5lbs, taken by Mr. L. Marcoz on a Lady Falaci in the Falls Pool on Beat 9. Both salmon and sea trout continue to pass through the counter every day and prospects are good for the remainder of the season.

There is plenty of availability both on the river and in the lodge for the last week of the season. To book fishing or accommodation, contact Jim at 095 42252 or email erriff.fish@iol.ie

Galway Weir
High water levels this week in Galway, and consequently little fishing has been going on. James Quinn had a 5lbs grilse on the fly on Monday which he sportingly released. Water clarity has improved significantly, and there are still good numbers of fish in the river, so Galway could be a good option for a last throw over the next week before the season closes.

Sea Angling
Galway Bay SAC hosted the 2010 Connaught Open Gold Medal competition on Saturday 18th. Based at the Helm in Westport, and fishing Whitestrand beach south of Louisburgh, the event was well attended, with 36 seniors and 6 juniors from 14 clubs around the country entering. Bad weather on the day meant a few more did not travel, but the competitors who did brave the elements were rewarded with good fishing. Flounder was the main species caught, with a lot of turbot also taken, as well as several bass, including 4 for Wexford angler Adam O'Neill.

Despite the presence of many older and experienced match anglers, several of whom have fished for Ireland, it was a red letter day for young Chris Feeney from the Galway Bay club, who landed 14 counting fish to record a score of 325 points and take the Gold Medal. He was closely followed by Mike Curtin (also Galway Bay) with 314 points.

The event was fished in 2 zones, with Zone A being won by Fiachra McKenna (Corrane SAC). 2nd in the zone was John Bermingham, from South Shore SAC in Dublin, 3rd was Declan Gallagher from Newport SAC, and 4th place went to Fergus Collins (Cois Fharraige SAC). Zone B was won by Mike Curtin (Galway Bay SAC), 2nd in the zone was Peter Atkins (Galway Bay), 3rd was Adam O'Neill from Courtown SAC, and 4th place went to Tom O'Mahony (Bannow SAC).

The junior prize was won by Kaylem Feeney from Galway Bay SAC, with Joe Birney Jr from Lisdoonvarna Fanore SAC in 2nd, and brother Stephen in 3rd.

The team event was won by brothers Chris and Kaylem Feeney. Mike Curtin had the longest flatfish, a fine flounder of 45cm, and Adam O'Neill took the longest round fish prize with a 34cm bass. Between all the anglers there were 206 fish caught.

Galway Bay SAC would like to express their sincere thanks to Vinny Keogh in the Helm, Westport, for hosting and sponsoring the event. Over 30 tired and wet anglers made it back to the Helm late on Saturday night to be greeted with steaming plates of stew and curry, a welcome sight after 5 hours in incessant rain! Vinny and his staff went the extra mile to look after everyone and ensure the event went off perfectly. Thanks are also due to Doug Priddy in A Shore Thing tackle shop in Westport, who provided very generous prizes for the juniors.

Around the region, mackerel have been showing in huge numbers in many bays recently. Species fishing is also very good, and Galway Bay is producing good numbers of pollack, cod, ray, spurdog, pouting and whiting to the boat. Skipper Kevin MacGabhann of the Maighdean Mara has had very good fishing lately with his clients and is looking forward to a good last few weeks of the 2010 season. To book fishing contact Kevin McGabhann at 086 8547890 or check www.galwayfishing.ie , or contact fellow skipper Max Couque at 086 3234638.