ANGLING:WATERWAYS Ireland will start further dredging of the Grand Canal in Dublin this month until the end of April. The canal will be closed to navigation between Lock C4, Circular Line (Baggot Street), and Lock 1, Main Line (Suir Road).
Work involves of sediment deposits from the central channel and clearance of rubbish. Dredging will be carried out from Lock Four (Mespil Road) to the turning circle at Portobello Harbour (Rathmines Road).
Discussions have taken place with National Parks and Wildlife Service on measures to minimise the impact of these essential maintenance works on the sensitive habitats within the canal. See www.waterwaysireland.org
** Following a 30-day public consultation process, the Minister for Natural Resources, Conor Lenihan, has approved a range of bye-laws on Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Regulations for the 2011 season.
The conservation measures are on foot of scientific advice from Inland Fisheries Ireland on the current status of Irish salmon stocks and having considered submissions through the public consultation exercise.
In all, the Standing Scientific Committee assessed 141 rivers and advised that because a surplus of fish had been identified, 52 rivers will open (two more than 2010); 29 will open for “catch and release” only (18 more than 2010), and 60 remain closed (20 fewer than 2010).
A further amendment will see the cost of a one-day salmon angling licence reduced by €12 (37.5 per cent). This initiative is intended to encourage tourist anglers to visit Ireland.
The Minister said he is “cautiously optimistic” about salmon stocks in 2011, with the coming season seeing the re-opening of 20 rivers. However, he noted that that two rivers – the Sheen and Screebe – which had been open in 2010 will be closed this year on conservation grounds.
** At time of writing, the three fresh salmon recorded from the River Drowes since opening day have all been taken on the fly. Two were released while the third was the first of the year caught at 8.40am on New Year’s Day.
Ian Martin from Tullyroan, Co Tyrone, was the lucky angler. His fish, from the Blackwater stretch on the Lareen section, weighed 5.2kg (11lb 7oz) and fell to a Flame Thrower copper tube fly.
The second fish was caught by German angler Michael Kruse from the same beat later on the same day, and the third on Tuesday last, from the Thomas Pool by Roy Graham, a 71-year-old regular angler.
A number of fresh fish were sighted over the week and prospects look good, with air temperatures forecast to rise substantially, according to Lindsey Clarke. Details 071-984 1055 (daytime).
** Environment Agency Wales (EAW) has confirmed that the death of hundreds of bream, carp and roach in the marina on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal at Goytre Wharf near Abergavenny, South Wales, was down to the cold weather, ice and lack of oxygen.
Tests found no pollutants that could have caused the fatalities, however, EAW staff are keeping a close eye on the situation. Smaller fish were found alive in the marina.
** The Atlantic Salmon Trust is delighted to report that the auction website launched before Christmas had thousands of visitors and bids have started to be lodged. A reminder that lots 126 and 127 offer two weeks fishing for four on the River Naver in February. The Naver is a top-rank Scottish river, and the Syre beats offer some of the finest salmon fishing available.
These lots provide an opportunity to fish water usually only available on the basis of “dead men’s shoes”. Visit the site now to bid! www.atlanticsalmontrust.org/auction.
angling@irishtimes.com