Angling report - w/e 29 August 2010

The attached photograph shows the amount raised, between a fishing event on the River Moy and an auction organised by the  Mayfly Hotel, Foxford. A total of EUR2,400.00 was presented to Agnes Larkin from Castlebar Hospital.(from left to right) Mary Coleman, (retired nurse), Agnes Larkin, Ward Manager Paediatrics, Castlebar Hospital, Christopher McGuane, Seamus Gaffney,(Organiser) Veronica Timlin, Mayfly Hotel, John O'Sullivan, MayflyHotel, Lisa O'Connor, General Manager Mayfly Hotel,Children in front, Emma and Lisa O'Sullivan.

Important Notice

Anglers are advised that the bag limit is 1 fish per day from 1 September, 2010 and anglers fishing on after killing a fish must practice catch and release, using single barbless hooks and there is a ban on the use of worms. All fish must be handled carefully and should not be removed from the water prior to release. The above restrictions refer to salmon (any size) and sea trout over 40 cm.

Anglers are also advised that fishing for any kind of fish on the River Deel is prohibited between 1 September each year and 31 May the following year.

River Moy: The Moy system accounted for a reported catch of 308 salmon for the week and fishing conditions were good throughout the entire system with a very good show of fish. This brings the annual rod catch on the Moy to a staggering total of 9,612, which is already more than 3,500 salmon above last year's catch! With 4 weeks remaining until the salmon season closes the Moy once again proved its reputation as Ireland's most prolific salmon fishery!

The Moy Fishery had a total of 32 salmon for the week and conditions were perfect for the fly. The Ridge Pool produced 10 fish including a salmon each for Northern Ireland fly anglers William Holmes and Mickey Keenan. On the Cathedral Beat, Scott Greenway, UK, Dominic Conlon and Ted Walsh, both Kildare all had grilse, while Gregg McCreight and Brendan Kearnan, both Northern Ireland caught and released a grilse each on the Spring Wells.

Reasonably good fishing was reported form Mount Falcon and the Ballina Salmon Anglers' water with bubble & fly one of the most productive methods. Coolcronan also enjoyed good sport with Stephen Murphy, Northern Ireland, catching a 6 lbs. salmon on prawn.

However, the catch of the week was undoubtedly a salmon caught on the Cloongee Fishery by Thierry Coulm, Foxford & France who reported its weight as 24.5 lbs. Unfortunately, the fine fish which took a Rolla Silver Bullet spinner was not weighed on certified scales and not witnessed for registration as a specimen. Other anglers who caught fish on Cloongee included Emmet Stagg, Hollymount, with 3 salmon on worm and Dr. John Hanaghan, Newport with 2 on spinner.

Angling was also good on the East Mayo Association Water where German fly angler, Manfred Kauert had 3 grilse while his country man, Sebastian Libbert, caught two on spinner, best at 10 lbs.

Elsewhere, the Mayfly Hotel, Foxford hosted a fundraising angling event on the River Moy on Saturday, 28 August. A total of 61 anglers including 4 juniors participated in the event which was won by Rob Shepard. In second place was Ray Steward with lady angler Bernie Johnson winning third place. A total of €2,400.00 was raised between the angling event and an auction which followed in the Mayfly Hotel. Angling beats for this fundraising event were made available by Foxford Anglers, Gannon's, Armstrong's, Byrne's, Knockmore Anglers and Inland Fisheries Ireland (Cloongee Fishery).

Lough Conn : Due to the bright sunny weather it was a rather quiet week on Lough Conn. As a consequence, only very few anglers ventured out. However, anglers who persisted were rewarded with some nice catches. Out of Pontoon Bridge, Chris Byrne, Roscommon had 2 trout to a wet Green Peter. Participating in the "Catch & Cook" class, Tom Templeton, Dublin and Ellie Campbell, Roscommon caught a total of 3 trout, best at 1.5 lbs.

Elsewhere, local angler Peter Roche, boated 4 trout best at 2 lbs, all caught on dry Daddy Longlegs along the Brackwansha Shore.

Ballisodare River : The Ballisodare Fishery reported a total of 25 salmon (22 released) for the week. The heaviest fish of the week was caught by John Collins with a weight of 5 lbs. Club member, Paul Colreavey was also successful catching 2 fresh grilse.

Glencar Lake & Drumcliff River: The Drumcliff River and Glencar Lake continued to fish reasonably well during the week with some fine sea trout and salmon reported by anglers. Amongst the successful anglers was 11 year old Paddy Bird, Sligo, who boated his first ever fly-caught salmon during the week. His grilse took a Clan Chief fished on the top dropper. Well done Paddy!

Owenmore River: Despite dropping water levels, the Owenmore River continued to fish very well for the week. On the Bangor Angling Club stretch some anglers were rewarded with amazing catches. Amongst the successful anglers were Mark Mason, Northern Ireland, with 11 fish (9 released) for his week and Cathal Gallagher, Newry and Bangor Erris, with two fine salmon at 8 lbs. and 10 lbs. Also successful were Michael Levin, David Benny and Andrew Thomson, all UK, with a total of 8 salmon averaging 6 lbs. Best flies for the Owenmore included Yellow and Orange Flame-throwers, Silver Wilkinson, Foxford Shrimp, Usk Grub and Ally's Shrimp patterns.

Ballin Lough : Seventeen rods fished the lake during the week landing a total of 16 rainbow trout (3 released). Amongst the best catches were: Mattie Foley and boat partner, Roscommon, who caught 6 fish, best at 3 lbs. Most successful flies included Muddler patterns and Minkies.

This prolific rainbow trout fishery remains open till the end of October. To book a boat on Ballin Lough, anglers should contact Mrs. Gill, beside the lake, on 098-26128.

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