Angling activity on Ballin Lough was very good during the last week. Forty-four rods fished for the week landing a total of 25 trout, 9 of which were released.

Paul Caslin and Colm Peyton, Castlebar, caught 6 trout (3 returned) with best at 1.75 lbs. Mr. Fitzgerald and friend, Westport, had 2 fish (both released) including a cracking 7 lbs. rainbow trout. Successful flies included Silver Sedge, Finnish Lady, Green Peter and Muddler patterns.

Westport Trout Anglers held a competition during the week for the Pat Fitzgerald Cup. Twenty-four anglers took part in the competition which was won by Martin Walsh with 3 trout weighing in at 4.5 lbs. The cup was presented by the family of the late Pat Fitzgerald, Buckfield, Kilmeena, a former member of Westport Trout Anglers. Further results were: 2^nd Toby Gibbons; 3^rd Tom Bourke, 4^th Sean Moogan. Westport Trout Anglers intend making the competition an annual event.

The Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association (ILFA), in association with The North Western Regional Fisheries Board, held an introductory course for ladies interested in fly fishing on Saturday, 21 October on the lake. An indoor session where participants were introduced to the basics of fly fishing and casting was followed by a practical casting session on the lake shore.

Ballinlough Fishery remains open till the end of October and fishing can be arranged by contacting Mrs. Gill at 098 26128.