Galway Weir

Water levels are rising fast in Galway, with 10 gates now open on the weir, an incredible sight in July, when water levels are usually at their lowest, and one open gate is the norm. Prior to this, there were 2-4 gates open for most of the week, and 26 salmon were recorded. Laurence Flood from the UK finished his visit with a nice 6lbs grilse, caught on shrimp, while Laois man John Hetherington also had a 6lbs fish on shrimp. Killian Garvey from Wicklow took 2 nice grilse of 5.5lbs each on fly and shrimp, and Clifden angler Jasper Matthews landed a similar-sized grilse on fly. Paul Wymes from Dublin took grilse of 6 and 7lbs on shrimp, and young Galway angler Cian Gargan, son of former fishery manager Paddy, had a 4lbs grilse on shrimp. Dublin angler Barry Browne took a 6lbs fish on shrimp, while regular visitor from Northern Ireland, Jimmy Davison had 2 grilse to 6.5lbs on fly and spinner. Paul Whelan from Waterford fished the fly and landed a fine grilse of 7.5lbs, and Offaly man Kevin Curran took a 5.5lbs fish on fly, but the best fish this week was landed by local man Dave Lenihan, a cracking 12.5lbs summer salmon, taken on shrimp.

With a massive flood now in the river, conditions are very tough, but it is hoped that water levels will drop by the weekend, and we may see fishing improve next week. There are lots of fresh salmon still coming in on every tide, so any improvement in conditions should provide good sport.

Erriff

Fishery manager Jim Stafford reports on fishing last week. Water levels on the Erriff were recorded at 0.86 meters on the 15th and 16th. Heavy rains increased water levels to 1.9m on the 17th. Thereafter levels fell slowly to 0.7m by the 21st. With ideal water conditions fresh-run salmon and sea trout continued to enter the river. Enda O' Connell, Newcastle upon Tyne, grassed 3 fish in the one day - best fish 7lbs. Enda was unlucky to lose 2 bigger fish - all fish were taken on a Cascade of his own tying. Andrew Beattie, on an annual week-long visit to the fishery, had 8 salmon and 6 sea trout - all were returned to the river - Andrew also lost another 8 fish - most fish were taken on Cascades of various sizes. Stephen Ward's party, all from the U.K. on an annual visit to Aasleagh Cottage and the Erriff, had 13 salmon and 13 sea trout including fish for Stephen, Tony Uttley, and Fred Mitchenson, with best fish going to Derek Bailey at 7.5lbs.

Hervé Rodrigue, France caught 3 fish - best fish 7 lbs was caught in the Cottage Pool on Beat 4. Desmond Edwards, Lisburn, N.I. caught one in the Holly Poll and lost another in the General's Reach at the top of Beat 8. Mount Falcon rods also had 2 salmon from the Island Rock and Coronation Pool Beat 8. The Coronation Pool on Beat 8 produced a salmon of 7.75lbs for Michael Adamson, Dublin - his first Erriff salmon. Fishing with Michael, Rory McCullagh, Dublin caught his first ever salmon of 5lbs in the Black Banks on Beat 6 on a Willie Gunn tube fly.

It was another successful annual visit to the Erriff for Gerard Garnier and Paul Fariney both from France. Their combined catch was 17 for their first of two weeks fishing on the Erriff - this was Paul's first time salmon fishing and he accounted for 7 fish. Gael Kerschbaumer, also from France, had 4 fish for his first week - catching 3 fish on the one day on a Cascade on Beat 9. Fish of the week, a fresh run 12.25-pounder, was caught on a Cascade in Poleen on Beat 4 by Ian Keating, Partry, Co. Mayo, who having weighed the fish sportingly released it again.

Total catch for the week was 51 salmon and 40 sea trout - ALL fish were taken on fly. A total of 34 salmon and all sea trout were sportingly released back to the river - several of the salmon retained were identifiable as part of a smolt release into the lower section of the river during April 2011.

At the time of writing the report (23rd) heavy rain has resulted in another spate of 1.5 meters - so given favourable weather conditions prospects look good for the coming week.

To book fishing on the Erriff or accommodation in Aasleagh Lodge, contact fishery manager Jim Stafford on 095 42252, or visit www.aasleaghlodge.ie for details. The lodge and fishery also have a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AasleaghLodge.

Delphi

David McEvoy reports that angling last week was fair with a total of 17 fish landed, but among these there were some quality fish. It was again a few people who had the lion's share of the fish with Alan Boyd and Brian Shaw accounting for 12 of the 17.

Alan Boyd had 2 on Sunday, the first off Finlough weighing in at 5lbs 15.5oz, taken on a Sunray Shadow and the second approx. 3lbs from the Bridge pool on a Cascade. There were 2 fish on Monday, with Brian Shaw having one off Finlough, weighing 3lbs 4.5ozs on a Zonker, and Anthony Clifton Brown taking a lovely fish from the Deadman's of 6lb s10oz on an Ally's Shrimp.

There was very heavy rain on Tuesday with the river rising throughout the day, so we drew a blank but we managed to land 3 on Wednesday. Alan Boyd had 2 off Finlough in the morning , one of 4lbs 13oz and one of 2lbs 11oz, taken on a Collie Dog and an Ally's respectively. Brian Shaw also managed to land a fish of approx. 5lbs at the mouth of the Glenummera on a Green Peter.

Thursday was the best day with 7 fish landed. Brian Shaw had 2 off Finlough in the morning, one of 5lbs 15oz and one of 15lbs, both on a Zonker. Alan Boyd had 2 more off the river, within 5 minutes of one another, weighing in at 3lbs 15oz and 3lbs 5oz, both on Ally's. Andrew Killeen also had 2 off the river, one off the Holly of 4lbs 7oz on a Collie Dog and one off the Grilse Pool, also on a Collie Dog. Grace McMillan had a 6lbs 12oz fish in the stream on Fin on a Collie Dog late on.

Friday morning Helen Westropp managed to get on the score sheet with a lovely fish of approx. 5lbs, from Finlough on a Connemara Black. Alan Boyd finished off his week in fine style with 2 fish, one off the Whin pool of approx. 5lbs on an Ally's shrimp and a cracker off the Rock of approx. 8lbs 8oz on a Willie Gunn.

Even though Alan Boyd and Brian Shaw had the lion's share, it is worth mentioning the other anglers who tried hard during the week especially two who would normally be well up on the score sheet, George Westropp and especially Ken McMillan ( who watched as his fishing partner Alan had 8 for the week) In this regard it was an unusual week.

On a very positive note there were some excellent sea trout caught this week also.

To book fishing or accommodation at Delphi, contact the lodge at 095 42222, or check www.delphilodge.ie

Kylemore

Fishery manager Nigel Rush reports that last week was another successful week for the fishery. Torrential rain on Sunday night gave the water the required lift to allow for angling to return to normal service. The amount of fish visibly seen entering the system down at the estuary falls was impressive to say the least.

With the all river beats fishing well, 13 salmon were landed for the week. There were multiple catches for Geoffrey Fitzjohn, who secured 5 fish to 6lbs over two visits. Ken McMillan visiting from Delphi took a fine fish of 7lb, while Declan McCourt landed his first Rock Pool Grilse of 3.25lbs. Patrick Molloy and Ronnie Counihan both had fish of 6lbs and there were a couple of smaller grilse for Brian Davy and Edward Persse to mention but a few.

Sea trout angling has been hampered by temperamental winds, but judging by the impressive show of fish entering the river over the last flood, when conditions become more favourable, we should be in for a bonanza.

To book fishing at Kylemore Abbey, contact Nigel on 095 41178, or mobile 087 9580702, and for latest news check the website at www.kylemorefishery.ie

Lough Inagh

Fishery manager Colin Folan reports that massive floods on Tuesday 17th ensured a great run of salmon and sea trout into Lough Inagh. The sea trout fishing is still improving as the days go on, and we are heading for our best year since the collapse in 1988. All the fish are in superb condition and are lice free. The average weight is over a pound and there are fish to 4lbs being hooked, and fish to 6lbs being seen. Total catch for the week was 168 sea trout. Top flies for the week were anything blue (Donegal Blue, Blue Zulu, Kamasunary Killer etc).

On Wednesday 5 boats were out on Inagh, and it was a day to remember. Although the lake was very high and a small bit peaty 68 sea trout were landed. Dubliners Michael Heery and Dennis Murphy landed 25 sea trout to 2lbs, and 5 Salmon to 12lbs for their day. A Green Dabbler, Donegal Blue and Jungle Alexander was the cast that did the business. Andy Walsh (Galway) and Pat Molloy (Galway) boated 16 and Padraig Fahy (Galway) had 9 on a Fr. Ronan.

Other notable catches include Paul Cashlin (Mayo) who had 14 sea trout to 2.5lbs on Dabblers, and Colin Folan and Ceri Jones (Wales) had 8 sea trout for 3 hours on the lake, and a 5lbs brown from the river on a Sunray Shadow. The Maguire party from Dublin had 23 sea trout for 4 rods over 2 days, and Hugh Maguire landed a 5lbs grilse From the Derryclare Butts on a Black and Orange Shrimp pattern. Vincent Foley (Dublin) had a grilse of 5lbs from the Derryclare Butts on a Sunray. In the last 4 weeks we have recorded 373 sea trout, compared to the total catch from 2011, which was 263!

To book fishing or accommodation at Lough Inagh Lodge, contact the hotel on 00353 95 34706, or view their website at www.loughinaghlodgehotel.ie

Lough Corrib

Angling has been very quiet on Corrib of late, with few boats out to take advantage of good summer fishing. Anglers who do head out though, are being well rewarded for their efforts, with trout fishing going very well all throughout the summer this year.

Gary Costelloe from Lakeland Angling Centre, Oughterard reported that there is excellent fishing on Corrib at the moment with trout happily rising to the Dap, in fact it's almost easier to catch a trout than Grasshoppers or Daddy Long Legs! Thank goodness for pet shops!

John Healy and Paddy Curran, M Coughlan and Michael Kearns fishing over 3 days had some fantastic returns fishing from Lakeland Angling Centre on Portacarron Bay. On Saturday the 14th John and Paddy had a total of 7 trout for approx. 10.5 lbs, with 6 returned. M Coughlan and Noel Kearns had 2 trout for 4.5lbs. On Monday the 16th Noel and Paddy had 7 trout for 11lbs, with another 8 returned.

To book accommodation or boat hire from Lakelands see www.lakelandanglingcentre.com or email mayfly@eircom.net

Meanwhile, German angling journalist Uwe Pinnau spent a week on Corrib, based firstly at Portarra Lodge, Moycullen, then further north in the Headford area, where he fished with the Corrib Predator Team. Michael Canney from Portarra Lodge reports that Uwe enjoyed good sport on the lower lake, including landing a fine 15lbs ferox trout, shortly after losing a really good fish that hit the bait very hard indeed. Uwe also spent a couple of days with Michael fishing for pike, and dapping for trout, a method he had not tried before, and was very impressed with. They landed quite a few trout, just 2 of which were kept, and made for a fine breakfast the following morning.

To book fishing or accommodation at Portarra Lodge, contact Michael on 091 555051 or see www.portarralodge.com

Uwe then stayed at the Anglers Rest in Headford, fishing out of Lisloughrey with the Corrib Predator Team of Tomi Kurman and Jacek Gorny. Fishing was tough on the first day, with fish hard to tempt, but a big fish of 108cm did make an appearance in the boat to save the day. Day 2 was a bumper day, however, with plenty of fish landed in spite of incessant rain, including 3 fish over the 1 metre mark, and several more in the high 90s. On Uwe's last day the team targeted ferox trout, and 2 fine fish were landed, one of 79cm by Uwe himself, and one of 70cm caught by Tomi in the other boat. Uwe also really enjoyed the barbecue lunch on Inchagoill Island, which is included in the fishing package as standard.

To book fishing with one of the Predator Team guides, contact them on 085 7318541 (Tomi) or 085 7741578 (Jack), check Jack's website at www.fishingireland.pl or find Tomi on Facebook at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001817618251

Lough Mask

Ronan Cusack reports that World cup fever is still very much in the air, as entries look very strong again this year, with the event starting next week on August 2nd. Andrew Boyd, Galway and Dave Egan from Ennis fished a combination of wets and dries over the weekend and they had 6 fish (best fish 1.75lbs). Kevin Bettie and Ray Broughton, Ballinrobe, had 4 good fish on sedges for a day this week (best fish 2.25lbs).

Ronan Cusack had 2 keepers and several undersize fish on Friday evening last (best fish 1.75lbs all returned). Aidan Hodgins, Loughrea, and Martin Feerick, Partry, had 6 fish on Saturday last (best fish 3.5lbs).

Aidan fished again on Sunday and he had a further 4 (best fish 1.75lbs). Martin and Pat Feerick fished in tough conditions on Sunday last and they had a super bag of 11 trout in shallow water (best fish 3lbs). Frank Reilly, Headford, had 2 fish on Saturday last (best fish 1.75lbs).

Anglers are also reporting excellent sedge hatches on a daily basis.

Ronan also guides on Mask and can be contacted on 087 2869487 or email cusackronan@gmail.com

Margaret Gorman from Isham Self-Catering Accommodation and Angling Centre reported also on an exceptionally good week's fishing reported for their guests fishing out of Dringeen Bay. Isham guest, Hansruedi Lüescher from Switzerland, had a good week's fishing with some fine trout caught weighing 2.5 - 3lbs and also some nice perch.

Pappie Cotter and friend fished for 2 days and had more than 10 trout - most of which were returned with their best fish weighing 2.5lbs. Two French parties fished for 2 days and were delighted with some excellent pike and perch fishing.

Peter French Mullen and Cormac McNaughton fished on Saturday and had 8 trout, most of which were returned. Their best fish was 3.5lbs. They also fished Dringeen Bay with dry flies and had some quality fish. Clive Blackwell also fished Dringeen Bay in the late evenings on dry flies and had trout weighing 3lbs and 4lbs.

Sunday's fishing conditions were very challenging with a strong southerly wind and heavy rain, however, despite all of this, anglers still went out to fish. Damien Kelleher fished wet flies and had 1 trout weighing 2lbs. Brian McInerney and friend had 7 quality trout. Their best fish was 2.5lbs with numerous small fish being returned.

Pat and Paula Gorman also fished and had 6 trout, all returned except 1 weighing 2lbs.

To book accommodation or boat hire at Isham, contact Margaret on 087 7908107 or email isham@eircom.net, or check their website at www.congselfcatering.com

Lough Carra

Joe Flanelly from Keel River Lodge emailed to report on the sport enjoyed by a trio of Dutch anglers over the last week. They have been fishing Lough Carra from Keel River Lodge (keelriverlodge.com) for the past 12 years. Their favourite way to fish is from their belly-boats/float tubes. This gets them in close to the action in places that boats cannot access. They also fish the open water so watch out for them.

For the days they have been fishing so far they averaged 6 trout each , the heaviest being just short of 4lbs. All fish are returned to the water. The majority of fish were taken right through the day on sedge patterns - fished dry.

To book angling or boat hire with Joe, contact Keel River Lodge at 094 9541706 or check www.keelriverlodge.com