Angling Notes/Derek Evans: The River Moy in Co Mayo continued to set the pace with an astounding reported catch of 1,122 salmon. Once again, fish were caught throughout the system from Ballina to East Mayo Anglers' Association water and into Lough Conn and the River Deel.
On the Moy fishery, fluctuation of water levels made conditions difficult for the fly fisher. Nonetheless, the fishery accounted for 91 salmon, mostly from the Ridge Pool on fly, worm and spinner. Gary Perks, England had five on fly of which two were released and Margaret Downes laid claim to one of 4.57lb.
Six salmon were reported from the Newport River, Co Mayo, including a fine fish of 14.5lb, caught and returned by Kieran Thompson jnr. On Lough Beltra, the Glenisland side of the lake fished best with two spring fish and three grilse. Reminder, all sea trout caught must be released.
With peat harvesting now ceased in the catchment area, there was a noticeable improvement in water clarity on the Owenmore River, Co Mayo, which resulted in 17 salmon and grilse from the Bangor angling club water.
The Blackwater Lodge Fishery in Waterford enjoyed a brilliant day last Tuesday with nine salmon, including two sea-liced beauties of 12.3lb and 13.4lb on shrimp for proprietor Ian Powell and Ivor Kingston (UK) respectively, from Beat 8 at Upper Kilmurry. Prospects look exceptionally good for the coming days, according to Powell.
Lots of rain brought a great run of grilse into Lough Inagh Fishery, Co Galway. While the angling effort was slack, those who braved the big winds and heavy rain were rewarded with six fish at Derryclare Butts, with the heaviest at 11lb to John Casey from Clifden. Most fish opted for a collie dog tube fly. No sign of any sea trout at the moment. "We live in hope," said fishery manager, Colin Folan.
After a long dry spell, Owenea Fishery in Co Donegal finally got going with good water levels, good angling attendance and a good catch of salmon - about 40 for the week. Local angler Gordon Young's young nephew caught a nice salmon of 11lb after an epic battle. Responding to a "shout from downstream" for assistance, Gordon had to cut the line and re-knot the same twice after the fish became entangled in an obstruction.
Despite favourable water levels on the neighbouring Lennon River, a distinct lack of salmon was evident at Watt's Pool. This may be explained by the fact the grilse ran straight through the pool and over the dam at the head of the fishery when water levels allowed.
Three rods are required to complete a party of eight for fishing near Reykjavík in Iceland from August 21st to 28th. Package includes three days' fishing the Varmá river and Lake Medalfellsvatn for salmon, sea trout and Arctic char.
The provision of boats, 4WD, self-catering lodge, fishing licence, etc. is included.
For further details contact Rory Harkin at Rory's Fishing Tackle, 17a Temple Bar.
Further to a recent Angling Notes story on giant hogweed and the serious implications posed if in contact with human skin, Eleanor Wood e-mailed to say the weed also affects animals.
Horses (and presumably dogs and cows) with pink muzzles and white skin will develop horrible blisters and redness (similar to severe sunburn) if they come into contact with this riverside plant, she said.
In conjunction with this weekend's Howth Peninsula Festival, the angling centre on the West Pier is holding a two-day seminar with a strong emphasis on angling demonstrations, accessories and marine-related items of interest. A fully-stocked tackle shop, charter boat information, marine supplies, stocked trout fisheries (to name a few) will be available for business, and throughout the weekend demonstrations on coarse, pike, sea, game, fly-tying and water safety will take place.
Dublin Angling Initiative, Eastern and Central Fisheries Board, RNLI, Irish Ladies' Fly Fishing Association will also be on hand with the latest angling information.
Howth Angling Centre is at 15a West Pier and proceedings get under way from noon to 5 p.m. each day.
For further details relating to the festival, visit www.howthpeninsula.com
angling@irish-times.ie