IT WAS A glorious day as we arrived at Lough Owel in Co Westmeath last Sunday for a day's fly fishing, stopping off first to pick up a boat from Jack Doolan. "Fishing is beginning to improve with a few good fish coming to Silver Invicta and Soldier Palmer patterns between Sruddorra Island and Rocky Point," he said. The Doolan family have run a boat hire service on Owel since 1935, writes DEREK EVANS.
Together, we had several "takes" and "boilies" and I managed to rouse three fish, two on the same cast - a first for me. Owel is a splendid lake with easy boat access at Mullaly's and Tullaghan, and less than 1½ hours from Dublin. While the lake holds a sizeable head of wild trout, it is also stocked with rainbows and brownies by the Southern Regional Fisheries Board. To hire a boat, tel: 044-9342085.
Ann Corcoran was in jubilant mood after catching the first salmon of the season at Ballynahinch Castle Fishery in Recess, Co Galway last Tuesday evening. While fishing close to the bridge on Beat 3, Ann landed a fresh spring salmon of 4.5kg on a size 10 Thunder and Lightning fly pattern. "It took all of 40 minutes to land the cock fish," she said. "However, dinner at my grandchild's confirmation on Saturday will taste that much better."
The spring salmon run has much improved on previous years despite the fact that we have very little water, according to Colin Folan, angling manager of Lough Inagh in Co Galway. "Springers are usually caught on the river but this year we have a few from Inagh. We await a flood!" he said. Murt Folan, Galway and Michael Heery, Dublin each caught a 4kg springer from the lough on Green Dabblers. To book the fishery, e-mail: inagh@iol.ie
For the second consecutive year, the first Moy Fishery salmon at the Ridge Pool for 2008 was caught by ghillie John Howley on Wednesday. Later that day, two more fish were caught and released and all three took the fly. With water conditions almost perfect and the dry weather continuing, prospects for the Moy Fishery are excellent.
Loughs Agency anglers are reminded that, from June 1st, all salmon and sea trout retained must have a black tag affixed. Daily bag limit is two for retained fish and the total bag limit to end of season is 20. Anglers should also note that salmon and sea trout returned alive do not contribute to daily or seasonal bag limits. A guide for successful catch and release can be accessed at www.loughs-agency.org.
Meanwhile, the agency intends to embark on a consultation process with stakeholders and other interested parties on proposed regulations for the prohibition on sale of salmon and sea trout caught by rod and line. Closing date for response is Tuesday, June 3rd. For further details, tel: 028-71342100.
Following the success of last year's event, this year's Wales Carp Masters will again be staged at the superb Celtic Lakes Resort in mid-west Wales from August 29th to 31st. There are 15 places available at each of six qualifying heats, with the winning pair and runners-up in each heat winning through to the final. The overall first prize fund will exceed £20,000 (€25,245) and include a £10,000 (€12,622) tackle voucher as first prize. Further details at www.walescarpmasters.co.uk
The sixth Waterways Ireland Classic three-day festival finished with a real cliff-hanger as Irvinestown resident Gus Greaves scooped top prize of £5,000 (€6,311) and crystal chalice with a winning overall catch of 72kg 470g, a mere 50g ahead of multiple world champion Bob Nudd. The classic attracted 257 anglers covering the length and breadth of Lough Erne. Sponsored by Waterways Ireland.
The winner of last week's Irish Times/Jimmy Tyrell's Irish Flycraft lough and river flies is Martin Rahill, St Anne's, Burnaby Park, Greystones, Co Wicklow, who correctly stated that Lough Mask is located in Co Mayo.
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