Angling News
Northwestern Angling Report – 27 February, 2005
By Vincent Roche
Mar 1, 2005, 18:56

Following capture of the first salmon of the season, during the week, by Peter Moore (Foxford), at Pontoon Bridge, five more have been reported from the same location in recent days. Another three salmon were caught by anglers trolling on Lough Conn. Meanwhile, the first off the season from the "back of the boxes" in Ballina was taken by local angler, Gerry McCafferty, on Sunday. The fish, which weighed 7.5 lbs., took a Black and Silver Flying C. On the Foxford Rocks Fishery, local angler, Kevin Downey, caught a fine salmon of 13 lbs. while spinning.

The Cloongee Fishery, which enjoyed excellent spring salmon fishing last year, is now under the management of the Board and permits are available from the Moy Fishery Office at the Board’s headquarters. The Board is still offering free fishing on the Ridge Pool and this will continue until the first salmon is caught. With water levels dropping rapidly, and salmon running the system, the first one could be taken any day.

With very cold weather prevailing for most of the week, few trout anglers ventured out on Conn. However, a few hardy souls braved the cold conditions and managed to catch fish. John Walsh, Cloghans, had a trout of 1.25 lbs. on a Fiery Brown. Graham Williams and Julie McGeever had two trout, at .75 lbs. each, and both were returned. As reported above, at least three salmon were taken by anglers trolling on Conn.

Gill produced another salmon this week. This time, it was the turn of Christy Gordon who landed a nice 8 lbs. fish on Sunday while trolling.

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